Chevrolet->ke199 has been beating the war drums of the midsize->ke1695 truck->ke1311 class ever since the new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado hit the market for 2015. Now almost a year into production, the Bowtie Boys have launched a massive campaign of special editions and “bespoke” features to the Colorado->ke1193 lineup. This one is called the Midnight Edition.

Obviously playing off its name, the Midnight Edition is a monotone, black-on-black truck with upgraded wheels, black badging and... that’s about it. Well, it does come with a spray-in bed liner (which is also black) and a folding soft tonneau cover (also black) and sill plates embossed with the Chevy logo. Beyond that, the truck has the same features as a standard Colorado.

Chevy also offers the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Trail Boss edition, which is also new for 2016 and was launched alongside the Midnight Edition. The Trail Boss takes a more macho approach and comes with beefy tires, side steps, and a bed-mounted “sports bar” known in the south as a roll bar.

Both special editions are designed to attract buyers to the Colorado in the midst of the midsized truck revival. Now with the 2016 Toyota Tacoma on the scene, the Colorado has to up its game in order to win over a buyers’ hearts and pocketbooks.

Continue reading for the full story.

Exterior

Most of the changes for the Midnight Edition are found on the Colorado’s exterior. Obviously the only color choice is black. Matching the body color are blacked-out Chevy bowties front and back, along with glossy black 18-inch wheels. The headlights are treated to smoked lenses, lending a more sinister appearance to the truck’s face. Body-color side mirror caps, bumpers, and door handles finish off the look.

The truck sports an easy-open tailgate for quick, one-handed operation; rear bumper corner steps for easy access to the bed, and plenty of tie-downs in the bed for cargo.

Interior

Note: standard 2015 Chevrolet Colorado interior shown.

The cabin doesn’t change at all with the Midnight Edition. Nevertheless, the truck gives occupants plenty of functionality. Cubby spaces and USB ports abound, as do intuitive controls and quality materials.

Chevrolet offers its MyLink infotainment system on the in-dash touch screen. Features like navigation, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM radio with a rewind function, and OnStar are available in the truck.

Like with most any GM->ke1024 vehicle, the dealership network offers a slew of optional extras like floor mats, ashtrays, and other customizable items that can be rolled in with the vehicle’s financing and warranty.

Drivetrain

Under the hood the Colorado Midnight Edition offers all three engine options: the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the volume-leading 3.6-liter V-6, and the all-new 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel. Both the Duramax and V-6 come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission while the gasoline four-cylinder comes standard with a manual box.

The 2.5-liter is rated at 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.6-liter V-6 offers a more healthy 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. For those wanting to tow or haul, the Duramax is the right choice, with its 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. In fact, opting for the turbodiesel ups the Colorado’s towing capacity by 700 pounds to 7,700 pounds.

Prices

Chevrolet has yet to release any pricing information on the Midnight Edition, but the special-edition option is expected to cost an additional $1,500 to $2,000.

As it stands, the 2015 Colorado’s base price starts at $20,120 and goes north from there, landing in the lower $40,000 range when fully loaded.

Competition

2016 Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma->ke1042 is all-new for 2016, save for a handful of carryover parts that are mostly unseen. The new truck pushes the design envelope, both inside and out, while also pushing the efficiency envelope with its new 3.5-liter V-6.

The new powertrain offers exceptional fuel economy for a gasoline V-6, while still allowing the Tacoma to perform truck duties. The Tacoma does offers two TRD editions – the TRD Sport being a more on-road design and the TRD Off-Road fulfilling its name.

Read our full review here.

2009 Nissan Frontier

At this point, the Frontier->ke547 remains the aging truck that was new nearly a decade ago. Its replacement is said to be in development and will eventually come to market after the Titan->ke482 and Titan XD hit showrooms for 2016.

Rumors suggest the new Frontier will come with a Cummins turbodiesel powerplant and offer class-leading towing and hauling stats. Only time will tell on that.

But as it is, the Frontier remains a distant third to the Tacoma and Colorado.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

The 2016 Colorado Midnight Edition is a cool appearance package that should appeal to those looking for a non-standard truck that has the same capabilities as a standard model. Since the Midnight Edition doesn’t diminish the Colorado’s abilities in any way, this blacked-out beast is still a great truck.

What’s more, the new Tacoma won’t likely come with any special editions or accent packages for at least the first year, giving Chevy a leg up on impressing its customer base.

There’s no doubt Chevy has a big fight on its hands with the new Tacoma hitting showrooms and the upcoming Frontier not too far away. It will be interesting to see how Chevy plans on keeping its relatively new Colorado from getting long in the tooth.