2026 Chevy Colorado Towing Capacity
Powers Swain Chevrolet, Fayetteville, NC
2026 Chevy Colorado Towing Capacity
Short answer first, full breakdown below. Every 2026 Colorado runs the same engine. What changes between trims is suspension setup and, with it, the rated tow limit.
Up to 7,700 lbWT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71 — when properly equipped
2026 Colorado Towing Capacity by Trim
All trims share the 2.7L TurboMax engine. The difference in tow rating comes from suspension configuration and available trailering packages.
| Trim | Max Tow Capacity | Starting MSRP | Suspension | 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Truck (WT) | 7,700 lbMax Trimwhen properly equipped | From $32,400 | Standard | RWD std; 4WD opt |
| LT | 7,700 lbMax Trimwhen properly equipped | From $36,000 | Standard | RWD std; 4WD opt |
| Trail Boss | 7,700 lbMax Trimwhen properly equipped | From $40,500 | Off-road lift, Multimatic shocks | 4WD standard |
| Z71 | 7,700 lbMax Trimwhen properly equipped | From $44,600 | Off-road tuned | 4WD standard |
| ZR2 | 6,000 lbOff-Road Tunedwhen properly equipped | From $50,700 | Multimatic DSSV, wider track, lifted | 4WD standard |
| ZR2 Bison | 5,500 lbOff-Road Tunedwhen properly equipped | From $62,400 | Multimatic DSSV, steel sliders, underbody armor | 4WD standard |
Starting MSRPs approximate as of June 2026. Confirm vs. chevrolet.com Build and Price before purchase. Tow ratings when properly equipped with Max Trailering Package where applicable. Actual tow rating varies by configuration.
The Engine
One Engine Across All Six Trims. 310 HP and 430 lb-ft of Torque.
Every 2026 Colorado runs a 2.7L TurboMax turbocharged four-cylinder. No V6 option, no diesel — Chevrolet simplified the lineup for 2023 when this generation launched, and 2026 carries the same approach. The diesel option was discontinued.
The 2.7L TurboMax delivers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. That torque number is healthy for a mid-size truck and it comes on early, which makes it useful for towing acceleration on ramps and hills along I-95 or US-401 south of Fayetteville.
The reason tow ratings differ across trims is not the engine. It is the suspension and cooling package. The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison are tuned and equipped for off-road travel, which changes their weight distribution, ride height, and geometry in ways that reduce the maximum safe tow load even though the engine is identical.
310Horsepower
430lb-ft Torque
8-spdAuto Transmission
Getting to 7,700 lb
The Max Trailering Package Is What Gets You to the Top Number.
The 7,700-lb rating on WT, LT, Trail Boss, and Z71 requires the truck to be "properly equipped," which in GM language means fitted with the Max Trailering Package. This package adds a transmission cooler, engine oil cooler, and additional cooling capacity that allows the truck to sustain higher load ratings safely over distance.
Without the Max Trailering Package, the Colorado's tow rating is lower. If you are buying specifically for maximum towing — a boat trailer run to Jordan Lake, a car trailer for a PCS move down I-95, or regular hauls from Fayetteville out to Sanford — confirm that your configuration includes this package before purchase.
The standard trailering equipment on all 2026 Colorado trims includes a Class III hitch receiver (2-inch), a 7-pin trailer connector, integrated trailer brake controller, and trailer sway control. The hook is standard. The extra cooling that unlocks full capacity is the package you want to confirm.
7,700Max Tow with Package (lb)
1,649Max Payload (lb)
2"Hitch Class III Receiver
ZR2 and ZR2 Bison
The ZR2 Tows Less Because It Is Built for Something Else Entirely.
The ZR2 uses Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, a wider front and rear track, increased ride height, and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires. All of that hardware is purpose-built for technical off-road trails, not for hauling a loaded boat trailer down US-401.
That suspension geometry shifts weight distribution and changes how a trailer load sits behind the truck, which is why Chevrolet rates the ZR2 at 6,000 lbs and the ZR2 Bison at 5,500 lbs — not because the engine gives up, but because the suspension and geometry math produces a lower safe ceiling.
If your primary use case is towing, the Z71 or Trail Boss is the better trim. Both offer serious off-road capability with their own factory lift and off-road tuning, and both reach the full 7,700-lb max. The ZR2 is for buyers who go to places where 5,500 lbs is already more than enough and trail performance is the point.
- ZR2: 6,000 lb max tow (when properly equipped)
- ZR2 Bison: 5,500 lb max tow (when properly equipped) — adds steel belly plates and additional underbody armor
- Trail Boss and Z71: 7,700 lb max tow (when properly equipped) — off-road capable AND full tow rated
What the 2026 Colorado Actually Tows in the Real World
Common loads near Fort Liberty and Fayetteville, and whether the Colorado handles them on WT/LT/Trail Boss/Z71 at 7,700 lb capacity.
Aluminum Fishing Boat and Trailer
Typical loaded weight: 1,500 to 2,500 lb
Handles it — significant margin to spareSki or Wakeboard Boat and Trailer
Typical loaded weight: 4,000 to 6,000 lb
Handles it on WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71Pontoon Boat and Trailer
Typical loaded weight: 3,500 to 5,500 lb
Handles most pontoons on all non-ZR2 trimsLightweight Travel Trailer
Typical loaded weight: 2,500 to 5,500 lb
Handles it — confirm GVWR with trailer manufacturerSingle-Axle Car Transport Trailer
Trailer 1,500 lb + sedan 3,000 to 4,200 lb = 4,500 to 5,700 lb
Handles most car trailer loads on WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71Utility Trailer with Equipment
Typical loaded weight: 2,000 to 6,500 lb
Handles most utility loads; confirm weight before hookupColorado Towing Capacity: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Chevy Colorado?
Up to 7,700 lbs when properly equipped on the WT, LT, Trail Boss, and Z71 trims. The ZR2 is rated at 6,000 lbs and the ZR2 Bison at 5,500 lbs when properly equipped. All trims share the 2.7L TurboMax engine; the difference in ratings comes from suspension configuration.
Can the 2026 Chevy Colorado tow a boat near Fayetteville?
Yes. At 7,700 lbs max tow capacity on WT, LT, Trail Boss, and Z71 trims, the 2026 Colorado handles most recreational boats comfortably. A typical aluminum fishing boat with trailer runs 1,500 to 2,500 lbs. A pontoon or ski boat can run 3,500 to 6,000 lbs loaded. All fall within the Colorado's capability for a run to Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, or the Cape Fear River out of Fayetteville.
Does the 2026 Chevy Colorado come with a tow hitch?
Yes. Every 2026 Colorado comes standard with a Class III hitch receiver (2-inch), a 7-pin trailer wiring harness, integrated trailer brake controller, and trailer sway control. The Max Trailering Package adds cooling upgrades and is needed to reach the full 7,700-lb max rating. Confirm which package your configuration includes with our team.
Why does the ZR2 Colorado tow less than the Z71?
The ZR2 uses Multimatic DSSV off-road dampers, a lifted ride height, wider track width, and 33-inch all-terrain tires. That suspension geometry changes weight distribution behind the truck and produces a lower safe tow rating, not a lower engine output. The same 2.7L TurboMax powers both. The Z71 reaches 7,700 lbs because its suspension is tuned for a balance of on-road and off-road capability rather than pure trail performance.
Can the 2026 Colorado tow a car trailer for a PCS move?
Yes, for most typical car trailer setups. A single-axle open car transport trailer weighs about 1,500 lbs; a typical sedan adds 3,000 to 4,200 lbs. That puts most car-on-trailer loads in the 4,500 to 5,700-lb range, well within the 7,700-lb capacity on WT, LT, Trail Boss, and Z71 trims. For heavier vehicles or dual-axle enclosed trailers, confirm the total weight before hooking up.
What is the payload of the 2026 Chevy Colorado?
Up to 1,649 lbs depending on configuration. Payload covers everything in the cab and bed combined: passengers, gear, and trailer tongue weight (typically 10 to 15 percent of total trailer weight). The exact payload for your specific truck is on the driver-side door jamb sticker. Never exceed the number on that sticker.
Is there a diesel option on the 2026 Chevy Colorado?
No. Chevrolet discontinued the diesel engine for the current-generation Colorado. The 2026 model is available only with the 2.7L TurboMax turbocharged four-cylinder, which delivers 310 HP and 430 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic.
Is 2026 the last year for the current Colorado?
Yes. The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado production ends October 16, 2026. If you want this generation, Powers Swain Chevrolet at 4709 Bragg Blvd has Colorado inventory in stock now. Call (910) 864-9500 to confirm trim availability before visiting.
Ready to Hook Up and Haul?
Powers Swain Chevrolet has the 2026 Colorado in stock at 4709 Bragg Blvd in Fayetteville. Come in, confirm your tow package, and drive it home. 2026 production ends October 16, 2026.
4709 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28303 | pschevy.com