New & Used 2026 Chevrolet Colorado for Sale nearMadison, WI

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado a good car?

Yes — the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

The Colorado makes a strong case in the midsize pickup segment by keeping the lineup simple: you get a crew-cab, short-bed body style, one powertrain, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and five trim levels. That straightforward setup can make it easier for you to shop than more complicated rivals, especially if you want a truck that is easy to understand and configure.

The trade-offs are real, though. The expert review calls out poor fuel economy and interior materials that feel cheap, along with poor ergonomic design. Even so, the Colorado still stands out as a polished, well-rounded truck for buyers who value a clear lineup and approachable tech.

36.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you a decent amount of market flexibility.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Colorado’s simple lineup and single-engine setup can work in your favor if you want a used truck that is easier to evaluate and maintain than a more complicated alternative. The expert review also describes it as a straightforward, well-defined midsize pickup with a limited configuration range, which can reduce the chances of ending up with a hard-to-shop-for version.

The performance notes also point to a turbocharged four-cylinder that is lively enough for the truck’s weight, even if fuel economy is not a strength. The cost-effectiveness notes add that Chevrolet includes one free service visit, which is a small ownership perk.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the truck’s poor fuel economy and some cabin-quality concerns may become more noticeable over time if the previous owner did not maintain it carefully.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Chevrolet Colorado?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.7% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are looking at a truck that has seen off-road use or heavy towing. Pay close attention to the cabin, the condition of the suspension, and any signs that the truck has been driven hard on rough roads. It is also worth checking that the technology and driver-assistance features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The WT forms the foundation, the LT serves as the basis of the Z71, and the ZR2 sits at the top with more features and extra off-roading hardware. The base setup is the most stripped-down, while higher trims add capability and equipment.
• Powertrain: All trims use a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It makes 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, and the review notes that fuel economy is poor.
• Safety package: Chevy Safety Assist includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a safe following distance indicator. The Safety Package adds blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors.
• Infotainment: You get an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built in, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, OnStar connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless smartphone charging is available.
• Fuel efficiency: The truck returns up to 21 mpg in combined city and highway driving in RWD models.

Which 2026 Chevrolet Colorado trim should I buy?

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado is offered in 5 trim levels: WT, LT, Z71, Trail Boss, ZR2.

Here's the short version:

• WT: This is the simplest starting point, and it makes the most sense if you want the Colorado’s core truck basics without paying for extra equipment you may not need.
• LT: This is the best-value trim if you want a more balanced mix of equipment and everyday usability, since it serves as the basis for the Z71 and sits in the middle of the lineup.
• Z71: Choose this if you want a more capable and better-equipped version without jumping all the way to the more specialized off-road trims.
• Trail Boss: This trim adds off-road-tuned suspension, a two-inch factory lift, a wider stance, all-terrain tires, Off-Road and Terrain driving modes, and hill descent control. It suits you if you want a more rugged setup, but the standard halogen headlights are a notable drawback.
• ZR2: This is the most serious off-road version, with even more off-road upgrades, including 33-inch mud-terrain tires and Multimatic DSSV dampers.

The Safety Package adds blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Chevrolet Colorado?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have some room to shop carefully without expecting a deep bargain across the board.

• Deal availability: 36.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,613 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 93.7% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado safe?

The Colorado earns three-star protection in side-impact testing for the driver and front passenger, and three-star rollover resistance ratings from NHTSA for both RWD and 4WD models. The IIHS gave its Chevy Safety Assist systems a Poor front crash prevention rating, though it did earn Good ratings in two crash tests.

It earns a 4/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard Chevy Safety Assist suite includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a safe following distance indicator. The Safety Package adds blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Technology Package adds adaptive cruise control, a rear pedestrian alert system, and a high-definition surround-view camera system.

A notable shortcoming is that the Colorado’s crash-test results were disappointing, and the review specifically calls out the poor front crash prevention rating.

Should I buy a 2026 Chevrolet Colorado or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 36.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.7% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Expert or safety highlight specific to this year: the 2026 model is mostly unchanged and adds White Sands paint on the Trail Boss and ZR2, plus a new Bronze Accent Package.

Consider the 2025 if:

• The 2025 emphasizes broader off-pavement appeal and a strong standard turbo engine.

The bottom line: If you want the current-year truck with a simple lineup and strong tech, the 2026 is the cleaner choice. If you are shopping mainly on price and want a similar formula, the 2025 is worth a look.

How does the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado compare to the 2026 GMC Canyon?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2026 Chevrolet Colorado:

• Pros: Stylish design, Fun to drive, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: Poor fuel economy, Interior materials feel cheap, Poor ergonomic design.

2026 GMC Canyon:

• Pros: Stylish design, Fun to drive, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Poor fuel economy, Cramped back seat, Poor value for money.

Our experts score the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado 6.7/10 and the 2026 GMC Canyon 6.5/10. The Colorado gets the edge on score, while the Canyon’s technology is described as more impressive. Both trucks share the same horsepower and similar fuel economy, but the Colorado has the lower starting MSRP and more listings available. If you care most about value and easier shopping, the Colorado looks stronger; if you want the Canyon’s tech emphasis, that may be worth the higher price.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.