What You Get in Each 2024 Colorado Configuration
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado comes in five main trim levels — Work Truck, WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2 — each with different standard features, engine options, and pricing. Work Truck is the base model aimed at fleet and commercial buyers; WT is the consumer-focused entry point; LT adds comfort and technology; Z71 emphasizes off-road capability; and ZR2 is the high-performance variant with the most aggressive suspension and all-terrain features.
Within each trim, you can layer on option packages that bundle related features together, rather than buying them individually. These packages typically include things like towing upgrades, technology suites, appearance packages, and convenience features. The available packages vary by trim level — some are only offered on certain trims, and some combinations are not available together.
Engine choice affects pricing, capability, and fuel economy across all trims. The 2024 Colorado offers a 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder as standard on most trims, with a 3.6-liter V6 available on LT, Z71, and ZR2 models. The turbo four is lighter and more fuel-efficient; the V6 delivers more towing capacity and horsepower but costs more upfront and at the pump.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Colorado's five trim levels — Work Truck, WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2 — each target different buyer priorities, from fleet use to off-road performance.
- Option packages bundle features like towing, technology, and appearance upgrades rather than forcing you to buy them one at a time.
- The standard 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder is available on all trims; the 3.6-liter V6 is an option on LT, Z71, and ZR2 only.
- Transmission and drivetrain (two-wheel drive versus four-wheel drive) are separate choices that affect price, capability, and fuel economy.
- Bed length — 5 feet or 6 feet — is a configuration choice that impacts payload and overall truck length.
Work Truck and WT: Entry-Level Configurations
Work Truck is Chevrolet's fleet and commercial model, sold primarily to businesses and government agencies. It strips away most luxury features and focuses on durability and value. Standard equipment includes the 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder, a six-speed automatic transmission, two-wheel drive, a 5-foot bed, and basic cloth interior. There are no major option packages available on Work Truck; instead, you choose individual upgrades like four-wheel drive or a longer bed.
WT (Workhorse Truck) is the consumer version of the entry-level Colorado. It shares the same engine and transmission as Work Truck but adds a few comfort touches — power windows and locks, air conditioning, and a basic infotainment system. WT is available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. The main option packages available on WT are the Convenience Package (which adds cruise control, remote keyless entry, and a backup camera) and the Towing Package (which upgrades the transmission cooler and adds integrated trailer brake controller).
Both Work Truck and WT use the turbo four-cylinder as standard; neither offers the V6 engine option. If you need more towing capacity or horsepower, you must move up to the LT trim.
LT: The Mid-Range Trim with the Most Flexibility
LT is the most popular Colorado trim because it balances features, price, and customization. It comes standard with the 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder, six-speed automatic, two-wheel drive, and a 5-foot bed. The interior adds cloth seats with more bolstering, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, power windows and locks, and air conditioning.
On LT, you can choose the 3.6-liter V6 engine, which increases towing capacity from 7,700 pounds (turbo four) to 11,500 pounds (V6). You can also select four-wheel drive, a 6-foot bed, or both. LT offers the widest range of option packages: Convenience Package, Towing Package, Technology Package (which adds an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot), and the LT Convenience Package Plus (which bundles several upgrades together at a discount).
The LT trim is where most buyers find their configuration because you are not paying for off-road-specific features you may not use, but you have enough options to customize the truck to your actual needs.
Z71: Off-Road-Focused Configuration
Z71 is built for buyers who plan to drive on unpaved terrain regularly. It comes standard with the 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder, but the V6 is available. Four-wheel drive is standard on Z71 — you cannot order it in two-wheel drive. The suspension is tuned for off-road use with all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential.
Z71 includes the same interior technology as LT but adds exterior styling cues — a unique grille, badging, and a darker appearance package. You can still choose between a 5-foot or 6-foot bed and select the V6 engine if you want more power. Option packages on Z71 include the Convenience Package, Towing Package, and Technology Package, similar to LT.
The Z71 costs more than LT because of the standard four-wheel drive and off-road suspension, but less than ZR2. Choose Z71 if you want genuine off-road capability without the extreme performance focus of the ZR2.
ZR2: The High-Performance Off-Road Variant
ZR2 is the 2024 Colorado's most capable and expensive configuration. It comes standard with four-wheel drive, the 3.6-liter V6 engine, and a specially tuned suspension with Multimatic DSSV dampers — electronically controlled shocks that adjust in real time for different terrain. ZR2 also includes electronic locking front and rear differentials, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a unique exterior design with a more aggressive stance.
ZR2 is available with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. The interior matches the LT and Z71 in terms of base technology, but you can add the Technology Package for the larger touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration. The Convenience Package and Towing Package are also available.
ZR2 is the choice for serious off-road enthusiasts who plan to tackle rocky terrain, water crossings, and steep grades. The electronic dampers and locking differentials make a real difference in extreme conditions, but they add significant cost. If your off-road driving is limited to dirt roads and light trails, Z71 will serve you better.
Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrain Choices
The 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder is standard on all trims except ZR2. It produces 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. It pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and is more fuel-efficient than the V6, typically achieving 20 to 22 miles per gallon combined depending on drivetrain and bed length.
The 3.6-liter V6 is available on LT, Z71, and ZR2 (and is standard on ZR2). It produces 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 11,500 pounds. The V6 also uses a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy drops to roughly 18 to 20 miles per gallon combined, but the extra power and towing capacity justify the cost for buyers who regularly haul or tow.
Two-wheel drive is standard on Work Truck, WT, and LT. Four-wheel drive is standard on Z71 and ZR2, and is available as an option on WT and LT. Four-wheel drive adds weight, reduces fuel economy slightly, and increases the purchase price, but provides better traction in snow, mud, and off-road conditions.
Bed Length and Payload Considerations
The 2024 Colorado is available with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. The 5-foot bed is standard on most trims and makes the truck shorter and easier to park in tight spaces; it also reduces overall length from roughly 210 inches to 200 inches. The 6-foot bed adds about 10 inches to the truck's length and provides more cargo space, but reduces maneuverability in parking lots and tight turns.
Payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the bed — varies slightly by configuration. A two-wheel-drive Colorado with the turbo four typically has a payload of around 1,400 pounds; four-wheel drive reduces this slightly. The V6 engine and heavier suspension components on Z71 and ZR2 also reduce payload compared to lighter configurations. Check the window sticker or Chevrolet's specifications for your exact configuration, because payload matters if you plan to carry heavy tools, equipment, or materials regularly.
Most buyers choose the 5-foot bed because it balances cargo space with maneuverability. The 6-foot bed makes sense if you regularly haul full-size plywood sheets, long lumber, or other materials that require the extra length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a 2024 Colorado with the V6 engine and two-wheel drive?
Yes, but only on the LT trim. Z71 and ZR2 require four-wheel drive. If you want the V6 for towing power but do not need four-wheel drive, LT is your only option.
What is the difference between Z71 and ZR2?
Z71 has a standard turbo four-cylinder (V6 available), tuned suspension, and all-terrain tires. ZR2 comes standard with the V6, electronically controlled dampers, and electronic locking differentials. ZR2 is more capable on extreme terrain but costs significantly more. Z71 is sufficient for most off-road driving.
Does the 6-foot bed reduce fuel economy?
Slightly. The extra weight and aerodynamic drag of a 6-foot bed versus a 5-foot bed typically reduces fuel economy by 1 to 2 miles per gallon, depending on driving conditions. The difference is small enough that it should not be your only factor in choosing bed length.
Is the Towing Package worth the cost?
If you plan to tow a trailer regularly, yes. The package includes a transmission cooler, integrated trailer brake controller, and upgraded cooling, which protect your truck's transmission and brakes during towing. If you never tow, you do not need it.
What is the cheapest 2024 Colorado configuration?
Work Truck with the turbo four-cylinder, six-speed automatic, two-wheel drive, and 5-foot bed. WT is slightly more expensive but is the consumer-focused entry point and is more widely available at dealerships.