Chevy Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma: Why Colorado Is The Winner

If you’re in the market for a rugged yet refined midsize pickup, two trucks likely on your shopping list are the Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. Both of these stalwarts of the midsize segment come with plenty to offer drivers looking for power, utility, tech, and comfort. Plus, both are quite the lookers when fully specced out. 

But purchasing any vehicle is an investment – and you want to know that you’re getting the best value for your money. So, when it comes to the Chevy Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma debate, which truck comes out on top? 

When comparing the Colorado vs the Tacoma, the Chevy emerges as the clear winner for most shoppers. With its turbocharged engine, smooth transmission, ample legroom, and high-tech interior appointments, the Colorado simply outshines the Toyota. 

But don’t just take our word for it – let’s take a closer look and see how these two juggernauts stack up against each other.

Performance and Capability

When it comes to pickup trucks, performance, and capability are top priorities for most buyers. You need confidence that your truck can handle tough jobs or heavy trailers whenever called into action. This is an area where the Chevy Colorado demonstrates clear superiority over the aging Toyota Tacoma.

Under the hood, the Colorado packs a punch with its available 2.7-liter turbocharged engine that churns out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. 

This enables a stout towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped – a full 900 pounds more than the max tow rating for the Tacoma. The Colorado also features an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission that optimizes power delivery.

The Tacoma does offer multiple engine options, including a fuel-efficient diesel. However, even its 278 hp V6 falls short of the grunt provided by the Colorado. When it comes to lugging big loads over tough terrain, the Chevy is the easy choice.

So, if you plan to use your truck for boat towing, camping, construction jobs, or other demanding tasks, the new Colorado ensures you have the muscle you need to take on almost any challenge.

Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to fuel economy, both the Colorado and Tacoma offer multiple efficient engine options. However, the diesel Colorado clearly leads when balancing power and MPG. Here’s how they compare:

Chevrolet Colorado MPG Ratings:

• 2.5L 4-Cylinder: Up to 19 City / 25 Highway3
• 3.6L V6: Up to 18 City / 25 Highway4
• Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel: Up to 20 City / 30 Highway5

Toyota Tacoma MPG Ratings:

• 2.7L 4-Cylinder: 20 City / 23 Highway6
• 3.5L V6: 19 City / 24 Highway6

The Tacoma’s base four-cylinder efficiency beats out Chevy’s gas engines. However, once you equip the Colorado with the 31 hp/369 lb-ft Duramax diesel, it delivers the best power and MPG combo by achieving 30 highway MPG.

Interior Space and Comfort

When you’re choosing a truck to drive every day, comfort matters. You want a rig that offers plenty of stretch-out room to keep you and your passengers relaxed on long rides. This is an area where the Chevrolet Colorado again leaves the Toyota Tacoma far behind.

The Colorado provides an extra 2.3 inches of legroom up front compared to the cramped Tacoma. And in the rear seats, rear passengers enjoy nearly two more inches of legroom in the Chevy. For growing families or adults packing the cab for a weekend trip, this added space goes a long way toward comfortable travel.

The Colorado also offers available leather-appointed heated front seats, providing a more premium feel. And touches like the integrated trailer brake controller and multiple USB ports add everyday convenience. The Tacoma’s interior feels outdated by comparison.

Technology and Safety

You expect the latest tech and safety innovations in your vehicles. The Colorado again outperforms when comparing the Chevy Colorado versus Toyota Tacoma in these important areas.

Chevrolet infuses the new Colorado with helpful and convenient technologies, including:

• An 11.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• 4G LTE WiFi hotspot capability
• Wireless device charging
• Enhanced voice recognition

Toyota’s Entune infotainment system feels outdated and clunky by comparison.

The Colorado also sets the standard for safety by coming equipped with:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Front Pedestrian Braking

While the Tacoma includes the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, some key safety features only come as part of an optional package.

With its modern infotainment and advanced safety systems, the tech-savvy Colorado provides the connectivity and watchful driving aids today’s pickup drivers expect in their vehicles.

The Clear-Cut Winner? The Chevrolet Colorado

When reviewing all the data points in a head-to-head matchup, the Chevrolet Colorado emerges as the clear winner over the aging Toyota Tacoma. While the Tacoma still maintains a reputation for durability and resale value, the Colorado outshines it in the areas that matter most:

• Performance – With a muscular 310-hp turbo engine and smooth 8-speed transmission, the Colorado provides superior acceleration and towing capacity.
• Comfort – Front and rear passengers enjoy markedly more leg room and available premium details like leather seats.
• Technology – The Colorado’s 11.3-inch touchscreen and high-tech safety features surpass the Tacoma’s offerings.

Simply put, with strengths in power, space, tech, and comfort, the Chevy Colorado makes a more compelling choice for shoppers needing a do-it-all daily driver and weekend warrior.

If you’re shopping for a sharp-looking, full-featured midsize pickup that can handle both job sites and family trips with equal capability, the Colorado stands out as today’s top option. 

Find Your Chevy Colorado at Richard Chevrolet

If this comparison has you realizing the all-around superiority of the Chevy Colorado, don’t waste time! Visit Richard Chevrolet, serving Cheshire, Southington, Wallingford, and beyond, to take this capable truck out for a test drive.

As a top-rated Chevy dealer in CT, we offer a huge selection of new and used Colorados and other popular Chevrolet trucks, SUVs, and cars. Our expert product specialists can answer all your questions and help you select the perfect Colorado for your needs and budget.

We also offer competitive financing rates and flexible lease deals to make it easy to get behind the wheel. Once you own your Colorado, keep it running smoothly by taking advantage of our full-service department, genuine Chevy parts inventory, and ASE-certified technicians.

So come see us today at Richard Chevrolet and discover why drivers in CT choose us for their Chevrolet needs. We can’t wait to show you how the Colorado and our Five Star Service will win you over!