If you've spent any time looking for a 2017 colorado front bumper, you probably already know that there are way more options out there than you might have initially thought. Whether you're dealing with a cracked plastic shell from a minor fender bender or you're just sick of how low the factory front end sits, changing out the bumper is one of those projects that can totally transform the look of your truck. It's one of the most visible parts of the vehicle, and honestly, the stock setup on the 2017 Chevy Colorado leaves a bit of room for improvement, especially if you're the type who likes to take your rig off the pavement.
Choosing Between OEM and Aftermarket Styles
When you start your search, the first big fork in the road is deciding if you want a direct factory replacement (OEM) or something from the aftermarket world. If you just want your truck to look exactly like it did the day it rolled off the lot, then an OEM-style 2017 colorado front bumper is the way to go. These are usually made of plastic and come in a few pieces—the upper cover, the lower valance, and that notorious air dam.
The downside to going OEM is that it's often more expensive if you buy it directly from a dealer, and you're basically putting the same vulnerable plastic back on the front of your truck. On the flip side, aftermarket bumpers offer a ton of variety. You can find everything from "factory-look" replacements that are a bit cheaper to heavy-duty steel bumpers that look like they could plow through a brick wall. Most people lean toward aftermarket options when they want to add a bit of personality or utility to their Colorado.
The Infamous Air Dam Situation
We can't talk about the 2017 colorado front bumper without mentioning the air dam. If you own this truck, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's that massive piece of plastic hanging off the bottom of the bumper that seems to scrape on every driveway and speed bump. Chevy put it there to help with fuel economy by directing air around the truck, but for a lot of owners, it's the first thing to go.
When you're shopping for a new bumper, you have to decide if you want to keep that look or get rid of it. Many off-road style bumpers eliminate the air dam entirely, which immediately gives the truck a much "taller" appearance and better ground clearance. If you're just replacing the stock bumper cover because of damage, you might want to take that opportunity to just leave the air dam off when you put the new one on. It makes the truck look way more like a proper 4x4 and way less like a suburban grocery getter.
Why Off-Road Bumpers Are a Game Changer
If you're planning on hitting some trails, a steel aftermarket 2017 colorado front bumper is almost a necessity. The stock plastic bumpers are great for weight and aerodynamics, but they offer zero protection against rocks, stumps, or even tall brush. A solid steel bumper changes the whole dynamic.
First off, you get a much better approach angle. Because these bumpers are usually "tucked" higher up, you can climb over obstacles without worrying about ripping your front end off. Secondly, most of these heavy-duty options come with mounts for a winch and extra lighting. If you've ever tried to mount a light bar to a plastic stock bumper, you know it can be a shaky, rattling mess. A steel bumper gives you a rock-solid foundation for all those accessories. Plus, let's be real—they just look cool. They give the Colorado a much more aggressive, "ready for anything" vibe.
Dealing with Sensors and Fog Lights
One thing that catches people off guard when they're swapping out their 2017 colorado front bumper is the electronics. Depending on your trim level—whether you have a WT, LT, or Z71—you might have fog lights or even parking sensors embedded in that front plastic.
If you're buying a replacement, you need to make sure it has the right cutouts. If your truck didn't come with fog lights but you want to add them, now is the perfect time to buy a bumper that has the mounting holes. However, if you have parking sensors, you'll need to be extra careful. You'll have to pop those sensors out of the old bumper and seat them into the new one. Most high-quality aftermarket bumpers come with grommets or mounting points specifically for this, but it's definitely something you want to double-check before you hit the "buy" button. Wiring can also be a bit of a pain, so make sure you keep all your clips and harnesses in a safe spot during the teardown.
The Realities of a DIY Installation
Is replacing a 2017 colorado front bumper a job you can do in your driveway? Absolutely. But it's one of those tasks that is simple in theory and a little bit of a headache in practice. You don't need a degree in mechanical engineering, but you will need a good set of sockets—specifically 7mm, 10mm, and maybe some Torx bits.
The hardest part isn't actually bolting the new one on; it's getting the old one off without breaking those annoying plastic clips. Chevy used a lot of "push-pins" and hidden screws inside the wheel wells. You'll find yourself reaching into tight spots and wondering why they made it so complicated. It's also a two-person job once you get to the point of actually pulling the bumper cover off or lifting a heavy steel replacement into place. If you're installing a steel bumper, it's going to be heavy. Don't try to be a hero and do it alone; you'll end up scratching your paint or dropping the bumper on your toes.
Paint Matching and Finishing Touches
Unless you're buying a pre-painted OEM replacement or a black powder-coated steel bumper, you're probably going to have to deal with paint. Most "primed" plastic bumpers come in a dull black or grey finish. If you want it to match your truck's body color, you've got two choices: take it to a local body shop or try your hand at color-match spray cans.
For a 2017 colorado front bumper, I usually recommend the body shop route if you want it to look perfect. Silver Ice Metallic or Red Rock Metallic are hard colors to get right with a rattle can. However, if you're going for a more rugged look, some people choose to "Line-X" or bed-liner their front bumper. It's incredibly durable, hides scratches, and gives the truck a tough, textured finish that looks great on the Colorado's lines.
Wrapping Things Up
At the end of the day, picking out a new 2017 colorado front bumper comes down to how you use your truck. If it's a daily driver that stays on the highway, a clean OEM replacement will keep your MPG up and your truck looking sharp. If you're looking to turn heads and maybe get a little muddy on the weekends, jumping into the world of steel aftermarket bumpers is the way to go.
It's an investment, for sure, but it's one of the best ways to personalize your truck and make it feel like yours. Just remember to take your time with the install, watch out for those pesky plastic clips, and maybe get a buddy to help you lift the heavy stuff. Once it's all bolted up and the fog lights are wired back in, you'll realize that the effort was totally worth it for that fresh front-end look.