The Chevy Colorado or Silverado 1500: Which One is Right for You?

September 27th, 2024 by

A silver 2024 Chevy Colorado Z71 is shown driving on a beach.

When you are looking for a truck, there are a number of questions you need to answer in order to get the right answer. First, you need to choose a brand that you can trust. When it comes to quality and dependability, Chevy is second to none. The next question to answer is the size of the truck. Chevy offers four different models ranging in size from the midsize Colorado all the way to the heavy-duty Silverado 3500. However, for most drivers, it comes down to deciding between finding a Chevy Colorado for sale and looking for a full-size Silverado 1500. The good news is that there are no wrong answers. Both of these are exceptional trucks that deliver great value to drivers. In fact, MotorTrend named the 2024 Colorado the “Truck of the Year,” so it will come down to personal preferences and needs.

If you are looking for a great deal on your next Chevy truck, DePaula Chevrolet is the place to go. We feature the full lineup of new Chevy models, including the Colorado and Silverado 1500, so you can find the one with all of the features you need. In addition, we have a vast inventory of used Chevy trucks to choose from.

What’s the Difference Between Midsize and Full-Size trucks?

When you are buying a truck, you have to keep in mind that size matters. In other words, you need to figure out your needs since a great deal will depend on the size of the truck you choose. There are pros and cons to midsize and full-size trucks that will help you make this decision.

What Are the Benefits of a Midsize Truck?

Midsize trucks like a Chevy Colorado will be more maneuverable than larger trucks like a Silverado 1500. This is due in part to the greater length and longer wheelbase of the Silverado 1500, which can measure up to 231 inches depending on the payload bed length you choose. In contrast, the Colorado is shorter in length, about 213 inches, depending on trim level. As a result, most drivers will find the Colorado easier to handle, especially when it comes to parking.
A Colorado is also more affordable than a Silverado 1500. The base MSRP for the 2024 Colorado WT is $29,500, significantly less than the base MSRP of $36,800 for the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT.[a] This price difference continues up the trim levels, with a Colorado ZR2 having a base MSRP of $47,100, over $20,000 less than a Silverado 1500 ZR2.[a]

The final advantage of a midsize truck is fuel economy. In general, you are going to get better gas mileage in a midsize truck than in a full-size model. This is certainly true of the 2024 Colorado, which can get up to 22 MPG in combined fuel economy on RWD models. In contrast, the only model of the Silverado 1500 that can top this number is one with a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel I-6 engine. However, this engine increases the overall cost of the truck. In addition, diesel fuel costs more per gallon than gasoline.

The gray interior in a 2024 Chevy Colorado for sale is shown.

What Are the Benefits of a Full-Size Truck?

If your biggest reason for buying a truck is towing and hauling capabilities, then a full-size truck makes more sense for you than a midsize model. This can be seen clearly when comparing the Colorado and the Silverado 1500. When it comes to hauling cargo, you can carry more in a Silverado 1500 than in a Colorado. The Silverado 1500 has a choice of three payload beds. These range in size from a 5.8 ft short bed and a 6.6 ft standard bed to an 8.2 ft long bed. In comparison, the Colorado has a standard 5.2 ft payload bed that can hold up to 41.9 cu.ft. of cargo. This is less than the 62.9 cu.ft. of available cargo space on the 5.8 ft short bed of the Silverado 1500.

The same goes for the payload weight. If you buy a Silverado 1500, you can carry significantly more cargo by weight than in a Colorado. The maximum cargo carrying capacity is on a 2024 Silverado 1500 with a TurboMax gas engine, giving you 2,260 lbs. The Colorado with the same engine can carry up to 1,684 lbs, a solid number for a midsize truck but no match for the Silverado 1500. This is because the heavier the truck, the more gross vehicle weight you can carry in your payload bed. Full-size trucks also can tow heavier trailers. The 2024 Silverado 1500 with a Duramax turbo-diesel or a 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 can tow up to 13,300 lbs. This is significantly more than a Colorado, which can tow up to 7,700 lbs if you opt for a TurboMax engine.

Which Truck Gives You More Options?

Some drivers like standard equipment, while others prefer to configure a truck to meet their needs. If you want a truck that has plenty of standard features built right in, then a 2024 Colorado is probably the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer to choose different options, then you may prefer a Silverado 1500.

Both of these trucks offer you a choice of RWD and 4WD drivetrains, except on certain models like the ZR2 that come with a standard 4WD. In addition, you can choose from five different trim levels on the 2024 Colorado, while the Silverado 1500 is offered with nine trim levels. Each trim has an increasing number of features, particularly with respect to comfort and convenience features.

However, there are more choices on the Silverado 1500 when it comes to cab style, payload bed, and engines. The 2024 Colorado comes with a standard crew cab and a 5.2 ft payload bed. This is actually a good thing for many drivers since you don’t have to pay extra to have room for up to five passengers inside your Colorado. However, there are some drivers who prefer a one-row regular cab or a two-row double cab. Both of these cab styles are available on the 2024 Silverado 1500 and will increase your trailering capability over ones at the same trim level with a crew cab. The Silverado 1500 with a double cab can also carry five passengers like a crew cab but has less second-row legroom.

The same thing can be seen with the engine options. You can choose between two engines on the 2024 Colorado, a 2.7-liter Turbo I-4 and a 2.7-liter TurboMax I-4. The latter engine will give you a serious boost in horsepower and torque, improving the trailering capacity on your Colorado. The 2024 Silverado 1500 exceeds this by offering four different engines. In addition to the 2.7-liter TurboMax and the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel, you can also choose between a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 and a 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8. This gives you more options when it comes to performance and capabilities.

There are some other benefits to having standard equipment. Both the 2024 Colorado and the 2024 Silverado 1500 come with the Chevrolet Infotainment system. This features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can link your phones even if you left your charging cables at home. This will let you make hands-free calls while streaming your favorite apps. The other features of the system are pretty much the same. The key difference between the two trucks is that the 2024 Colorado has a standard 11.3-inch touchscreen, while the 2024 Silverado 1500 has a 7-inch touchscreen with an available 13.4-inch screen that comes on some of the top trims. So, if you choose the 2024 Colorado, you won’t have to pay extra to get a larger touchscreen on your truck.

A blue 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is shown off-roading.

Two Great Trucks, Lots of Great Options

There is some great news in all of this. Whether you choose a Colorado or a Silverado 1500, you will get a great truck that will give you many excellent years of driving. This is because Chevy has done an exceptional job of building so many great standard and available features into each truck, while making sure they are both affordably priced. The key difference comes down to size. Come in today and see which one is right for you!


[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.