2009 Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado, like its GMC Canyon twin, drives into 2009 with the option of a 5.3L V-8 on extended and crew cab models. Good for a 0-60-mph run in less than seven seconds, according to GM, the powertrain delivers 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, helping the 2009 Chevy Colorado achieve a maximum towing capacity of 6000 lb. A ZQ8 sport suspension returns to the lineup in the latter half of the model year, complete with 18-in. wheels and other visual add-ons, with the V-8 at its core. While in any other year the addition of a V-8 for the Colorado would be good news, the new engine's release is a case unfortunate timing in light of current market issues. For those looking for less cylinders and more fuel economy from their midsize truck, the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado can also be equipped with a 2.9L four (17-18 mpg city/23-25 highway, depending on 2WD or 4WD configuration) or a 3.7L five (16-17 mpg city/22-23 highway), both of which get a revised fuel control module that GM says improves fuel economy by up to 14 percent compared with 2008 models.

To man up the lame Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon for 2009, the General blessed the engine roster with a new 300-hp V-8. Take your pick between an extended cab with rear jump seats accessed via rear-hinged half doors and a six-foot bed, or a real four-door crew cab with a rear bench seat and a five-foot bed. GM's 5.3-liter V-8 is outfitted with an aluminum block and heads, a composite intake manifold, roller lifters, and a regular-unleaded appetite. The 2009 Colorado delivers its wallop through two- or four-wheel drive. The two-wheel-drive version achieves 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.

We clocked a two-wheel-drive crew-cab Chevrolet at just under seven seconds for the 0-to-60-mph run on its way to a governed top speed of 125 mph. The ride is satisfyingly firm but still supple over pockmarked pavement. The steering is quick and accurate, although it's not very communicative. Thanks to a standard stability control system and improved brakes, this 2009 Chevrolet Colorado doesn't cause its driver to fret by writhing on slippery pavement when the traffic pattern flashes a red alert.

We test-drove one 2009 Chevrolet Colorado and one Canyon equipped with the new V-8. Both were attractive aqua blue crew cabs with snooty leather upholstery and five-foot beds. The Chevy--with Insta-Trac four-wheel drive, Z71 off-road suspension, and 2LT trim--topped out at $33,765. The GMC, in boy-racer guise, brought two-wheel-drive, a ZQ8 sport suspension package, and a $31,230 sticker to the party. We used the Chevrolet Colorado to deliver a face cord of firewood through a foot of snow, an assignment it fulfilled without flinching.

Our Vbox test gear clocked the GMC Canyon's 0-to-60-mph run in seven seconds flat on the way to a 15.4-second, 93-mph quarter mile. The speed limiter kicked in at 125 mph. Hitched to a 5150-pound boat and trailer, the mighty V-8 hustled this pickup to 60 mph in 15.9 seconds and averaged a decent 11 mpg during suburban cruising.

The five-foot cargo bed won't impress anyone used to a full-size pickup truck, but it is at least shrewdly configured.

There are a few problems with offering a high-end Colorado like our 1LT-equipped V-8 model. For one, it's expensive. Our Crew Cab 1LT Colorado carried with it over $6,000 in options. Almost $4,000 was for the engine, ZQ8 suspension, 18-inch wheels, and bucket seats. The leather upholstery, power sunroof, and locking rear differential made up the rest. Including destination charges, it brought the total up to $30,475 for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado, right into the realm of fullsize trucks. That's not to say that the problem is exclusive to GM, as the only other comparable truck, the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner, comes in at around the same price.

Chevy's midsize Colorado pickup enters 2009 with a host of performance enhancements, including a new, 5.3L V-8 engine option and new brake system. These features, along with the return of the ZQ8 sport suspension and a new family of stylish wheels, increase the Chevy Colorado's capability and refreshes its stylish appearance. Colorado 's new 5.3L V-8 is available on extended cab and crew cab models. It pumps out 300 horsepower, nearly 25-percent more than the Colorado's available 3.7L I-5 engine. It also delivers 320 lb.-ft. of torque of torque for a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The new V-8, enabling 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds. A revised fuel control module helps most 2009 Chevrolet Colorado models equipped with the 2.9L and 3.7L engines achieve better fuel economy than previous models. The greatest mileage improvement comes in 4WD 2009 Colorado models equipped with the 2.9L engine and manual transmission, where the estimated highway rating increases to 25 mpg - an increase of nearly 14 percent over the '08 rating.