2012 Chevrolet Colorado vs. Its Competition

2012 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD Ext Cab Work Truck Side Exterior View
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

If you get to pricing a Colorado, you may have already made up your mind on owning a small truck.

At least cross-shop the GMC Canyon; mechanically it's identical, and you may be able to get a better deal.

There still may be Ford Rangers on dealer lots, too--but there's no V-8 option in the Ranger.

Instead of a compact truck, may we suggest something a little bigger, like the class-leading Nissan Frontier? It has more features, better functionality, and gas mileage that's just about as good.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD Ext Cab Work Truck Side Exterior View2012 Chevrolet Colorado
Browse Used Listings		2012 GMC Canyon SLT2012 GMC Canyon
Browse Used Listings		2012 Nissan Frontier 4WD Crew Cab SWB Auto PRO-4X Angular Front Exterior View2012 Nissan Frontier
Browse Used Listings		2011 Ford Ranger 2WD 2-door SuperCab 126" XL Side Exterior View2011 Ford Ranger
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
6.6
The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado soldiers on as the only truly compact truck on the market (with its Canyon twin), but are you sure you don't really want a mid-size truck instead?
6.6
Crash test scores are a concern, but it you're shopping for a truly compact pickup truck, the 2012 GMC Canyon is probably a better pick than the Ranger or Dakota.
7.6
You may not need to go full-size--the 2012 Nissan Frontier pickup truck can cover a lot of the same ground a bigger pickup can.
6.2
MSRP From   
$17,475$17,490$19,260$18,160
Gas Mileage   
14 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy14 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy
Engine   
Gas 4-CylGas I4Gas 4-cylGas I4
EPA Class   
N/AN/AN/AN/A
Style Name   
2WD Reg Cab Work Truck2WD Reg Cab Work Truck2WD King Cab I4 Manual S2WD Reg Cab 112" XL
Drivetrain   
Rear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity   
3343
Passenger Doors   
N/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style   
Regular CabRegular CabKing CabReg Cab 6' Styleside
Transmission   
ManualManualManualManual w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2012 GMC Canyon2012 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier2012 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2011 Ford Ranger