Chevy makes durable trucks that can stand up to virtually anything, making them a great choice for the job site. The two main models are the compact Chevrolet Colorado pickup and the full-sized Silverado 1500. They’ve both got a ton of features that will come in handy during the workday, not to mention additional comfort options to make the cabin a more enjoyable place to be. To help you decide which Chevy truck is the best for your commercial operation, we’ve broken down some of the core attributes of both vehicles.
Engine Options
The full-sized Silverado 1500 pickup is available with four engine options. The base unit is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and provides the best payload capacity in the lineup. For towing, however, you may want to upgrade to one of two V-8 options. The smaller of the two is a 5.3-liter engine that churns out 355 horsepower, while the 6.2-liter V-8 manages 420 horsepower. If towing the heaviest loads is your top priority, you should check out the six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine for its incredible torque.
Size isn’t everything, however. Your job site may need smaller trucks for maneuverability and convenience. This is where the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado comes in. Its base engine is also a turbocharged four-cylinder, but it has less punch than the Silverado’s in its base configuration with 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. In the higher trims, you can get a tuned-up version of this engine that produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This is ideal if you want to take advantage of the Colorado’s towing capacity.
Fuel efficiency could well be an issue for your business if your trucks are often on the go between job sites. Although the Silverado’s fuel economy numbers aren’t bad for a big pickup, the Colorado offers better gas mileage if you can sacrifice the additional space. For example, while the Silverado’s base engine will get you about 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, you can expect up to 25 mpg on the highway with the Colorado.
Payload and Towing
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds, which is an impressive number for the midsized pickup class. To get this, you’ll need to opt for the tuned-up version of the four-cylinder engine. The base engine has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which is about enough for a modest-sized trailer.
The cargo bed measures just over 5 feet in length and can accommodate a payload of over 1,600 pounds. For a relatively small truck, these figures are considerable and show that the Colorado is more than capable of hauling tools and other smaller items to a job site.
The Silverado 1500 is the right choice for you when your towing requirements go beyond what the Colorado can offer. The maximum load you can pull at the rear is 13,300 pounds if you opt for the turbo-diesel engine and the Max Trailering package. This package includes key towing features, such as a trailer brake, strengthened rear suspension, and a tougher rear axle. Inside the cargo bed, you can carry a payload of up to 2,260 pounds. For that, you’ll need to stick with the base engine and Regular Cab, which seats three people.
Both the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and Silverado 1500 are offered in rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configurations. The four-wheel-drive models provide extra control and power when towing heavier loads and are generally equipped with higher towing capacities than their rear-wheel-drive counterparts.
Interior Features
Every Colorado model has the same spacious four-door Crew Cab, which can accommodate up to five people in both rows. Likewise, the 5-foot-long cargo bed remains the same throughout the lineup. The base trim features modest materials, including cloth upholstery, but you can add leather seats and a whole range of infotainment tech if you move up the trim ladder.
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has several cab and cargo bed configurations, making it ideal if the standard Colorado setup doesn’t fit your requirements. As we’ve already noted, the Regular Cab seats three people. It has a single row of seats and is the only cab that you can pair with the long 8-foot cargo bed.
The Double Cab and Crew Cab have two rows of seats. The Double Cab’s rear row is smaller, making it suitable for kids or adults on short drives, while the Crew Cab offers expansive room in both rows. However, this may not be necessary if your pickup is primarily used on the job site.
In addition to the long cargo bed, you can choose from a standard bed measuring 6 feet 6 inches and a short bed measuring 5 feet 8 inches. Note that the short bed is not available with the Regular Cab. The best combination for passenger and cargo space is the Crew Cab with the standard bed, but this setup makes the truck longer and more difficult to maneuver in a tight spot.
Truck Packages and Configurations
These trucks also offer various configuration options that may come in handy if your work involves challenging conditions. For example, the Z71 trim in both the Colorado and Silverado 1500 lineups comes with additional off-roading features, such as a higher ground clearance, skid plates, and hill-descent control. You can also fit the Silverado 1500 with a snowplow setup. Finally, an exciting array of infotainment features, such as a huge 13.4-inch display and a navigation system, are offered in some of the higher trims.
Choose Your Favorite Work Truck at Huffines Chevrolet Plano
Both the Chevrolet Colorado and Silverado 1500 have many outstanding features, which is why lots of companies use them as work trucks. Your final decision will come down to the needs of your business or what your job entails. If you need a maneuverable truck with plenty of towing and cargo-carrying abilities for most situations, the Colorado is a good choice. If you require stronger towing abilities and a more diverse range of cargo bed options, look to the Silverado 1500. At Huffines Chevrolet, we’re happy to help you find your perfect work truck. Contact us today to get started.