The 2021 Chevy Colorado is the smallest mid-size truck with fantastic performance specs and impressive capabilities. The pickup has offered owners all the practicality they need but in a midsize package with a feature-packed interior and good-looking exterior. Add in truck-proven technologies, also the comfortable vehicle is its ability to haul heavy cargo, and is packed with not only competitive practicality but modern features too.
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado’s towing capacity is 3,500 to 7,700 lbs. when properly equipped depending upon engine configurations and trim options. It can tow pop-up trailers, travel trailers, and 17-24-foot-long campers easily.
2021 Chevy Colorado towing capacity chart
| 2021 Chevy Colorado trim levels | 2021 Chevy Colorado towing capacity |
| Chevy Colorado WT | 3,500 – 7,700 lbs. |
| Chevy Colorado LT | 3,500 – 7,700 lbs. |
| Chevy Colorado Z71 | 7,700 lbs. |
| Chevy Colorado ZR2 | 5,000 lbs. |
Table of Contents
2021 Chevy Colorado Engine options
There are three engine options on the 2022 Chevy Colorado: a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder, a 2.8L Turbo-Diesel, and a 3.6L V6 available for upgrade. In order to maximize your Chevy Colorado towing and payload capacity, you’ll have to choose certain Colorado trim configurations equipped with certain engines. The diesel-powered Colorado hauls the most. Meanwhile, the V6-powered model offers the highest available towing capacity. Both the electronically controlled 6-speed and 8-speed automatic transmissions are equipped with Tow/Haul mode and auto-grade braking.
| Engine | 2.5L DOHC I-4 | 3.6L DOHC V6 | DURAMAX 2.8L TURBO-DIESEL I-4 |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 308 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque | 191 lb.-ft. | 275 lb.-ft. | 369 lb.-ft. |
| Max payload rating | 1,435 lbs. | 1,550 lbs. | 1,480 lbs. |
| Max trailering weight rating | 3,500 lbs. | 7,000 lbs. | 7,700 lbs. |
2021 Chevy Colorado towing capacity
The maximum 7,700 pounds towing capacity on the Chevy Colorado is achieved when you choose the Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine with four-wheel drive, combined with the extended cab and long box configuration. However, even if you don’t choose this particular configuration, you’ll still enjoy strong towing numbers with the other engine and drivetrain options. In addition to impressive numbers, every model also comes with the 2022 Chevy Colorado towing package, a suite of features designed to make hauling cargo smooth, safe, and convenient.
| Engine | Axle Ratio | GCWR (lbs.) | Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.) |
| 2.5L L4 | 4.10 | 8,500 | 3,500 |
| 3.6L V6 | 3.42 | 12,000 | 7,000 |
| 3.6L V6 (ZR2) | 3.42 | 10,300 | 5,000 |
2021 Chevy Colorado towing capacity without trailering package
2021 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab towing capacity
| Engine | GCWR (lbs.) | Short Box 2WD (lbs.) | Short Box 4WD (lbs.) |
| 2.5L 4-cylinder | 8,500 | 3,500 | NA |
| 3.6L V6 | 12,000 | 3,500 | 3,500 |
| Engine | GCWR (lbs.) | Long Box 2WD (lbs.) | Long Box 4WD (lbs.) |
| 3.6L V6 | 12,000 | 3,500 | 3,500 |
2021 Chevy Colorado Extended Cab towing capacity
| Engine | GCWR (lbs.) | Long Box 2WD (lbs.) | Long Box 4WD (lbs.) |
| 2.5L 4-cylinder | 8,500 | 3,500 | NA |
| 3.6L V6 | 12,000 | 3,500 | 3,500 |
2021 Chevy Colorado Towing Package
If you plan on doing any heavy lifting, it’s a very good idea to equip the 2021 Chevy Colorado towing package. This package offers more than a hitch and a receiver it sets you up for towing success with a four-way sealed connector for your brake hookups and an automatic locking rear differential.
- Automatic Locking Rear Differential.
- Trailer Hitch.
- Hitch Receiver, and 7-Pin Connectors.
- Hitch guidance.
- Trailer brake controller.
- Tow/Haul mode.
2021 Chevy Colorado towing capacity with Trailering Package
2021 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab towing capacity
| Engine | GCWR (lbs.) | Short Box 2WD (lbs.) | Short Box 4WD (lbs.) |
| 3.6L V6 | 12,000 | 7,000 | 7,000 |
| Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel 4-cylinder | 12,700 | 7,700 | 7,600 |
| 3.6L V6 (ZR2) | 10,300 | NA | 5,000 |
| Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel 4-cylinder (ZR2) | 10,700 | NA | 5,000 |
| Engine | GCWR (lbs.) | Long Box 2WD (lbs.) | Long Box 4WD (lbs.) |
| 3.6L V6 | 12,000 | 7,000 | 7,000 |
| Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel 4-cylinder | 12,700 | 7,700 | 7,550 |
2021 Chevy Colorado Extended Cab towing capacity
| Engine | GCWR (lbs.) | Long Box 2WD (lbs.) | Long Box 4WD (lbs.) |
| 3.6L V6 | 12,000 | 7,000 | 7,000 |
| 3.6L V6 (ZR2) | 10,300 | NA | 5,000 |
| Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel 4-cylinder (ZR2) | 10,700 | NA | 5,000 |
Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Also, read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.
2021 Chevy Colorado trims
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado comes in several trim levels with different exterior and interior engineering features. The WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims have a standard chassis built for comfortable driving on pavement. Based on the weight of the chosen trim series and option content, the towing capacity of Colorado with the finest options may be decreased. Get more information about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado’s towing specs and capabilities below.
2021 Chevy Colorado WT towing capacity
The reliable 2.5L engine or the available 3.6L V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6 is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Extended Cab models will accommodate your coworkers with dual rear seats, while Crew Cab models are ready for three passengers with a folding rear bench seat. The towing capacity of Colorado WT ranges from 3,500 to 7,700 pounds, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
| Cab Type | Extended Cab with 6’2” box (lbs.) | Crew Cab with 5’2” box (lbs.) | Crew Cab with 6’2” box (lbs.) |
| Curb Weight | 3,968 – 2.5L 2WD 4,188 – 2.5L 4WD 4,635 – 2.8L 4WD 4,138 – 3.6L 2WD 4,368 – 3.6L 4WD | 4,050 – 2.5L 2WD 4,671 – 2.8L 4WD 4,222 – 3.6L 2WD 4,419 – 3.6L 4WD | 4,760 – 2.8L 4WD 4,282 – 3.6L 2WD 4,507 – 3.6L 4WD |
| GVWR | 5,400 – 2.5L 2WD 5,600 – 2.5L 4WD 6,100 – 2.8L 4WD 5,700 – 3.6L 2WD 5,900 – 3.6L 4WD | 5,500 – 2.5L 2WD 6,200 – 2.8L 4WD 5,800 – 3.6L 2WD 6,000 – 3.6L 4WD | 6,200 – 2.8L 4WD 5,800 – 3.6L 2WD 6,000 – 3.6L 4WD |
| Max Payload | 1,400 – 2.5L 2WD 1,380 – 2.5L 4WD 1,430 – 2.8L 4WD 1,530 – 3.6L 2WD 1,500 – 3.6L 4WD | 1,400 – 2.5L 2WD 1,490 – 2.8L 4WD 1,540 – 3.6L 2WD 1,550 – 3.6L 4WD | 1,400 – 2.8L 4WD 1,480 – 3.6L 2WD 1,460 – 3.6L 4WD |
| Max Trailering | 3,500 – 2.5L 2WD 3,500 – 2.5L 4WD 7,700 – 2.8L 4WD 7,000 – 3.6L 2WD 7,000 – 3.6L 4WD | 3,500 – 2.5L 2WD 7,600 – 2.8L 4WD 7,000 – 3.6L 2WD 7,000 – 3.6L 4WD | 7,550 – 2.8L 4WD 7,000 – 3.6L 2WD 7,000 – 3.6L 4WD |
2021 Chevy Colorado LT towing capacity
The body-color front and rear bumpers and 17-inch aluminum wheels add to the appeal with a huge step forward in style and comfort. An EZ Lift power-locking tailgate ups the ante on Colorado’s capability. Comfort and convenience are elevated by a 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with an 8-inch diagonal color touch-screen. The towing capacity of Colorado LT ranges from 3,500 to 7,700 pounds, depending on engine configuration and axle ratio.
| Cab Type | Extended Cab with 6’2” box (lbs.) | Crew Cab with 5’2” box (lbs.) | Crew Cab with 6’2” box (lbs.) |
| Curb Weight | 3,935 – 2.5L 2WD 4,173 – 2.5L 4WD 4,633 – 2.8L 4WD 4,107 – 3.6L 2WD 4,345 – 3.6L 4WD | 4,029 – 2.5L 2WD 4,481 – 2.8L 2WD 4,690 – 2.8L 4WD 4,200 – 3.6L 2WD 4,410 – 3.6L 4WD | 4,550 – 2.8L 2WD 4,785 – 2.8L 4WD 4,266 – 3.6L 2WD 4,502 – 3.6L 4WD |
| GVWR | 5,400 – 2.5L 2WD 5,600 – 2.5L 4WD 6,100 – 2.8L 4WD 5,700 – 3.6L 2WD 5,900 – 3.6L 4WD | 5,500 – 2.5L 2WD 6,000 – 2.8L 2WD 6,200 – 2.8L 4WD 5,800 – 3.6L 2WD 6,000 – 3.6L 4WD | 6,000 – 2.8L 2WD 6,200 – 2.8L 4WD 5,800 – 3.6L 2WD 6,000 – 3.6L 4WD |
| Max Payload | 1,435 – 2.5L 2WD 1,380 – 2.5L 4WD 1,430 – 2.8L 4WD 1,543 – 3.6L 2WD 1,504 – 3.6L 4WD | 1,430 – 2.5L 2WD 1,480 – 2.8L 2WD 1,471 – 2.8L 4WD 1,548 – 3.6L 2WD 1,536 – 3.6L 4WD | 1,410 – 2.8L 2WD 1,375 – 2.8L 4WD 1,494 – 3.6L 2WD 1,458 – 3.6L 4WD |
| Max Trailering | 3,500 – 2.5L 2WD 3,500 – 2.5L 4WD 7,700 – 2.8L 4WD 7,000 – 3.6L 2WD 7,000 – 3.6L 4WD | 3,500 – 2.5L 2WD 7,700 – 2.8L 2WD 7,600 – 2.8L 4WD 7,000 – 3.6L 2WD 7,000 – 3.6L 4WD | 7,700 – 2.8L 2WD 7,550 – 2.8L 4WD 7,000 – 3.6L 2WD 7,000 – 3.6L 4WD |
2021 Chevy Colorado Z71 towing capacity
With the Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package includes an automatic locking rear differential you’ll have the confidence to tackle two tracks. Projector-beam headlamps, fog lamps, and 17-inch bright machined aluminum wheels create a distinct look. Inside Z71 for your choice of exclusive Jet Black cloth/leatherette or Jet Black leather-appointed seating that’s durable and easy to clean. The towing capacity of the Colorado Z71 trim is 7,700 pounds.
| Cab Type | Extended Cab with 6’2” box (lbs.) | Crew Cab with 5’2” box (lbs.) | Crew Cab with 6’2” box (lbs.) |
| Curb Weight | 4,655 – 2.8L 4WD 4,380 – 3.6L 4WD | 4,748 – 2.8L 4WD 4,252 – 3.6L 2WD 4,488 – 3.6L 4WD | 4,815 – 2.8L 4WD 4,535 – 3.6L 4WD |
| GVWR | 6,100 – 2.8L 4WD 5,900 – 3.6L 4WD | 6,200 – 2.8L 4WD 5,800 – 3.6L 2WD 6,000 – 3.6L 4WD | 6,200 – 2.8L 4WD 6,000 – 3.6L 4WD |
| Max Payload | 1,415 – 2.8L 4WD 1,474 – 3.6L 4WD | 1,422 – 2.8L 4WD 1,518 – 3.6L 2WD 1,481 – 3.6L 4WD | 1,367 – 2.8L 4WD 1,444 – 3.6L 4WD |
| Max Trailering | 7,700 – 2.8L 4WD 7,000 – 3.6L 4WD | 7,600 – 2.8L 4WD 7,000 – 3.6L 2WD 7,000 – 3.6L 4WD | 7,550 – 2.8L 4WD 7,000 – 3.6L 4WD |
2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 towing capacity
The distinctive front fascia, grille, and hood trails with front and rear electronic locking differentials and a Multimatic DSSV™ Damping System. There’s also nearly 2 inches of front and rear lift straight from the factory, and a 3.5-inch wider stance than found on any other 2021 Colorado. Tubular rockers and skid plates help defend against damage. And ZR2-specific Jet Black leather-appointed seating with embroidered head restraints provides you with an off-road oasis. The towing capacity of the Colorado ZR2 trim is 7,700 pounds.
Explore more: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado towing capacity. 2022 Chevrolet Colorado towing capacity.
2021 Chevy Colorado Special Editions
- CUSTOM: The Custom Edition is all about Combining good looks and great value, with 18-inch Dark Argent Metallic-painted aluminum wheels and a body-color grille bar, door handles, mirror caps, and rear bumper. Plus the convenience of an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi® Hotspot. Available on WT.
- Z71 MIDNIGHT: The Z71 Midnight Edition embraces the darkness with 17-inch gloss Black-painted aluminum wheels and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac® tires. Bold Z71 front door badging, a spray-on bedliner, and a premium all-weather floor liner are included. Available on Z71 in Black.
- REDLINE: The Redline Edition, includes 18-inch Black-painted aluminum wheels with Red accents, a Black Chevrolet bowtie emblem, and Redline-specific badging. It continues with Black mirror caps, a grille bar, door handles, off-road assist steps, Red recovery hooks, and a spray-on bedliner. Available on LT.
- ZR2 DUSK: The available ZR2 Dusk Special Edition makes a bold impression with 17-inch gloss Black painted aluminum wheels, an off-road sports bar with the ZR2 logo, and off-road lights.
- ZR2 MIDNIGHT: With the available ZR2 Midnight Special Edition, you’ll get the same 17-inch gloss Black-painted aluminum wheels, off-road sports bar with the ZR2 logo, and off-road lights as the Dusk Edition. But the fact that it’s exclusively available with a Black exterior adds an attitude you’ll only find on Midnight.
- ZR2 BISON: The ultimate off-road midsize pickup Colorado ZR2 converted into a Bison version with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) designed fender flares and 17-inch wheels, along with AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers. Upping the off-road credentials are five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates, front winch provisions, and rear recovery points. The available AEV snorkel provides cool air for your hardworking engine. Adding to its rugged appearance are fog lamps and AEV logos on the head restraints and floor liners.
Conclusion
With its various engine options and towing packages, you can customize the Colorado to fit your specific needs. With its fully boxed frame, available 2.8L Duramax® turbo-diesel engine, rugged suspension, and Chevy Colorado max towing capacity, it shines brightly in the midsize truck segment. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads for work or recreational purposes, Colorado has the power and capabilities that you can trust on your truck to get the job done
Aaron Bennett is an accomplished author and a true aficionado when it comes to pickup trucks. With an unwavering passion for all things automotive, Aaron has dedicated his life to exploring the world of pickups and sharing his expertise with others. As the proud owner of several powerful machines, he has spent countless hours behind the wheel, navigating rugged terrains and conquering highways with unrivaled enthusiasm.
