The Chevy Silverado and Colorado are two of the most popular pickup trucks on the market.
The Chevrolet Silverado was first introduced on the market in 1999 as a replacement for the C/K truck line.
On the other hand, the Chevrolet Colorado debuted in 2004 as an affordable option.
Even though the Chevrolet company makes both trucks, both trucks have differences and they offer different capabilities and features to appeal to different types of buyers.
The Silverado is a full-size truck that’s ideal for heavy-duty work and towing.
In contrast, the Chevy Colorado is a midsize truck that’s more affordable and fuel-efficient.
In this article, I have compared the Chevy Colorado vs Silverado side-by-side to help you decide which truck is right for you based on performance, capability, features, and pricing.
The Chevy Colorado and Silverado have 10 key differences in terms of size, passenger capacity, bed size, towing capacity, horsepower, torque output, fuel economy, performance, engine, off-road capability, and price.
Let’s see the similarities and differences elaborately:
1. Chevy Colorado Vs Silverado Size
The Chevy Silverado and Colorado have significant differences in size. The Colorado is a midsize truck, while the Silverado is a full-size truck.
In terms of size, the Silverado and Colorado differ in length, width, and height.
Overall Length
The length of the Silverado ranges from 225 to 242 inches, depending on the cab and bed configuration.
In contrast, the length of Colorado’s ranges from 212 to 213 inches, depending on the cab and bed configuration. The Silverado is 12 to 28 inches lengthier than the Colorado.
Overall Width
Due to its bigger size, the Silverado is wider than the Colorado. Most of the Chevrolet Silverado’s width is around 81.23 inches.
In contrast, most of the Chevy Colorado’s width is around 74.8 inches. The Silverado is 6.43 inches wider than the Colorado.
Overall Height
The Silverado is also taller than the Colorado. The height of the Chevy Silverado ranges from 75.7 inches to 78.6 inches. On the other hand, the height of a Chevy Colorado ranges from 70.6 inches to 72.8 inches.
Here is a summary table of the differences between the Chevy Silverado and the Chevy Colorado in terms of size:
|
Feature |
Chevy Silverado |
Chevy Colorado |
|
Overall Length (inches) |
225 to 242 | 212 to 213 |
| Overall Width (inches) | 81.23 |
74.8 |
|
Overall Height (inches) |
75.7 to 78.6 | 70.6 to 72.8 |
| Ground Clearance (inches) | 8 to 11.2 |
8.2 to 10.8 |
2. Chevy Colorado Vs Silverado Bed Size
The Chevy Colorado and Silverado offer various bed sizes to fulfill different needs. The bed size of Silverado trucks ranges from 5 feet 10 inches to 8 feet 2 inches.
On the other hand, Colorado’s bed sizes range from 5 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 1 inches.
Here is a table of both truck’s bed sizes:
|
Bed Size |
Chevy Colorado |
Chevy Silverado |
|
Short Bed |
5 feet 2 inches | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Standard Bed | 6 feet 1 inches |
6 feet 8 inches |
|
Long Bed |
N/A |
8 feet 2 inches |
The Silverado’s larger bed sizes make it suitable for carrying larger items, such as lumber, appliances, or motorcycles.
In contrast, Colorado’s smaller bed sizes are more practical for everyday use and offer better maneuverability in tight spaces.
3. Chevy Colorado Vs Silverado Engine and Transmission
The Chevy Colorado offers three engine options:
- 5L 4-cylinder (200 horsepower)
- 8L turbocharged (181 horsepower)
- 6L V6 engine (308 horsepower)
In contrast, the Chevy Silverado offers four engine options:
- 0L Duramax i6 turbo diesel (277 horsepower)
- 2L V8 (420 horsepower)
- 3L V8 (355 horsepower)
- 7L turbo I4 or TurboMax™ engine (310 horsepower)
They both share a clear differences in engine options.
The Chevy Silverado offers more engine options than the Colorado, with a variety of power outputs.
To get high towing and hauling capacity, the Silverado 6.2L engine is suitable, while the Silverado 3.0L Duramax engine is suitable for better fuel economy.
On the other hand, the Chevy Colorado engine options are suitable for better fuel economy but not for high power output.
In addition, the Chevy Silverado offers 6-speed, 8-speed, and 10-speed automatic transmission options.
Meanwhile, the Chevy Colorado offers only an 8-speed automatic transmission option.
4. Colorado Vs Silverado Towing Capacity
The Chevy Silverado pickup trucks have excellent towing capacity due to their powerful engines.
The maximum towing capacity of a Chevy Silverado is around 11,200 pounds or 5080.23 kg.
In contrast, the maximum towing capacity of a Chevy Colorado is around 7,700 pounds or 3492.66 kg.
The Chevy Silverado can tow 3,500 pounds (1587.57kg) more than the Chevy Colorado.
5. Chevy Colorado Vs Silverado Horsepower
When it comes to horsepower, the Chevy Silverado reigns supreme over its midsize sibling, the Colorado.
With a 6.2L robust engine, the Chevrolet Silverado delivers an impressive 420 horsepower, making it the clear winner in terms of horsepower.
The Colorado produces 308 horsepower with a 3.6L V6 engine.
As a result, in terms of horsepower, the Chevy Silverado produces 112 more horsepower than the Chevy Colorado.
6. Chevy Colorado Vs Silverado Torque
Torque is an essential factor that determines a truck’s ability to handle heavy loads, tow trailers, and accelerate from a standstill.
The 6.2L V8 engine in the Chevy Silverado produces an exceptional 460 lb-ft of torque.
On the other hand, the Chevy Colorado produces 277 lb-ft of torque.
The Chevy Silverado produces 183 lb-ft more torque than the Chevy Colorado.
The Silverado’s impressive torque reserves translate into superior towing capabilities, stronger acceleration, and a more responsive driving experience.
7. Chevy Colorado Vs Silverado Gas Mileage
Generally, the Chevy Colorado is more fuel-efficient than the Chevy Silverado.
The Colorado gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined for its 2.7L Turbo-4 engine with 2WD.
In contrast, the Silverado gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined with its 2.7L Turbo-4 engine with 2WD.
It is important to note that the gas mileage of both trucks varies due to the different engines and wheel-drive options.
However, the Chevy Colorado always offers better fuel economy than the Chevy Silverado in all engine options and drivetrain configurations.
If fuel efficiency is a top priority, the Colorado is the better choice.
Here is a table summarizing the estimated gas mileage comparison of the two trucks (city/highway/combined)
|
Engine |
Chevy Colorado |
Chevy Silverado |
|
2.7L (2WD) |
20/25/22 mpg | 19/24/21 |
| 2.7L (4WD) | 19/23/21 mpg |
18/22/19 mpg |
|
3.6L V6 (2WD/4WD) |
18/24/20 mpg |
16/22/19 mpg (2WD) 15/19/17 (4WD) |
|
5.3L V8 (2WD) |
16/21/18 mpg | N/A |
| 5.3L V8 (4WD) | 15/19/17 mpg |
15/19/17 mpg |
|
3.L Duramax Diesel (2WD/4WD) |
N/A | 24/32/27 mpg (2WD) |
| 6.2L V8 (2WD/4WD) | N/A |
14/18/16 mpg |
8. Chevy Colorado Vs Silverado Comfort
In terms of comfort, the Chevy Silverado is always the winner.
The Silverado offers a more comfortable interior experience than the Colorado.
Its larger size translates into a more spacious cabin with more legroom, headroom, and shoulder room.
The Silverado’s higher trim levels also offer more luxurious features, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled seats, and a premium sound system.
On the other hand, the Colorado’s interior is still comfortable, but it feels a bit more cramped than the Silverado’s, especially for the rear passengers.
Additionally, the Colorado’s lower trim levels don’t offer the same level of luxury features as the Silverado’s.
Here is a summary of the key comfort differences between the Chevy Colorado and Silverado:
|
Feature |
Chevy Colorado |
Chevy Silverado |
|
Interior Space |
Spacious for its size | Very spacious cabin |
| Cabin Noise | Relatively quieter |
Very quiet |
|
Ride Quality |
Good, but sometimes bouncy | Excellent |
| Amenities and Features | Variety of standard features |
Many standard features and high-end options |
9. Chevy Colorado Vs Silverado Price
The Chevy Colorado and Silverado have different starting MSRPs.
Colorado is starting at a lower price of $29,200 compared to the Silverado’s $36,300.
However, the Silverado offers a wider range of engine options, features, and capabilities.
Therefore, the Silverado’s highest trim level (ZR2) MSRP is $70,100 compared to Colorado’s (ZR2) $46,800.
Although the Silverado has a lot of advantages over Colorado, it is very expensive.
So, the Chevy Colorado is the better choice if you are looking for a basic truck with a low starting price.
On the other hand, if you have a big enough budget and want more power, towing capacity, and features, then the Chevy Silverado is worth the extra money.
Here is a table summarizing the key price differences between the Chevy Silverado and Colorado:
|
Feature |
Chevy Silverado |
Chevy Colorado |
|
Starting MSRP |
$36,300 | $29,200 |
| Highest Trim Level MSRP | $70,100 |
$46,800 |
|
Average Price |
$40,400 |
$32,200 |
10. Chevy Colorado Vs Silverado Off-Road Capability
The Chevy Silverado and Colorado offer various off-road features that help conquer the most challenging terrain.
The Silverado offers the Z71 package, which includes lifter suspension, skid plates, and a locking rear differential.
Colorado offers the ZR2 package, which includes an even more lifted suspension, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and locking front and rear differentials.
Overall, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 is more capable in terms of off-road capability.
Its more aggressive suspension, locking front and rear differentials, and Multimatic DSSV dampers make it a more capable off-road truck than the Silverado Z71.
Chevy Silverado Vs Colorado: Which is One Suitable for You?
When choosing between the Chevy Silverado and Colorado pickup trucks, both offer distinct advantages and cater to different needs.
The Silverado, a full-size truck, excels in power, towing capacity, and overall ruggedness.
In contrast, the Colorado is a midsize truck that shines in maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
The Silverado stands out for those who prioritize raw power and heavy-duty capabilities.
However, Colorado takes the lead if maneuverability and fuel efficiency are top priorities.
Its smaller size makes it easier to navigate tight spaces and city streets.
The Colorado is also more fuel-efficient than the Silverado.
The Colorado ZR2 package is also more suitable for off-road conditions than the Silverado Z71 package.
When it comes to pricing, the Colorado starts at a lower price than the Silverado.
The lower price makes the Chevy Colorado a more budget-friendly option.
However, the Silverado’s higher trim levels offer more advanced features and capabilities, with a corresponding price increase.
Ultimately, the choice between the Chevy Silverado and Colorado depends on personal needs and preferences.
The Chevrolet Silverado is better if you require a powerful, capable workhorse truck.
On the other hand, Colorado is the more suitable option if you want better maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and a more affordable price.
Final Thoughts
The Chevy Silverado and Colorado are both competent pickup trucks that offer many features and capabilities to suit different needs.
The Silverado stands out for its raw power, towing capacity, and a lot of features, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize heavy-duty work.
On the other hand, Colorado shines in maneuverability, affordability, and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for those who prioritize city driving, everyday commuting, cost-effective ownership, and off-road adventure.
Ultimately, the choice between the Chevy Colorado and Silverado depends on your requirements and preferences.
No matter which truck you choose, you can be confident that you are getting a reliable and capable vehicle that will meet your needs.
Chevrolet’s reputation backs both the Chevy Silverado and Colorado for quality and performance.
