While never manufactured on Australian soil, the Holden Colorado is one of the last remnants of the iconic Aussie automotive brand. It might not be as recognisable as a hot red commodore or classic Holden ute, but it has cemented itself as a reliable and capable 4WD in the Australian second-hand market.
red Holden Commodore driving through Brisbane City
The Colorado has undergone a few iterations since its launch in 2008, only improving its features over the years. The final 2020 model is a well-equipped ute with an excellent diesel engine and the option of dual-range four-wheel drive, allowing it to carry and tow big loads, but how does it fare off-road?
This guide trawls over every aspect of the Holden Colorado, hopefully highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, giving you the best possible snapshot of this 4WD and whether or not it is the one for you.
In-Depth Holden Colorado Review: Is It Any Good?
As far as utes go, the Holden Colorado does enough to keep your attention, but will never exceed expectations. What it does, it does well, and what it doesn’t… well, it knows it can’t. The 2020 Colorado is a good-looking ute, sitting on a steel ladder-frame chassis and housing a 2.8L turbo-diesel engine producing 147kW of power and 500Nm of torque. This goes through a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox, and a part-time 4X4 system with a low-range transfer case.
Available in crew, extra and single cab configurations, there’s over 25 variants and each will suit a different driver.
Holden Colorado Engine, Performance & Fuel Economy
At the heart of every Holden Colorado is the brand’s well-known 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine. From 2017 onwards, this became one of the Colorado’s biggest strengths thanks to its delivery of solid pulling power, ideal for towing boats, caravans and campers, while maintaining responsiveness around town.
The automatic transmission is smooth enough for daily driving, but when compared to newer utes like the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok, the expected gulf in quality is felt. While the manual gearbox is less common on the used market, it’s simple and durable, ideal for Aussie conditions. The Colorado’s fuel economy sits around the 8-10L/100km mark depending on added mods, tyres, load and the driving conditions.
How Does the Colorado Perform Off-Road?
When you leave the blacktop behind and hit the rough stuff, the Holden Colorado 4WD performs well, but lags behind its class rivals.. The low-range transfer case does work effectively, and hill descent control is useful on steep terrain and the torquey diesel engine allows it to crawl comfortably over rough tracks. Stock, its ground clearance is decent, though the longer wheelbase crew cab variants may scrape on sharper breakovers.
On-road, the steering is light and easy, but suspension can feel firm and slightly unsettled over corrugations when unladen. It settles considerably with some weight though, so throw some in the tray or canopy and you should notice the difference. Overall, it will suit most Aussie adventurers and tradies, capable of running around town and some decent off-road use.
Holden Colorado Reliability, Issues & Durability
When maintained properly, the Holden Colorado is a fairly dependable ute, especially its Duramax engine, which is widely regarded as strong and long-lasting. That said, it isn’t without its imperfections, with several common issues reported from buyers.
Earlier models were known for injector problems, occasional oil leaks, and some automatic transmission quirks. Accelerated Interior trim wear was also reported, particularly in examples that were used heavily for work.
Suspension components such as front control arm bushes and shocks can wear prematurely on vehicles that have spent time off-road or towing frequently. Electrical gremlins are relatively minor compared to some rivals, though sensors and infotainment systems can occasionally become temperamental in later models.
The good news is that parts availability remains strong throughout Australia thanks to the Colorado’s popularity and the large aftermarket support network. Servicing costs are generally reasonable, and there are plenty of mechanics familiar with the platform.
Holden Colorado Exterior, Design & Practicality
From its utilitarian origins, the Holden Colorado’s exterior has come a long way. Since its 2017 facelift, it gained a sharper grille, slimmer headlights and a more modern appearance. Even after almost 10 years, this look remains fairly contemporary, especially the Z71, Storm and SportsCat variants. These premium and special edition variants added blacked-out typing, sports bar, unique wheels, and a more aggressive design that appealed to lifestyle buyers rather than purely tradies.
In terms of real-world use, the tray is a usable size with respectable payload figures across most variants. Factory side steps, sports bar, and hard lids were common accessories fitted by dealers. Strong aftermarket support meant bullbars, suspension kits, canopies, and other touring modifications are still easy to source.
While the hardware is all solid, the paint quality has been questioned, prone to chips and scratches, especially for vehicles used heavily off-road. When buying used, it’s worth checking for rust around tray mounts, underbody components, and previous repair work.
Holden Colorado Interior Comfort & Practicality
The Colorado isn’t known for its luxurious interior, but rather its practicality. A straightforward layout with functional, large buttons, simple controls, and decent visibility from the driver’s seat leave little room for complaints, especially if using it for work.
Higher-spec models receive leather-appointed seats, soft-touch materials, and more premium finishes, though even these do not feel particularly upscale by modern standards. Hard plastics are common throughout the cabin, but generally hold up well over time.
In crew cab models, you can expect good space in the rear seats, ideal for touring. With decent storage options like large door bins and a practical centre console layout, there’s plenty of room for those weekend staples that call the car their home.
For a ute of its era, the comfort levels are as expected. Road noise can be a little loud at highway speeds though, especially once all-terrain tyres are fitted.
Holden Colorado Technology & Safety Features
Later models of the Colorado gained 8-inch touchscreen infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a big plus for most modern Australian drivers. Later models also featured reversing cameras, satellite navigation, and improved connectivity features.
Over time, safety improved too, but never reached the benchmark standards set by newer-gen rivals. What it does have are rather basic and the ANCAP ratings should be checked carefully depending on the year model. It does have:
- Forward collision alert
- Lane departure warning
- Rear parking sensors
- Trailer sway control
- Hill descent control
- Electronic stability control
It’s still a solid level of safety equipment for a second-hand ute.
A dusty Holden Colorado
Holden Colorado Variants Explained: LS, LTZ, Z71 & More
LS
This is the entry-level, work-focused variant. A basic interior with durable materials and fewer tech inclusions make it popular with fleets and tradies. On lower-spec versions, steel wheels and vinyl flooring are common. For a base variant and at the price point, it’s a respectable ute in terms of capability and reliability.
LSX
The LSX adds a slightly sportier appearance while retaining the LS’s practicality. Certain year models will include alloy wheels, side steps, and an upgraded interior.
LT
This is the mid-range option, balancing work and family usability. Compared to the base models below it, expect improved infotainment, comfort-focused features, and additional convenience equipment.
LTZ
Until now, the Holden Colorado held onto its utilitarian DNA in every sense, with only slight changes. The LTZ is where the premium features make themselves known. Leather-appointed seating, larger alloy wheels, improved interior finishes, and additional safety features make it one of the more desirable variants on the used market.
Z71
This is the lifestyle-focused Colorado. We’re talking black exterior styling, unique wheels, sports bars, and a more aggressive visual package. Mechanically, it remains similar to other variants, but its appearance has made it one of the more sought-after models.
Storm
The Storm special edition added distinctive decals, black styling elements, and extra accessories aimed at buyers wanting a factory-customised look without moving to a full aftermarket build.
SportsCat
This special edition Colorado was developed alongside Walkinshaw performance, and represents the flagship Colorado. Wider track dimensions, upgraded suspension, improved handling, and unique styling helped transform this once basic, utility-first ute into a premium, performance-focused beast.
While expensive when it first dropped, it has remained highly desirable and therefore valuable thanks to its rarity and improved driving dynamics when compared with the standard models.
Final Verdict: Is the Holden Colorado Worth Buying?
It wouldn’t be fair to compare the Colorado to the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, but on the Australian 4X4 ute market, it occupies an interesting space. Yes, because it is no longer in production, but also thanks to its undoubted capability and dependability.
Its Duramax engine and solid enough off-roading performance continue to attract buyers. Combine that with its relative affordability and strong aftermarket support for modifications, it’s more than practical for tradies and tourers. Don’t sleep on the Holden Colorado.
Shopping for a 4WD?
Get a quote for cover that includes off-road recovery, anywhere you can legally go in Australia
