Shoppers on the lookout for a quality pre-owned pick-up truck have many good choices thanks to its popularity in America. The caveat, however, is choosing the right one.
Fret not, at Tim’s Trucks, we have an extensive selection of trucks in all sizes and types, along with an experienced team to help you make the right choice.
Our article compares the GMC Sierra 2500 against the Chevy Colorado, which both excel in their slightly differing roles.
GMC Sierra 2500
We mentioned differing roles. So first off, buyers needing a full-size pick-up truck built for serious work, with high towing and payload capacities, will do well to pencil the GMC Sierra 2500 onto their shopping shortlist.
The 2500 series is a heavy-duty truck that's been around since around 2001, based on parent company GM’s Chevy Silverado.
The current fifth-generation Sierra 2500 HD saw a refresh in 2024, and pre-owned examples are available in Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab, each available in Standard Bed or Long Bed styles.
Chevy Colorado Background
The smaller Chevy Colorado is classed as a mid-size pickup. The current second-generation Colorado has been seen on US roads since early 2015.
The Chevy will appeal more to those who still want the rugged looks from a body-on-chassis built truck but in a more versatile and maneuverable package, better suited to urban environments.
The Chevy is available in a range of body styles, including single-cab, space-cab, plus crew-cab.
How does the exterior design of the GMC Sierra 2500 differ from the Chevy Colorado?
The latest GMC Sierra 2500 HD stands proud with its bold and athletic exterior styling featuring a strong front grille with sharp hood lines that command attention.
Keeping up with the times means available LED lighting on trim options, plus chrome accents, along with differing wheel options, allows buyers to personalize their GMC..
The Sierra 2500 is fitted with the convenient MultiPro™ Tailgate that offers both functionality and style thanks to its six unique operating functions.
The Colorado offers buyers traditional macho pickup styling featuring an upright front fascia with slim horizontal Halogen headlamps or LED IntelliBeam headlamps with automatic on/off function depending on trim level.
An aggressive-looking front grill, bulging fenders, and square-shaped wheel arches do a convincing job of making the Chevy look ready for any task.
Wheels fitted range from 17-inch diameter up to 20 inches across trim levels..
Some further standout features include useful ground clearance, an EZ-Lift and lower tailgate, cab-mounted cargo area lamps, plus a built-in bed power outlet.
How much bigger is the GMC Sierra 2500 than the Chevy Colorado?
The most commonly found Sierra 2500 body style is the Crew Cab fitted with a standard bed that has an overall length of 235.5 inches, is 81.75 inches wide without mirrors, and a height of 79.9 inches. The 2500HD rides on a 158.9-inch wheelbase.
The Colorado in the same crew cab configuration measures in at 212.7 inches long with a maximum width without mirrors of 74.3 inches, and stands 70.7 inches tall riding on a wheelbase of 128.3 inches.
What are the differences between the powertrains of the GMC Sierra 2500 and the Chevy Colorado?
The current GMC Sierra 2500HD is powered by two engine options.
The standard fitment is a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine pushing out 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an Allison 10-speed auto box.
A 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 making 445 horsepower and a stump-pulling 910 pound-feet of torque is the second option, and is also paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission.
Both engine options are available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The Colorado also offers two engine options, a 2.7L Turbo four cylinder with 237 horsepower and torque of 260 pound-feet that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, or a more brawny 2.7-liter TurboMax™ engine offering 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque mated with an eight-speed auto transmission.
Four-wheel drive is standard on all Colorado models.
Does the GMC Sierra 2500 have a greater towing capacity than the Chevy Colorado?
The heavy-duty Sierra, when powered by the Duramax diesel engine, can tow up to 35,500 pounds, while the smaller Chevy can tow up to 7,700 pounds depending on trim level.
How is the interior of the GMC Sierra 2500 different from that of the Chevy Colorado?
The roomy interior of the Sierra in crew cab style can accommodate up to six passengers and is unexpectedly loaded with premium features depending on trim specifications.
Buyers can look out for items such as an 8-inch diagonal driver's information center, rear view camera, a 15-inch diagonal head-up display including a transparent trailer view, premium leather trim, and even a Bose premium audio system with Richbass woofer.
The Chevy's modern interior seats up to five in an interior with squared styling in the dashboard design that has around air vents, and an 11-inch diagonal color Driver Information Center along with stylish climate control switchgear.
Many creature comforts include front bucket seats, single-zone climate control, and carpeted floor covering.
Infotainment is taken care of courtesy of an 11.3-inch diagonal advanced color LCD display with Google built-in, with audio playing through a standard 6-speaker system.
Connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay/Wireless Android Auto and Chevrolet OnStar® & Chevrolet Connected Services capability.
What are the safety features differences between the GMC Sierra 2500 and Chevy’s Colorado?
While the NHTSA doesn't provide an overall rating, for heavy-duty trucks, shoppers will be pleased to learn that the GMC Sierra 2500HD is fitted with plenty of standard and optional safety items that include six airbags and a Teen Driver system.
Up-to-date driver aid technologies include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Chevy's safety features include six airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control, and more.
Driver assistance aids extend to Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Forward Collision Alert, LED Reflective Windshield Collision Alert, and HD Rear Vision Camera.
Find your next Truck at Tim’s Trucks.
Be sure to contact Tims Trucks to find your next quality vehicle.
With an impressive selection of pre-owned trucks, SUVs, vans, and cars, and our experienced sales team offering exceptional customer service, you are sure to find what you are looking for.