Chevy Colorado vs Nissan Frontier: Turbo Four vs V6
Last updated: October 14, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The Chevy Colorado and Nissan Frontier make the same 310 horsepower but get there in very different ways: the Colorado with a turbocharged four-cylinder, the Frontier with a naturally aspirated 3.8L V6. That difference shows up in torque, towing and, at Colorado elevations, real-world power. Here is how the 2026 Colorado compares with the 2027 Frontier, the newest Frontier on sale.
Quick Verdict
Choose the Colorado for far more torque (430 vs 281 lb-ft), more towing (7,700 vs 7,150 lbs), more payload (2,046 vs 1,590 lbs), bigger standard screens and a more capable off-road flagship in the ZR2. Choose the Frontier for a lower entry price with the King Cab, a 6-foot bed, and standard adaptive cruise control.
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The Matchup: Same Horsepower, Very Different Torque
The Colorado’s 2.7L TurboMax makes 310 hp and 430 lb-ft, with peak torque at 3,000 rpm. The Frontier’s 3.8L V6 also makes 310 hp but 281 lb-ft, with peak torque at 4,400 rpm. Nissan calls its V6 the biggest in the class and the only standard 310-hp V6; the Colorado matches that horsepower with a smaller turbocharged engine and adds 149 lb-ft of torque.
That matters on the Front Range. Naturally aspirated engines like the Frontier’s V6 give up a larger share of their power as elevation rises, while turbocharged engines hold their output better. If you tow over the passes or drive to the high country, the Colorado’s low-rpm torque is a real advantage. The Frontier offers more configurations, though: a King Cab, a Crew Cab, and 5- or 6-foot beds.
2026 Chevy Colorado vs 2027 Nissan Frontier Specs
| Spec | 2026 Chevy Colorado | 2027 Nissan Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (excl. destination) | $32,400 + $2,095 | $32,490 (S King Cab) + $1,775; Crew Cab from $33,890 |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I-4, 310 hp / 430 lb-ft | 3.8L V6, 310 hp / 281 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Max towing | 7,700 lbs | 7,150 lbs |
| Max payload | 2,046 lbs | 1,590 lbs |
| EPA 2WD (city/hwy/comb) | 19 / 24 / 21 mpg | 19 / 24 / 21 mpg |
| EPA 4WD (city/hwy/comb) | 17 / 22 / 19 mpg | 17 / 21 / 19 mpg |
| Cabs and beds | Crew cab, 5-ft bed (61.7 in.) | King Cab or Crew Cab; 5- or 6-ft bed |
| Off-road flagship | ZR2: DSSV dampers, front and rear lockers, 10.7 in. clearance | PRO-4X: Bilstein shocks, rear e-locker, 9.8 in. clearance |
| Center screen / driver display | 11.3 in. / 11 in., every trim | 8 in. standard (12.3 in. optional) / 7 in. |
| Standard adaptive cruise | Available (Technology Package) | Standard (Intelligent Cruise Control) |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain |
Sources: chevrolet.com and Build & Price; Nissan News 2027 Frontier pricing release and press kit, nissanusa.com and fueleconomy.gov. Bold marks the better figure in each row.
By the Numbers
Engine torque
Max towing
Max payload
Reasons to Choose Each
Choose the Chevy Colorado if you want
- 149 lb-ft more torque, delivered at lower rpm
- Turbo power that holds up at altitude
- More towing and payload
- Big screens on every trim
- The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison for serious off-roading
Choose the Nissan Frontier if you want
- A lower entry price with the King Cab
- A King Cab or a 6-ft bed
- A naturally aspirated V6
- Adaptive cruise control standard
- A 9-speed automatic
Interior and Technology
Every Colorado gets an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, an 11-inch digital driver display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Frontier starts with an 8-inch screen and wired phone mirroring on the S, with a 12.3-inch screen and wireless connectivity available on SV and PRO grades and a 7-inch driver display.
The Frontier’s standard safety list is strong, including Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Every Colorado includes automatic emergency braking, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Rear Park Assist, with adaptive cruise available.
The Bottom Line
If you tow, haul or drive into the mountains, the Colorado’s turbocharged torque, higher ratings and ZR2 off-road hardware make it the stronger truck. If you want a traditional V6, a King Cab or a 6-foot bed at a slightly lower price, the Frontier is a solid alternative.
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Colorado vs Frontier FAQs
Which has more power, the Colorado or the Frontier?
Both make 310 hp, but the Colorado makes 430 lb-ft of torque versus 281 lb-ft for the Frontier.
Which tows more?
The Colorado tows up to 7,700 lbs with the Advanced Trailering Package. The 2027 Frontier is rated up to 7,150 lbs.
Is the Frontier’s V6 better at altitude?
Naturally aspirated engines like the Frontier’s V6 lose a larger share of their power at high elevation than turbocharged engines like the Colorado’s TurboMax.
Which gets better gas mileage?
They are rated about the same: 19/24/21 mpg for both in 2WD, and 17/22/19 mpg for the Colorado 4WD versus 17/21/19 for the Frontier 4WD.
Sources: chevrolet.com, chevrolet.com Build & Price, Chevrolet’s 2026 Colorado towing chart and fueleconomy.gov for the Colorado; each competitor’s official website, press materials and fueleconomy.gov for the rival, reviewed October 14, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options. Towing and payload ratings require specific configurations and equipment. Competitor specifications can change; confirm with the manufacturer. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles.