The Z71 off-road suspension requires a minimum of 1LT trim, and adds an automatic-locking rear differential, P265/75R15 on/off-road tires, and a Smoke Gray grille and wheel flares. Ground clearance at the rear differential is 8.4 inches. Order 4WD and you get skid plates, too.

The ZQ8 sport suspension requires 2WD and 3LT trim. The ZQ8 rides lower than base models, with a slight forward rake, and comes with P235/50R17 tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels. A monochromatic paint scheme and fog lamps add visual distinction. Taking the ZQ8 concept one step further is the Colorado Xtreme, which drops the already lowered ZQ8 suspension down another 1.6 inches and mounts gas-charged shocks and bigger-diameter P235/50R18 wheels and tires. A unique grille, tailgate spoiler, and side-sill extensions add exclusivity to Xtreme's appearance, along with monochromatic paint schemes limited to red, black, blue, or yellow.

As before, content at any trim level can vary with suspension package and cab style, and not every cab style is offered with every suspension and trim combination. It's all very complicated, so we suggest you see your Chevrolet dealer for details.

Power windows, locks and mirrors are optional ($500) on 1LT. XM Satellite Radio ($325) is available with any LT trim, while Gen 6 OnStar ($695) requires 2LT at minimum. Crew Cabs with 3LT offer optional heated, power-adjustable bucket seats with leather seating surfaces ($340) and a power sunroof ($695). A new Sun and Sound package ($795) for 2006 will bundle the sunroof with a six-disc in-dash CD changer.

Safety features include curtain-style side-impact airbags designed for head protection that come standard on Crew Cabs, but are optional ($395) on other models. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) come standard on all models.

Walkaround

The Chevrolet Colorado still looks like a downsized and slightly Picasso-ized rendition of the full-size Silverado, beginning with its bold chrome horizontal-bar grille and multi-lens headlamps. The lamp assembly has a flying wedge contour, higher at the outside, and includes high and low beams, daytime running lamps and turn signals. On models so equipped, fog lamps are inset into the bumper.

Overall, the Colorado has a clean, modern look. The fender bulges are angular and aggressive, more so than Silverado's. The leading edge of the front fender flares isn't finished elegantly, however. Reach-through door handles allow a full handful of grip for easy opening, even with gloves.

The Crew Cab looks well balanced despite the extra cab length.

Cargo boxes are 6-foot, 1-inch on Regular and Extended Cab models and 5-foot, 1-inch on Crew Cabs. A two-position locking tailgate, which opens to 55 degrees or to fully horizontal, provides more cargo utility. When the tailgate is partway down, the Colorado can carry a 4-by-8 foot sheet of plywood flat, supported by the wheel wells and the rear edge of the tailgate.

Ride height varies by suspension grade and has a dramatic effect on the truck's appearance. The ZQ8 Sport models look slammed with their lower ride height. In fact, with a minimum ground clearance of just 5 inches at the front axle, they ride 3.5 inches lower in front and 1.1 inches lower in the rear than the standard 2WD Colorado. The standard Colorado has 7.5 inches of ground clearance, with 2WD or 4WD, with the low point at the rear axle. The Z71 off-road suspension raises the ground clearance to 8.4 inches, again the same with 2WD or 4WD.

All Crew Cab and Extended Cab models ride on a 126-inch wheelbase, while Regular Cab models ride on a 111-inch wheelbase. Overall length is 207 inches for all but Regular Cabs, which are 193 inches long. Overall height is about 65 inches for the standard Z85 suspension, 66 inches with 4WD; 63.5 inches for the low-rider ZQ8 Sport models; and 67 inches for the Z71 off-road models, 2WD and 4WD.

Chevrolet dealers offer a range of accessories, including a bed extender, hard and soft tonneau covers, tubular assist steps and splash guards. All can be installed at the time of delivery and can be financed as part of the deal.

Interior Features

The interior of the Chevrolet Colorado is swathed in hard plastic that's not finger friendly but should prove to be durable, important in a pickup truck. Inside door releases feel solid and sturdy, but have the same hard feel. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is well cushioned, however, and feels good in hand and should remain comfortable for the long haul.

The front bucket seats are wide and soft, and the fabric upholstery in LT models has been upgraded for 2006. We thought the seats lacked lateral support, whether upholstered in cloth or leather.

Getting into the Z71 off-road models requires stepping up. Specifically, Z71's step-in height is 22 inches, compared with 21.4 for the standard 4WD suspension, 18.4 with 2WD, and just 16.5 for the low-riding ZQ8 Sport.