What’s the Difference Between Chevy Colorado and Silverado?

Are you looking for a reliable pickup, and do you happen to be a Chevy loyalist torn between the Colorado and Silverado? 

You are in the right place as we shall help you see the similarities and differences between the two popular pickups. 

What’s the Difference Between Chevy Colorado and Silverado?

The Silverado is known for its imposing size while the Colorado is a compact pickup that received lots of updates in 2021. The Silverado is best for off-roading given its powerful engine and stock tire size while the Colorado is more maneuverable, sporty, and stylish.

Thus, we give you a detailed review of the two pickups highlighting their general overview, performance, and towing capacity.

Chevrolet Colorado Review

Chevys have been around for decades and created a remarkable brand associated with brutal pickups for towing and handling the most rugged terrains. 

The 2022 Colorado is attractive to clients who desire the resourcefulness of a traditional pickup without compromising on size and power. 

On the other hand, a Silverado is a half-ton pickup suitable for a small family and favors a small family. 

It is powered by a V6 engine producing 308bhp and enough torque to cover all your load demands. 

However, do not expect the mid-size pickup to traverse the same jungle as Gladiator due to its bulky size. 

Colorado is pretty spacious and comfortable as the cabin is designed to offer comfort for long journeys. 

Besides, its smooth music system coupled with a wealth of drive-assist technology makes Colorado the ultimate mid-size pickup. 

You will not find lots of luxury features in the vehicle, but you are assured of having a practical pickup for your farm or carrying luggage with ease.

What is New for the 2022 Colorado Model?

The 2022 model offers a more aggressive bumper, and the grill makes it impressive with added off-road capabilities. 

It shares similar features with the Chevy ZR2 and comes with leveling to give the suspension a one-inch lift. 

Besides, it comes with bolted skid plates to boost its off-road abilities.

Performance of the Chevy Colorado

Colorado is equipped with a base four-cylinder engine fitted on a six-speed automatic transmission, a speedy 3,600cc fitted on an eight-speed automatic transmission, and finally, the 2,800cc four-cylinder diesel. 

Each of the three engine options produces enough power and torque to get you to your destination. 

However, the 3,600cc is more powerful and a favorite of many drivers. The 2,800cc diesel is equally powerful and only varies in character when compared to the V6 gasoline. 

You can be assured of stunning off-road performance from Colorado even when fitted with stock tire size. 

Nonetheless, the diesel gives more torque, translating to more towing capacity.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The diesel model allows 7,700 pounds of towing power while the V-6 comes second at 7,000 pounds. 

Besides, the base four-cylinder can only tug 3,500 pounds, thanks to its smaller engine. 

However, you can pull more with either of the trucks if your trailer is fitted with brakes. 

People love Colorado because they come equipped with a protective braking system to prevent excessive trailer swaying.

Cabin Comfort and Cargo

People will not just pick a mid-size pickup for its off-road ability if it offers no comfort. 

Chevy has equipped Colorado with comfy features and allows more legroom to avoid the problem to ensure that none of the customers is complaining. 

Although some people complain of low-quality materials making the interior, they are comfortable for a pickup its size.

The payload capacity is decent enough for its size. It can accommodate two cargo beds and leave more space for luggage. 

However, some of its direct competitors, like the Toyota Tacoma, can easily haul more cargo. 

Be sure to take the entire load you need and tug your trailer without compromising on safety or performance of the vehicle.

Chevy Silverado Review

The Chevy Silverado is a popular pickup, thanks to its performance and practicality. 

It is accredited for descent towing ability and several powertrain choices for its customers. 

You can choose a 6.2 liter V8 producing 420bhp that is surprisingly fuel-efficient and powerful. 

Besides, some of its models are equipped with an array of driver-assist technology that comes in handy when driving through busy streets. 

A camera display in the rearview mirror is one such tech, giving the driver’s unobstructed view of what is behind. 

Nonetheless, Chevy’s interior appears relatively cheap compared to direct competitors like the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. 

The Silverado is highly configurable, making it an efficient pickup for daily use.

What is New for the 2021 Model?

For 2021, the Silverado offers more features and power to keep up with the competition. 

For instance, the tailgate can open and close in six ways, making it the most flexible one in its class. 

Higher trim models with a turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine boast more towing capacity. 

Besides, towing with Silverado gets more manageable, thanks to its assistance technologies, such as the jackknife that safely helps a driver change lanes with a trailer hook. 

It also comes with car play and Android auto for better entertainment and adaptive dampers for high country trips. 

Also, the 2021 model allows more color selection, enabling customers to customize their vehicles according to their tastes.

Is Chevrolet Silverado a Practical Truck?

The answer to the above question is a resounding yes. 

First, it offers several engine choices to accommodate all customers’ needs and beat its competitors. Secondly, the interior is roomy enough and comes loaded with enough techs to make the cabin comfortable.

Performance

Although the Silverado comes with several engine choices, the V-6 turbocharged diesel is the most popular, thanks to its power and fuel efficiency. 

This particular engine can propel the car from static to 60mph in 5.4 seconds. 

As such, you can call it a fast and capable truck for daily use. 

Besides, you will enjoy a smooth acceleration from the truck and handling, giving you a relaxed, reassuring drive.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Whenever you talk of a pickup truck, you must speak of its towing muscle. 

For the Silverado, it can tow 13,300 pounds, making it a serious hauler. 

It beats its competitors, such as the Ram 1500 and F-150, hands down by more than 500 pounds. 

On the other hand, its powertrain can accommodate a payload of between 1,870 to 2,280 pounds. 

Thus, you can trust the pickup to be a reliable workhorse for all your cargo and towing needs.

Chevrolet Colorado Vs. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Now let’s dive into the differences and similarities between the two trucks. 

We give you the main differences in size, price, and performance. 

Size

The main difference between the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the Chevy Colorado is their size. 

Colorado is a mid-size truck, while the Silverado is a full-size pickup. 

One is regarded better and superior to the other, but that depends on user preference and needs. 

Colorado is your best bet if you want a capable, spacious pickup with easy maneuverability on the road. 

On the other hand, if you want a bold truck to haul and pull large cargo, then the Silverado fits the bill.

Price

The pricing between the two pickups is another distinguishing factor between the two pickups. 

If you are considering purchasing a Chevy pickup, then you need to consider your budget. 

Colorado is pretty affordable, with prices starting from $20,000MSRP. 

On the other hand, the Silverado comes with an MSRP of $27,585, but you get many extras for the $7,000.

Thus, you can now choose your preferred pickup, depending on your budget and the truck’s purpose.

Performance

Let’s check what is under the hood for the two pickups. 

Colorado is less mighty than the two and offers a better economy with a smaller engine. 

It has two engine options; a 2.5l 200bhp variant, and a 3.6l 308bhp, consuming 25 and 25 mpg for highway driving. 

Also, you can opt for the 2.8l turbo diesel engine offering 30 mpg highway driving.

On the other hand, the Silverado is a powerful machine powered by three engine options, a 4.3l 285 bhp V6, 5.3l V8 255bhp, and a 6.2l, 420bhp. 

The Silverado will give an average of 24mpg of highway driving. 

Besides, the two boast stunning off-road capabilities and can drive on snowy roads. 

Take Away

As seen from the distinct features of the two pickups, they both have their lows and highs. 

Hence, your choice will be determined by your budget and expected use.