Chevy Silverado Vs. Chevy Colorado Side-By-Side Comparison

2026 Chevrolet Silverado LD ZR2 Crew Cab Short in Cypress Gray & a 2026 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab Standard 4WD in Radiant Red Tintcoat
New Silverado Trucks
New Colorado Trucks
 

The Chevy Silverado vs. Colorado comparison brings together two of Chevrolet's most renowned pickups – one a full-size powerhouse, the other a midsize marvel. On one side, the Silverado 1500 flexes its commanding might – built to pull weighty cargo and conquer job sites. Meanwhile, the Colorado boasts the same legendary Chevy grit in a leaner, more agile frame that's great for city cruising or off-road escapades. Dive into this in-depth Chevrolet truck comparison, courtesy of McGee Chevrolet of Middlebury, to discover which capable pickup is right for you.

Chevy Silverado vs. Colorado at a Glance

  • Performance: Both models come standard with a 310-horsepower turbo engine, and the Silverado 1500 offers three additional potent powertrains.
  • Towing: Need to transport a heavy trailer or camper? The Silverado 1500 has you covered; the Colorado is perfectly suited for lighter loads, like utility trailers or small boats.
  • Fuel Economy: The Colorado shines with efficient standard gas mileage; the Silverado 1500's available diesel yields best-in-class highway MPG.1
  • Configurations: The Silverado boasts multiple cab and bed configurations for ultimate flexibility; the Colorado keeps it simple and practical with a singular build.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT in Sterling Gray Metallic, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab RST in White Sands, and a Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab ZR2 in Reef Blue

Silverado vs. Colorado Trim Levels & Configurations

Both the new Silverado 1500 and Colorado present a wide range of trims for truck enthusiasts, with some overlap in styles, including the task-focused WT (Work Truck) and the off-road-ready ZR2 trims. Here's a closer look at their respective 2026 lineups:

2026 Silverado 1500 Trim Levels

  • Silverado 1500 WT
  • Silverado 1500 Custom
  • Silverado 1500 LT
  • Silverado 1500 RST
  • Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss
  • Silverado 1500 LTZ
  • Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss
  • Silverado 1500 High Country
  • Silverado 1500 ZR2

2026 Colorado Trim Levels

  • Colorado WT
  • Colorado LT
  • Colorado Trail Boss
  • Colorado Z71
  • Colorado ZR2

The Silverado 1500 showcases nine variants, compared to the Colorado's five, but you'll find workhorse, trailblazing, and luxurious iterations for both lineups.

As with the trim levels, you'll find more cab and bed options with the Silverado 1500. For cabs, you can pick from the Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and Double Cab. There are also three bed length choices: Short, Standard, and Long. If you prefer not to have to think about various setups, every Colorado model comes with a spacious Crew Cab and a 5-foot box.

Chevy Silverado vs. Colorado Specs

2026 Chevrolet Silverado LD ZR2 Crew Cab in Riptide Blue Metallic
2026 Silverado 1500
2026 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Crew Cab Standard 4WD in Radiant Red Tintcoat
2026 Colorado
Body StyleFull-sizeMidsize
Engine
  • 2.7L TurboMax
  • 5.3L V-8
  • 6.2L V8
  • 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel
2.7L TurboMax
Horsepower
  • 310 (2.7L)
  • 355 (5.3L)
  • 420 (6.2L)
  • 305 (3.0L)
310
Torque
  • 430 lb-ft (2.7L)
  • 383 lb-ft (5.3L)
  • 460 lb-ft (6.2L)
  • 495 lb-ft (3.0L)
430 lb-ft
Transmission
  • 8-speed auto
  • 10-speed auto
8-speed auto
DrivetrainRWD or 4WDRWD or 4WD
Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb)23 / 28 / 25219 / 24 / 213
Fuel Tank Size24 gal21.4 gal
Length210.94 - 242.4 in212.69 - 213.21 in
Body Width81.14 - 81.24 in74.91 - 78.09 in
Height75.35 - 78.66 in78.79 - 81.8 in
Bed Size
  • 69.92 in (short)
  • 79.44 in (standard)
  • 98.18 in (long)
61.7 in
Cab Style
  • Regular Cab
  • Double Cab
  • Crew Cab
Crew Cab
Seating3 - 65
Headroom (Front/Rear)
  • 43.11 / - in (Regular)
  • 43.03 / 39.88 (Double)
  • 43.03 / 40.12 (Crew)
40.29 / 38.28 in
Legroom (Front/Rear)
  • 44.54 / - (Regular)
  • 44.53 / 35.24 (Double)
  • 44.53 / 43.4 (Crew)
45.17 / 34.7 in
Max. Towing Capacity13,300 lbs47,700 lbs4
Max. Payload Capacity2,260 lbs51,710 lbs5
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Trail Boss 2LT in Cypress Gray & a Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab ZR2 in White Sands.

Silverado vs. Colorado Performance

The Chevy TurboMax engine comes standard on both the Silverado 1500 and Colorado, generating 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Motorists looking for more output or selections will prefer the Silverado, though. The full-size pickup offers three other powertrains in addition to the TurboMax:

  • 5.3-liter V-8
  • 6.2-liter V-8
  • 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel

With up to 420 horsepower (6.2-liter) or a maximum of 495 pound-feet of torque (turbo-diesel), the Silverado 1500 puts power at your command.

That said, the Chevy Colorado delivers consistent performance across the board, and for those seeking a midsize truck with serious off-road chops, the Colorado thrives. The ZR2 Bison Edition – an optional variation of the ZR2 trim – takes trail prowess to the next level, featuring best-in-class ground clearance of 12.2 inches6 and superior breakover angles. It also includes front and rear jounce-control dampers, 35-inch OD MT tires, and five Boron steel skid plates.

Plus, thanks to its smaller frame, the Colorado is easier to maneuver on narrow routes than the full-size Silverado 1500, making it the ideal companion for overlanders who crave agility and all-terrain toughness.

Silverado High Country Midnight Edition in Black towing a camper on the highway and a Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab ZR2 in Reef Blue launching a boat into a lake

Silverado vs. Colorado Towing Capacity & Payload Strength

The 2026 Silverado 1500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds,4 while the 2026 Colorado can reach up to 7,700 pounds.4 To hit these numbers, each truck requires its respective tow package – the Max Trailering Package on the Silverado 1500 and the Advanced Trailering Package on the Colorado. For bed loads, the Silverado 1500 achieves a maximum payload rating of 2,260 pounds,5 while the Colorado tops out at 1,710 pounds.5

The Silverado 1500 clearly outmuscles the Colorado in towing, but the right truck really depends on your average hauling needs. If you regularly move larger work trailers or big campers, the Silverado 1500 is a great match. Meanwhile, the Colorado is built for lighter adventures and smaller jobs – utility trailers, teardrop campers, and small fishing boats are all well within its capabilities.

For those chasing even more towing muscle and Chevrolet truck payload capacity, compare the Silverado 1500 and 2500 to see the specs designed for serious pulling power.

Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab Trail Boss in Radiant Red Tintcoat

Silverado Fuel Economy vs. Colorado Fuel Economy

Comparing standard engines, the 2.7-liter TurboMax, the Colorado takes the lead with up to an EPA-estimated 19/24/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),3 while the Silverado 1500 trails slightly with up to an EPA-estimated 18/21/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).7

However, the Silverado 1500 offers a turbo-diesel, which boosts efficiency up to an EPA-estimated 23/28/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),2 delivering a best-in-class highway gas mileage rating in its full-size segment.1

Birdseye-view shot of the cab of a Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab and a man loading supplies into the back of his Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab ZR2 in Reef Blue

Silverado vs. Colorado Size & Cargo

The Silverado 1500 is all about big loads and bold jobs, with bed lengths ranging from 69.92, 79.44, and 98.18 inches, with a maximum 89.1 cubic feet cargo volume. The Colorado, on the other hand, thrives in the midsize world, bringing a standard 5-foot bed, measuring out to 61.7 inches, and providing a max cargo volume of 41.9 cubic feet.

Both trucks also feature robust available tailgates with numerous tie-downs and an available 120-volt power outlet. The Colorado can be equipped with the StowFlex Tailgate, while the Silverado 1500 can be fitted with the versatile Multi-Flex Tailgate for added functionality.

Interior shots of the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 & 2026 Chevy Colorado LT

Silverado vs. Colorado Interior

Step inside either the Colorado or Silverado, and you'll find a thoughtfully designed cabin that blends comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge technology. The Colorado provides seating for five in every trim, while the Silverado 1500, thanks to its multiple cab styles, can accommodate between three and six. Whatever truck you and configuration you choose, everyone can be comfortable with available amenities like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an array of seating materials, including perforated leather.

In terms of tech, each truck comes with Google Built-in and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. The Colorado features an 11.3-inch diagonal touchscreen and an 11-inch driver information center, larger than the Silverado 1500's standard 7-inch touchscreen. However, the full-size Silverado 1500 has an upgradable 13.4-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch driver information center, giving it more available screen real estate than the Colorado.

Lastly, no matter if you're moving a trailer, driving the kids to school, or navigating rocky terrain, safety is always a priority. Both the Silverado 1500 and Colorado come equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes features like Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning.

The full-size Chevy pickup takes safety a step further with available Super Cruise hands-free driving. On compatible roads, this advanced driver-assistance technology can manage speed and steering, helping keep you refreshed during long drives or towing projects.

Conduct Your Own Chevy Silverado vs. Colorado Review at McGee Chevrolet of Middlebury!

The Silverado 1500 and Colorado excel in their own ways, each built to tackle the road – or the trail – with confidence. It all comes down to what you value most: full-size strength and versatility, or midsize agility and off-road prowess.

We highly encourage you to visit our Chevrolet dealership and carry out your own Chevy Silverado vs. Colorado comparison. This way, you'll be ready to make your final decision on which new Chevy pickup truck for sale is the best fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions Comparing the Chevy Silverado & Colorado

Which truck has a better towing capacity: the Silverado or Colorado?

The 2026 Silverado 1500 achieves a higher maximum towing capacity than the 2026 Colorado, reaching up to 13,300 pounds when properly equipped. In comparison, the Chevy Colorado tops out at 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. This gap in towing capability largely comes down to their classifications: the Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup, while the Colorado is a midsize model.

What are the main differences between the Chevy Silverado and Colorado?

The main difference between these two Chevy pickups is that the Silverado 1500 is a full-size truck, while the Colorado is a midsize model. The Silverado also has more engine options. Couple that with the size distinction, and the Silverado delivers more towing and hauling potential. It also has more configurations. Meanwhile, the Colorado's single cab-and-bed-size layout is much more nimble.

Is the Chevy Silverado more comfortable than the Chevy Colorado?

When it comes to cabin comfort, the Silverado 1500 and Colorado are quite comparable. Both offer available amenities such as heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and perforated leather seating. In the front row, the Silverado 1500 provides more headroom, while the Colorado has slightly more front legroom. However, the Silverado 1500 takes the lead in the rear, providing greater headroom and legroom.

1Based on latest available competitive data. Silverado with available Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine EPA-estimated MPG 28 highway 2WD; 26 highway 4WD.

2EPA-estimated 23 city/28 hwy 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel.

3EPA-estimated 19 city/24 hwy 2.7-liter TurboMax.

4Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.

5For comparison purposes only. See the Owner's Manual and the label on the vehicle door jamb for the carrying capacity of a specific vehicle.

6Based on latest available competitive data. Excludes other GM vehicles.

7EPA-estimated 18 city/21 hwy 2.7-liter TurboMax.