Is a Chevy Colorado an SUV?
The Chevy Colorado is a midsize pickup truck, not an SUV. It rides on a traditional body-on-frame chassis with a cargo bed and is designed primarily for payload and towing rather than passenger-focused utility.
Vehicle classification: pickups versus SUVs
Understanding the distinction between a pickup like the Colorado and an SUV helps clarify why the Colorado is not considered an SUV. The following points summarize the key differences automotive manufacturers use to categorize these vehicles.
- Cargo configuration: pickups have a separate cargo bed behind the cabin, while SUVs have an enclosed rear passenger area with a continuous roofline.
- Chassis design: pickups use a body-on-frame construction optimized for towing and payload, whereas many SUVs use a unibody platform focused on on-road ride and interior packaging.
- Primary purpose: pickups emphasize work-related tasks such as hauling and towing, while SUVs emphasize passenger space and versatile cargo areas within an enclosed interior.
- Market positioning: the Colorado is marketed and sold as a midsize pickup, not as a family or people-mouring SUV.
In short, even though the Colorado shares some interior features with SUVs, its fundamental design and market category remain that of a pickup truck.
Chevrolet Colorado today: design, features, and capabilities
Body style, cab options, and bed configuration
The current Colorado is offered with multiple cab setups (notably crew cab and extended cab configurations) and bed-length options depending on year and trim. The presence of a cargo bed behind the cabin is the defining characteristic that keeps it in the pickup category rather than an SUV.
Powertrains and capability
Key specifications and capabilities can vary by model year and trim level, but the Colorado remains defined by its pickup-oriented design, not by SUV-focused architecture.
Bottom line and alternatives for SUV shoppers
If your priority is a vehicle with an enclosed passenger compartment and a focus on passenger space or all-around on-road comfort, an SUV such as Chevrolet’s Blazer or Traverse might better fit your needs. The Colorado, by contrast, is geared toward customers who want a midsize pickup with a bed, towing capability, and serious work-truck practicality.
Summary
The Chevy Colorado is a midsize pickup truck, not an SUV. It features a cargo bed, body-on-frame construction, and targeting for payload and towing, setting it apart from SUV models even as it shares some modern interior conveniences. For those who want a traditional SUV experience, Chevrolet offers models like the Blazer and Traverse; for those who need a capable midsize truck, the Colorado remains Chevrolet’s primary option in that segment as of 2025.
