The Chevrolet Colorado continues to define the midsize pickup truck category, combining cutting-edge technology, versatile performance, and refined design. Understanding how the Colorado has evolved dimensionally across its generations reveals the strategic shifts in the Chevrolet approach to the midsize truck market. 

First Generation (2004-2012): The Foundation

The original Colorado marked the Chevrolet transition from the compact S-10 to a more substantial midsize truck platform. This generation established the Colorado reputation with varied configurations to suit different needs.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

• Regular cab: 2,824 mm (111.2 inches)
• Extended cab: 3,200 mm (126 inches)
• Crew cab: 3,048 mm (120 inches)

Overall Length:

• Regular cab: 4,877 mm (192 inches)
• Extended cab: 5,260 mm (207.1 inches)
• Crew cab: 4,928 mm (194 inches)

• Width: 1,727 mm (68 inches)
• Height: 1,651 mm (65 inches) for standard models

Interior Space and Functionality

The first-generation Colorado offered adequate but not exceptional interior space, reflecting its position as a step up from compact trucks but not quite matching full-size comfort:

• Front Headroom: Approximately 1,016 mm (40 inches)
• Front Legroom: Approximately 1,120 mm (44 inches)
• Rear Legroom (Crew Cab): Approximately 889 mm (35 inches)

Cargo Capacity

Bed options varied by cab configuration, with modest dimensions by today’s standards:

• Bed Length Options: 1,524 mm (5 feet) or 1,829 mm (6 feet,) depending on configuration

Second Generation (2015-2022): Global Expansion

The second-generation Colorado represented a significant dimensional evolution, reflecting the Chevrolet global truck strategy with increased size and capability.

Exterior Dimensions

• Wheelbase Range: 3,258-3,568 mm (128.3-140.5 inches) depending on configuration
• Overall Length: 5,083-5,712 mm (200.1-224.9 inches)
• Width: 1,882-1,887 mm (74.1-74.3 inches)
• Height: 1,781-1,790 mm (70.1-70.5 inches)

Weight Specifications

The second generation saw increased size translate to higher curb weights:

• Extended Cab: 1,778-1,955 kg (3,920-4,310 pounds)
• Crew Cab: 1,819-2,030 kg (4,010-4,476 pounds)

Interior Space Improvements

Cab space expanded notably from the first generation:

• Front Headroom: Approximately 1,052 mm (41.4 inches)
• Front Legroom: Approximately 1,143 mm (45 inches)
• Rear Legroom (Crew Cab): Improved to approximately 909 mm (35.8 inches)

Cargo Capacity

The second generation offered more practical bed dimensions:

• Bed Length Options: 1,524 mm (5 feet) or 1,829 mm (6 feet), depending on cab configuration
• Bed Width: Approximately 1,468 mm (57.8 inches)

Third Generation (2023-Present): Refined Capability

The third-generation Colorado, including the latest model, represents the most refined and capable Chevrolet midsize truck platform, with standardized dimensions across fewer configurations.

Exterior Dimensions

• Wheelbase: 3,337 mm (131.4 inches)
• Overall Length: 5,402-5,410 mm (212.7-213.0 inches)
• Width: 1,902 mm (74.9 inches)
  • With mirrors: 2,143 mm (84.4 inches)
• Height: 2,001-2,080 mm (78.8-81.9 inches), varying by trim level

Weight Specifications

The current generation continues the trend of increased structural substance:

• Curb Weight Range: 2,139-2,403 kg (4,716-5,298 pounds), depending on trim and equipment

Interior Space Refinement

The Colorado features the most spacious cabin in the model’s history:

• Front Headroom: 1,024 mm (40.3 inches)
• Front Legroom: 1,148 mm (45.2 inches)
• Front Shoulder Room: 1,458 mm (57.4 inches)
• Rear Legroom: 889 mm (35 inches)

Ground Clearance Variations

One of the most significant dimensional variations across the latest trim levels is ground clearance:

• WT and LT: 201 mm (7.9 inches)
• Z71: 226 mm (8.9 inches)
• Trail Boss: 241 mm (9.5 inches)
• ZR2: 272 mm (10.7 inches)

Cargo Capacity

The third generation standardizes the bed configuration while improving usability:

• Bed Length: 1,524 mm (5 feet) standard across all models
• Bed Width Between Wheel Wells: 1,156 mm (45.5 inches)

Dimensional Evolution: Key Changes Across Generations

When examining the Colorado dimensional evolution, several significant trends become apparent:

Wheelbase Growth

• First Gen: 2,824-3,200 mm (111.2-126 inches)
• Second Gen: 3,258-3,568 mm (128.3-140.5 inches)
• Third Gen: 3,337 mm (131.4 inches)

This progressive increase reflects the Chevrolet emphasis on improved ride quality and interior space.

Width Expansion

• First Gen: 1,727 mm (68 inches)
• Second Gen: 1,882-1,887 mm (74.1-74.3 inches)
• Third Gen: 1,902 mm (74.9 inches)

The trend toward widening has improved stability, interior roominess, and visual presence.

Height Progression

• First Gen: 1,651 mm (65 inches)
• Second Gen: 1,781-1,790 mm (70.1-70.5 inches)
• Third Gen: 2,001-2,080 mm (78.8-81.9 inches)

The significant increase in height in the third generation reflects enhanced ground clearance and a more commanding presence.

Configuration Simplification

Perhaps the most notable dimensional shift across generations is the simplification of available configurations:

• First Generation: Multiple cab styles, bed lengths, and wheelbase options
• Second Generation: Multiple cab and bed combinations with varying wheelbases
• Third Generation: Standardized to Crew Cab with 5-foot bed only

This consolidation reflects shifts in market preferences and manufacturing efficiency strategies, with the Colorado offering configuration simplicity but greater trim-level differentiation.

Off-Road Capability Dimensions

The Colorado dimensional differences between trims highlight the Chevrolet focus on specific capability targets:

Trail Boss vs. Standard Models

• Ground Clearance Increase**: +41 mm (1.6 inches)
• Overall Height Increase**: Approximately +38 mm (1.5 inches)

ZR2 vs. Standard Models

• Ground Clearance Increase: +71 mm (2.8 inches)
• Width Increase: Approximately +76 mm (3 inches) due to wider track and fender flares
• Approach/Departure Angles: Significantly improved through specialized front and rear bumper designs

The Future of Midsize Truck Dimensions

The new Chevrolet Colorado represents a significant evolution from its original 2004 predecessor, growing in nearly every dimension while refining its purpose as a versatile midsize truck. The dimensional changes across generations reflect shifting market preferences, technological advancements, and the Chevrolet strategic positioning of the Colorado between compact trucks and full-size pickups.

Whether you’re looking for a specific trim to suit your lifestyle, the dimensional variety across the new Colorado lineup ensures there’s a configuration that delivers the right balance of capability, comfort, and versatility. With its thoughtfully designed proportions, the Colorado continues to define the midsize truck category while establishing a distinctive presence on the road.

Questions and Answers About Colorado Dimensions

How has the Colorado passenger space changed from the first generation to the 2026 model?

• While this truck has grown in overall dimensions, interior space improvements have been more modest. Front legroom increased from approximately 1,120 mm to 1,148 mm (44 to 45.2 inches), while rear legroom in crew cab models has remained relatively consistent at around 889 mm (35 inches) across generations.

Which generation of Colorado offers the most cargo versatility?

• The second-generation (2015-2022) offered the most cargo versatility with multiple bed length options and cab configurations. The third-generation model standardizes on a single 1,524 mm (5-foot) bed configuration with the crew cab body style.

How does the ground clearance of the 2026 ZR2 compare to earlier generations?

• The ground clearance of 272 mm (10.7 inches) represents a substantial increase over both the first-generation models (typically around 203 mm or 8 inches for Z71 models) and second-generation models (around 216 mm or 8.5 inches).

Has the Colorado towing capacity increased with its dimensional growth?

• Yes, the dimensional growth has coincided with increased towing capacity. This truck offers up to 3,493 kg (7,700 pounds) of towing capacity in most configurations, compared to approximately 1,814 kg (4,000 pounds) for first-generation models with the five-cylinder engine.

Does the 2026 Colorado still fit in a standard garage despite its increased dimensions?

• The height of up to 2,080 mm (81.9 inches) for certain trims may present challenges in some standard residential garages with 7-foot (2,134 mm) door openings, particularly for lifted models like the ZR2. Standard trims at 2,001 mm (78.8 inches) should fit in most garages with proper clearance.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.