Last year was challenging for mid-size pickup truck sales in the United States, but the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado entered its third generation, still holding second place among its competitors.

Despite Toyota Tacoma’s dominance, with triple the sales of any of its six competitors, Chevrolet says the redesigned Colorado is the most awarded mid-size pickup truck of 2024 following its major overhaul last year.

Citing performance, safety, value, driving dynamics, design, and off-road excellence, among other features, the Colorado earned 2024 Truck of the Year ratings from Motor Trend Magazine, Edmunds.com, the Hispanic Motor Press Association, and Car and Driver magazine’s Editor’s Choice.

With Chevrolet highlighting these industry awards, the Colorado enters 2024 with high expectations despite an overall 13.5% drop in mid-size truck sales in 2023.

We test-drove the Colorado 4WD Z71 Crew Cab, positioned above the WT, LT, and Trail Boss trims, and just below the brawny ZR2 off-road top performer. Our test vehicle had six options costing $4,680, including the priciest Z71 II ($1,625) and Z71 III ($1,145) packages, which added convenience, comfort, and driver safety aids. The other options included trailing, a toughened bed liner, Glacier Blue Metallic paint, and an alternator.

Our Colorado featured the all-wheel-drive TurboMax 2.7-liter engine with 310 horsepower, accelerating to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds—the sole engine available for the Colorado. All Colorados come with a 5-foot-long truck bed; our Z71 had a spray-toughened bed with side steps for access, a storage area in the tailgate, and a 120-volt outlet in the bed.

The Colorado boasts a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, according to Chevrolet. Excellent low-gear ranging aids off-roading or pasture cruising with an 8.9-inch ground clearance using 18-inch wheels wrapped in 10-inch-wide all-terrain Goodyear tires, which were great off-road but reduced ride smoothness around town.

A monochromatic profile features black-capped mirrors, black window surrounds, and gray bumpers front and rear. A gray band stretches across the front fascia, sporting the black grill Chevrolet bowtie, with a sculpted hood, raked windshield, and red tow hooks under the front body.

Off-road, the Z71 handled well with a 2-speed transfer case, hill descent control, low-gearing with good torque, a front camera, and on-road towing hitch views. On-road, the ride felt composed, but we missed the dynamic cruise control option, a great highway safety feature. It had a gap indicator, but no automatic braking when the vehicle in front slowed. There are five driving modes, including two for off-roading.

The Colorado earned four stars out of five in government crash testing. It received high scores for reliability, but repair costs are above average, according to RepairPal.

Inside, the large cabin has an ergonomic vibe with buttons and knobs for features and a rugged look with some dark plastic trim and cushy customizable seating. There is an 11.3-inch infotainment Driver Information Center touchscreen (also voice-controlled) with navigation, music, climate control, and more. It provides access to myChevrolet, maps, trailering, Google Assistant, and phone apps, and sits above a wireless charging area. A smaller digital gauge screen sits behind the steering wheel.

Glitches include short visors and a clunky start/stop feature, though it can be turned off. Without optional running boards and no grab handles on the A-pillar or above the door, the high ground clearance makes driver access challenging. There is an all-season spare tire.

Competitors, in order of sales last year, are Tacoma, Colorado, Nissan Frontier, Jeep Gladiator, Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger, and GMC Canyon.

LIKES: Towing muscle, ample cabin, cargo versatility, tech interfaces, spare tire, value, off-road capabilities, good reliability, first maintenance visit is free.

DISLIKES: Start/stop jolts, short visors, challenging driver access without running boards, no dynamic cruise control option.

BOTTOM LINE: A legitimate challenger to Toyota Tacoma’s dominance, with top recognition from the auto industry.

FACT FILE 2024 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD Z71 Crew Cab

• Base price: $41,795 ($46,475 as tested)
• Curb weight: 4,640 lbs.
• Wheelbase: 131.4 inches
• Length: 213 inches (5’1” box)
• Width: 84.4 inches w/mirrors
• Engine specs: 2.7-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 310 hp at 5,600 rpm
• Torque: 430 ft.-lbs. at 3,000 rpm
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• EPA rating: 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
• Range: 21.4 gallons, regular gas
• Performance: 0-60 in just over 7 seconds