Chevy Silverado vs. Colorado

Chevrolet is a popular truck manufacturer because it offers a diverse range of vehicles that cater to different types of drivers. The Silverado 1500 is Chevrolet’s well-known full-size pickup, while the Colorado is a smaller truck that’s ideal for lighter tasks. Are you curious whether the Silverado 1500 or Colorado is the right pickup for you? Our team of truck experts here at Eskridge Chevrolet in Oklahoma City has put together a head-to-head guide to make your choice a whole lot easier.

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Silverado 1500 Engine and Efficiency

The Chevrolet Silverado has four engine options, while the Colorado has three. The Silverado’s engines provide considerably higher horsepower outputs, with the largest V-8 churning out 420 horsepower. This compares to the Colorado’s optional V-6, which puts out 308 horsepower. However, you should keep in mind that the Colorado is a much lighter truck than the Silverado 1500. As a result, its acceleration is just as good as the Silverado 1500, and its handling is even better, especially on busy roads.

If fuel efficiency is your priority, both trucks are at their most fuel-efficient with the optional turbodiesel engine under the hood. The Colorado’s 181-horsepower turbodiesel achieves 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Edging ahead, the Silverado 1500’s 277-horsepower turbodiesel manages 23 mpg on city roads and 31 mpg on the highway. The base gas engines are slightly less efficient, with the Colorado achieving 25 mpg on the highway and the Silverado getting 22 mpg.

Colorado vs. Silverado Towing and Off-Roading

There’s no denying that if towing heavy loads is your main reason for buying a truck, the Silverado 1500 will be your clear favorite. That said, if you plan on towing a modest-sized camper or hauling equipment for a home DIY project, the Colorado’s decent towing and hauling capacities will do just fine.

The Silverado’s top towing capacity is 13,300 pounds. To access this impressive figure, you’ll need to choose either the turbodiesel or 6.2-liter V-8 engine and the Max Trailering Package. The Colorado’s turbodiesel engine enables it to tow a maximum of 7,700 pounds, which is among the highest values in the compact pickup class.

Both pickups are capable off-roaders, but the Colorado has the edge due to its superior maneuverability on narrow trails. The best Colorado trim for off-roading adventures is the ZR2, which features standard four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, fully locking front and rear differentials, and an off-road suspension. The Silverado 1500 also has a ZR2 trim, which includes a 2-inch suspension lift, heavy-duty skid plates, and mud-terrain tires.

Silverado 1500 vs. Colorado Cargo Capacity

You can choose between two cargo beds in the Colorado: a longer one measuring 6 feet 2 inches and a shorter option of 5 feet 2 inches. If you need more space to haul items to your job site, the Silverado 1500 has three bed lengths for you to choose from. The largest cargo bed measures 8 feet 2 inches in length. This truck’s standard bed comes in at 6 feet 7 inches, while the shortest bed is 5 feet 10 inches. The longest bed is ideal if you want the Silverado’s highest payload capacity.

Colorado vs. Silverado Passenger Capacity

Your choice of cargo bed may be affected by the cab style you want since not all the cab options in Chevrolet trucks are available with all the cargo bed choices. In the Silverado, the longest cargo bed is only available with the Regular Cab, which has a single bench seat that can accommodate three people.

If you plan on using your truck to carry passengers regularly, you’ll have to choose between the Double Cab and Crew Cab, which can only be paired with the two shorter bed lengths. The Double Cab offers 35 inches of rear-seat legroom, while the Crew Cab has a roomy 43 inches to relax in. Both these cabs can seat five or six people.

The Colorado offers the choice between the Extended Cab, which seats four people and has half-size rear doors, and the Crew Cab, which has seating for five and full-size rear doors. The Crew Cab can be paired with either bed option, while the Extended Cab is only available with the longer cargo bed.

Chevrolet Infotainment and Safety Tech

Both these trucks have comparable standard infotainment systems, including a 7-inch screen and six-speaker stereo. They also boast Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Silverado offers a broader range of optional upgrades than the Colorado. Chevrolet’s full-size pickup gives you the option of a 13.4-inch screen, wireless device charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Colorado is equipped with an 8-inch screen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless device charging.

The Colorado and Silverado offer several key safety features, such as forward collision warning, cruise control, and parking sensors. However, the Silverado has a longer list of optional add-ons, including useful features such as a surround-view parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display.

Silverado vs. Colorado Pricing and Trims

The Colorado is a more attractive proposition than the Silverado 1500 if you’re shopping for a truck on a budget. The smaller Chevrolet’s MSRP is around $25,000 compared to $34,700 for the Silverado. A similar trend is evident as you move up through the trims, with the top Silverado costing more than $60,000, while the range-topping Colorado comes in at around $41,000.

If you’re willing to pay more, the Silverado offers a greater variety of technology and stronger towing capabilities. This truck comes in eight trims, including the rugged Trail Boss and ZR2 and the upscale LTZ and High Country. The Colorado is offered in four trims, including the off-roading ZR2 and Z71.

We hope that this comparison has made choosing between the Chevrolet Colorado and Silverado 1500 easier. If you still have unanswered questions or you’d like to arrange a test drive in Oklahoma City, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Here at Eskridge Chevrolet, we’d be delighted to help you get behind the wheel of your dream pickup.

Chevrolet Colorado LT Z71 2011 by RL GNZLZ is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0