The leather-lined luxo trucks of today are a far cry from what pickup trucks->ke242 used to be; hard-working tools designed to get the job done with little in the way of creature comforts. Well, Chevrolet->ke199 has just announced it is now offering a workin’ man’s edition to the 2015 Colorado->ke1193 midsize truck. The new box delete option does what its name promises by removing the pickup box in order for customers to install the utility box or flat bed of their choice.

Aimed directly at fleet buyers such as local governments, utility companies, or contractors, the truck offers free reign over how the rear frame rails are used. Chevy’s box delete option code is ZW9 and only available with the Work Truck trim level on extended cab Colorados fitted with the 3.6-liter V-6 engine and 2WD.

Checking the ZW9 option box adds a few work-relate items to the truck, along with a $300 credit off the truck’s MSRP. While it might not be glamorous, the Colorado ZW9 is ready for work, no matter what aftermarket additions are attached to the frame.

Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Colorado Box Delete Package.

Exterior

Things on the outside are all normal – at least from the rear of the extended cab forward. The truck comes with the standard WT trim level fanfare, including black door handles, mirror caps, and fog lamp delete panels. Six-spoke steel wheels sized at 16 inches are wrapped in all-season rubber. The truck does sport a flashy chrome grille with black inserts for a dressy appearance. And since the ZW9 is available only of 2WD trucks, the front tow hooks are missing and their slots covered by plastic.

Around back is where the difference is seen. The entire bed and rear bumper assembly is completely removed. Chevy includes a pair of temporary taillights attached to the frame rails to pass inspection. They’re easily unbolted to make room for an aftermarket bed system. Included in the ZW9 package is the Z82 trailering package, which includes the two-inch hitch receiver and the seven- and four-pin trailer wiring connections.

Interior

Shown with available rear seat delete

Within the cab of the Colorado, everything is just as it would normally be. The WT trim level gives the truck a fairly spartan cab, though it comes standard with power windows and locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, carpeted flooring, and the 4.2-inch color radio display. Options include vinyl or cloth coverings on the bucket seats, vinyl floor coverings, the rear seat delete package for extra storage space, all-weather floor mats, keyless entry, OnStar with the 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and the upgraded 4.2-inch MyLink radio system.

Drivetrain

Chevy has eliminated the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the ZW9 package, leaving only the 3.6-liter V-6 as the standard engine. The mill produces 305 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 269 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm and is mated to the Hyrda-Matic six-speed automatic transmission. Strangely, rear-wheel drive is the only option with the ZW9 package. It seems Chevy doesn’t think contractors with utility boxes need the option of 4WD. Thankfully the G80 automatic locking rear differential comes standard courtesy of the also-standard Z82 trailering package.

Unladen, the V-6 Colorado earns an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. It comes equipped with a 21-gallon fuel tank.

Prices

The Extended Cab, Long Box Colorado in WT trim starts at $22,650. Add the required 3.6-liter V-6 and Z82 trailering package, and the base price moves to the neighborhood of $24,800.

Competition

Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma has long been a favorite of contractors, utility companies, and businesses who operate in cramped quarters or who simply carry less gear. With Toyota’s Access Cab selected – the Extended Cab’s direct competitor – the Tacoma has a base price of $21,850. That includes the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual in 2WD.

The Tacoma does offer two choices of ride heights with 2WD; the standard is lowered and the 4x2 PreRunner comes with the stance of a 4WD. Only one bed length is offered however, and Toyota doesn’t offer a bed delete option from the factory.

Chevrolet Silverado

“Why are you comparing the midsize Colorado to the full size Silverado?” Hear me out. For roughly $2,000 more, you’re able to spec a single cab Silverado long box with the optional 5.3-liter V-8. That brings 355 horsepower and another 200 pounds of towing capability, plus another 27 inches in interior bed length. For those who must sacrifice size for cargo volume, the Silverado is the way to go. What’s more, the availability of aftermarket utility beds are likely greater for the already-established full size truck.

Conclusion

The ZW9 package adds a ton of versatility to the 2015 Colorado, allowing it to perform work it otherwise couldn’t do. Granted, it’s possible to simply remove the cargo bed from any pickup and install an aftermarket utility box or flatbed, but this package helps cut cost.

That back-door solution is necessary if you’re needing 4WD or the extra space of the Crew Cab, or simply want to settle for the four-cylinder and manual transmission. But regardless, it’s nice to know Chevy is looking out for the hard-working types who need the extra function of an aftermarket bed solution.