Cars

Full Review: 2026 Chevy Colorado Specs, Towing, and Price

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

Full Review: 2026 Chevy Colorado Specs, Towing, and Price

The midsize truck segment has been heating up in recent years, and General Motors is answering the call with a bold redesign of one of its most popular models. The 2026 Chevy Colorado arrives with a significant overhaul, promising enhanced performance, modern tech, and improved towing capabilities to compete head-on with rivals like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Frontier. If you're in the market for a capable, stylish, and value-packed pickup, the new Colorado deserves your attention.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the 2026 Chevy Colorado specs, towing capacity, engine options, trim levels, expected pricing, technology features, safety systems, and real-world performance. Whether you're a weekend adventurer, a job site professional, or a daily commuter who values utility, this article will help you decide if the 2026 Colorado is the right truck for your needs.

2026 Chevy Colorado Overview

The 2026 Chevy Colorado marks the third generation of this midsize pickup, and it’s arguably the most significant update since its reintroduction in 2015. Built on GM’s next-generation midsize truck platform, the 2026 Colorado features a more rugged design, improved aerodynamics, and a focus on modularity to accommodate various body configurations and drivetrain setups.

Available in both regular cab and crew cab configurations, the Colorado offers seating for up to five passengers in the crew cab, making it a practical choice for families or contractors who need to transport coworkers. With a refined interior, a host of driver-assist technologies, and a versatile chassis, the 2026 Colorado aims to be the most well-rounded truck in its class.

2026 Chevy Colorado Exterior Design

The 2026 Colorado features a bold, angular exterior that draws design cues from the larger Chevy Silverado but with a more compact, aggressive stance. It sports a new front fascia with a wider grille, vertical LED headlights, and available C-shaped daytime running lights. The hood is sculpted with pronounced character lines, giving the truck a muscular presence on the road.

From the side, the Colorado maintains a clean profile with flared fenders, available black-out wheel arches (particularly on off-road trims), and a short bed optimized for both utility and maneuverability. The rear end is updated with modern LED taillights, a more integrated bumper, and a redesigned tailgate that features the Chevy bowtie emblem centered above the license plate.

Available in over 10 exterior colors—including Summit White, Cajun Red Tintcoat, Pacific Blue Metallic, and new off-road-inspired hues like Sand Dune and Midnight Gray—the 2026 Colorado lets you personalize your truck to match your lifestyle.

Wheel options range from 17-inch steel wheels on base trims to 18-inch alloy wheels on higher trims, with the ZR2 boasting 18-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires for maximum off-road grip.

Engine Options and Powertrain

One of the most anticipated aspects of the 2026 Chevy Colorado is its refreshed engine lineup. GM has introduced two new turbocharged powertrains and retained a proven diesel option for maximum efficiency and towing capability.

2.7L Turbo High-Output Inline-4 (Standard and LT Trims)

The base engine for most trims is a 2.7L turbocharged inline-four engine, available in two states of tune. The standard version produces 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the High-Output (HO) version—standard on Z71 and ZR2 trims—delivers a robust 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines feature direct injection, variable valve timing, and an advanced turbocharger for improved low-end response.

Mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, this engine offers excellent balance between fuel efficiency and power. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, with four-wheel drive (4WD) available on all trims except the base Work Truck (WT).

3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel Inline-6

For those prioritizing fuel economy and maximum pulling power, the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel inline-6 returns for 2026. This proven engine now produces 277 horsepower and a class-leading 460 lb-ft of torque. It’s particularly popular among contractors and towing enthusiasts who need long-haul efficiency and sustained power under load.

The diesel engine is available on LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims and pairs with the same 8-speed automatic transmission. It also features cylinder deactivation technology to improve fuel economy during light-load driving.

Fuel Economy Estimates

While official EPA ratings are pending, early estimates suggest the following:

These numbers position the 2026 Colorado as one of the most efficient midsize trucks on the market, especially with the diesel engine option.

Towing Capacity and Payload

The 2026 Chevy Colorado excels in the utility department, offering best-in-class towing and payload figures across multiple configurations.

Maximum Towing Capacity

Thanks to the High-Output turbo engine and available diesel, the 2026 Colorado achieves a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. This is a significant improvement over the previous generation and puts the Colorado on par with, or ahead of, key competitors in its class.

Towing capacity varies based on engine, drivetrain, and axle ratio. Here’s a breakdown:

The Max Trailering Package includes a heavy-duty cooling system, trailer sway control, a 90-degree swing hitch, and an upgraded suspension for better load handling.

Payload Capacity

The 2026 Colorado can carry up to 1,830 pounds in its bed when properly configured. Payload capacity depends on cab configuration, bed length, and engine choice. Crew cab models with the standard bed (5'9') offer the best balance between passenger space and payload capability.

For job site durability, the bed features a spray-on bedliner, LED cargo lighting, and available corner step features for easy access.

Towing Technology and Features

Chevy has equipped the 2026 Colorado with advanced trailer tech, including:

These features make the Colorado a favorite among RV owners, boaters, and contractors who regularly tow heavy loads.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the 2026 Chevy Colorado receives a dramatic upgrade over its predecessor. The cabin features high-quality materials, improved noise insulation, and a driver-focused layout that blends function with modern style.

The dashboard is anchored by a new 11-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen (standard on LT and above), with a fully digital 8-inch instrument cluster available. Both screens run on GM’s latest Infotainment 3 system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates.

Seat comfort is a standout. Base trims come with cloth upholstery, while higher trims offer available leather-trimmed seats with heating and ventilation. The ZR2 trim adds unique bolstered front seats with red contrast stitching for a sporty feel.

Passenger space is generous, especially in the crew cab, where rear-seat legroom measures 38.1 inches—on par with full-size trucks. Headroom and shoulder room are also class-competitive, making long trips more enjoyable.

Storage and Cargo Features

The Colorado includes numerous clever storage solutions:

A lockable rear underfloor storage compartment is available on Z71 and ZR2 trims—perfect for securing tools or valuables.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2026 Chevy Colorado is packed with cutting-edge technology to keep you connected, informed, and in control.

Infotainment System

The centerpiece is the 11-inch Chevy Infotainment 3 system, which features:

The interface is responsive, intuitive, and customizable. Users can pin frequently used apps to the home screen and control many functions via voice command.

Connectivity and OnStar

All trims come standard with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, allowing up to seven devices to connect simultaneously. Available OnStar services include:

The MyChevrolet mobile app lets owners monitor fuel levels, check tire pressure, and even view their truck’s location in real time.

Available Head-Up Display

For the first time on a Colorado, a full-color head-up display (HUD) is available. It projects speed, navigation directions, and active safety alerts onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority for Chevrolet, and the 2026 Colorado comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies—many of which are standard across the lineup.

Standard Safety Features

Available Advanced Safety Features

Upgrade to higher trims or add the Driver Alert Package to get:

The 2026 Colorado is expected to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, pending official testing.

Trim Levels and Features

The 2026 Chevy Colorado is available in five main trim levels: Work Truck (WT), LT, Z71, ZR2, and the new ZR2 Bison—designed for extreme off-roading.

Work Truck (WT)

The base WT trim is designed for value and utility. It includes: