Truck customers are wanting more aggressive, off-road looks for their trucks. Chevy is obliging with a tougher-looking Colorado ZR2 midsize pickup. Debuting at the 2019 Method Race Wheels Laughlin Desert Classic this weekend the new look of the Colorado ZR2 will be available in 2020 as a 2021 model.

The ZR2 will be the only Colorado truck to receive the all-new front fascia with flow-through “Chevrolet” lettering. Chevy says the new front end provides better driver visibility along with its more aggressive look that will be unique to the ZR2. 

Underneath the ZR2 features the Multimatic DSSV position-sensitive dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, two-inch suspension lift, a 3.5-inch wider track, off-road rocker protection, cast-iron control arms, an Autotrac transfer case, multiple skid plates, and red tow hooks to announce its top-of-the-line status.

More Colorado Changes For 2021

Beyond announcing the new ZR2 Chevrolet says more changes are coming. It will be making each trim package more distinctive to better differentiate between models. Changes include revised Chevy bowtie emblems and new tailgate designs that include “Chevrolet” embossed across its full width. Currently, a small Chevy bowtie is positioned in the middle of the tailgate.

While we are only getting to see the ZR2, the 2021 Colorado WT, LT and Z71 models get updated too. Center bars, lower fascias, and front skid plates. WT and LT trim levels receive an all-new Chevy bowtie logo in gold, with the Z71 getting a black bowtie logo.

Over 520,000 Colorado Pickups In Five Years

“We’ve sold 520,000 Colorado pickups in five years through a relentless, foot-on-the-gas approach to product and feature updates,” said Bob Krapes, director of marketing, Chevrolet Trucks. “With its new-look front end and tailgate, Colorado will now have a more aggressive appearance to match its award-winning capability.”

No prices have been announced but when they are we will also find out if there are improvements to the drivetrain and interior. Expect different seating and badges inside and possibly exclusive materials. 

What About The GMC Canyon?

As the GMC Canyon and Colorado are almost identical we wonder if the ZR2 package will also be offered on the Canyon? If so will there be other changes to distinguish it from the ZR2 Colorado? At the very least we can expect similar changes to the entire Canyon line for 2021.

This mid-cycle refresh will take the Colorado through 2022 at which point an entirely new version will be available. The Colorado will have been around since 2014 by the time it’s redesigned. Chevy has gotten almost 10 years out of this latest midsize truck.

The Colorado appeared after Dodge/Ram dropped its midsize Dakota in 2011, and Ford killed its midsize Ranger in 2012. Colorado sales in 2005 almost beat segment leader Toyota Tacoma selling 163,204 trucks that year. While the Ranger experienced a gap in production and the Dakota is said to be coming back, both the Tacoma and Colorado have seen continuous production. The sales success of both of these midsize pickups was responsible for the revival of the Ford Ranger, and soon to be produced Ram Dakota. 

Colorado and Canyon production since 2014 has been at Wentzville, Missouri, assembly plant.