VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 5600
310hp @ 6400
Torque
430lb-ft @ 3000
281lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
20 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Towing
7700lbs
—
Engine
—
3.8 L/231ci
Choosing between the Chevrolet Colorado and the Nissan Frontier is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Chevrolet Colorado delivers 310hp @ 5600 while the Nissan Frontier produces 310hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Colorado returns 20 mpg est. while the Frontier uses 21 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $44,600 for the Colorado and $36,190 for the Frontier. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Chevrolet Colorado4WD Crew Cab Z71 2026 - From $44,600
Nissan FrontierCrew Cab 4x2 SV 2026 - From $36,190
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 5600
310hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
430lb-ft @ 3000
281lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
3.8 L/231ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
22mpg
24 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.4gal
21.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
213.21in
210.2in
Width (in)
76.32 w/Mirrors Folded, 84.4 w/Mirrorsin
73in
Height (in)
79.58in
71.4in
Wheelbase (in)
131.36in
126in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
4492lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
41.9cu ft
40.1cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
7700lbs
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Frontier
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Frontier
Value
Frontier
Practicality
Colorado
Pros & Cons
Chevrolet Colorado
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Frontier
Better fuel economy (21 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($36,190)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Colorado or Frontier?
The Colorado gets 20 mpg est. and the Frontier gets 21 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Frontier is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Colorado or Frontier?
The Colorado produces 310hp @ 5600 and 430lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Frontier delivers 310hp @ 6400 and 281lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Colorado and Frontier?
The Colorado starts from $44,600 and the Frontier from $36,190. The Frontier is cheaper by $8,410 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Colorado or Frontier?
The Colorado has a braked towing capacity of 7700lbs and the Frontier can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Colorado or the Frontier?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider