Choosing the right truck bed can make daily work, weekend projects, or outdoor adventures much easier. The Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Size is a common concern for buyers who want to haul gear, tools, or recreational equipment without upgrading to a full-size pickup. In this guide, we’ll break down every bed size option, real-world use cases, and practical tips so you can make a confident decision.
What Is the Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Size?
The Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Size varies depending on cab configuration and model year, but it is designed to balance maneuverability with usable cargo space. As a midsize pickup, the Colorado offers fewer bed options than full-size trucks—but that simplicity works in its favor.
Read too: Top Trucking Companies That Still Have Manual Transmissions
Available Bed Lengths (Most Model Years)
- Short Bed: approximately 61.7 inches (5.1 feet)
- Long Bed: approximately 74 inches (6.2 feet)
These measurements refer to bed floor length, not overall truck length.
Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Size by Cab Configuration
Understanding cab type is critical because it directly affects bed size.
Crew Cab
- Bed option: Short Bed only
- Approximate length: 61.7 inches
- Best for: Families, daily driving, passengers
Extended Cab
- Bed option: Long Bed
- Approximate length: 74 inches
- Best for: Work use, hauling longer materials
📌 Key Insight: If you need maximum cargo length, the Extended Cab + Long Bed combination is the best choice.
Exact Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Dimensions
Beyond length, width and depth matter just as much.
Interior Bed Dimensions (Approximate)
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Bed Length (Short) | 61.7 in |
| Bed Length (Long) | 74.0 in |
| Bed Width (between wheel wells) | ~44.4 in |
| Bed Width (overall) | ~57.8 in |
| Bed Depth | ~18.6 in |
These dimensions allow the Colorado to carry common cargo such as motorcycles, furniture, and construction materials.
How Much Can the Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Carry?
Payload Capacity Overview
Payload depends on trim and drivetrain, but averages include:
- Up to ~1,550 lbs (properly equipped models)
This makes the Colorado competitive in the midsize segment.
Real-World Examples
- Fits 4×8 plywood sheets (with tailgate down)
- Can haul two dirt bikes
- Easily carries landscaping tools or camping gear
Short Bed vs Long Bed: Which Is Better?
Short Bed (61.7 in)
Pros
- Easier parking
- Better turning radius
- Ideal for city driving
Cons
- Less space for long items
- Tailgate-down hauling more common
Long Bed (74 in)
Pros
- Better for construction materials
- Less need for bed extenders
- Improved work utility
Cons
- Slightly longer overall vehicle
- Less maneuverable in tight areas
👉 Tip: If your truck is a daily driver, the short bed often feels more practical. If it’s a work tool, long bed wins.
How Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Size Compares to Competitors
Midsize Truck Comparison
| Truck Model | Max Bed Length |
|---|---|
| Chevy Colorado | ~74 in |
| Toyota Tacoma | ~73.7 in |
| Ford Ranger | ~72.8 in |
| Nissan Frontier | ~73.3 in |
The Colorado sits at the top of its class in usable bed length.
Chevy Colorado Bed Features That Improve Usability
Bed size is only part of the story.
Notable Bed Features
- Multiple tie-down points
- Available spray-in bedliner
- Optional bed lighting
- Power tailgate (newer models)
These features maximize how much you can actually use the available bed space.
How to Measure Your Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Correctly
If you already own a Colorado, measuring yourself is smart—especially before buying accessories.
Step-by-Step
- Open tailgate fully
- Measure inside length from bulkhead to tailgate
- Measure width between wheel wells
- Measure bed depth from floor to top rail
- Record dimensions in inches for accessory compatibility
Use a steel tape measure for accuracy.
Choosing Accessories Based on Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Size
Your bed size determines which accessories will fit.
Common Accessories
- Tonneau covers
- Bed racks
- Toolboxes
- Camper shells
⚠️ Always confirm bed length compatibility before purchasing accessories online.
Fuel Efficiency vs Bed Size: Is There a Trade-Off?
While bed size has a minor effect on aerodynamics, real-world MPG differences between short and long beds are minimal—often less than 1 MPG.
What matters more:
- Driving habits
- Tire choice
- Payload weight
Is the Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Size Enough for Work?
For most light-to-medium-duty tasks, yes.
Ideal Use Cases
- Home improvement projects
- Light construction
- Outdoor recreation
- Small business deliveries
For extreme hauling, a full-size truck may still be better—but for versatility, the Colorado excels.
Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Size and Towing Considerations
Bed size does not directly affect towing capacity, but payload does.
- Heavier bed loads reduce towing capacity
- Proper weight distribution is essential
- Use tie-downs to prevent load shifting
Why Midsize Truck Bed Size Matters More Than You Think
Many drivers assume bigger is better—but midsize trucks often offer:
- Easier handling
- Lower ownership costs
- Sufficient cargo space for 90% of needs
The Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Size is designed around real-world usability, not just numbers.
Background: What Is a Pickup Truck Bed?
For a general overview of pickup truck beds and their design purpose, you can explore this authoritative source on Wikipedia:
👉 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickup_truck
FAQ: Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Size
What is the standard Chevy Colorado truck bed size?
The most common size is the short bed at about 61.7 inches, especially on Crew Cab models.
Does Chevy Colorado offer a long bed?
Yes, the Extended Cab configuration includes a 74-inch long bed.
Can a Chevy Colorado carry 4×8 plywood?
Yes, with the tailgate down. It fits width-wise between the bed rails.
Is the Chevy Colorado bed smaller than a full-size truck?
Yes, but it offers excellent capacity for a midsize pickup while being easier to drive and park.
Which Chevy Colorado bed size is best for camping?
The long bed is better for sleeping platforms and gear storage, but many campers successfully use short beds with bed racks.
Conclusion
The Chevy Colorado Truck Bed Size strikes a smart balance between capability and convenience. Whether you choose the short bed for daily driving or the long bed for work-focused hauling, the Colorado delivers practical dimensions that meet most real-world needs.
If this guide helped you, share it on social media so other truck buyers can make informed decisions with confidence.
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