How many gallons does a 2016 Chevy Colorado hold?

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado typically holds 19 gallons of fuel in its tank. This capacity applies to most standard configurations for that model year.

This article explains the official capacity, how it impacts driving range, and how to verify the exact size for a specific vehicle. It also clarifies common questions about variations across trims and drivetrains.

Official capacity and what it means

The 2016 Colorado is equipped with a 19-gallon (72-liter) fuel tank. Chevrolet’s specifications for that model year list 19 gallons as the standard capacity across engines and body styles, including crew cab and extended cab variants, with both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains.

Engine options and range implications

With two available engines—the 2.5-liter inline-4 and the 3.6-liter V6—the fuel economy varies, which affects how far you can go on a full tank. In practice, the 19-gallon tank provides a practical range that aligns with other mid-size pickups, depending on driving conditions and load. For precise range estimates, consult the EPA fuel economy figures for your exact configuration and multiply by 19 gallons.

Why tank size stays consistent

Automaker design for the Colorado kept the tank size stable across trim levels to simplify manufacturing, maintenance, and consumer expectations. This means most buyers can anticipate about 19 gallons regardless of whether they select a base or higher trim.

How to verify for a specific vehicle

Check the vehicle’s owner's manual, the confirmation plate on the door jamb, or the VIN-based specifications when purchasing used. Dealers can also confirm the exact capacity for a given build-sheet since there are occasional regional packaging differences.

Takeaway for owners and shoppers

Most 2016 Colorado pickups hold 19 gallons of fuel. This allows for practical driving ranges that depend on engine choice and driving style, but the capacity remains consistent across the model lineup.

Summary

The 2016 Chevy Colorado generally uses a 19-gallon fuel tank. This size applies across most configurations, with range varying by engine and driving conditions. For precise numbers, refer to the owner's manual or dealer specifications.

How many gallons of gas does a Chevy Colorado hold?

A Chevy Colorado holds 21.4 gallons of gas, though some older models may have a slightly smaller capacity of 21 gallons. This is the standard fuel tank size for recent model years, including the 2024 and 2025 model years. 

• Recent models: 21.4 gallons for models like the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Chevy Colorado. 
• Older models: Some earlier models, like certain 2021 or 2018 versions, have a 21-gallon tank. 

What year in 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. 

How many quarts does a 2016 Chevy Colorado V6 take?

The 2016 Colorado V6 has an oil capacity of 6 quarts when changing the oil and filter. It is recommended to use a 5W-30 viscosity oil that meets the GM dexos1 specification.
 

• Oil Type: 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting GM dexos1 specifications. 
• Capacity: 6 quarts, including the filter. 
• Procedure: After pouring the new oil, always check the dipstick to ensure the level is correct before closing the hood. 

How many miles per gallon does a 2016 Chevy Colorado 2.8 get?

Fuel Ratings
Turbodiesel Fuel Economy: All-new this year is a 2.8L DURAMAX turbodiesel inline-four engine. Thanks to its impressive design, this engine is able to get up to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg highway and 22 mpg city. That's enough to make it the most fuel-efficient engine on any pickup available today.