Chevrolet Colorado Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
Max Colorado towing is 7,700 lb, but only on specific diesel or TurboMax trims with the factory tow package - most base trims are rated closer to 3,500 lb.
Chevrolet Colorado towing capacity by generation
Towing capacity on the Colorado has always depended heavily on engine choice, drivetrain and whether the truck has the factory Trailering Package. There is no single number that applies to every Colorado - the spread between a base 4-cylinder Work Truck and a diesel or TurboMax model with the tow package is large.
Second generation (2015-2022)
The 2.5L 4-cylinder base engine is rated around 3,500 lb. Stepping up to the 3.6L V6 with the Trailering Package raises capacity to a maximum of 7,000 lb. The optional 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel, when equipped with the Trailering Package, is the strongest configuration in this generation at up to 7,700 lb.
Third generation (2023-present)
The redesigned Colorado dropped the V6 and diesel in favor of a turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder offered in two outputs. WT and LT trims use the 237-hp version and are rated near 3,500 lb. Trail Boss, Z71 and ZR2 trims use the higher-output 310-hp TurboMax engine; with the Trailering Package and limited-slip differential, Trail Boss and Z71 reach the model's peak of 7,700 lb, while the off-road-focused ZR2 is rated at 6,000 lb (5,500 lb for ZR2 Bison due to its added weight).
Tongue weight
Chevrolet does not publish one universal tongue weight figure for every Colorado configuration, and figures cited across dealer and forum sources vary noticeably. As a general guideline, tongue weight should run 10-15 percent of the actual loaded trailer weight, and it must stay within the hitch receiver and frame rating shown on your truck. Do not rely on a number from the internet for this - check your own vehicle's hitch and door placard.
Where to confirm your exact rating
Because capacity depends on the exact engine, axle ratio, cab style and options on your specific truck, always confirm the number for your VIN rather than assuming a headline figure applies. The authoritative sources are:
- The driver's door jamb placard (tire and loading information label)
- Your owner's manual towing chapter
- The manufacturer's official trailering guide for your model year
- Your dealer's build sheet or window sticker, which lists the exact GCWR and towing figure for that VIN
| Generation / years | Engine & configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd gen, 2015-2022 | 2.5L I4, base | ~3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| 2nd gen, 2015-2022 | 3.6L V6 + Trailering Package | up to 7,000 lb / 3,175 kg |
| 2nd gen, 2016-2022 | 2.8L Duramax diesel + Trailering Package | up to 7,700 lb / 3,493 kg |
| 3rd gen, 2023-present | 2.7L turbo I4 (237 hp), WT/LT | ~3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| 3rd gen, 2023-present | 2.7L TurboMax I4 (310 hp), Trail Boss/Z71 + Trailering Package | up to 7,700 lb / 3,493 kg |
| 3rd gen, 2023-present | 2.7L TurboMax I4 (310 hp), ZR2 / ZR2 Bison | 6,000 lb / 2,722 kg (ZR2), 5,500 lb / 2,495 kg (ZR2 Bison) |
Summary
| Base engine max tow (both gens) | ~3,500 lb (1,588 kg) |
|---|---|
| 2nd gen V6 max tow | up to 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) |
| 2nd gen diesel max tow | up to 7,700 lb (3,493 kg) |
| 3rd gen Trail Boss/Z71 max tow | up to 7,700 lb (3,493 kg) |
| 3rd gen ZR2 max tow | 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) |
| 3rd gen ZR2 Bison max tow | 5,500 lb (2,495 kg) |
| Tongue weight | varies by config - check door placard |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Chevrolet Colorado: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Chevy Colorado?
The highest published figure is 7,700 lb (3,493 kg), reached by the 2016-2022 diesel Duramax model with the Trailering Package, and again by the 2023+ Trail Boss and Z71 trims with the 310-hp TurboMax engine and Trailering Package. Base 4-cylinder trims in either generation are rated far lower, around 3,500 lb.
Do all Colorado trims tow 7,700 lb?
No. That figure only applies to specific diesel (2nd gen) or TurboMax Trail Boss/Z71 (3rd gen) configurations with the factory Trailering Package and, on the 3rd gen, the limited-slip differential. WT and LT trims with the base engine are rated near 3,500 lb, and the ZR2 off-road trims are rated at 6,000 lb (5,500 lb for ZR2 Bison).
How much can a Chevy Colorado tow without the towing package?
Chevrolet does not publish a single non-package figure separate from the base-engine rating; in practice a Colorado without the Trailering Package is limited to roughly the base-engine capacity (about 3,500 lb) because the package includes the wiring, cooling and hitch hardware required to reach the higher ratings.
What is the tongue weight limit for a Chevy Colorado?
Chevrolet does not publish one universal tongue weight number for every configuration, and figures found in dealer materials and owner forums vary. As a rule of thumb, tongue weight should be 10-15 percent of the loaded trailer weight and must stay within your hitch and frame rating - confirm the exact number on your door placard or owner's manual rather than assuming a figure from another source.