What size tires come on a Colorado factory?
In short, there is no single factory tire size for the Chevrolet Colorado—the stock tire size depends on the model year, trim level, and wheel package. To know the exact size for your truck, check the factory placard or the owner's manual.
The Colorado has undergone two generations since its US debut, each offering multiple trims and wheel options. As GM adjusted wheel diameters and off-road packages, the stock tire footprint changed accordingly. Because of these variations, the only reliable way to confirm the factory size for a given vehicle is to consult the documentation tied to that specific truck or verify it at the point of purchase or service.
Finding your exact factory tire size
To locate the correct factory tire size, start with the most authoritative references on the vehicle itself. The following steps help ensure you replace tires accurately and safely:
- Check the driver's door jamb for the Tire Size placard, which lists the factory-recommended tire size for that specific vehicle as built.
- Inspect the current tires’ sidewalls for the size designation; if the vehicle is still stock, these should match the factory size shown on the placard, unless a dealer-installed wheel/tyre change was made.
- Consult the owner’s manual for the Tire Information section and any wheel/tyre specifications related to your trim and year.
- Ask a Chevrolet dealer or use GM’s vehicle VIN/Build Sheet tools to pull the original-equipment tire size for your exact truck configuration.
Once you’ve confirmed the size from these sources, you’ll have a precise baseline for replacements or upgrades that preserves load ratings and handling characteristics.
Reading the sidewall code and terminology
Understanding tire codes helps when shopping for replacements. The size code typically appears on the sidewall (for example, P225/65R17) and encodes the tire type, width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter, along with load index and speed rating. Matching these values to the factory spec ensures proper fitment and safety.
For the most accurate guidance when buying tires, always use the exact size from your vehicle’s placard and cross-check with your owner’s manual or dealer resources.
Bottom line for Colorado owners and buyers
The factory tire size is not universal for the Colorado. It differs by generation, trim, and wheel package. The door placard is the most reliable reference, followed by the owner’s manual and dealer resources. When replacing tires, prioritize matching the factory size, load capacity, and speed rating to maintain intended performance and warranty coverage.
Summary: The size that comes from the factory on a Chevrolet Colorado varies by model year and trim. Verify the exact size on the door placard, consult the owner's manual, or contact a Chevrolet dealer or GM VIN-based resources to determine the correct tire size for your specific vehicle.
Are 275 tires the same as 33?
No, "275" is not the same as "33," but a specific metric size, 275/60R20, has an overall diameter of approximately 33 inches, making it nearly equivalent. The "275" refers to the tire's width in millimeters, while "33" typically refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter in inches, and "60" is the aspect ratio for that specific 275/60R20 example.
How tire sizes are read
- Metric (e.g., 275/60R20):
- 275: The width of the tire in millimeters.
- 60: The aspect ratio, meaning the height of the sidewall is 60% of the width.
- R: Radial construction.
- 20: The diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
- Inch (e.g., 33/12.50R17):
- 33: The approximate overall diameter of the tire in inches.
- 12.50: The width of the tire in inches.
- R: Radial construction.
- 17: The diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
275 vs. 33
- The number "275" alone is incomplete. A 275 tire could have a diameter of 33 inches or another size depending on its aspect ratio and wheel diameter.
- For example, a 275/60R20 tire has a total diameter of about 33 inches.
- However, a 275/55R20 tire has a total diameter of about 31.9 inches.
- To find an exact match to a 33-inch tire, you need all three numbers of the metric size (e.g., 275/60R20) or the inch size (e.g., 33/12.50R17).
What tires come on a Z71 Colorado?
What size tires will fit a Chevy Colorado? The Chevy Colorado comes with a range of stock tire sizes, including 265/70R16 tires, 255/65R17 tires, 265/65R17 tires and 265/60R18 tires.
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 are stock Chevy Colorado tires?
2021-2023 Chevy Colorado (GMT 31XX Facelift II)
| Diameter | Standard Sizing | Flotation Sizing |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Inch | 265/70R16 | 30.61 x 10.43 x 16 |
| 17 Inch | 255/65R17 | 30.05 x 10.04 x 17 |
| 17 Inch | 265/65R17 | 30.56 x 10.43 x 17 |
| 18 Inch | 265/60R18 | 30.52 x 10.43 x 18 |
