2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado

Comparison

When it comes to midsize trucks, the marketplace has seen two names consistently jostling for the top spot: the Toyota Tacoma and the Chevy Colorado. 

 

Both vehicles, iconic in their own right, offer a compelling mix of power, capability, and versatility, making the choice between them anything but straightforward. Whether you're a weekend warrior seeking off-road adventures or a daily driver looking for rugged reliability, understanding the nuances between these two trucks is essential. 

 

Join us as we delve deep into the 2023 editions of the Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado, comparing their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between, to help you determine which truck truly aligns with your needs.

Highlighted Features

2023 Tacoma

2023Colorado

Base MSRP

$28,600

$31,600

Engine

2.7L inline 4-cylinder

2.7L inline 4-cylinder

Horsepower

159

237, Optional 310

Adaptive cruise control

Yes

Optional Yes

Speakers

6 , Optional 4

6 , Optional 7 Bose®

Estimated Combined (MPG)

21

20

Whole vehicle warranty months / (miles)

36 / 36000

36 / 36000

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Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990-2023. All Rights Reserved. For comparison purposes only. JATO has been diligent in providing accurate and complete information. However, JATO does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the data, and the information may not be comprehensive or use the same terminology as used elsewhere on this site. For additional details, see vehicle's "Full Specs" on Toyota.com or contact your Toyota dealer.

 

Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado

Performance

Explore the engine and performance features of the Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado.

  • The Toyota Tacoma starts with a standard 2.7-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that puts out 159 hp at 5,200 rpm and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. A 3.5-liter V6 DOHC 24-valve direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine delivering 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque is also available. In contrast, the Chevy Colorado comes with a 2.7L turbo engine producing 237 horsepower and 260 lb.-feet of torque. It also has an optional 2.7L turbo engine with 310 horsepower and either 430 lb.-feet or 391 lb.-feet of torque, depending on the trim.
  • The Toyota Tacoma is offered in both Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) variants. The Tacoma’s 4WDemand part-time 4WD system with Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) is available on all models. Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with Auto LSD is available on all grades except the Trail Special Edition and TRD Pro. Comparatively, most Chevy Colorado models are standard 4-wheel drive. The WT and LT start out as 2-wheel drive, but 4WD is available.
  • All Toyota Tacoma models have a 6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The TRD Sport (access cab and double cab), TRD Off-Road (double cab), and TRD Pro (double cab) offer an optional 6-speed manual transmission. The Chevy Colorado comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and some models can be equipped with an enhanced 8-speed automatic transmission. There is no manual transmission option on the Colorado.
  • The Toyota Tacoma has a towing capacity of up to 6,800 pounds with the 3.5L V6 engine. Models with the 2.7L engine have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Chevy Colorado 2.7L Turbo engine has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, and the 2.7L Turbo Plus engine has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
  • The Tacoma TRD Pro’s suspension lift is 1.5 inches in the front and 0.5 inches in the rear. The TRD Pro trim has a TRD-tuned off-road suspension with 2.5-in. FOX®Internal Bypass coil-overs and rear remote-reservoir shocks. TRD Sport comes with a sport-tuned suspension, while TRD Off-Road has standard Bilstein® shocks. The Chevy Colorado comes with an off-road suspension with a 2-inch factory lift on the Trail Boss trim only.
  • When paired with an automatic transmission, Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro features a standard Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system with five modes that help maintain traction in varying off-road environments. This technology is also available on automatic transmission TRD Off-Road models. Similarly, a driver mode selector with five drive modes is standard for the Chevy Colorado Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado

Fuel Economy

Check out the EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of the Toyota Tacoma vs. the Chevy Colorado. 

  • The Toyota Tacoma 2WD with a 2.7L engine and automatic transmission has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 20/23/21mpg (city/highway/combined). The 4WD with a 2.7L engine and automatic transmission has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 19/22/19 mpg. The 2WD with 3.5L engine and automatic transmission has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 19/24/21 mpg. The 4WD with 3.5L engine and automatic transmission has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 18/22/20 mpg. Finally, the 4WD with 3.5L V6 engine and manual transmission has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 17/21/20 mpg.[epa_2023_tacoma]
  • The Chevy Colorado has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined for the 2.7L engine and 2WD. The 2.7L engine with 4WD has an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Jumbo Card Image Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado

Technology

Learn about the interior technology of the Chevrolet Colorado and the Toyota Tacoma.

  • The Toyota Tacoma has six speakers as standard. The Tacoma SR5 and higher trims have an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay® compatibility, Bluetooth®, and a 3-month SiriusXM® trial. SR models feature a 7-inch touchscreen. The Tacoma Limited and TRD Pro models have JBL®Premium Audio, a subwoofer, amplifier, HD Radio™, Dynamic Voice Recognition, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and more. The Chevy Colorado comes with a six-speaker audio system. A Bose® premium audio system with seven speakers is available on the LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims. All Chevy Colorado models come with an 11.3-inch diagonal multimedia Infotainment system featuring Google integration, multi-touch display, AM/FM/SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth® streaming, wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and voice-activated phone technology.
  • Toyota Tacoma comes with a trial of Wi-Fi Connect for up to 30 days or 3 GB of data for all models with an AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot. Wi-Fi Connect is 4G network dependent and requires a subscription after the trial ends. The Chevy Colorado has a Wi-Fi hotspot through OnStar vehicle paid plans.
  • The Toyota Tacoma has a Qi-compatible wireless smartphone and mobile device charging in all but the SR, SR5, and Trail Special Edition. For the Chevy Colorado, wireless charging is available in LT, Z71, and ZR2.
  • A Smart Key System with Push Button Start comes standard on all V6 Toyota Tacomas with automatic transmission (except for the SR grade). A remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, and panic function is available for most Toyota Tacoma trims. Push Button Start is standard on all Chevy Colorado trims. The LT, Z71, and ZR2 include keyless entry and start.
  • The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, Limited, and TRD Off-Road models include a 1-year trial of Remote Connect, allowing remote interaction with features like door locking/unlocking, vehicle start/stop, locating the parked vehicle, checking vehicle status, and monitoring guest drivers. Remote Connect is 4G network dependent and requires a subscription after trial ends.[trial_remote_connect_21mm-disclaimer] All 2023 Chevy Colorado trims offer three years of Remote Access, functioning as a remote key fob for starting/stopping the vehicle, door lock/unlock, vehicle location, and customizable notifications. A subscription plan is required for this feature.
  • Up to 10-year trials of both Safety Connect and Service Connect, as well as a 1-year trial of Remote Connect are standard on all grades of the Tacoma. In addition, select grades include a 1-year trial to Drive Connect. Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect are 4G network dependent and require subscriptions after their trial periods end. In comparison, connected Navigation is an available feature for the Chevy Colorado.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado

Safety

Find out if the Toyota Tacoma or the Chevrolet Colorado provides more when it comes to safety features.

  • The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Limited come standard with a Rear parking assist sonar. This feature is also available on the TRD Sport, Trail Special Edition, and TRD Off-Road as part of an option package. On the other hand, none of the Chevy Colorado trims come standard with Rear Park Assist. This feature is available on all Chevy Colorado trims.
  • All Toyota Tacoma models come equipped with an integrated backup camera. Additionally, a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) with a camera is standard on the Toyota Tacoma Limited trim and is available on the Double Cab TRD Sport as part of the Advanced Technology Package.
  • Similarly, all Chevrolet Colorado trims come standard with an HD Rear Vision Camera. Unlike on the Tacoma, none of the Chevy Colorado models come standard with HD Surround Vision. This feature is available on all Colorado trims as an option.
  • The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro takes things up a notch with its standard Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM), which includes an under-vehicle terrain view for enhanced visibility and function when tackling challenging terrain. This feature is also available on the TRD Off-Road trim as part of the Advanced Technology Package. Similarly, Underbody Cameras are available on the Chevrolet Colorado Z71 and ZR2, but are not standard on any trim, unlike on the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
  • The Toyota Tacoma has a Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology® (SST). The Chevy Colorado has a StabiliTrak control system which has comparable functions with the Toyota Star Safety System, but does not have Smart Stop Technology® (SST).
  • All Toyota Tacoma models also come standard with the Toyota Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology® (SST).
  • A Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard on the Tacoma Limited and the TRD Pro and is available on the TRD Sport, the Trail Special Edition, and the TRD Off-Road as part of an option package. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Colorado’s Blind Zone Steering Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Braking are not standard on any Colorado trim. These features are available as options on all Colorado trims.
  • All Toyota Tacoma models feature Toyota Safety Sense™ P(TSS-P), which includes a Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams (AHB).Similarly, all Chevy Colorado models come with Chevy Safety Assist. This includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and IntelliBeam.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado

Reliability

Read about the warranties, the maintenance plans and the roadside assistance plans you get with the Toyota Tacoma vs. the Chevrolet Colorado.

  • The Toyota Tacoma comes with Toyota’s Basic Warranty for 3 years/36,000 miles, and the Chevy Colorado comes with a Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty for 3 years/36,000 miles.
  • The Toyota Tacoma comes with Toyota’s Restraint Systems Warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles. The Chevy Colorado does not include a Restraint Systems Warranty.
  • The Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado both offer a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain warranty. Toyota's Corrosion Perforation warranty lasts for 5 years with unlimited miles, while Chevy provides a Corrosion-Limited warranty for 3 years/36,000 miles or Rust-Through coverage for 6 years/100,000 miles.
  • The Toyota Tacoma comes with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. On the other hand, the Chevy Colorado includes one scheduled maintenance visit within the first year following vehicle delivery.
  • The Toyota Tacoma comes with a trial of Service Connect for up to 10 years, providing personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. Service Connect is 4G network dependent and requires a subscription after the trial ends.. In contrast, the Chevy Colorado provides on-demand vehicle diagnostics through OnStar Connected Vehicle plans.
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance is available for all new Toyota Tacoma models for up to 2 years or 25,000 miles. A Roadside Assistance Program and Available Courtesy Transportation is included for 5 years or 60,000 miles for all Chevy Colorado models.
  • For all Toyota Tacoma models, enhanced roadside assistance is offered via the up to 1-year Safety Connect trial, including an Emergency Assistance button, improved Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. Safety Connect is 4G network dependent and requires a subscription after the trial ends. In the case of the Chevy Colorado, enhanced emergency services are available through OnStar.
Jumbo Card Image Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado

Design

Read about the comfort and the design features you get with the Toyota Tacoma and the Chevy Colorado.

  • The Toyota Tacoma comes in 7 trims: SR; (starting MSRP of $28,600), SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. The Chevy Colorado comes in 5 trims: WT (starting MSRP of $30,695), LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2.
  • In terms of climate control, dual-zone automatic climate control is a standard feature on all Toyota Tacomas equipped with the V6 engine. For the Chevy Colorado, dual-zone automatic climate control comes standard specifically on the ZR2 trim, while it is available as an option on the LT and Z71 trims.
  • The Toyota Tacoma has both access cab and double cab configurations, providing flexibility for interior cargo space. The access cab models seat up to 4, and the double cab models seat up to 5. Conversely, the Chevy Colorado is exclusively available in a double cab configuration, with all models providing seating for up to 5.
  • Leather-trimmed seats are standard for the Toyota Tacoma Limited and TRD Pro trims and are available for the TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport trims. For all trims except the SR, a leather-trimmed steering wheel is standard. A leather-trimmed shift lever is standard for the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. In contrast, the Chevy Colorado has leather-appointed seats as an option for the Z71 and ZR2 trims. A wrapped steering wheel is standard on the LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims, though a leather-trimmed shift lever is not available.
  • Heated front seats are standard on the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Limited. They are available on the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road as part of an option package. A heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats are not available. For the Chevy Colorado, heated driver and front passenger seats, along with a heated steering wheel are available for the LT, the Z71, and the ZR2 trims. Ventilated seats are an option for the Z71 and ZR2 trims.
  • The Toyota Tacoma comes with a standard deck rail system featuring four tie-down cleats for securing cargo. It has an optional tonneau cover for all models, and the Trail Special Edition includes insulated bed storage. In contrast, the Chevy Colorado provides additional cargo tie-down rings for all models. The ZR2 includes a standard StowFlex® Tailgate, available for other models. Additionally, a tonneau cover is available for all Chevy Colorado models.
Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado

Features

Explore the dimensions, the specifications, and the features of the Toyota Tacoma and the Chevrolet Colorado.

  • The Toyota Tacoma has a wheelbase of 127.4 inches with a standard bed and 140.6 inches with a long bed. It has a ground clearance of 9.4 inches. The Chevy Colorado has a wheelbase of 131.4 inches. It has a ground clearance of 7.9 inches for the WT and LT, 8.9 for the Z71, 9.5 for the Trail Boss, and 10.7 inches for the ZR2.
  • The Toyota Tacoma's overall height is 70.6 inches (except for the TRD Pro at 71.6 inches). Its width ranges from 74.4 inches to 75.2 inches, and its length is 212.3 inches with a standard bed and 225.5 inches with a long bed. The bed length varies from 60.5 inches to 73.7 inches, depending on the model and configuration. For the Chevy Colorado, the overall height ranges from 78.8 inches to 81.8 inches, depending on the model. Its width varies from 74.9 inches to 76.3 inches, while length information isn’t provided.
  • All Toyota Tacoma models come with a full-sized spare tire. A full-sized spare wheel is standard for the Chevy Colorado Trail Boss, the Z71, and the ZR2, and a spare tire is available for the WT and the LT trims.
  • The Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a power tilt/slide moonroof with a sliding sunshade in the Limited and the TRD Pro trims. Additionally, it is available as part of a package for the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road. In contrast, the Chevy Colorado has a power sunroof as an option for the LT, Z71, and the ZR2 trims.
  • For the Toyota Tacoma, heated power outside mirrors are standard across all models. Turn signal indicators come standard, starting with the TRD Sport trim. On the Chevy Colorado, power outside mirrors are standard for all models. Additionally, heated outside mirrors are standard for the Z71 and ZR2 trims and optional for all other models.
  • The Toyota Tacoma starts with 16-inch steel wheels, and up to 18-inch alloy wheels are available for select models. The Chevy Colorado starts with 17-inch steel wheels; up to 22-inch aluminum wheels are available on the Trail Boss.

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Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado

Conclusion

The Toyota Tacoma has more options for pickup lovers than the Chevy Colorado, with cab and bed configurations, manual-automatic transmission options, off-road accessories, and interior comfort. 

  • For manual transmission lovers, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport (access cab and double cab), TRD Off-Road (double cab), and TRD Pro (double cab) offer the choice between a 6-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed automatic. The Chevy Colorado does not offer a manual transmission option.
  • All Toyota Tacoma models come with Toyota Safety Sense™ P(TSS-P) which includes a Pre-Collision System. The system includes Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams (AHB).
  • The Chevy Colorado comes with Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking. Additional features such as Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and IntelliBeam are also available. Unlike on the Toyota Tacoma, the Chevy Colorado does not come standard with Adaptive Cruise Control.
  • The Toyota Tacoma comes with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Chevy Colorado only includes 1 scheduled maintenance visit within the first year after vehicle delivery.
  • The Toyota Tacoma has more hip and shoulder room in the front and back seats compared to the Chevy Colorado.
  • The Toyota Tacoma comes in 7 trims, with different cab/bed configurations, compared to the Chevy Colorado’s 5 trims.
  • The Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a deck rail system that includes four tie-down cleats to keep cargo secure. The Trail Special Edition also includes insulated bed storage to use as a cooler or for more cargo storage. In contrast, re-configurable bed rails and cargo tie-down rings are not standard on the Chevy Colorado. Additionally, the Chevy Colorado Trail Boss does not come with an insulated bed storage like on the Toyota Tacoma Trail Special Edition.
Published on February 10, 2024