The Chevrolet Colorado light-duty truck receives only minimal updating for 2010, amid rumors it might be on its way out of Chevy's lineup for good. The Colorado continues to deliver a balanced, capable ride and decent performance, most owners and reviewers agree. However, many also find the Colorado's exterior styling somewhat dated, while the interior remains spartan and underwhelming, especially when compared to the cabins of some of its competitors, which have a more upscale feel.

For 2010, the Colorado receives side-curtain airbags as a new standard feature, and it comes in three new exterior colors, including Steel Green Metallic, Cardinal Red Metallic, and Sheer Silver Metallic. Chevy offers the Colorado in a total of 16 trims for 2010, including Work, LT1, LT2, and LT3 trim levels. In addition, prospective owners can choose from regular, extended, or crew cabs, as well as rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configurations.

Trims equipped with the regular cab come only in Work and LT1 trim levels, powered by a base 2.9-liter, four-cylinder engine, which produces 185 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up a notch, Chevy offers the extended cab trims in Work, LT1, LT2, and LT3 trim levels, while crew cab versions come in LT1, LT2, and LT3 trims.

A 3.5-liter five-cylinder engine, generating 242 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque, powers all LT2 trims, while the LT3 trims provide solid performance, thanks to their 5.3-liter V8, which develops 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The engines link to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic with overdrive, depending on the trim. Fuel economy numbers range from 18/25 mpg for the base four-cylinder engine to 15/20 mpg for the V8.

The V8 trims have a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. In addition, they come equipped with a ZQ8 Sport Suspension Package, as well as a revised braking system, a standard sport appearance package, and large 18-inch wheels and tires.

Inside, all trims include such standard features as a leather-trimmed steering wheel, cruise control, air conditioning, and an AM/FM audio system with a CD player and XM satellite radio. In addition, all trims receive standard OnStar. LT2 trims include power windows and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, while the LT3 level adds bucket seats. Options for higher-end trims include leather upholstery, heated front seats, and power-adjustable front seats.

All Colorado trims come standard with antilock brakes and GM's StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System, which includes traction control. Work and LT1 trims ride on 16-inch wheels, which upgrade to 17-inch wheels in the LT2 trims and 18-inch wheels for LT3 trims.