2026 Chevy Colorado Towing Capacity & Payload Guide
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs when equipped with the Advanced Trailering Package, and carries a maximum payload of 1,710 lbs. Exact ratings depend on trim, drivetrain, and equipment — the Colorado ZR2 tops out at 6,000 lbs and the ZR2 Bison at 5,500 lbs due to their off-road hardware. Full trim-by-trim numbers are below.
Shopping for a midsize truck that can actually pull its weight? The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado is built around a single turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder engine, but towing and payload capacity still shift significantly depending on which of the six trims you choose — Work Truck (WT), LT, Trail Boss, Z71, ZR2, and ZR2 Bison. Whether you're hauling a boat to the Kankakee River, pulling a camper up I-55, or just want to know what your work trailer needs, here's exactly what the 2026 Colorado can handle, straight from the manufacturer's specifications.
2026 Chevy Colorado Towing Capacity & Payload by Trim
Every 2026 Colorado is powered by the turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder (marketed as TurboMax), producing up to 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Here's how maximum towing and payload capacity break down by trim:
| Trim | Drivetrain | Max Towing Capacity | Max Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| WT | 2WD | 7,700 lbs* | 1,710 lbs |
| WT | 4WD | 7,700 lbs* | 1,700 lbs |
| LT | 2WD | 7,700 lbs* | 1,710 lbs |
| LT | 4WD | 7,700 lbs* | 1,700 lbs |
| Trail Boss | 4WD | 7,700 lbs* | 1,570 lbs |
| Z71 | 4WD | 7,700 lbs* | 1,590 lbs |
| ZR2 | 4WD | 6,000 lbs | 1,310 lbs |
| ZR2 Bison | 4WD | 5,500 lbs | Contact us for build-specific rating |
*Requires the Advanced Trailering Package (RPO code ZL6). WT, LT, Trail Boss, and Z71 are rated to tow 3,500 lbs standard without the package. ZR2 and ZR2 Bison come standard with their maximum tow rating — no package needed, but their off-road suspension and armor reduce capacity versus the street trims. Exact figures vary slightly by cab configuration and installed options; always confirm your specific vehicle's rating on the tire and loading information placard inside the driver's door jamb, or ask our sales team to pull the build sheet.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) & Tongue Weight
| Trim Family | Max GCWR | Max Tongue Weight |
|---|---|---|
| WT / LT / Trail Boss / Z71 (with Advanced Trailering Package) | 13,250 lbs | 770 lbs |
| ZR2 | 11,600 lbs | 600 lbs |
| ZR2 Bison | 11,600 lbs | 550 lbs |
Towing Capacity vs. Payload: What's the Difference?
Towing capacity is the maximum weight your Colorado can pull behind it on a trailer. Payload capacity is the maximum weight you can carry inside the cab and bed — passengers, cargo, and tongue weight from a trailer hitch all count against payload, not towing. A truck can be within its towing limit and still be overloaded on payload if the bed is packed full and the trailer's tongue weight is added on top. If you're planning to tow and haul gear at the same time — a common combination for camping trips or work trailers — check both numbers against your loaded weight, not just the towing figure on the window sticker.
How to Get the 2026 Colorado's Maximum 7,700-lb Tow Rating
To reach the Colorado's top towing capacity, WT, LT, Trail Boss, and Z71 trims need the factory Advanced Trailering Package (RPO ZL6), which adds a 2-inch hitch receiver, a factory-integrated trailer brake controller, an upgraded cooling system, and additional wiring for trailer lighting and cameras. A few things to keep in mind before you hook up:
- Break-in period: Chevrolet recommends at least 500 miles of normal driving before towing anything for the first time.
- Towing break-in: For the first 500 miles of actually towing a trailer, keep speeds under 50 mph to let the drivetrain properly seat.
- Trailer brake controller: Required by Illinois law for trailers over a certain weight threshold — the Advanced Trailering Package's integrated controller handles this automatically, so you're not sourcing an aftermarket unit.
- Hitch ball & class: Match your hitch ball size and receiver class to your trailer's coupler and tongue weight — our parts and service team can verify fit before you tow.
Curious whether your specific 2026 Colorado build has the Advanced Trailering Package, or need it added? schedule a service appointment and our technicians will confirm what's installed and what your exact tow rating is.
Which 2026 Colorado Trim Tows the Most?
With the Advanced Trailering Package, WT, LT, Trail Boss, and Z71 are tied for the highest tow rating at 7,700 lbs — enough for a mid-size travel trailer, a pair of jet skis, or a loaded car hauler. The off-road-focused ZR2 and ZR2 Bison trade some towing and payload capacity for their wider stance, upgraded suspension, and underbody armor, topping out at 6,000 lbs and 5,500 lbs respectively. If maximum towing is your priority, an LT or Trail Boss with the Advanced Trailering Package is typically the sweet spot between capability and price. If you're planning to compare the Colorado against Arnie Bauer's full-size option, see how it stacks up in our Chevy Silverado 1500 vs. Colorado comparison.
See the 2026 Colorado in Person at Arnie Bauer Chevrolet
Our Wilmington, IL showroom carries new 2026 Colorado trucks across the lineup — including Trail Boss and ZR2 models built for towing and off-road capability. We also serve shoppers throughout the region, including drivers near Farmington, IL.
2026 Chevy Colorado Towing & Payload FAQ
How much can a 2026 Chevy Colorado tow?
A properly equipped 2026 Chevy Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs on WT, LT, Trail Boss, and Z71 trims when fitted with the Advanced Trailering Package (RPO ZL6). Without that package, those same trims are rated to tow 3,500 lbs. The off-road ZR2 tows up to 6,000 lbs, and the ZR2 Bison up to 5,500 lbs.
What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Chevy Colorado?
Payload capacity tops out at 1,710 lbs on the 2WD WT and LT trims. 4WD WT and LT are rated at 1,700 lbs, Z71 at 1,590 lbs, Trail Boss at 1,570 lbs, and ZR2 at 1,310 lbs. Exact payload varies by cab configuration and installed options, so always check the driver's door jamb sticker for your specific vehicle.
Do I need the Advanced Trailering Package to tow 7,700 lbs?
Yes. On WT, LT, Trail Boss, and Z71 trims, the Colorado is rated to tow 3,500 lbs standard. Reaching the maximum 7,700-lb rating requires the factory Advanced Trailering Package (RPO ZL6), which adds a 2-inch hitch receiver, an integrated trailer brake controller, and additional cooling and wiring.
Does the Colorado ZR2 tow less than the LT or Z71?
Yes. The ZR2's off-road suspension, underbody skid plates, and wider stance add weight and change its GCWR, which lowers its maximum tow rating to 6,000 lbs and payload to 1,310 lbs — compared to 7,700 lbs towing and up to 1,700 lbs payload on a properly equipped LT or Z71.
What engine does the 2026 Chevy Colorado use?
Every 2026 Colorado trim uses the same turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder engine, producing up to 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available in 2WD or 4WD depending on trim.
Where can I see the 2026 Chevy Colorado's towing capacity in person near Wilmington, IL?
Arnie Bauer Chevrolet, located at 901 E Baltimore St. in Wilmington, IL, carries new 2026 Colorado trucks across the lineup, including Advanced Trailering Package-equipped models. Our sales team can walk you through the build sheet for any truck on our lot and confirm its exact tow and payload ratings before you buy — contact us to check current availability.
Specifications reflect manufacturer data for the 2026 model year and are subject to change by Chevrolet without notice. Always verify the exact towing and payload capacity of your specific vehicle using its tire and loading information placard before towing.