What You Get in Each 2025 Colorado Trim Level

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado comes in four main trim levels: WT (Work Truck), LT, Z71, and ZR2. Each step up adds comfort features, technology, and capability rather than changing the truck's basic structure. The WT is the starting point with manual windows and a basic infotainment system. The LT adds power windows, air conditioning, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Z71 brings all-terrain suspension tuning and skid plates for off-road use. The ZR2 is the most capable, with electronic locking differentials, disconnecting sway bar, and Multimatic DSSV dampers designed for serious rock crawling and rough terrain.

Within each trim, you choose your cab style (Regular, Extended, or Crew), bed length (4 feet 2 inches or 5 feet 2 inches), and engine. These choices stack on top of the trim level—so a Crew Cab ZR2 costs more than a Regular Cab ZR2, but both have the same ZR2 suspension and locking differentials. Your trim level locks in the interior materials, steering wheel type, seat fabric, and standard safety features, while your cab and bed choice determines how many passengers fit and how much cargo space you have.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Colorado offers four trim levels (WT, LT, Z71, ZR2), each with different standard features, and you layer your cab style and bed length on top of whichever trim you choose.
  • You can pair any trim with a Regular Cab (two doors, no rear seat), Extended Cab (two full doors plus two smaller rear doors), or Crew Cab (four full doors and a full rear bench).
  • Bed length options are 4 feet 2 inches or 5 feet 2 inches, and shorter beds fit better in tight parking spaces while longer beds carry more cargo.
  • Engine choices are a 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder (standard on most trims) or a 3.0-liter turbo diesel, with the diesel offering better fuel economy and towing capacity.
  • The Z71 and ZR2 trims include off-road suspension and protection features, while WT and LT are better for everyday driving and work use on paved roads.

Cab Styles and What They Mean for Seating and Storage

The Regular Cab has two full front doors and no rear seat. This is the shortest configuration overall, making it easiest to park and maneuver in tight spaces. You get the full bed length available for that cab style, so a Regular Cab with a 5-foot 2-inch bed gives you maximum cargo room. Regular Cabs are less common now and are mainly ordered by contractors and fleet buyers who prioritize bed space over passenger seating.

The Extended Cab adds two smaller rear doors that open backward and a small rear bench seat that fits two people in a pinch. The rear doors do not open independently—the front doors must open first. This cab style shortens the available bed to 5 feet 2 inches maximum. Extended Cabs are a middle ground: you have occasional rear seating without sacrificing as much bed space as a Crew Cab would.

The Crew Cab has four full-size doors and a full rear bench seat that seats three adults comfortably. The rear seat has its own climate controls and power windows on most trims. Crew Cabs are the most popular choice for families and daily drivers because the rear doors open fully and the rear seat is genuinely usable. The trade-off is that the bed shrinks to 5 feet 2 inches, and the overall truck is longer, making parking and tight turns harder.

Engine Options and Fuel Economy Differences

The standard engine across most 2025 Colorado trims is a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is rated for up to 21 miles per gallon combined (EPA estimates vary by cab and bed configuration). This engine is adequate for daily driving, moderate towing, and light work. It is less expensive than the diesel and requires no special fuel or maintenance.

The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel produces 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque—more torque than the gas engine despite lower horsepower. The diesel is rated for up to 23 miles per gallon combined and can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped, compared to 7,700 pounds for the gas engine (actual towing capacity depends on cab, bed, and axle ratio). Diesel fuel costs more per gallon than gasoline in most areas, but the better fuel economy can offset that over time if you drive long distances. Diesel maintenance (oil changes, fuel filter replacements) is also slightly more expensive. The diesel is a good choice if you tow regularly or drive mostly highway miles.

Both engines come with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Neither engine offers a manual transmission option on the 2025 model year. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates and will vary based on driving habits, terrain, load, and weather.

Off-Road Capability: Z71 Versus ZR2

The Z71 trim adds a two-speed transfer case (for low-range gearing on rough terrain), all-terrain suspension tuning, skid plates under the engine and fuel tank, and all-terrain tires. It also includes hill descent control and hill start information. The Z71 is designed for light to moderate off-road use—forest roads, rocky trails, and uneven terrain where you want better ground clearance and protection. Most Z71 buyers use the off-road features occasionally rather than regularly.

The ZR2 is built for serious off-road driving and rock crawling. It includes everything the Z71 has, plus electronic locking front and rear differentials (which lock the wheels on each axle together for maximum traction), a disconnecting front sway bar (which allows the wheels to move independently for better articulation over rocks), and Multimatic DSSV dampers (specialized shock absorbers tuned for extreme terrain). The ZR2 also sits slightly higher and has more aggressive all-terrain tires. If you plan to spend weekends in the backcountry or tackle technical trails, the ZR2 is worth the premium. If you mostly drive on roads and occasionally take a dirt road, the Z71 is sufficient and costs less.

Bed Length Trade-offs: 4 Feet 2 Inches Versus 5 Feet 2 Inches

The 4-foot 2-inch bed is shorter and lighter, making the truck easier to maneuver in parking lots and tight spaces. It reduces the overall length of the truck by about 12 inches compared to the 5-foot 2-inch bed. This bed length is practical if you carry smaller loads, park in tight urban spaces, or prioritize maneuverability. A 4-foot 2-inch bed can still hold a full sheet of plywood (which is 4 feet by 8 feet) if you angle it diagonally.

The 5-foot 2-inch bed gives you more cargo space and is better for hauling larger items, multiple bags of mulch, or construction materials. It is the standard choice for contractors and anyone who regularly carries full-size loads. The longer bed makes the truck harder to park and increases the overall length, which matters if you have a short driveway or tight garage.

Bed length is available on all cab styles, though the Regular Cab offers both lengths while Extended and Crew Cabs typically max out at 5 feet 2 inches depending on the model year and dealer inventory.

How Trim, Cab, Bed, and Engine Combine Into Your Final Truck

Your configuration is built by stacking these choices in order. Start with your trim level (WT, LT, Z71, or ZR2)—this determines your interior features and suspension. Then choose your cab (Regular, Extended, or Crew)—this determines seating and overall length. Then choose your bed length (4 feet 2 inches or 5 feet 2 inches)—this determines cargo space. Finally, choose your engine (2.7-liter turbo gas or 3.0-liter turbo diesel)—this determines fuel economy and towing capacity.

A practical example: a Crew Cab LT with a 5-foot 2-inch bed and the 2.7-liter gas engine is a family-friendly daily driver with good interior features and plenty of rear seating. A Regular Cab WT with a 5-foot 2-inch bed and the 3.0-liter diesel is a work truck that prioritizes cargo space and fuel economy. A Crew Cab ZR2 with a 5-foot 2-inch bed and the 2.7-liter gas engine is an off-road capable family truck. Each combination serves a different purpose, and the price increases as you add capability and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fit a full-size pallet in the bed?

A standard pallet is 40 inches by 48 inches, so it fits easily in either bed length. A 4-foot 2-inch bed is actually 50 inches long, so a pallet sits flat. A 5-foot 2-inch bed gives you extra room for additional cargo alongside the pallet.

Which cab style is best for a family?

The Crew Cab is the best choice for families because it has four full doors, a full rear bench seat, and rear climate controls. The rear seat is genuinely comfortable for children and adults on longer drives. Extended Cabs work for families with small children but are cramped for adults in the back.

Does the diesel engine require special maintenance?

Diesel engines need diesel fuel (obviously), and fuel filters require replacement more often than on gas engines. Oil changes are similar in frequency but diesel oil is slightly more expensive. Diesel engines are more durable for high-mileage towing, so the extra maintenance cost is often offset by longer engine life if you use the truck heavily.

What is the difference between the Z71 and ZR2 in real-world use?

The Z71 handles dirt roads, light trails, and uneven terrain well and costs less. The ZR2 is built for technical rock crawling and extreme off-road use with locking differentials and special dampers. If you drive mostly on roads and take occasional dirt roads, the Z71 is enough. If you spend regular time on challenging trails, the ZR2 is worth it.

Is the 4-foot 2-inch bed too small for work?

It depends on your work. Contractors who haul full sheets of plywood, long lumber, or large equipment need the 5-foot 2-inch bed. If you carry smaller loads, tools, or materials that fit in a compact space, the 4-foot 2-inch bed works fine and is easier to park and maneuver.