How much will a 2024 Colorado tow?
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado can tow up to about 7,700 pounds when properly equipped, with the exact rating depending on engine choice, axle gear, and whether you add the trailering package. Real-world capability will hinge on your specific truck configuration.
Engine options and towing capacity
Two main powertrains affect towing, and each has its own potential maximum when paired with the right equipment. The figures below are the typical upper limits Chevrolet lists for properly equipped models.
Gas engine: 2.7L Turbo
- Max towing: Up to 7,700 pounds with the Trailering Package and the appropriate axle ratio (typically available on higher trims with 4x2 or 4x4 layouts).
- Notes: Achieving the maximum requires factory-tported options that bolster cooling, braking, and stability for heavy trailers.
The gas 2.7L turbo is the common choice for buyers prioritizing similar peak towing while maintaining strong acceleration and off-road capability. Your actual rating will depend on the specific axle choice and accessory packages included with the build.
Diesel engine: 2.8L Duramax
- Max towing: In the upper range around the mid-to-high 7,000-pound mark depending on configuration and equipment.
- Notes: The diesel torque helps with heavier trailer launch and sustained pulls, but the exact limit varies by axle ratio and optional trailering components.
The Duramax diesel provides strong low-end torque for towing and a different balance of efficiency, but your precise max will be defined by the same caveats as the gas model: trim level, drivetrain, and equipment all matter.
Factors that affect towing performance
Several configuration options and added gear can shift the rated towing capacity of a Colorado. The most influential ones are listed here.
- Drivetrain: 2WD vs. 4WD can affect the available tow rating.
- Axle ratio and transmission: Different gearing changes the safe towing envelope.
- Tow/Trailering package: Often required to reach the maximum rating, includes trailer brake controller, engine/oil coolers, and enhanced cooling.
- Body configuration: Cab and bed choices can influence payload and tongue weight limits.
Because these factors interact, the number you see on the window sticker or in the owner's manual is the result of a specific build, not a generic figure across all Colorado models.
How to verify the exact rating for your Colorado
To know your precise towing capacity, use these steps tied to your exact vehicle configuration.
- Check the window sticker (Monroney) on the vehicle for the "Max Trailering" rating, which reflects the configured options.
- Consult the owner's manual’s towing section for safety limits and guidelines that match your engine, axle, and package.
- Review the vehicle’s build sheet or GMVIN data to confirm which axle, transmission, and trailering equipment are installed.
- Ask the dealer to confirm the exact tow rating for your specific truck build if there is any doubt.
By verifying these details, you’ll know the formal limit your Colorado is approved to tow and avoid exceeding safe weights.
Tips for safe towing with a Colorado
Beyond the official rating, following best practices helps ensure safe and efficient towing performance in everyday use.
- Use a weight-distributing hitch for heavier trailers to spread tongue weight across the axle of the tow vehicle.
- Ensure trailer brakes are installed and functioning; use a trailer brake controller if your configuration requires it.
- Accurately calculate tongue weight (typically 10–15% of trailer weight) and keep within payload and GVWR limits.
- Never exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of the Colorado and trailer combined.
- Inspect tires, lights, and hitch connections before towing and follow recommended speeds and braking practices for safe handling.
Following these guidelines helps maximize safety and performance while towing with the Colorado, regardless of which engine you choose.
Summary
The 2024 Colorado offers strong towing capability, with a maximum around 7,700 pounds when properly equipped with the right engine and trailering package. Real-world ratings depend on the exact configuration, including engine choice, axle ratio, and optional equipment. Always verify the specific rating for your build using the window sticker, manual, and dealer confirmation, and follow established towing safety practices for best results.
How much weight can a 2024 Chevy Colorado tow?
The 2024 Chevy Colorado has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds when properly equipped with the 310-horsepower TurboMax engine. Models with the base 237-horsepower engine have a lower capacity of 3,500 pounds, while some trims like the ZR2 have a maximum of 6,000 pounds.
Towing capacity by engine and trim:
- 7,700 pounds: This is the maximum capacity and is available on most trims when equipped with the 310-horsepower TurboMax engine.
- 6,000 pounds: The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison models have a 6,000-pound limit, even with the TurboMax engine.
- 3,500 pounds: The base models (Work Truck and LT) with the 237-horsepower 2.7L turbo engine have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
How much can a 3.6 L V6 engine tow?
The towing capacity for a 3.6L V6 engine varies significantly by vehicle, ranging from about 3,500 lbs for a Jeep Wrangler to over 8,110 lbs for a Ram 1500 with eTorque. Other models, like the Ram ProMaster, fall in between with a capacity of around 7,130 lbs. Always check the specific vehicle's owner's manual or door jamb sticker for its exact maximum towing capacity, as it depends on the vehicle's configuration and options.
This video shows the performance of a Ram 1500 V6 towing a 7200 lbs trailer: 59sVITAL ExplorerYouTube · Aug 18, 2021
- Jeep Wrangler: ~3,500 lbs (for two-door models)
- Jeep Gladiator: 4,000 to 7,700 lbs, depending on the Max Tow package
- Ram 1500 (with eTorque): Up to 8,110 lbs
- Ram ProMaster (2025): Up to 7,130 lbs
- Ram ProMaster (2023): Up to 6,910 lbs
This video demonstrates the towing capability of a Ram 1500 V6 with an 8000 lbs trailer: 58sGetty's GarageYouTube · Sep 17, 2023
This video shows the towing experience with a Jeep Gladiator and a travel trailer: 57sProdigal OverlandYouTube · Jul 6, 2022
What is the 80% towing rule?
Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
Can a Chevy Colorado really tow 7 000 lbs?
While a maximum tow rating of 7,700 lbs can be achieved when properly equipped, the Chevy Colorado towing capacity all depends on the engine and configuration you've selected. That 7,700 lbs rating is with the available 2.8L Duramax® turbo-diesel engine, but the other options can still handle a serious load.
