10 Reasons the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Wins Autobytel Buyer's Choice Best Small Truck Award

2016 Chevrolet Colorado ・ Photo by General Motors

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado continues to keep the pressure on its rivals with added technology and a new V6 powertrain. Oh, and there's one other feather in this Chevy pickup's cap: The 2017 Colorado is this year’s winner of the Autobytel Buyer's Choice Award in the Small Truck division.

10) The New Colorado ZR2

Buyers looking for off-road adventure in this segment will certainly appreciate the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. This high-performance pickup has a wider track than the standard Colorado, a lifted suspension and another Chevy first: the first off-road application of Multimatic’s advanced damper technology with special spool-valve shock absorbers.

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9) A Cavalcade of Other Customs

Three special-edition models are on the menu for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado. The Colorado Custom can dress up work trucks with 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels with painted accents, plus a monochromatic exterior. The Colorado Shoreline (photo above) has blackout trim and a Thule paddleboard carrier among its upgrades, while the Midnight truck touts an all-black, off-road appearance.

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8) Efficient and Powerful Diesel Engine

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is the only truck in the segment with a diesel engine. Its 2.8-liter Duramax unit serves up 181 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy is an impressive 30 mpg on the highway.

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7) Driver-Assistance Technology

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is all truck, but it has the same sort of safety technologies as Chevy’s cars. A rearview camera and tire-pressure monitor are standard for all trims, and available features include lane-departure warning, forward collision alert, and OnStar telematics with automatic crash notification.

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6) Top-Notch Towing Capacity

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado can be configured with three engines, for three levels of trailering capability. The standard 4-cylinder engine can haul up to 3500 lb.; the V6 gas engine is good for 7000 lb.; and the Colorado’s diesel V6 sets the pace with a 7700-lb. tow rating.

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5) Comfortable Cabin

Even with a hard-working truck like the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado, buyers expect high levels of comfort. And here Chevy delivers, equipping the Colorado with heated driver and front-passenger seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and two color themes for its leather-appointed seat trim: Jet Black or a two-tone Jet Black/Ash appearance.

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4) GearOn Cargo Management

The GearOn cargo-management system helps buyers maximize the versatility of the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado. A variety of basic packages provides cross bars, dividers, racks, and the like, and the Colorado’s accessories catalog includes GearOn bike, ski, and paddleboard carriers among its wares. There’s a bed-mounted tent available, too.

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3) Mobile Wi-Fi

A particular selling point for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is its available MyLink infotainment system. Complementing a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, the top-shelf MyLink setup has an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, voice recognition, and Bluetooth connectivity, all bolstered by a 7-speaker Bose audio system, multiple USB ports, and wireless phone charging.

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2) New Engine and Transmission

Extending the Bowtie brand’s reputation for innovation, the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado welcomes a new 3.6-liter V6 powertrain that includes the first 8-speed automatic transmission in the segment. Engine output has increased to 308 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque.

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1) Teen Driver Technology

Got a younger driver in the house? That’s another reason to get a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado, since it comes with Chevy’s Teen Driver Technology. This system can keep the audio volume off until front seatbelts are on, make sure available active safety features are on, and provide an in-vehicle driver report card.

Read about the 17 Most Wanted Vehicles of 2016 for the full list of the 2017 Autobytel Car Buyer's Choice Award recipients.

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