The Chevy Colorado has long been a favorite among midsize pickup truck enthusiasts, offering a blend of capability, versatility, and modern technology. For the 2025 model year, the Colorado continues to impress with a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. This comprehensive guide explores the towing capacity, payload capabilities, and towing-related features of the 2025 Chevy Colorado, providing all the details you need to determine if this truck is the right fit for your towing needs. Whether you’re hauling equipment for work or towing a boat for a weekend adventure, the Colorado is designed to deliver.
Overview
The 2025 Chevy Colorado is a light-duty midsize pickup truck that competes head-to-head with models like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and GMC Canyon. Its compact size makes it more maneuverable than full-size trucks like the Chevy Silverado, yet it offers impressive towing and payload capacities that rival larger vehicles. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, the Colorado is a top performer in its segment, making it an excellent choice for drivers who need a versatile truck for both work and play.
The Colorado’s towing prowess is complemented by its modern design, feature-rich interior, and advanced towing technologies. It’s available in five trims—Work Truck (WT), LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 (including the ZR2 Bison variant)—each tailored to different driving needs. Whether you’re a contractor needing to tow heavy equipment or a family looking to haul a camper, the Colorado offers configurations to suit a variety of lifestyles.
Towing Capacity by Configuration
The towing capacity of the 2025 Chevy Colorado varies depending on the trim level, engine configuration, and optional packages. Below is a detailed breakdown of the towing capacities for each trim, based on information from Chevrolet and other reliable sources:
| Trim | Towing Capacity (lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WT | 3,500 | Base engine, no Trailering Package |
| LT | 3,500 | Base engine, no Trailering Package |
| Trail Boss | 7,700 | Requires Trailering Package |
| Z71 | 7,700 | Requires Trailering Package |
| ZR2 | 6,000 | Off-road tuned suspension |
| ZR2 Bison | 5,500 | Additional off-road equipment |
The maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds is achieved with the Trail Boss and Z71 trims when equipped with the Trailering Package (RPO code ZL6). This package includes critical towing features such as a 2-inch receiver hitch, 7-pin connector, and trailer brake controller. The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison trims, designed for off-road performance, have lower towing capacities due to their specialized suspension and equipment.
Engine and Drivetrain
All 2025 Chevy Colorado models are powered by a 2.7L TurboMax inline-four engine, producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 3.42 axle ratio, provides robust power for towing and hauling. The drivetrain options include rear-wheel drive (RWD) for the WT and LT trims, with four-wheel drive (4WD) available across all trims. Both RWD and 4WD configurations can achieve the maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds when properly equipped, except for the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison trims.
Towing Packages
The Trailering Package is essential for achieving the highest towing capacity on the Trail Boss and Z71 trims. Key components include:
- 2-inch receiver hitch with 4-pin and 7-pin connectors
- 7-wire electrical harness and 7-pin sealed connector for trailer lights and brakes
- 4-way sealed connector for trailers without brakes
- Trailer brake controller for enhanced control
- Hitch guidance system for easier trailer alignment
These features make towing safer and more manageable, particularly for heavier loads like campers or boats.
What Affects Towing Capacity?
Several factors influence the Chevy Colorado’s towing capacity, ensuring it can handle a wide range of tasks:
- Engine Specs: The 2.7L TurboMax engine delivers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for towing heavy loads. Its turbocharged design offers strong low-end torque, which is critical for pulling trailers.
- Transmission and Axle Ratio: The 8-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear changes, while the 3.42 axle ratio optimizes torque delivery for towing. The Tow/Haul mode adjusts shift points to provide more power when towing heavy loads.
- Max Tow Package: The Trailering Package is required for the Trail Boss and Z71 trims to achieve the maximum 7,700-pound towing capacity. This package enhances the truck’s towing capabilities with specialized hardware and software.
- Suspension and Chassis: The Colorado’s robust frame and suspension are designed to handle heavy loads while maintaining stability. The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison trims feature off-road-tuned suspensions, which slightly reduce towing capacity but enhance off-road performance.
- Braking System: A strong braking system ensures safe stopping power when towing, with the trailer brake controller providing additional control for trailers with brakes.
- Smart Towing Tech: The 2025 Colorado offers advanced towing technologies, including:
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist: Helps guide the trailer when reversing.
- Trailer Sway Control: Automatically adjusts to prevent trailer sway in windy conditions.
- Up to 10 Camera Views: Provides visibility around the truck and trailer, including a bed view for monitoring cargo.
- Hitch Guidance System: Simplifies trailer alignment during hitching.
These features work together to make the Colorado a capable and user-friendly towing vehicle.
Payload Capacity and Its Impact
Payload capacity refers to the maximum weight the truck can carry in its bed and cabin, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight. For the 2025 Chevy Colorado, payload capacities vary by trim:
| Trim | Payload Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|
| WT | 1,684 |
| LT | 1,684 |
| Trail Boss | 1,587 |
| Z71 | 1,587 |
| ZR2 | 1,310 |
Payload capacity is critical when towing because it affects the total weight the truck can handle. For example, if you’re towing a 7,000-pound trailer with a 10% tongue weight (700 pounds), you must ensure the remaining payload capacity can accommodate passengers and cargo. Exceeding the payload capacity can reduce towing capacity, compromise vehicle stability, and increase wear on the truck’s components.
For instance, the Z71 trim with a 1,587-pound payload capacity can handle a 700-pound tongue weight, leaving 887 pounds for passengers and cargo. Always calculate the combined weight of passengers, cargo, and tongue weight to stay within the payload limit.
Insights From the Web and Social Media
While specific reviews for the 2025 Chevy Colorado are still emerging due to its recent release, insights from previous models and early feedback provide valuable context:
- MotorTrend Review: A 2024 Colorado ZR2 successfully towed an ex-military GM truck chassis weighing close to its 6,000-pound limit over 640 miles, demonstrating reliability and capability even in challenging conditions. The review praised the truck’s towing performance and justified its 2024 Truck of the Year award (MotorTrend).
- Reddit Discussions: Owners of earlier Colorado models, such as the 2022 Z71, report positive towing experiences. One user described towing a 26-foot RV with a loaded weight of 5,600 pounds, noting that the truck handled well with a weight distribution hitch and trailer brakes. However, they cautioned against towing at the maximum capacity due to stability concerns in high winds (Reddit).
- General Feedback: Across automotive forums and reviews, the Colorado is praised for its powerful engine, smooth transmission, and advanced towing features. Users highlight the importance of proper towing equipment, such as weight distribution hitches and sway control, to ensure a safe and stable towing experience.
Although recent social media posts specific to the 2025 model’s towing performance are limited, the general consensus is that the Colorado’s towing capabilities are robust and well-suited for a variety of tasks.
Best Configurations for Towing
Choosing the right configuration depends on your towing needs:
- Light to Medium-Duty Towing (Up to 3,500 lbs): The WT and LT trims with the base engine are ideal for smaller trailers, such as utility trailers or jet skis. These trims offer a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and are cost-effective for occasional towing.
- Heavy-Duty Towing (Up to 7,700 lbs): The Trail Boss and Z71 trims, equipped with the Trailering Package, are the best choices for towing heavier loads like boats, campers, or large trailers. Their 7,700-pound towing capacity makes them versatile for both work and recreational use.
- Off-Road Towing: The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison trims are designed for off-road enthusiasts, with towing capacities of 6,000 and 5,500 pounds, respectively. These trims are suitable for towing smaller trailers to remote locations, but their off-road-focused suspensions limit their maximum towing capacity.
Essential Towing Package Options
To maximize towing performance, consider the following options:
- Trailering Package: Includes a hitch receiver, wiring harness, trailer brake controller, and hitch guidance system.
- Weight Distribution Hitch: Recommended for trailers over 2,000 pounds to distribute weight evenly and improve stability.
- Sway Control: Essential for preventing trailer sway, especially in windy conditions or when passing large vehicles.
Safety Tips
- Check Official Charts: Always consult the official towing and payload charts for your specific configuration, available in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or on Chevrolet’s website.
- Monitor Tongue Weight: Ensure the trailer’s tongue weight is 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight to maintain stability.
- Use Proper Equipment: Invest in a weight distribution hitch and sway control for heavier trailers to enhance safety and handling.
- Regular Maintenance: Check the truck’s brakes, tires, and suspension regularly to ensure they can handle the demands of towing.
Conclusion
The 2025 Chevy Colorado is a standout midsize pickup truck, offering a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. Its 2.7L TurboMax engine, advanced towing technologies, and robust chassis make it a reliable choice for a wide range of towing tasks, from hauling work equipment to towing recreational vehicles. The Trail Boss and Z71 trims are the top choices for heavy-duty towing, while the WT and LT trims provide ample capability for lighter loads. The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison cater to off-road enthusiasts who still need respectable towing performance.
With features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, trailer sway control, and multiple camera views, the Colorado makes towing safer and more manageable. Its payload capacities, ranging from 1,310 to 1,684 pounds, ensure flexibility for carrying passengers and cargo while towing. Whether you’re a contractor, an outdoor enthusiast, or a family looking for a versatile truck, the 2025 Chevy Colorado is a compelling option that balances power, technology, and practicality.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official towing and payload charts provided by Chevrolet. Visit Chevrolet’s website or contact your local dealership to explore the Colorado’s capabilities and find the perfect configuration for your needs.
FAQ
Which Chevy Colorado can tow 7000 lbs?
| Engine | Crew Cab, Short Box 2WD | Crew Cab, Short Box 4WD |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-Cylinder | 3,500 lbs | N/A |
| 3.6L V6 | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 3.6L V6 With Trailering Package | 7,000 lbs | 7,000 lbs |
| 2.8L Duramax® Turbo-Diesel 4-Cylinder | 7,700 lbs | 7,600 lbs |
Are Chevy Colorados good for towing?The Chevy Colorado has a long legacy of excellent towing. Although its towing capability has evolved over the years, the latest model represents the peak of hauling, with a maximum of 7,700 pounds.
How much can a V6 Colorado tow?
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Can a Chevy Colorado pull a 6000 lbs travel trailer?The Chevrolet Colorado has a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped – which is perfect for hauling trailers, small boats, and campers.
Reference
https://www.bomninchevrolet.com/chevy-colorado-towing-capacity
https://www.coxchevy.com/manufacturer-information/chevrolet-colorado-towing-capacity/
