Written byKey Points:
- The 2026 Chevy Colorado returns with no mechanical, interior, or tech updates from the 2025 model.
- White Sands, a new exterior color, replaces Harvest Bronze Metallic on certain trims, including Trail Boss and ZR2.
- The price goes up a bit for 2026—between $200 and $900, depending on the trim level. This kind of pricing creep is something we’re also seeing across the board, like the 2026 GMC Acadia price increase and color updates.
- Back again is the 310 horsepower 2.7L TurboMax engine supported by up to 7,700 lbs of towing — still keeping Colorado competitive for trucks that can tow campers or fifth wheels.
- There are no revisions to the suspension, safety features, infotainment equipment, or cabin layout.
- The 2026 Colorado started production on July 1, 2025, at GM’s Wentzville assembly plant.
- The truck is also still very well priced in the midsize segment, compared with some significant competition, especially for those cross-shopping with other affordable rear-wheel drive cars or trucks.
- Ideal for shoppers seeking a fresh new model year without significant feature changes — maybe someone who just wants a rugged, simple hauler, not unlike what you’d find on our list of most reliable used Chevy cars.
When the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado starts coming out of the Wentzville Assembly factory gates on July 1, 2025, people are going to wonder: Is anything new on this generation other than a new shade and a minor bump in price? The answer: Yes — it’s pretty much the same truck, with a few updates for 2026.
No Major Mechanical or Interior Upgrades
The 2026 Colorado adheres to the third generation, which debuted in mid-2022 as a 2023 model year vehicle. It’s still wearing the same chassis, the same cabin, even the same mechanicals. The 310-hp turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder “TurboMax” (L3B) engine is still standard, as well as towing that still tops out at 7,700 pounds.
There isn’t much to speak of concerning any significant revamps inside the cabin. The 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 11-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google built-in interfaces also remain standard tech amenities across the trims.
2026 is effectively the same as the 2025 model under the skin.
New Paint: White Sands Replaces Harvest Bronze
The only noticeable change is the introduction of a new exterior paint: White Sands (paint code G42). This subtle beige hue took over for the former Harvest Bronze Metallic (GXN) in mid-May 2025. White Sands also becomes a no-charge selection on Trail Boss and ZR2 trims of the 2026 Colorado, but not on the WT, LT, and Z71 models.
There are no other bodywork or trim updates mentioned at this time, so paint is the sole cosmetic change for this year.
Price Increases: Yes, but Modest
So the overall price hike for 2026 is modest but consistent, hardly big hikes. According to our order-guide data, prices increase anywhere from [2.5 to 35] percent, up to $900 more year-to-year, depending on trim level.
- Colorado WT (base): Up $500, starting at $32,400, not including destination
- LT Trim: Up $200, beginning at roughly $36,000
- Trail Boss / Z71: Up $500, at $40,400 and $44,400
- Top-of-line ZR2: Up $900, reaching $50,500 for 2026 models
That makes the Colorado one of the more affordable choices in midsize trucks, especially post-increase — it’d still be less expensive than trucks like the GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, and Jeep Gladiator; only the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier would cost a hair less.
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So: Just a Color and a $900 Bump?
Yes — essentially, the 2026 Colorado is a 2025 model with a new paint option and a slight trim-level price bump. Nothing new has been said about suspension tuning, interior materials, powertrain enhancements, safety items, or technology.
Reddit comments of Colorado fans validate this feeling. One person cautioned about preparing for surprises: “With the 26s being a fourth year of Gen 3, we aren’t going to have much change, if any. One more buyer mentioned that ordering a new build was a plus rather than choosing an older lot model.
Production and Availability Timeline
Production to start July 1, 2025, GM’s Wentzville plant in Missouri — a few days earlier than previously rumored. That is a seamless transition from the 2025 campaign.
Dealers should start receiving inventory not long after, as the configurator and order pages should open at about the same time. The prospect of early ordering had potential buyers asking dealers to commit to price and features and to lock it down in writing, particularly after GM started reducing the window of opportunity on prior model years.
The Bottom Line: What Buyers Should Consider
- Model consistency: No changes to mechanics or inside for 2026
- Exterior: A New WhiteSands beige supersedes the Harvest Bronze Metallic for certain trim levels
- Pricing: $200-$900 raised across trims; hikes are generally moderate
- Value: Remains one of the most affordable midsize pickups
- Advice: If you’re paying the current price or less, then buying a new 2026 might be a savvy decision, especially if you have your heart set on that White Sands color or qualify for new financing incentives.
Sources: Chevrolet, CarsDirect
