2026 Chevrolet Colorado Updates Are Coming – But Should You Buy the 2025 Instead?

Date:2025-08-04 01:45:29 Category:tech Views:3 Comment:0

2026 Chevrolet Colorado Updates Are Coming – But Should You Buy the 2025 Instead? originally appeared on Autoblog.

The Toyota Tacoma's Stark Rival

The Chevrolet Colorado received a significant refresh for the 2023 model year, but it was the 2025 lineup that brought more clarity to its positioning. This year, Chevrolet unified the engine across all trims – a simplification that streamlined the lineup and makes previously higher-output trims less exclusive under the hood.

Now, the 2026 Colorado is entering the market, largely unchanged mechanically, but it has gotten a little pricier than before.

The base WT now starts at $32,400, up $500 from last year, and Chevrolet has quietly raised the destination charge to $2,095, or $400 more than before. Across the board, trims like the LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and the mighty ZR2 have also seen increases of $600 to $1,300. Factoring in these bumps, the 2026 Colorado offers little new content but commands a noticeably higher price.

For those eyeing a midsize pickup, this makes the 2025 Colorado a more attractive option, especially when you consider what's happening with current inventory.

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Dealer Inventories Show Discounted Prices

A search through Chevrolet's official inventory site reveals that over 600 examples of the 2025 Colorado are still available nationwide, and many are listed below MSRP.

Dealers are offering clearout pricing, with some Work Truck models appearing in the low-$30K range, even after destination fees, largely because Chevy still offers employee pricing for this trim. LT, Z71, and Trail Boss trims also show healthy markdowns, which softens the sting of the 2026 model year's incoming increases.

For buyers considering financing or paying in cash, this price gap makes the current stock more appealing, especially since the hardware and equipment remain largely the same. Additional discounts are also available for Costco members, which sweetens up the deal.

Not Missing Out Much When You Buy Now

Buyers choosing the 2025 model year aren't giving up much. The mechanical package is identical: same engine, same 8-speed automatic transmission, same max tow rating of 7,700 pounds. There are some minor cosmetic updates, like a new "White Sands" exterior color replacing Harvest Bronze Metallic on the Trail Boss and ZR2, as well as revised wheel options.

Safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and surround-view cameras, remain available depending on trim. What 2026 brings to the table – aside from higher pricing – is purely up to taste. If you're not set on the new beige paint option or aren't chasing the latest model-year badge, there's little incentive to wait.

In short, unless you're aiming for a very specific configuration that won't be available until later in the year, now may be a better time to shop.