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Chevrolet launches 2026 Colorado build & price with higher entry cost
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado is now available in the brand's online Build & Price configurator, and the biggest change for this model year is not a dramatic redesign but an updated price sheet. The entry-level WT now starts at an MSRP of $32,400, and with the raised destination charge the take‑home price begins at $34,495 before options.
Price changes and trim-level adjustments
Chevrolet raised prices across the Colorado lineup for 2026. Increases vary by trim: the off-road-focused ZR2 and the Bison package climbed by as much as $1,300; Z71 and Trail Boss increments are $1,000; the LT is $600 more expensive; and the WT gained $900 over the prior model year. General Motors also bumped the destination freight fee by $400.
Highlights:
- Base WT MSRP: $32,400
- Destination freight: $2,095
- Base out-the-door before options: $34,495
- 2026 trims affected: WT, LT, Z71, Trail Boss, ZR2, Bison
Drivetrain and off-road availability
Notably, the WT and LT are the only trims that can be specified with rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is standard on Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. For buyers wanting a work truck with 4x4, adding four-wheel drive to the WT adds $3,300 to the price.
Powertrain, towing and payload figures
Under the hood, the 2026 Colorado continues with a single engine choice across the range: GM's L3B 2.7-liter TurboMax inline-four. This turbocharged unit produces 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 430 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm, routed through an 8L-series automatic transmission (RPO MFC). The gearbox can be paired with single- or two-speed transfer cases depending on trim and options.
All Colorado models use a 3.42 axle ratio. When properly equipped, the midsize truck can tow up to 7,700 pounds (3,493 kilograms). Maximum payload for the rear-drive WT and LT is rated at 1,700 pounds (771 kilograms), figures that will be important for buyers who need a capable workhorse.
Wheels, packages and new colors
For 2026 the Colorado receives a few subtle visual updates: two new 20x9-inch wheel designs are now available, intended for the Midnight Edition Package and the Z71 Convenience Package III. The order guide also lists several new appearance packs, including a WT Custom Appearance Package, Decal Package, and Bronze Accent Package.
A new paint color, called White Sands, joins the palette and replaces Harvest Bronze Metallic. White Sands is exclusive to ZR2 and Trail Boss models. Other paint options include Black, Summit White, Snowdrift Metallic, Reef Blue Metallic, Sunrise Orange, Radiant Red Tincoat, and Sterling Gray Metallic.
Market context: where the Colorado stands
The Colorado—sold alongside its corporate twin, the GMC Canyon—remains the United States' second-best-selling midsize pickup. Toyota's Tacoma continues to lead the segment, produced in Mexico, whereas both the Colorado and Canyon are assembled in the U.S. Recent sales trends show substantial growth across the segment: Toyota reported 130,873 Tacoma deliveries in the first half of 2025 (an 88.5% year-over-year increase), while Chevrolet shipped 52,815 Colorados in the same period, a 26.3% gain versus the prior year.
What this means for buyers
For shoppers, the 2026 update is primarily about optioning and budgeting rather than new engineering. The updated wheel options, fresh paint, and additional appearance packs give buyers more ways to personalize their truck, but the higher starting prices and increased destination charge should be factored into a purchase decision.
Quote: 'The 2026 Colorado refines choice rather than reinventing the wheel—buyers get the same TurboMax powertrain and robust towing, but for a slightly higher entry cost.'
Whether you prioritize off-road capability—with ZR2 and Trail Boss offering standard 4x4—or a more affordable, work-oriented WT or LT, the Colorado continues to deliver competitive midsize truck utility. The Build & Price tool is now live for prospective buyers to configure trims, drivetrain, and accessories and to see final pricing as they build their ideal truck.
Source: autoevolution
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