Size, towing, pricing, and more—how Chevy’s popular pickups differ
The Chevy Colorado vs. Silverado comparison pits two of America’s favorite trucks against each other—they just happen to be from the same family. In the one corner, we have the midsize Colorado, which has more than enough capability for most people. But in a country where bigger is better, nothing smaller than the full-size Silverado 1500 will do. The decision of which one to choose comes down to your budget, towing needs, how much luxury and tech you want in your pickup, and much more. To help you decide between Chevy’s pickups, here’s every difference that counts between the Colorado and Silverado.
1. Silverado Is Larger and Has More Cab Styles
Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet
There’s an obvious gulf in size between the two pickups. In other parts of the world, the Colorado already has a substantial footprint, but in the U.S., it’s not considered a massive truck like the Silverado. Besides a difference in size, the Silverado is also available in Regular, Double Cab, and Crew Cab forms, whereas the Colorado sticks to a Crew Cab body style. Since crew cabs are so popular, here’s how the two compare in size.
| Chevrolet Colorado Vs. Silverado: Size Comparison | ||
| Colorado Crew Cab | Silverado Crew Cab | |
| Length | 213 inches | 231.9–242.4 inches |
| Height | 78.8–81.9 inches | 75.5–78.3 inches |
| Width | 74.91–78.09 inches | 81.24 inches |
While there’s not a big difference in height, the Silverado is considerably longer and wider than the Colorado. Unlike the Colorado, the Silverado is available with three different box sizes, the largest being eight feet on some Regular Cabs.
2. Colorado Limited To Four-Cylinder Power
Chevrolet
All Chevy Colorados have the same 2.7-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The Silverado, on the other hand, has four different engine choices, catering to a wider range of needs and budgets.
The same 310-hp four-cylinder engine is standard in the Silverado, but you can also get a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel with 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. Finally, there are two V8s, a 5.3-liter (355 hp/383 lb-ft) and a 6.2-liter (420 hp/460 lb-ft).
Chevrolet
An eight-speed automatic transmission is used on all four-cylinder Chevy trucks, while the Silverados with the 3.0L diesel, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L V8 have a 10-speed automatic. If you want effortless power and greater refinement, the Silverado’s V8s are a big step up.
3. Silverado Vs. Colorado: Towing and Payload
Chevrolet
Chevrolet
With the Silverado’s increased power and larger engines come better towing and payload specifications. It has a maximum payload capacity of 2,260 lbs, applicable to the Regular Cab with the four-cylinder engine. If you need to tow a lot, the best Silverados of the bunch are the Double or Crew Cabs with rear-wheel drive and the turbodiesel engine; these can tow up to 13,300 lbs.
The Colorado’s maximum payload is 1,684 lbs and it can tow up to 7,700 lbs. These are excellent numbers for a midsize pickup, but they’re nowhere near what the Silverado can manage.
4. Colorado Seats 5, Silverado Seats Between 3 and 6
Chevrolet
Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Colorado only seats five people, regardless of the trim. There’s a lot more choice in the Silverado lineup. It starts with the Regular Cab, which is conceived primarily as a work truck. This model has a 40/20/40 split-folding bench seat that seats three people.
Chevrolet
The larger four-door Silverados can be specified as a normal five-seater or a six-seater, with some trims having a front bench seat that seats three. If you often seat people in the back, the Silverado Crew Cab has far more rear-seat space than the Colorado Crew Cab.
5. Silverado Has a Top Luxury Trim
Chevrolet
Both pickups are available in multiple trim levels. The Colorado WT starts at $32,400, while the rugged ZR2 is the top model at $50,700. But what the Colorado lacks is a genuinely luxurious trim—its focus on durability is evident, even at the top of the lineup.
The cheapest Silverado costs $36,900, which is for the Regular Cab with RWD and the shorter bed. If you want to combine luxury and capability, there’s also the High Country, which goes for $66,800, a lot more than any Colorado. The High Country boasts equipment like heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, perforated leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, smart 20-inch machined wheels, and a premium Bose sound system. It’s not quite as opulent as the top Rams or Fords in this class, but it’s a lot more comfortable than any Colorado.
Final Thoughts
Although it’s tempting to stretch to a Silverado, the Colorado shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s a capable and powerful enough pickup that’s easier to maneuver than its larger sibling. And, from the Trail Boss to the Z71 and ZR2 models, it’s a brilliant off-roader, too.
But there’s no denying the Silverado’s greater capabilities. It tows more, has bigger bed options, is more powerful, and can be configured as a basic work truck or a fully kitted out family vehicle with space for up to six.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog