Best Car Reviews - 2012 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD

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Introduction

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD is a compact pickup from the final year of the first-generation North American Colorado. It suits buyers who want manageable dimensions, a usable cargo bed, four-wheel-drive capability, and the unusual appeal of an available V8 in a small truck. This version combines regular gasoline, an automatic four-speed transmission, and a 5.3-litre V8 for drivers who prioritize towing confidence and strong low-speed power over economy.

Design and Exterior Features

The Colorado has a traditional body-on-frame pickup shape with a tall grille, squared-off front end, separate cargo bed, and compact footprint that is easier to place on narrow roads than a full-size truck. Regular, extended, and crew-cab body styles were offered, depending on trim and configuration. As a late first-generation model, the 2012 Colorado retained the familiar styling and mechanical layout rather than receiving a major redesign.

Compact pickup proportions with available regular, extended, and crew cabs.
Four-wheel-drive system for loose, snowy, and unpaved surfaces.
Available locking rear differential on selected configurations.
Available alloy wheels, fog lamps, bed accessories, and off-road-oriented equipment.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is functional and truck-focused, with straightforward controls, durable materials, and storage for workday essentials. Work Truck models are basic, while LT trims can add cloth upholstery, power accessories, cruise control, upgraded audio, and more convenience equipment. Front-seat comfort is reasonable for short and medium journeys, but the ride can feel firm and the rear-seat experience depends heavily on cab style.

Simple dash layout with large, easy-to-use controls.
Available cloth seating, power windows and locks, and cruise control.
Extended- and crew-cab layouts provide greater passenger flexibility than the regular cab.
Practical storage, cupholders, and a conventional pickup driving position.

Performance and Handling

This Colorado 4WD uses a 5.3-litre V8 producing 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The V8 gives this small pickup notably strong passing and towing power for its era, while four-wheel drive improves traction on slippery or rough terrain. Chevrolet did not publish a broadly comparable official 0-60 mph figure for every configuration, so acceleration should be assessed by the individual cab, axle ratio, and condition. Canadian fuel-consumption data for the V8 4WD list 15.2 L/100 km city and 10.4 L/100 km highway; the supplied 18.6 L/100 km figure is a realistic possibility in demanding city, winter, off-road, or towing use.

5.3-litre V8 with 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
Four-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive.
Strong low-end torque for hauling and towing duties.
Official fuel-use figures are far less favorable than those of four-cylinder rivals.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology reflects the truck’s early-2010s design. The Colorado was available with AM/FM and CD audio systems, auxiliary input capability on equipped models, and Bluetooth phone connectivity on selected trims. It does not offer the touchscreen interfaces, smartphone integration, wireless services, or active driver-assistance systems expected in newer pickups.

Available Bluetooth phone connectivity on selected models.
Available CD audio, auxiliary input, and upgraded speaker systems.
Conventional physical controls that are easy to use with gloves.
No factory Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, or automatic emergency braking.

Safety Features

Standard and available equipment included frontal airbags, antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitoring, and side-curtain airbags on applicable cab configurations. Safety performance deserves careful consideration: IIHS ratings applicable to 2004-2012 models include an Acceptable moderate-overlap frontal result for the crew cab, Poor side-test performance for the tested crew cab, Marginal roof strength, and Marginal head restraints. Shoppers should confirm all recalls by VIN and inspect a used truck’s airbag, brake, frame, and corrosion condition.

Antilock braking system and tire-pressure monitoring.
Frontal airbags and available or fitted side-curtain protection depending on configuration.
IIHS moderate-overlap frontal rating of Acceptable for the crew cab.
IIHS side-impact rating of Poor for the tested crew cab.

Pricing and Variants

The 2012 Colorado started at $17,475 USD when new for the base rear-wheel-drive Work Truck; four-wheel-drive and V8-equipped versions cost substantially more. The range included Work Truck, 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT equipment levels, with regular, extended, and crew-cab choices. A 4WD Crew Cab 2LT carried an original MSRP of $30,320 USD. Against compact-truck competitors such as the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, and GMC Canyon, the Colorado stood out for its available V8, though its cabin technology, efficiency, and crash-test results were less competitive by modern standards.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Rare 300-horsepower V8 option in a compact pickup.
Four-wheel drive adds useful all-weather and off-road traction.
Manageable size for urban parking and tighter worksites.
Traditional body-on-frame construction and usable cargo-bed practicality.
Simple controls and generally uncomplicated onboard technology.

Cons

High fuel consumption, especially with the V8 and four-wheel drive.
Four-speed automatic feels dated and limits highway refinement.
Cabin materials and infotainment are behind newer pickups.
Firm ride and limited rear-seat comfort in some configurations.
Weak IIHS side-impact, roof-strength, and head-restraint results.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A single verified annual maintenance-cost estimate for this exact V8 4WD configuration is not available, and real costs vary sharply with mileage, corrosion exposure, towing use, and service history. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important. Frequently reported issues for the 2012 model or this generation include air-conditioning blower-resistor failure, CD-player or radio faults, fuel-level-sensor problems, reduced-power or check-engine-light complaints, and electrical or door-ajar warning issues. Owners also report brake concerns, exhaust-manifold or catalytic-converter damage, and corrosion-related problems on some vehicles, so service records and VIN-specific recall status should be checked.

Rating

Overall rating: 6.4/10. Design: 6.5/10. Comfort: 6.0/10. Performance: 7.5/10. Technology: 4.5/10. Safety: 5.0/10. The V8 makes the Colorado memorable and capable, but age, fuel use, basic technology, and safety limitations reduce its all-round score.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly describes the 2012 Colorado as a compact, hard-working truck that is easy to park and capable of high mileage when maintained. V8 owners especially value the power, while criticism often focuses on fuel use, ride quality, aging electronics, and the importance of checking for rust and deferred repairs.

Owners often appreciate the truck’s compact size and easy maneuverability.
V8 models are valued for strong acceleration and towing confidence.
Many owners describe the vehicle as durable when serviced consistently.
Fuel economy is a recurring concern, particularly in city driving.
Buyers advise inspecting electrical functions, brakes, exhaust components, and corrosion before purchase.

Best Cars in This Category

2012 Toyota Tacoma 4WD
2012 Nissan Frontier 4WD
2012 Ford Ranger 4WD
2012 GMC Canyon 4WD
2012 Honda Ridgeline 4WD

Summary

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD is best for buyers who want an older, compact pickup with genuine four-wheel-drive ability and, in this specification, unusually strong V8 performance. It can be an appealing used truck for towing, rural driving, and practical ownership, provided fuel costs are acceptable and a thorough inspection confirms sound brakes, electrical systems, frame condition, maintenance history, and recall completion. Its value lies in utility and character rather than modern safety, refinement, or technology.