Compare the2022 Chevrolet ColoradoVS 2022 Toyota Tacoma

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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Both the Colorado and Tacoma have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Colorado has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Tacoma’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Colorado are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Full-time four-wheel drive is optional on the Colorado. Full-time four-wheel drive gives added traction for safety in all conditions, not just off-road, like the only system available on the Tacoma.

Both the Colorado and the Tacoma have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems, lane departure warning systems and rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chevrolet Colorado is safer than the Toyota Tacoma:

	Colorado	Tacoma
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	210	232
Neck Injury Risk	28.7%	39.1%
Neck Stress	287 lbs.	462 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	301/266 lbs.	230/374 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	44.9%	55.2%
Leg Forces (l/r)	39/32 lbs.	590/544 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chevrolet Colorado is safer than the Toyota Tacoma:

	Colorado	Tacoma
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	22	72
Chest Movement	1 inches	1.2 inches
Hip Force	180 lbs.	222 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	46	115
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	15 inches
HIC	227	339
Spine Acceleration	47 G’s	60 G’s
Hip Force	716 lbs.	1038 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The Colorado’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Tacoma’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 2 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Toyota dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Colorado’s warranty.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Colorado third among midsize pickups in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The Tacoma isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 6 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is rated lower.

Engine

The Colorado’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 41 more horsepower (200 vs. 159) and 11 lbs.-ft. more torque (191 vs. 180) than the Tacoma’s standard 2.7 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Colorado’s optional 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 30 more horsepower (308 vs. 278) and 10 lbs.-ft. more torque (275 vs. 265) than the Tacoma’s optional 3.5 DOHC V6.

The Colorado’s 2.8 turbo diesel produces 22 more horsepower (181 vs. 159) and 189 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 180) than the Tacoma’s standard 2.7 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Colorado’s 2.8 turbo diesel produces 104 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 265) than the Tacoma’s optional 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Chevrolet Colorado V6 is faster than the Toyota Tacoma V6 (automatics tested):

	Colorado	Tacoma
Zero to 30 MPH	2.2 sec	3.2 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.1 sec	8.1 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6.3 sec	8.1 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.4 sec	4.1 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	4.5 sec	4.9 sec
Quarter Mile	14.7 sec	16.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	95 MPH	91 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Colorado gets better mileage than the Tacoma:

			MPG
Colorado
RWD	Auto	2.8 turbo 4-cyl. Diesel	20 city/30 hwy
		2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	19 city/25 hwy
AWD	Auto	2.8 turbo 4-cyl. Diesel	19 city/28 hwy
		2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	19 city/24 hwy
		3.6 DOHC V6	17 city/24 hwy
Tacoma
RWD	Auto	2.7 DOHC 4-cyl.	20 city/23 hwy
		3.5 DOHC V6	19 city/24 hwy
AWD	Manual	3.5 DOHC V6	17 city/21 hwy
		TRD-PRO 3.5 DOHC V6	17 city/20 hwy
AWD	Auto	2.7 DOHC 4-cyl.	19 city/22 hwy
		3.5 DOHC V6	18 city/22 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Colorado V6’s fuel efficiency. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Colorado has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Chevrolet Colorado V6, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Tacoma.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Colorado’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Tacoma:

	Colorado	Tacoma
Front Rotors	12.2 inches	10.75 inches
Rear Rotors	12.75 inches	10” drums

The Chevrolet Colorado has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Only rear drums come on the Tacoma. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes that work much harder than conventional brakes.

The Colorado stops much shorter than the Tacoma:

	Colorado	Tacoma
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	195 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	122 feet	133 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Colorado has larger standard tires than the Tacoma (255/65R17 vs. 245/75R16).

The Colorado’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 65 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Tacoma’s standard 75 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Colorado has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Tacoma.

The Colorado has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Tacoma doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Colorado’s wheelbase is longer than on the Tacoma:

	Colorado	Tacoma
Extended Cab Standard Bed	128.3 inches	127.4 inches
Crew Cab Short Bed	128.3 inches	127.4 inches

The Colorado WT Extended Cab handles at .77 G’s, while the Tacoma Short Bed SR5 Double Cab pulls only .71 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Colorado Long Box LT Crew Cab 4x4 handles at .78 G’s, while the Tacoma Short Bed TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4x4 pulls only .64 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Colorado WT Extended Cab executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Tacoma Short Bed SR5 Double Cab (28.9 seconds @ .56 average G’s vs. 29.4 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

The Colorado Short Box Z71 Crew Cab 4x4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.7 seconds quicker than the Tacoma Short Bed TRD Pro 4x4 (27.6 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 29.3 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Colorado Short Box ZR2 Crew Cab has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Tacoma (10 vs. 9.4 inches), allowing the Colorado to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Colorado has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The Tacoma uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The front grille of the Colorado uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Tacoma doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Colorado Short Box Z71 Crew Cab 4x4 is quieter than the Tacoma Short Bed TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4x4:

	Colorado	Tacoma
At idle	37 dB	42 dB
Full-Throttle	76 dB	78 dB
70 MPH Cruising	67 dB	71 dB

Passenger Space

The Colorado Extended Cab has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 2.1 inches more front legroom, 1.8 inches more rear headroom, 4 inches more rear legroom, .5 inches more rear hip room and .8 inches more rear shoulder room than the Tacoma Access Cab.

The Colorado Crew Cab has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 2.1 inches more front legroom and 3.2 inches more rear legroom than the Tacoma Double Cab.

Cargo Capacity

The Colorado Extended Cab has a much larger cargo box than the Tacoma Access Cab shortbed (49.9 vs. 42.6 cubic feet).

The Colorado Crew Cab shortbed has a much larger cargo box than the Tacoma Double Cab shortbed (41.3 vs. 34.8 cubic feet). The Colorado Crew Cab longbed has a much larger cargo box than the Tacoma Double Cab longbed (49.9 vs. 42.6 cubic feet).

The Colorado’s cargo box is larger than the Tacoma’s in every dimension:

	Colorado Extended Cab	Colorado Crew Cab	Tacoma Access Cab	Tacoma Double Cab
Length (short/long)	74”	61.7”/74”	73.7”	60.5”/73.7”
Max Width	57.8”	57.8”	56.7”	56.7”
Min Width	44.4”	44.4”	41.5”	41.5”
Height	20.9”	20.9”	19.1”	19.1”

The Chevrolet Colorado has a standard CornerStep (not available ZR2), which allows for much easier access to the cargo area. The Toyota Tacoma doesn’t offer a rear cargo step.

Both the Colorado and Tacoma have bed indentations that accommodate 2x4’s for two-tiered loading, but the Colorado also has indentations to separate the cargo box into three different sections length-wise.

The Colorado has stake post holes, to allow the containment of tall, light loads. The Tacoma doesn’t offer stake post holes.

Payload and Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Toyota Tacoma is limited to 6800 pounds. The Colorado Crew Cab offers up to a 7700 lbs. towing capacity.

The Colorado 4WD can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Colorado can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Tacoma can’t be towed flat on the ground.

A Trailer Sway Control is standard on all models of the Colorado, using the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. Only the Tacoma V6 offers a trailer sway program.

The Colorado Long Box Crew Cab 4x4 has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Tacoma Short Bed Double Cab 4x4 (1460 vs. 1135 lbs.).

The Colorado has higher optional payload capacities than the Tacoma:

	Colorado	Tacoma
Extended Cab 4x4	1504 lbs.	1445 lbs.
Crew Cab 4x4	1550 lbs.	1155 lbs.

Servicing Ease

The Colorado uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Tacoma uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

The Colorado offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Colorado’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Tacoma does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The power windows standard on both the Colorado and the Tacoma have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Colorado is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Tacoma prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Colorado’s driver’s power window opens or closes with one touch of the window control, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths. The Tacoma’s standard driver’s power window switch has to be held the entire time to close it fully.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Colorado’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Tacoma doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Colorado’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Tacoma’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Colorado has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The Tacoma only offers an automatic headlight on/off feature as an extra cost option.

On extremely cold winter days, the Colorado’s optional (except Work Truck) heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Colorado Crew Cab has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Colorado owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Colorado will cost $295 less than the Tacoma over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Colorado is less expensive to operate than the Tacoma because typical repairs cost much less on the Colorado than the Tacoma, including $85 less for a water pump, $168 less for a muffler, $146 less for a starter, $156 less for fuel injection, $182 less for a fuel pump and $966 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its November 2019 issue and they ranked the Chevrolet Colorado Short Box ZR2 Bison Crew Cab first. They ranked the Toyota Tacoma Short Bed TRD Pro 4x4 third.

Motor Trend selected the Colorado as their 2016 Truck of the Year. The Tacoma was Truck of the Year in 2005.