Choosing a new pickup truck to buy isn’t always easy. There are a lot of great options on the market, and it’s hard to know which one best fits your needs. Two of the most popular options are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Chevrolet Colorado, which at first may seem similar. However, some significant differences between the two may make one a better fit for you than the other.
View Chevrolet Silverado 1500 View Chevrolet Colorado
2023 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 2023 Chevrolet Colorado

2023 Chevrolet Colorado
Below, we’ll detail how the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado compare against each other.
Performance
Let’s start by looking at the performance specifications of both vehicles. Inside the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, you can get a variety of different powertrain configurations. These options include a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, two V-8 engines, and a 3.0-liter diesel engine. With the optimal configuration, you’ll get around 420 horsepower. With the standard options, you can expect to get 310 horsepower.
As for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, there is only one engine option, which is a 2.7-liter inline-four engine. However, depending on which trim level you select for the Colorado, you’ll get different performance specifications. For example, the WT and LT trims produce 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, while the Z71 trim produces 301 horsepower. The ZR2 trim produces 310 horsepower, which matches the standard option in the Silverado.
Since there are many configurations available for both the Silverado and the Colorado, which one you should get depends on your needs. Generally, the Silverado provides more power due to its larger size.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is another factor that depends on which powertrain you select, as some are more efficient than others. The most fuel-efficient version of the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado is the diesel engine, which has an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating of 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. At the other end of the scale, you have the 5.3-liter V-8 engine that produces 16 and 22 mpg, respectively.
As for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, it’s hard to say how fuel efficient it will be, as the EPA has not provided a rating yet. However, the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado has a fuel-efficiency rating of 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. If Chevrolet keeps things somewhat the same for 2023, you can expect to get similar fuel efficiency.
Towing and Hauling
With the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, you’ll get a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. This makes it one of the best pickup trucks for towing on the market. You can get this maximum towing capacity with both the diesel engine and the 6.2-liter V-8 engine. However, if you opt for the 5.3-liter engine, you’ll still be able to tow up to 11,500 pounds, while the turbocharged four-cylinder results in a 9,500-pound limit. As for hauling, the powertrain doesn’t impact things much, with the range of capabilities falling between 1,870 and 2,280 pounds.
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado has lower hauling and towing capabilities across the board. At its best, the Colorado has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,684 pounds. If you’re looking for the truck with the most hauling and towing capabilities, you’ll want to consider the Chevrolet Silverado. However, if you don’t need as much power, you can save money by going with the Chevrolet Colorado instead.
Truck Bed
Another important factor when determining which pickup truck to buy is the size of its bed. With the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, you can choose from different bed sizes. The smallest is 69.6 inches, while the largest is 98.4 inches. This means you have a little more flexibility in terms of which bed size best fits your needs.
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado has a bed size of 62 inches. This is smaller than even the smallest version of the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. However, it’s still large enough for many people who only need the truck bed to move the occasional large item. You’ll want to think about what you’ll typically place inside the bed of the truck to determine how much space you need.
Entertainment and Comfort Features
Both the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado come with plenty of entertainment and comfort features inside. With the Silverado, you’ll get an extra-spacious cabin, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and the ability to upgrade to leather upholstery. There’s also an infotainment touchscreen that can connect to Apple and Android devices.
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offers similar features, such as the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. With this truck, you can also get a sunroof, which is the first Chevy model to offer this. Finally, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado comes with wireless phone-charging capabilities and the ability to add the Google built-in feature.
Safety Features
The Silverado 1500 and the Colorado have similar safety features. Which ones come standard and which ones are available as an upgrade depends on the trim you select for each model. Here are some of the standard features included with both trucks:
- Forward collision warning
- Automated emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
Lane departure warning.
Get Your Next Chevy Truck at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris
Both the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado have a lot to offer. If you’re looking for the larger, more powerful truck, then you’ll want to explore the Silverado 1500. If you’re working on a smaller budget and don’t need all the extra performance specifications, then the Colorado may be a better option for you.
If you need help deciding between the two, Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris can assist you. We can discuss your needs, then help you find the pickup truck that best serves you. To get started, check out our latest new inventory and see what we have in stock. When you’re ready, contact us to schedule an appointment at our dealership.

