Colorado vs Frontier
This is a classic rivalry: the Colorado against the Frontier, Chevrolet against Nissan, both in midsize pickup territory. The two pull in different directions. The Colorado is built around engine & performance, while the Frontier is stronger on fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Colorado wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Frontier wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Frontier wins
- Price Colorado wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.7
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Fuel Economy & Range3.6
- Off-road & Towing9.1
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Colorado has 149 lb-ft more torque
Here the Colorado pulls well ahead of the Frontier, with 430 lb-ft compared to 281 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Frontier has better fuel economy
On fuel economy (combined), the Frontier edges out the Colorado, 21 mpg to 20 mpg. The Frontier uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Frontier has a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 12.3 in against 11.3 in is a small but genuine lead for the Frontier. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Design & Size
The Frontier is the smaller car here, which some buyers will see as a plus and others as a compromise.
Dimensions
| Spec | Colorado | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 213.2 in | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | 126 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,376 lb |
Engine & Performance
Colorado leads
The Colorado wins the engine & performance section decisively. The Colorado takes this one with 149 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. On engine & performance alone, the Colorado gets the nod.
Torque
Colorado: 430 lb-ft Frontier: 281 lb-ft The Colorado’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Frontier leads
The Frontier does a little better in the fuel economy & range section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the Colorado. The Frontier gives you better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the Frontier is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
Colorado: 20 mpg Frontier: 21 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The Colorado and the Frontier match each other closely in this area. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
Frontier leads
It’s a narrow one, but the safety & tech round goes to the Frontier. The Frontier delivers a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen. The Frontier’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. Prioritize safety & tech, and the Frontier is where you should land.
Largest touchscreen
Colorado: 11.3 in Frontier: 12.3 in Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Colorado | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | 3.8L V6 |
| Total system output | 310 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft (winner) | 281 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Colorado | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 20 mpg | 21 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 21 gal | 21 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Colorado | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Colorado | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,700 lb | 7,150 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Colorado | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11.3 in | 12.3 in (winner) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Colorado | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 213.2 in | 210.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | 126 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,376 lb |
Price
| Spec | Colorado | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $31,900 Lowest price in class | $32,050 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Launch prices sit $150 apart, so budget is unlikely to be the deciding factor. The $150 difference buys some advantages, not all of them, so weigh the areas you actually care about.
Based on US launch pricing as of launch. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Colorado if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (430 lb-ft vs 281 lb-ft of torque)
- you’d rather keep $150 in your pocket
- you want the bigger car
Choose the Frontier if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (21 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (12.3 in vs 11.3 in)
- you value compactness over sheer size
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Colorado or the Frontier?
It depends on your priorities: the Colorado is stronger on engine & performance, while the Frontier leads on fuel economy & range.
Is the Colorado bigger than the Frontier?
Going by the official dimensions, the Colorado is the bigger of the two at 213.2 × 74.9 in. The Frontier measures 210.2 × 73 × 71.5 in.
Which costs less, the Colorado or the Frontier?
At launch, the Colorado undercut the Frontier by $150. These figures are as of launch, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Whenever Chevrolet and Nissan go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Colorado and the Frontier are no exception. My main argument for the Colorado? It comes with 149 lb-ft more torque. Where the Frontier fights back is better fuel economy.
I think of the Colorado as the one for engine & performance and the Frontier as the one for fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Colorado for engine & performance, the Frontier for fuel economy & range, and no wrong answer between them.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.