Best Tonneau Cover for Chevrolet Colorado

The BAK BAKFlip MX4 is a 5-foot, hard folding tonneau cover that fits perfectly on the back of any Chevy Colorado made between 2015 and 2020.

Why do we love it? 

Firstly, its durability and protective features are a real asset. The BAKFlip MX4’s premium matte finish will continue to look good for years, thanks to its UV and scratch-resistant surface. When it comes to protecting your cargo, the cover’s hard surface and secure fit offer optimal protection against wind, rain, snow, and sun.

When it comes to anti-theft features, the MX4 impresses us again, with four aluminum panels that are tough enough to withstand up to 400 pounds of pressure. These panels automatically fasten when you close the cover, keeping your cargo safe until you reopen them. 

Easy installation is another great feature of the MX4. You can do it yourself within minutes by simply following the instructions. Opening and closing the cover is also extremely convenient, making it ideal for people who spend a lot of time taking stuff in and out of the truck bed.

For example, unlike other tonneau covers, you can open the MX4 from any side of your truck, regardless of whether the tailgate is open or closed. You can also open it partially or completely to access any corner of your truck bed. 

Depending on how much access you need, you can open the cover by folding or lifting it. If you lift it, you can keep the cover in an upright position with its prop rods while you work in the truck bed.

Simply put, the BAKFlip MX4 is an attractive, secure, and user-friendly tonneau cover. The only thing that might stop you from buying it is the high price. But when you consider the cover’s durability, versatility, and 5-year warranty, you’ll see it’s worth the price tag.

Pros

• Scratch and UV-resistant surface

• Optimized security with buckles on each fold 

• Offers 100% protection against all weather

• Easy installation and you can open it quickly without tools 

• Comes with a 5-year, hassle-free warranty, and US-based support 

Cons

• High price

Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold

Like the BAKFlip MX4, the Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold is a hard tonneau cover for Chevrolet Colorado that can fit on any 2015 to 2020 Chevy Colorado truck. But compared to the MX4, the Gator EFX is much kinder on your wallet. 

Even though it’s a relatively budget-friendly tonneau cover, the Gator EFX makes no compromises when it comes to quality and user-friendliness. Its quality is evident in its durable aluminum panels with a scratch- and UV-resistant finish for even more durability

The entire thing looks sleek and offers 100% protection for your truck bed and its cargo. That includes protection not just against the elements, but also dust and other road dirt. Water protection is also top-notch with inner drain tubes and perimeter rubber seals that keep water out of the bed.

When it comes to security, the Gator EFX’s heavy-duty aluminum panels are incredibly tough to break. The panels also lock automatically after you close them, ensuring no unwanted visitors can peek into your truck bed.

Installing all of this is made easy for you and doesn’t require making holes on your truck. Everything you need for the installation comes with the cover, including the mounting rails and clamp-on system for securing the cover to your truck bed.

To protect your purchase, the Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold comes with a 3-year warranty and US-based customer service. On the downside, after installation, the cover opens only two-thirds of the way, meaning you’ll have limited access to your truck bed. 

Pros

• Durable build with a scratch and UV-resistant finish

• Easy and quick to install

• Offers protection against rain, snow, dirt, and dust 

• It comes with a 3-year warranty

Cons

• It limits access to certain parts of the truck bed

Extang Trifecta 2.0

If you prefer soft-folding tonneau covers, the Extang Trifecta 2.0 may be the perfect choice for you.

Even though it has a soft cover, the Extang is anything but weak. Its leather-grain fabric body offers optimal protection by shielding your Chevy truck’s bed against water and other elements. The material itself is durable, meaning you can expect it to protect your truck for years without risk of fading or tearing. 

What’s even more impressive about the Extang Trifecta 2.0 is how easy it is to install. Its installation requires no modifications to your truck. All you have to do is accurately lay the preassembled cover over your truck bed and tighten its clamps to the bed wall. That’s it!

Operating it is just as straightforward. You can lock it with the EZ-Lock clamps at the tailgate or remove the whole cover for quick and complete access to your truck bed. When closed, the fit is so secure, you don’t have to worry about the soft cover fluttering or blowing off while driving.

Simply put, the entire contraption is lightweight, secure, convenient, and just as important, it looks good on the back of your truck.

Pros

• Attractive design

• Offers impressive protection against the elements for its material

• Stays secure while driving

• Easy and quick to install

Cons

• Its lightweight material doesn’t offer the best security on the market

oEdRo Upgraded Soft Tri-fold

The oEdRo Upgraded Soft Tri-fold tonneau cover is the budget-friendly choice for Chevy Colorado owners. Even though it’s more affordable than many of its competitors, the price drop doesn’t reflect a lack of convenience, durability, or protection.  

For protection, you get a heavy-duty double layer PVC cover with marine-grade vinyl. It is waterproof, UV-resistant, and seals well to protect your truck bed and its cargo from rain, snow, dust, and more.

You can open the tonneau cover partially or fully with the aid of its powder-coated aluminum rails. Installing the rail and the cover is quick and easy since there’s no need to drill and the entire package comes preassembled.

Simply put the cover in place, secure its four clamps, and you are good to go. You can also use the Velcro straps along the sides to tighten it and prevent flapping while driving. 

For security, the cover comes with a tailgate lock, which protects your cargo as long as the tailgate is closed. If you doubt this cover will be a good fit for your truck, you’ll be happy to know it comes with a limited lifetime warranty that protects your interests.

Pros

• Affordable price

• Offers solid protection against rain, sun, and snow

• Its Velcro straps keep it tight and secure 

• Easy to install

Cons

• Some customers need weatherstripping for the bulkhead area

Tonno Pro, Soft Folding

If yours is an older model, you’ll be happy to know there are tonneau cover for Chevrolet Colorado options for you too. One of the more impressive options is the Tonno Pro Soft Folding, which is suitable for 2004 to 2012 Chevrolet Colorado trucks.

The cover is made with a double-sided vinyl material, which is tear-resistant. Underneath is a tough yet lightweight powder-coated aluminum frame. Both work together to protect your truck bed from harsh UV-rays and winds. 

For water and dust protection, there’s water-resistant edging around the cover. It keeps the truck bed dry, regardless of how rainy or snowy it gets.

Installing the whole thing is easy since the tonneau cover comes preassembled. To attach it to your truck, all you need are the side rail clamps – no drilling or other special tools required. Plus, since the cover is super lightweight, you can easily complete the installation or take the cover off yourself.

Another upside of the Tonno Pro Soft Folding is that it doesn’t limit access to your truck bed. It might offer two thirds of the bed access when the cover is in place, but it just takes a minute to undo the clasps, remove the cover, and access the entire bed.

Altogether, this Tonno Pro is a versatile option that’ll extend the lifespan of your older Chevy truck and enhance its beauty.

Pros

• It comes with a limited lifetime guarantee 

• Tight fit for zero sagging or fluttering while driving

• Quick and easy installation or uninstallation 

• Effective water-resistant edging for protection against all elements

Cons

• The clamps aren’t the most durable

TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll-Up

The TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll-up offers many popular features for tonneau covers for Chevrolet Colorado (2015-2020) owners, with a bit more on top. For example, it covers the entire truck bed and has industrial strength Velcro on the sides for keeping the cover taut.

The cover itself consists of a vinyl tarp and an aluminum frame that roll together to open or close your truck bed. The tarp is tear, UV, and cold-resistant, while the aluminum frame is lightweight. Even though it’s lightweight, the frame can withstand significant weights, such as heavy snow, without bending. 

The aluminum frame also works with the premium tarp to deliver a sleek cover that operates seamlessly. Plus, after installation, you’ll still have full access to your truck bed since the cover rolls up to the cabin. 

For locking the cover and securing your cargo, there are dual paddle latches that attach to the tailgate. While these latches are in place, you can still open or close the tailgate as you please. Also, with the manual tension control knob, you can easily relax or tighten the cover to suit your cargo.

Like every top-notch tonneau cover for Chevrolet Colorado on our list, installing this TruXedo TruXport is easy and doesn’t require drill holes. Its heavy-duty adjustable clamps are all you need.

Pros

• It comes with a 5-year warranty 

• Easy to install

• Doesn’t limit access to the truck bed

• Easy to use tension control knob

Cons

• Not the most durable option

Gator ETX Soft Roll-Up

Whether or not you are carrying cargo in the back, the Gator ETX Soft Roll-Up will make a nice addition to your 2015 to 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. If you want your truck bed fully open, you can roll the cover all the way to the cabin. Alternatively, if you want the bed closed and secure, this tonneau cover offers top-notch protection against dust, wind, sunlight, rain, theft, and more.

Protection against the elements comes from the cover’s industrial-strength leather-grain vinyl material with effective sealing around the edges. Anti-theft protection comes from its heavy-duty latching. 

To fully cover your cargo and prevent flapping, there are adjustable tension controls for tightening the cover. 

The installation process is quick and straightforward with clamps that attach to the side of your truck. If properly done, you’ll have a tonneau cover for your Chevrolet Colorado that sleekly fits and complements the overall look of your truck.

Also, unlike other tonneau covers, the Gator ETX Soft Roll-Up pairs well with other truck bed accessories. That’s because it doesn’t block the truck bed’s stake pocket holes, meaning you can install it alongside other accessories without issues.

Pros

• One-handed operation for opening the latch

• Access to the full truck bed

• You can install it alongside other accessories

• It comes with a limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Its material can hold water, which adds to its weight

Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold

The Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold is better suited for a 2019 to 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. It’s made with a marine-grade vinyl material that’s tear-resistant and dual-coated to extend its durability and protection capabilities. 

Under the marine-grade vinyl material is an aircraft-grade aluminum frame that keeps things lightweight, but ensures you have full control over the cover. 

Attached to the cover are stainless steel clamps for fastening the cover to your truck. There is also weathertight sealing around the cover for keeping out sunrays, rain, wind, snow, and more to protect your truck bed and its contents.

For keeping out unwanted people or animals, its stainless steel rods and latches lock down the cover to secure your truck bed. 

When properly installed, the cover looks sleek on the back of compatible trucks and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros

• Strong protection against the elements

• Full bed access when needed

• It comes preassembled for easy installation

• Latches for protecting your cargo

Cons

• Works well with limited Chevy Colorado models

MaxMate Soft Tri-Fold

If your 2015 to 2020 Chevy Colorado has a 5-feet bed, the MaxMate Soft Tri-Fold is an affordable option for protecting your cargo. It is a combination of aircraft-grade aluminum frames and heavy-duty 24-ounce marine-grade vinyl. Both materials work together to shield your truck bed against the elements and give your truck a sleeker look.

Unlike previous models of the MaxMate Soft Tri-Fold that had plastic latches, new and improved versions come with stainless steel clamps for fastening it to your truck. The entire package comes preassembled, so all you have to do is place it over your truck bed and lock it in with the clamps.

To ensure the cover stays taut and there are no distracting noises while driving, Velcro straps are in place along the sides to tighten the cover as and when you need to. 

We are also big fans of the 10-year no-hassle warranty that comes with the cover to protect your purchase. On the other hand, we don’t like that customers with over-the-bedrail bedliner truck beds need to cut holes in the bedliner. Without doing that, they can’t secure the clamps to install the cover.

That being said, if your Chevy Colorado has an over-the-bedrail bedliner, we recommend this tonneau cover as a great budget option for improving your truck’s style and performance.

Pros

• Velcro straps for a taut and safe cover

• Easy installation

• Durable marine-grade vinyl and aluminum structure

• Affordable 

Cons

• Not as durable as some of its competitors

JJTQSR Soft Vinyl Roll-Up

The JJTQSR Soft Vinyl Roll-Up is a top mount tonneau cover that shares similarities with other soft roll-up covers on our list. However, because of its top mount design, it won’t work with trucks that already have accessories on the bed rails.

If your 2015 to 2020 Chevrolet Colorado has no accessories in place, then we guarantee this soft roll-up cover will fit in beautifully. Aside from looking good, the JJTQSR Soft Vinyl Roll-up also has the upside of being secure. It accomplishes this with a tear-resistant, double-sided vinyl tarp over an aluminum frame. The cover also has the upside of being reinforced for UV and cold-resistance. 

To ensure the cover stays in place, there is a patented latch and tension system that keeps things tightly sealed. That way, water, dust, or anything else can’t touch your truck bed, regardless of whether your truck is moving or stationary.

Another thing we like about the JJTQSR Soft Vinyl Roll-up is its user-friendliness. For instance, it has a one-finger release design for quickly opening the cover. Installation is just as easy with heavy-duty adjustable clamps for attaching the cover to your truck. 

If it turns out you are unhappy with any part of the cover, there’s a 3-year warranty against workmanship or materials defects. 

Pros

• Whether the cover is open or closed, you can operate the truck tailgate 

• Velcro hook and loop tension system 

• Easy to install

• Doesn’t limit access to the truck bed

Cons

• Poorly-written instruction manual

Buyers Guide

Types of Tonneau Covers

Different types of tonneau covers for Chevrolet Colorado’s exist for achieving different purposes and appearances. Here’s everything you need to know about each type, so you can pick the best one for your truck.

Folding Tonneau Covers

Folding tonneau covers have a unique design, which usually features three hinged panels that you can fold separately to access your truck bed’s contents. That makes it a versatile option for having complete or partial access to your truck bed. That said, most folding covers only allow for access to 2/3 of the truck bed, even after it’s fully opened.

Depending on the product, the folding cover may be hard or soft. Hard covers are typically made with fiberglass or aluminum, while the soft options have a hard yet flexible aluminum frame with a cloth covering. 

The hard-folding options are typically the first choice among truck owners who want a more secure truck bed. One downside, however, it that the cover’s hardness limits you to only carrying cargo that’s the same height as the inside of the truck bed.

Roll-Up Tonneau Covers

Unlike folding tonneau covers that can fold in three different places, the roll-up variety consists of a single cover that you can roll back or forward to open or close a truck bed. They are usually lightweight and straightforward, which makes them the simplest to install and operate. Also, they are generally more affordable.

The cover is usually made with a cloth or leather-like material over a flexible frame. The flexibility of the material makes this cover suitable for covering cargo that’s larger than your truck bed. 

To keep the roll-up cover taut, there’s usually a tightening mechanism. Without it, you could be left with a cover that flutters or even billows off in the wind. Another upside of the roll-up cover is that most don’t limit access to the truck bed. That’s because you can roll them back all the way to the cabin.

Retractable Tonneau Covers

Retractable covers are a bit more advanced. Unlike folding and roll-up covers that you unfurl manually, retractable covers come out of a canister. The canister feeds out the cover as you pull it out and pulls it back in when you let go.  

It’s convenient to use since you can operate it alone from either side of the truck bed. Also, the seal on this cover is one of the best for protecting against rain and snow. That’s because it unfurls along a track in the bed rails on both sides. 

On the downside, the roll-up mechanism tends to fail over time, which will affect its ability to perform optimally. Also, installing it may require special tools and more time, so it’s not for a DIY novice. 

Hinged Tonneau Covers

Hinged tonneau covers open and close like the hood of a car. It usually consists of one piece made with a hard material, props for keeping it open, and a latch. If you ever carry cargo that’s higher than your truck bed, closing this cover won’t be possible. 

Also, since most types of this cover can’t open all the way up, truck owners won’t have access to the entire truck bed.

Clamping/Snapping Tonneau Covers

Clamping tonneau covers typically comprise of a vinyl cover over an aluminum frame. Unlike other cover types that require drilling holes in the truck bed for installation, the frame of a clamping cover fastens to the truck bed via clasps. 

Why Use a Tonneau Cover?

A pickup truck with an open bed isn’t the most attractive or secure vehicle. By installing a tonneau cover, you’ll protect the value of your truck and enhance its aesthetics. It’ll also make the vehicle more aerodynamic, which improves its ability to handle higher speeds. 

There is a whole range of other reasons to consider getting a tonneau cover, which we’ve listed below.

Security and Safety

Without a cover, harsh sun rays, rain, snow, dust, and other elements can damage your truck bed and reduce its value. If you frequently use your truck to transport valuable cargo, the same elements can damage the cargo before it reaches its destination, leading to serious losses on your part.

Just as dangerous, while driving fast or on an uneven road, your cargo might fly out if there isn’t a cover to keep it in. That can be especially disastrous if driving on a highway with other vehicles behind you.

Covers also have the upside of keeping thieves at bay. Without one, anyone that sees something they like in your truck can simply reach in and take it. For optimal security, we recommend installing a tonneau cover that has a hard top and tailgate lock.

Fuel Efficiency

Believe it or not, by making your vehicle more aerodynamic, a tonneau cover makes your truck more fuel-efficient. 

When your truck bed is open, it creates drag while you drive. The faster you go, the higher the drag. Drag refers to the fact that you are driving your vehicle against wind resistance. To overcome the wind resistance and move at your desired speed, your truck will burn more fuel. 

If there’s a tonneau cover, air will flow smoothly over it instead of entering the truck bed to create drag. With the right tonneau cover, you can enjoy a miles-per-gallon improvement of up to 10% or more.

But remember that you can’t enjoy any of these benefits if a tonneau cover isn’t a perfect fit or properly installed, so be sure to pick the right one for your vehicle. 

FAQ

Are Tonneau Covers worth it?

Without a doubt, tonneau covers are a worthwhile investment. Firstly, they improve a truck’s look and protect the truck bed from sun, wind, and water damage. Secondly, if you typically carry cargo in your truck bed, the cover will keep that cargo out of the reach of thieves, damaging UV rays, dust, and water.

Just as important, with a tonneau cover, you’ll have fewer worries about your cargo suddenly flying off your truck when driving fast.

Do Tonneau Covers save on gas?

Tonneau covers are effective attachments for making your truck more fuel-efficient. It accomplishes this by making your truck more aerodynamic. That means you can drive your truck with less wind resistance, which will result in burning less fuel to achieve desired speeds.

Do Tonneau Covers keep water out?

The primary reason most people get tonneau covers is keeping water, snow, and other damaging elements out of the truck bed. A tonneau cover that’s a good fit for your truck bed and made with quality materials should have no trouble fulfilling this purpose. 

For optimal protection against water and other elements, hard top covers that fit snugly over the edges of the truck bed come highly recommended.

How Do I Protect My Tonneau Cover?

If you want a tonneau cover to protect your truck bed and its cargo for years, you need to take care of it. Failure to do so will lead to wear and tear that compromises the cover’s performance.

To protect your tonneau cover, first make sure its installation is properly done. If not, it could fly off your truck while driving at high speeds. The next step is cleaning it regularly to prevent an accumulation of dirt or moisture that could damage it.

You can further protect it by avoiding placing heavy objects that might dent, tear, or damage the cover. Lastly, don’t try to force a tonneau cover over cargo that can’t fit under it. Doing such can damage the cover itself or its locking mechanism.

How Do I Clean My Tonneau Cover?

Most covers come with detailed instructions for safe and effective cleaning. The proper cleaning method usually depends on the material the cover is made with. In most cases, using a moist towel or soft cloth, warm water, and car wash soap is sufficient.

If doing it yourself, avoid standing on the cover or applying too much pressure. Doing so could lead to damaging the cover. Once the cover is dry, you can use a tonneau cleaner to complete the cleaning.

Alternatively, you could visit a car wash that specializes in such jobs to do the cleaning for you.

How long does it take to install a Tonneau Cover?

How much time it’ll take to install a tonneau cover for your Chevrolet Colorado will depend on the cover’s design. For instance, covers that require assembly and drilling into your truck bed can take an hour or more to install. 

On the other hand, installing covers that come preassembled is a one-man job that can take 15 to 30 minutes. There’s no need for special tools or screws since you can attach the cover to the truck bed via clasps. Many of the tonneau covers on our list fit this description, making them super easy to install on a Chevy Colorado truck.

Conclusion 

That’s everything you need to know about picking the best tonneau cover for Chevrolet Colorado trucks. Before selecting an option from our list, we recommend verifying your choice is a good fit for your truck bed. Otherwise, you could end up with a cover that’s incompatible with your truck bed’s design and size.