The Holden Colorado occupies a distinguished position as one of Australia's most respected and versatile utility vehicles, renowned for its toughness, reliability, and practicality combined with an appealing sense of refinement and modernity. Understanding the true essence and strengths of the 2017-2022 range—including popular variants such as the Z71, LS, LT, and LTZ—requires appreciating its storied past, evolution through various international markets and editions, and the progressive features that shaped modern driving satisfaction.
Historical Context and Evolution of the Holden Colorado:
First Generation: The Chevrolet S-10 Roots (Global - Early 1980s to 2004)
The history of the Holden Colorado begins overseas with America's Chevrolet S-10 in the early 1980s, a compact pickup tailored for city-sized utility and efficiency. Its simple yet rugged design, capable drivetrains, and practicality earned a loyal global following. General Motors successfully adapted and marketed this robust platform internationally under several brands; notably, in certain South American, African, and Southeast Asian markets, it became the Chevrolet S-10, GMC Sonoma, or Chevrolet LUV (Light Utility Vehicle).
Second Generation: Holden Rodeo and Colorado RC (Australia, Pre-2012)
In Australia, the legacy began under the well-known Holden Rodeo brand (originally launched in 1980), marketed as a dependable, no-fuss utility appealing strongly to tradespeople and rural communities. The Rodeo evolved through generations of refinement, each receiving improved power, comfort, and safety enhancements. Beginning in 2008, Holden adopted the global "Colorado" name in Australia, replacing the Rodeo entirely, and thus began the local market transition into the next phase of the popular ute.
Third Generation: Colorado RG Series I (2012–2016)
The RG marked a decisive transition, moving Holden's ute market position more directly against rivals with increased refinement, vastly improved towing capacities, significant road manners, and more sophisticated cabin comforts. In the Australian and New Zealand markets, the RG Colorado series elevated Holden's image and mainstream popularity significantly through a combination of robust diesel performance, practical interior accommodations, and enhanced styling cues from Chevrolet’s global design language.
Holden Colorado RG Series II (2017–2020) and Later Variants (2020–2022)
From 2017, the Series II thoroughly refreshed the Colorado, bringing major improvements in refinement, cabin quietness, ride quality, and driver assistance technology. The Z71 variant particularly gained a reputation for its elevated styling and premium interior enhancements, targeted towards buyers seeking comfort and distinctive appearance alongside traditional ute functionality. LS, LT, and LTZ trims offered varying balances between rugged dependability, practical interior features, and sophisticated tech conveniences, attracting a diverse customer base unified by a need for reliability and clear practical advantages. From 2020 until 2022, the Colorado further refined minor exterior details, interior material upgrades, and advanced infotainment system offerings, maintaining popularity by consistently evolving to match consumer expectations.
Holden and Chevrolet Branding Globally
Internationally, GM's dual-brand strategy prominently marketed the Colorado wearing Chevrolet badges elsewhere, particularly popular in Southeast Asia, South African, and South American markets. Though badging differed, these trucks closely mirrored Australia's Holden Colorado RG in specification, trim levels, and available technologies, highlighting the global appeal and practicality behind GM’s platform strategy.
Benefits and Strengths of the Holden Colorado 2017–2022 Models:
Performance and Capability:
Equipped with a sturdy 2.8-litre Duramax diesel engine, the 2017–2022 Holden Colorado boasted commendable torque, impressive towing capabilities, and robust durability. The 147kW power output and substantial torque (approx. 500Nm for automatic variants) translated directly into reliable hauling and off-road prowess, meeting rigorous demands from tradies, farmers, families, and recreational users alike.
Stylish Refinements and Practical Comfort:
Across variants such as the LS, LT, LTZ, and particularly the premium Z71, the Holden Colorado provided well-considered interior refinements, premium seating materials, intuitive cabin layout, and thoughtful storage solutions. The Z71 especially offered distinctive design enhancements, including stylish black exterior accents, premium interior highlights, unique wheels, sports bar inserts, and luxury detailing, demonstrating a clear commitment to aesthetic appeal alongside its practicality.
Technology Evolution and Safety Features:
Embracing progressive technology standards, the Colorado brought significant strides especially evident from 2017 onwards. Factory-installed infotainment systems incorporated practical smartphone connectivity through wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while advanced driver assistance aids (forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rearview camera, parking sensors) enhanced convenience, confidence, and driving accuracy significantly compared to previous iterations.
Improving Driving Satisfaction through Thoughtful Upgrades:
Despite its robust factory foundations, Holden Colorado owners frequently seek meaningful enhancements, supporting additional comfort, connectivity, and enjoyable driving experiences. Modern aftermarket infotainment options—such as those offered by Brummstadt—address user desires exceeding factory-standard features. Specifically tailored premium head units designed for the 2017–2022 Holden Colorado seamlessly introduce comprehensively integrated capabilities, expanding the standard feature set with specific regard to multimedia experiences and functional connectivity.
For instance, premium advanced head units from Brummstadt offer wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, substantially improving user interactions through wireless convenience and added connectivity flexibility. Key improvements include clearly displaying commonly utilized navigation applications like Google Maps, WAZE, and Apple Maps directly on large, vibrant displays. Users may pre-plan and seamlessly transfer driving directions from their smartphone to their vehicle display wirelessly, substantially simplifying commutes and journeys alike.
Additionally, Brummstadt infotainment upgrades allow practical optional features such as high-definition 1080p resolution front and rear-view cameras—helping enhance parking visibility, reduce blind-spot risk, and contribute significantly to travel safety. Entertainment-focused features offer further opportunities: integrated USB connections facilitate passenger-friendly gaming and multimedia experiences during longer journeys. Moreover, users benefit from integrated voice control capabilities, enabling seamless interaction with both smartphone functions and smart-home devices via voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant.
Thus, the Holden Colorado's practicality, dependability, and standout styling are effectively and naturally extended through carefully selected infotainment and accessory upgrades. Brummstadt's head unit solutions thoughtfully reflect a dedication to genuinely satisfying driving experiences—whether advancing long-distance highway comfort, weekend adventures, practical trade use, remote worksite applications, or enjoyable family interactions during routine daily driving.
Through a well-balanced evolution intertwining robust capability, thoughtful comfort refinements, enhancing technology, and global recognition, the 2017–2022 Holden Colorado LS, LT, LTZ, and Z71 stand confidently among fine vehicles demonstrating true automotive accomplishment—vehicles expressing strength, sophistication, and lasting value for drivers prioritizing genuine capability and authentic practicality.
Historical Context and Evolution of the Holden Colorado:
First Generation: The Chevrolet S-10 Roots (Global - Early 1980s to 2004)
The history of the Holden Colorado begins overseas with America's Chevrolet S-10 in the early 1980s, a compact pickup tailored for city-sized utility and efficiency. Its simple yet rugged design, capable drivetrains, and practicality earned a loyal global following. General Motors successfully adapted and marketed this robust platform internationally under several brands; notably, in certain South American, African, and Southeast Asian markets, it became the Chevrolet S-10, GMC Sonoma, or Chevrolet LUV (Light Utility Vehicle).
Second Generation: Holden Rodeo and Colorado RC (Australia, Pre-2012)
In Australia, the legacy began under the well-known Holden Rodeo brand (originally launched in 1980), marketed as a dependable, no-fuss utility appealing strongly to tradespeople and rural communities. The Rodeo evolved through generations of refinement, each receiving improved power, comfort, and safety enhancements. Beginning in 2008, Holden adopted the global "Colorado" name in Australia, replacing the Rodeo entirely, and thus began the local market transition into the next phase of the popular ute.
Third Generation: Colorado RG Series I (2012–2016)
The RG marked a decisive transition, moving Holden's ute market position more directly against rivals with increased refinement, vastly improved towing capacities, significant road manners, and more sophisticated cabin comforts. In the Australian and New Zealand markets, the RG Colorado series elevated Holden's image and mainstream popularity significantly through a combination of robust diesel performance, practical interior accommodations, and enhanced styling cues from Chevrolet’s global design language.
Holden Colorado RG Series II (2017–2020) and Later Variants (2020–2022)
From 2017, the Series II thoroughly refreshed the Colorado, bringing major improvements in refinement, cabin quietness, ride quality, and driver assistance technology. The Z71 variant particularly gained a reputation for its elevated styling and premium interior enhancements, targeted towards buyers seeking comfort and distinctive appearance alongside traditional ute functionality. LS, LT, and LTZ trims offered varying balances between rugged dependability, practical interior features, and sophisticated tech conveniences, attracting a diverse customer base unified by a need for reliability and clear practical advantages. From 2020 until 2022, the Colorado further refined minor exterior details, interior material upgrades, and advanced infotainment system offerings, maintaining popularity by consistently evolving to match consumer expectations.
Holden and Chevrolet Branding Globally
Internationally, GM's dual-brand strategy prominently marketed the Colorado wearing Chevrolet badges elsewhere, particularly popular in Southeast Asia, South African, and South American markets. Though badging differed, these trucks closely mirrored Australia's Holden Colorado RG in specification, trim levels, and available technologies, highlighting the global appeal and practicality behind GM’s platform strategy.
Benefits and Strengths of the Holden Colorado 2017–2022 Models:
Performance and Capability:
Equipped with a sturdy 2.8-litre Duramax diesel engine, the 2017–2022 Holden Colorado boasted commendable torque, impressive towing capabilities, and robust durability. The 147kW power output and substantial torque (approx. 500Nm for automatic variants) translated directly into reliable hauling and off-road prowess, meeting rigorous demands from tradies, farmers, families, and recreational users alike.
Stylish Refinements and Practical Comfort:
Across variants such as the LS, LT, LTZ, and particularly the premium Z71, the Holden Colorado provided well-considered interior refinements, premium seating materials, intuitive cabin layout, and thoughtful storage solutions. The Z71 especially offered distinctive design enhancements, including stylish black exterior accents, premium interior highlights, unique wheels, sports bar inserts, and luxury detailing, demonstrating a clear commitment to aesthetic appeal alongside its practicality.
Technology Evolution and Safety Features:
Embracing progressive technology standards, the Colorado brought significant strides especially evident from 2017 onwards. Factory-installed infotainment systems incorporated practical smartphone connectivity through wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while advanced driver assistance aids (forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rearview camera, parking sensors) enhanced convenience, confidence, and driving accuracy significantly compared to previous iterations.
Improving Driving Satisfaction through Thoughtful Upgrades:
Despite its robust factory foundations, Holden Colorado owners frequently seek meaningful enhancements, supporting additional comfort, connectivity, and enjoyable driving experiences. Modern aftermarket infotainment options—such as those offered by Brummstadt—address user desires exceeding factory-standard features. Specifically tailored premium head units designed for the 2017–2022 Holden Colorado seamlessly introduce comprehensively integrated capabilities, expanding the standard feature set with specific regard to multimedia experiences and functional connectivity.
For instance, premium advanced head units from Brummstadt offer wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, substantially improving user interactions through wireless convenience and added connectivity flexibility. Key improvements include clearly displaying commonly utilized navigation applications like Google Maps, WAZE, and Apple Maps directly on large, vibrant displays. Users may pre-plan and seamlessly transfer driving directions from their smartphone to their vehicle display wirelessly, substantially simplifying commutes and journeys alike.
Additionally, Brummstadt infotainment upgrades allow practical optional features such as high-definition 1080p resolution front and rear-view cameras—helping enhance parking visibility, reduce blind-spot risk, and contribute significantly to travel safety. Entertainment-focused features offer further opportunities: integrated USB connections facilitate passenger-friendly gaming and multimedia experiences during longer journeys. Moreover, users benefit from integrated voice control capabilities, enabling seamless interaction with both smartphone functions and smart-home devices via voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant.
Thus, the Holden Colorado's practicality, dependability, and standout styling are effectively and naturally extended through carefully selected infotainment and accessory upgrades. Brummstadt's head unit solutions thoughtfully reflect a dedication to genuinely satisfying driving experiences—whether advancing long-distance highway comfort, weekend adventures, practical trade use, remote worksite applications, or enjoyable family interactions during routine daily driving.
Through a well-balanced evolution intertwining robust capability, thoughtful comfort refinements, enhancing technology, and global recognition, the 2017–2022 Holden Colorado LS, LT, LTZ, and Z71 stand confidently among fine vehicles demonstrating true automotive accomplishment—vehicles expressing strength, sophistication, and lasting value for drivers prioritizing genuine capability and authentic practicality.