Mills Chevrolet - Can the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado handle the towing needs of East Moline, IL drivers?
Mid-size pickups are expected to do double duty, from daily commutes to weekend towing. If you are asking whether the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado has the muscle and tools to tow confidently around East Moline, IL, the answer comes down to its balanced powertrain, class-leading tow rating, and helpful built-in technology that makes hitching and hauling feel straightforward.
Under the hood, every 2026 Colorado runs a 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic. That combination is engineered to offer strong, usable torque and decisive shifts for real-world towing. When properly equipped, the Colorado tows up to 7,700 pounds—top-tier among mid-size trucks. For buyers eyeing the ZR2, it’s important to note that its off-road enhancements carry a different tow rating of up to 6,000 pounds. Matching your intended trailer weight to the right configuration is the first step toward a confident towing experience.
- Powertrain fundamentals: The 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder and 8-speed automatic deliver responsive torque ideal for towing ramps, merges, and grades.
- Max tow rating: Properly equipped configurations reach up to 7,700 pounds, offering capacity for many campers, boats, and utility trailers.
- Off-road trims note: ZR2 models prioritize trail capability and are rated up to 6,000 pounds, so consider your terrain and trailer weight together.
- Visibility assists: A backup camera with hitch view and an available 360-degree camera help you align and maneuver confidently in tight spaces.
- Stability support: Available four-wheel drive adds traction on wet ramps, gravel lots, or muddy campground access roads.
Colorado’s technology makes the day-to-day logistics of towing simpler. The backup camera’s hitch view is particularly helpful for aligning drawbar and coupler on your own, and the available 360-degree camera system gives you a bird’s-eye perspective as you ease around obstacles or back into a tight camping spot. Inside, an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In places navigation, voice assistance, and trailering-friendly mapping within easy reach, while an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster keeps your most important driving data front and center.
- Know your numbers: Identify your trailer’s loaded weight and compare it with the tow rating of your specific Colorado configuration.
- Pick your traction: Choose rear-wheel drive for lighter duty and efficiency or four-wheel drive if you expect wet ramps, gravel, or snow.
- Mind the trim: If you prioritize maximum tow capacity, look beyond an off-road-tuned ZR2 to a configuration optimized for towing.
- Practice hitching: Use the hitch view camera to rehearse alignments at home, so it’s second nature at the marina or campground.
- Plan your route: Take advantage of Google Built-In to map grades and stops that fit your trailer’s weight and your comfort level.
For many buyers, the Colorado’s appeal is how it blends robust towing with a manageable footprint and intuitive tech. On weekdays, its medium-sized body is easier to park and thread through traffic than a full-size truck. On weekends, that same package punches above its weight with strong tow ratings and the visibility tools that make trailering less stressful. Whether your plans include a 20-minute ride to the river or a cross-state camper trip, the Colorado is built to support the journey.
If you are weighing trims and drivetrains for towing, our team at Mills Chevrolet can help you match trailer needs with the right configuration. We are serving Bettendorf, IA, East Moline, IL, and Moline, IL, with clear advice and a test-drive process that mirrors how you will actually use your truck—hitching, maneuvering, and settling into a cabin that keeps navigation and communication simple. Bring your questions and your towing checklist, and we will make sure you leave with answers grounded in the Colorado’s real capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the Colorado tow a camper weighing close to 7,700 pounds?
Yes—when properly equipped, the Colorado’s 7,700-pound max rating covers many mid-size campers. Be sure your truck’s exact configuration and your camper’s loaded weight align within the rating.
Is four-wheel drive necessary for towing?
Not always. Rear-wheel drive works well for many scenarios, but four-wheel drive adds traction for wet ramps, snow, and unpaved approaches to campsites.
Which trim is best for maximum towing?
Look to configurations optimized for towing rather than off-road-first models like ZR2, which is rated up to 6,000 pounds due to its specialized hardware.
How does the camera tech help?
The backup camera’s hitch view streamlines alignment, and the available 360-degree camera provides a top-down perspective that helps with tight maneuvering.