Chevy Colorado named Motor Trend '2015 Truck of the Year'

(December 3, 2014) EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — After its most comprehensive truck evaluation program in history, Motor Trend has selected the Chevy Colorado as its 2015 Truck of the Year. Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year program is only open to all-new or significantly updated trucks and vans for the upcoming model year.

For 2015, seven contenders were invited to compete; three competitors were asked to bring a powertrain and/or body style variant for a total of 10 vehicles overall:

    Chevrolet Colorado WT and Colorado Z71
    Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD
    Ford F150 2.7L EcoBoost and 3.5L EcoBoost
    Ford F-450
    Ford Transit 350 HR and Transit 150 MR
    GMC Canyon SLT
    GMC Sierra Denali 2500 HD

The Colorado emerged as Motor Trend’s 2015 Truck of the Year by a rare unanimous vote. The editors were particularly impressed with Colorado’s handsome, clean-sheet design, “right-sized” package, excellent handling and overall capability. Colorado’s potent-yet-efficient powertrains also returned best-in-class fuel economy according to Real MPG and EPA testing.

“After days of testing, hundreds of miles on the road, and our most rigorous truck testing program to date, our editors unanimously selected the Chevy Colorado as our 2015 Truck of the Year,” said Edward Loh, Motor Trend’s editor-in-chief.

“Colorado is a smart, capable, and refreshingly honest truck that makes a strong value and efficiency statement. It’s perfectly sized and suited for the needs of many of today’s truck users.”

Said Sandor Piszar, Chevy Trucks marketing director: “The Chevrolet Colorado offers customers the versatility of a pickup in a powerful, refined, fuel-efficient midsize package, with up to 27 mpg EPA highway. For Colorado to emerge from Motor Trend’s thorough evaluation as the 2015 Truck of the Year shows how Colorado is changing the game by offering truck customers fresh new choices.”

To determine which truck deserved top honors, the Motor Trend test team subjected all of the contenders to numerous instrumented and real-world road tests. First up was standard Motor Trend testing, which included: 0-60 mph and 1/4-mile acceleration, 60-0 mph braking, and maximum lateral grip - all without payload or trailered loads.

Top picture: Motor Trend Editor-In-Chief Edward Loh presents General Motors CEO Mary Barra with the 2015 Motor Trend Truck of the Year Award for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado.