Do all Chevy Colorados have the same size bed?
No. Chevy Colorados do not all use the same bed size. Bed length varies by generation, cab configuration, and model year; some configurations offer two bed lengths, while others use a single option.
This article explains how bed sizes have varied through the Colorado’s history, what bed-length options are available in the current lineup, and how to verify the exact bed size for a specific pickup.
Bed size options by generation
The Colorado has gone through two main generations with different bed-length options. The exact lengths and which cabs they apply to changed over time, so buyers should verify for any specific year, trim, or market.
- First generation (2004–2012): Offered both short and long bed variants, with bed options that depended on market, cab style, and year. Some configurations carried a shorter bed with certain cabs and trims, while others used a longer bed.
- Second generation (2015–present): Typically offers two bed lengths in many markets: a short bed and a long bed. Availability of each length depends on cab style and year, so not every combination is offered in every model year.
In practice, bed-length options are not universal across all Colorados. Always verify the exact bed size for the specific vehicle you’re considering by checking the build sheet or window sticker.
How bed size interacts with cab configuration and trim
Bed length is closely tied to the cab style (how many doors and seats) and the model year. The same generation can present different bed options depending on whether you choose a Crew Cab, Extended Cab (Xtra Cab), or other body configurations, and the available trims. This means some cab options may be offered with both bed lengths, while others may be limited to a single length.
- Crew Cab: In many years of the modern Colorado, both bed lengths have been available with Crew Cab configurations, but exact availability varies by year and trim. Always confirm the specific vehicle’s options.
- Extended Cab (Xtra Cab): The longer bed is commonly paired with this cab in several model years; short-bed availability for Extended Cab varies by year and market. Check the exact build for confirmation.
The takeaway is clear: bed length on Colorados is not fixed across all models. To know the exact bed size for a given pickup, verify the vehicle’s documentation or speak with a dealer about that specific VIN.
How to verify the exact bed size on your Colorado
To confirm the bed length for a particular Colorado, use these verification steps. The following methods help ensure you’re matching cargo needs, payload expectations, and aftermarket accessory compatibility to the correct bed size.
- Check the window sticker or the owner’s manual for the bed length or body style information; the sticker often lists the bed type in the Vehicle Description or similar section.
- Inspect the door jamb sticker or the vehicle’s build sheet if available; these documents can indicate the body style and bed length for that exact truck.
- Use the VIN to pull a build sheet from a GM dealer or a trusted online VIN decoder; the build sheet will specify cab style and bed length.
- If documentation isn’t accessible, physically measure the bed: measure from the inside edge of the tailgate to the front corner of the bed near the cab and compare to official bed-dimension references for the year.
Accurate bed size matters for payload calculations, accessory fitments (like tonneau covers), and cargo planning. Verifying the exact length helps prevent mismatches and surprises.
Summary
The Chevy Colorado does not share a single, universal bed size. Across its generations, there are typically two bed-length options—roughly a short bed and a long bed—but which one you get depends on the year, cab configuration, and trim. Always verify the exact bed length for a specific vehicle by checking the window sticker, build sheet, or VIN-based resources.
Does a Chevy Colorado have a full-size bed?
As we established earlier, there is only one Chevy Colorado bed size: the Short Box, Crew Cab. Take a look at the Chevy Colorado bed dimensions below: Total cargo volume: 41.9 cubic feet. Bed length: 61.7 inches.
What year of Chevy Colorado to stay away from?
The Chevy Colorado years to avoid are primarily the 2004-2006 first-generation models and the 2014-2019 second-generation models due to common issues like transmission problems, engine misfires, and power steering loss. The 2015 model is often cited as the worst year due to widespread transmission and power steering failures. Other years with notable complaints include 2017 for electronics and 2018 for transmission shuddering.
This video discusses the worst Chevy Colorado years to avoid, focusing on the 2015 model's transmission and steering issues: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Dec 23, 2019
Problematic generations and years
- First Generation (2004-2006):
- 2004-2006: Early years are prone to engine misfires and worn-out valve seats.
- Second Generation (2014-2019):
- 2015: This is frequently called out as the worst year due to numerous complaints about the transmission and a high number of power steering system failures.
- 2017: Issues with the display screen freezing and phone pairing problems are frequently reported.
- 2018: Transmission shuddering and other transmission-related problems were common.
- 2014-2019: This period saw many transmission and engine issues, as well as problems with power steering and the HVAC system.
- Other years:
- 2004-2012: These years can have problems with the A/C blower motor and fuel level sensors.
You can watch this video to learn about potential problems with different generations of the Chevy Colorado: 56sTech TriumphYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Common issues by category
- Transmission: Shuddering, sluggish shifting, and premature failure were common, particularly in the 2015-2019 models.
- Engine: Misfires and worn-out valve seats were reported in the 2004-2009 and 2016 models.
- Steering: A significant number of 2015 models experienced power steering loss, which is a major safety concern.
- Electronics: The 2017 model is known for issues like freezing display screens and problems with phone pairing.
- HVAC: Malfunctioning A/C blowers were a complaint in the 2004-2010 and 2012 model years.
What size beds do Colorados have?
The standard Chevy Colorado bed is 61.7 inches (5 feet, 2 inches) long and has a width of 58.2 inches at the floor and 45.5 inches at the wheelhousings. The cargo volume for this standard bed is 41.9 cubic feet. Some trims and models may offer a different length, but the short box is the most common size across the Colorado lineup.
- Length: 61.7 inches (5 ft. 2 in.)
- Width at floor: 58.2 inches
- Width at wheelhousings: 45.5 inches
- Cargo volume: 41.9 cubic feet
Are all Chevy Colorados the same size?
Three different cab configurations were offered on Colorado and Canyon: a two-door regular-cab model with a 6 ft (1.8 m) box and seating for either two or three passengers, a four-door extended-cab model with a 6 ft (1.8 m) box and seating for either four or five passengers, and a four-door crew-cab model with a ...
