What you get in each 2025 Colorado trim
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado comes in five main trim levels: Work Truck, WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2. Each step up adds comfort features, technology, or off-road capability rather than forcing you to buy things you don't need. The Work Truck is the base model with manual windows and a basic infotainment system; the ZR2 is the most off-road-focused version with electronic locking differentials and all-terrain suspension tuning.
Engine choice matters more than trim for how the truck performs. All 2025 Colorados use a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. A 3.6-liter V6 option is available on LT, Z71, and ZR2 models, delivering 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque — the V6 is worth considering if you tow regularly or want noticeably quicker acceleration.
Bed length and cab style also vary by configuration. You can choose between a regular cab (two doors, no rear seat), extended cab (two full doors, smaller rear seat), or crew cab (four full doors, full rear seat). Bed lengths run 5 feet or 6 feet on most trims. Crew cab with a 5-foot bed is the most popular combination because it balances passenger space with maneuverability in tight parking areas.
Key Takeaways
- The Work Truck and WT trims are the most affordable and include the essentials; LT adds comfort features like power windows and a touchscreen; Z71 and ZR2 focus on off-road or towing capability.
- The standard 2.7-liter turbocharged engine is adequate for most driving, but the optional 3.6-liter V6 provides noticeably more power and is better for frequent towing.
- Crew cab with a 5-foot bed is the most common choice because it seats four adults comfortably while remaining easier to park than longer configurations.
- Four-wheel drive is optional on Work Truck and WT, standard on LT and Z71, and required on ZR2; two-wheel drive saves money but limits off-road use and winter traction.
Work Truck and WT: the base models
The Work Truck is the entry-level Colorado and is built for people who need a truck without paying for features they won't use. It comes with a manual transmission option (though the eight-speed automatic is standard), manual windows, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and cloth seats. Air conditioning, power steering, and cruise control are included. Two-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive is a cost option.
The WT (Work Truck Plus) sits just above the base model and adds a few practical upgrades: power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, and a rear-view camera. The infotainment system is the same 7-inch touchscreen. WT is often a better value than the base Work Truck because the power windows and locks cost less to add as a package than to retrofit later, and the rear-view camera is genuinely useful for backing up safely.
Both Work Truck and WT are available in regular cab, extended cab, or crew cab. If you're using the truck primarily for work and don't need to carry passengers often, a regular cab with a 6-foot bed maximizes cargo space. If you occasionally need to bring people along, extended cab is a middle ground. Crew cab is less common in these trims because buyers choosing Work Truck or WT are usually prioritizing cost over passenger comfort.
LT: comfort and technology upgrades
The LT trim is where the Colorado starts to feel like a daily driver rather than a work vehicle. It adds an 8-inch touchscreen (larger and more responsive than the 7-inch), wireless charging for phones, a six-speaker audio system instead of four, and upgraded cloth upholstery. Heated front seats are standard on LT, which matters if you live somewhere with cold winters. The rear-view camera is included, and a backup camera with guidelines appears on the touchscreen to help you park.
LT comes standard with four-wheel drive, which increases the price but gives you better traction in snow and the ability to handle light off-road trails. If you live in a warm, dry climate and don't plan to drive in snow, you can downgrade to two-wheel drive and save money. LT is available in extended cab or crew cab; regular cab is not offered at this trim level.
The LT is the most popular trim for people who use their Colorado as both a work truck and a personal vehicle. The touchscreen is large enough to be genuinely useful, the heated seats add comfort on cold mornings, and four-wheel drive is included without forcing you to pay for off-road-specific features you may never use.
Z71: off-road capability without extreme specialization
The Z71 package is Chevrolet's mid-level off-road configuration. It includes an electronic locking rear differential (which helps you maintain traction when one wheel loses grip), all-terrain tires, skid plates to protect the undercarriage, and a slightly raised suspension tuned for rough terrain. The Z71 also gets a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation built in, leather-trimmed seats, and a power rear window in the cab. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard, which is useful in both cold and hot climates.
Z71 is four-wheel drive only and comes in extended cab or crew cab. The electronic locking rear differential is the key feature that separates Z71 from LT — it's genuinely useful if you drive on rocky trails, sand, or mud, but it's overkill if you only encounter snow and gravel. The all-terrain tires are more aggressive than standard tires and provide better grip off-road, though they can be slightly noisier on the highway and wear faster if you drive mostly on pavement.
Z71 is a good choice if you spend weekends exploring trails or regularly drive on unpaved roads, but you don't want the extreme specialization of the ZR2. The price is higher than LT, but lower than ZR2, and you get genuine off-road improvements without paying for features designed only for serious rock crawling.
ZR2: maximum off-road performance
The ZR2 is the most capable off-road Colorado and is built for people who regularly tackle challenging terrain. It includes electronic locking front and rear differentials (both axles can lock for maximum traction), a Multimatic DSSV suspension system with electronic damping that adjusts in real time to terrain, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a locking transfer case. The ZR2 also sits higher than other Colorados and has a wider track (distance between the wheels), which improves stability on uneven ground.
Inside, the ZR2 matches the Z71 with a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, leather-trimmed seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. The ZR2 is crew cab only and four-wheel drive only. The price is significantly higher than Z71 because of the dual locking differentials and the advanced suspension system, which require more maintenance and are designed for serious off-road use.
The ZR2 is the right choice only if you regularly drive on technical trails, rocks, or sand, and you want the truck to handle those conditions with minimal risk of getting stuck. If you mostly drive on highways and occasionally encounter gravel or light snow, the Z71 or LT will serve you better and cost less to maintain.
Engine and transmission choices
The 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is standard across all trims and is adequate for most driving. It produces 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to merge on highways, tow up to 7,700 pounds (depending on configuration), and handle daily commuting without strain. The turbo kicks in when you need power, so the truck feels responsive even though it's a four-cylinder.
The 3.6-liter V6 is optional on LT, Z71, and ZR2 and produces 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The V6 tows up to 8,200 pounds and accelerates noticeably faster than the four-cylinder. If you tow a boat, trailer, or camper regularly, the V6 is worth the extra cost because it reduces strain on the engine and transmission. If you tow occasionally or not at all, the four-cylinder is sufficient and saves money on purchase price and fuel.
Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. There is no manual transmission option on the 2025 Colorado. The eight-speed is smooth and efficient, and it handles both highway cruising and off-road driving well.
Cab and bed configurations
The 2025 Colorado offers three cab styles: regular cab (two doors, no rear seat), extended cab (two full doors plus two smaller rear doors, smaller rear seat), and crew cab (four full doors, full rear seat). Regular cab is available on Work Truck and WT only and maximizes bed length — you can get a 6-foot bed, which is ideal if you haul materials or equipment. Extended cab is available on Work Truck, WT, LT, and Z71, and it's a compromise between cargo space and passenger comfort. Crew cab is available on all trims and is the most popular choice because it seats four adults comfortably.
Bed length options are 5 feet or 6 feet on most configurations. A 5-foot bed on a crew cab is easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces, while a 6-foot bed on an extended cab or regular cab gives you more cargo room. The choice depends on how often you carry passengers versus cargo. If you carry passengers most of the time, crew cab with a 5-foot bed is the practical choice. If you haul materials regularly, extended cab with a 6-foot bed gives you both options.
Two-wheel drive versus four-wheel drive
Two-wheel drive is standard on Work Truck and WT and is optional on LT. Four-wheel drive is standard on Z71 and ZR2 and optional on LT. Two-wheel drive costs less upfront and uses slightly less fuel, but it provides less traction in snow, ice, or mud. Four-wheel drive allows you to engage the front wheels for extra grip and is essential if you live in a snowy climate or drive on unpaved roads regularly.
If you live in a warm, dry area and drive mostly on paved roads, two-wheel drive is sufficient and saves money. If you encounter snow, ice, or unpaved roads even occasionally, four-wheel drive is worth the cost because it gives you traction when you need it. Four-wheel drive also holds its resale value better in regions where winter weather is common.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the 2.7-liter turbo and the 3.6-liter V6?
The V6 produces about 100 more horsepower and 40 more pound-feet of torque, which means faster acceleration and better towing capacity. The four-cylinder is adequate for most driving and costs less. Choose the V6 if you tow regularly or want noticeably quicker performance; the four-cylinder is sufficient for daily driving and occasional light towing.
Is crew cab worth the extra cost over extended cab?
Crew cab costs more but seats four adults comfortably and has a full rear seat with good legroom. Extended cab has smaller rear doors and a cramped rear seat, which is uncomfortable for adults on long drives. If you carry passengers regularly, crew cab is worth it; if you rarely have people in the back, extended cab saves money.
Do I need four-wheel drive if I live somewhere with winter weather?
Four-wheel drive significantly improves traction in snow and ice and is strongly recommended if you encounter winter weather regularly. Two-wheel drive with good winter tires can work in light snow, but four-wheel drive is safer and more reliable. If winter weather is common where you live, the extra cost of four-wheel drive is worth the peace of mind.
What's the difference between Z71 and ZR2?
Z71 has an electronic locking rear differential and all-terrain tires, which is good for light to moderate off-road driving. ZR2 adds an electronic locking front differential, an advanced suspension system, and underbody protection, which is necessary for serious rock crawling and technical trails. Z71 is sufficient for weekend trail driving; ZR2 is for people who regularly tackle challenging terrain.
Can I get a regular cab on the LT trim?
No, regular cab is available only on Work Truck and WT. If you want a regular cab, you must choose one of those two trims. If you want the comfort features of LT (like the larger touchscreen and heated seats), you must step up to extended cab or crew cab.