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What is the bed capacity of the Chevy Colorado?

The Chevy Colorado offers two bed lengths and a payload that varies by configuration. In brief, you’ll typically see two bed lengths available (5 ft 2 in and 6 ft 2 in) and a payload capacity generally in the range of roughly 1,500 to 1,700 pounds, depending on cab/bed setup and year. Note that production ended after the 2023 model year, so specs apply to the final-generation Colorado and earlier models.


To understand what “bed capacity” means for the Colorado, it helps to distinguish between bed length (how long the cargo area is) and payload capacity (how much weight the truck can carry in the bed and in passengers combined). The following sections detail each aspect and how they vary by configuration.


Bed configurations and dimensions


Chevrolet offered two bed length options across the Colorado’s generations. The short bed and the long bed are associated with different cab configurations and trim levels, and availability can vary by model year.



  • 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) bed: The shorter bed, commonly paired with Crew Cab configurations on many model years.

  • 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) bed: The longer bed option, often available with certain cab setups or trims depending on the year.


In practice, the 5'2" bed is the more frequently seen choice on newer Colorado models, while the 6'2" bed is offered on other configurations or older iterations. Always check the exact specs for a given model year and trim to confirm which bed length is available.


Payload capacity specifics


Payload capacity reflects how much weight the Colorado can carry in its bed plus passengers, and it varies with engine choice, drivetrain, cab/bed combination, and year. Across typical final-generation Colorado configurations, the payload sits roughly in the 1,500 to 1,700 pounds range, with some variations depending on equipment and drivetrain.



  • Representative payload ranges: about 1,500–1,600 pounds for many Crew Cab short-bed setups, and up to around 1,700 pounds in some long-bed or lighter configurations.

  • Lower end payload can occur on models with heavier equipment or 4x4 drivetrains, while certain lighter trims may edge toward the upper end of the range.


Because payload is affected by multiple factors (engine, transmission, drive type, cab/bed, and added equipment), exact numbers should be verified for a specific truck and model year.


Summary


The Chevy Colorado offers two bed lengths—5 ft 2 in and 6 ft 2 in—with payload capacity generally between 1,500 and 1,700 pounds, varying by configuration. Since production ended after the 2023 model year, these figures reflect the final-generation Colorado and earlier versions. Always confirm the exact bed length and payload for a particular vehicle before purchase or use.

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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.