Compare the2023 Chevrolet ColoradoVS 2024 Toyota Tacoma

Both the Colorado and Tacoma offer rear cross-traffic warning, but the Colorado with Rear Cross Traffic Alert also has Rear Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Tacoma’s Blind Spot Monitor doesn’t automatically brake.

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, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

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.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 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 28 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is rated below average.

The Colorado has more powerful engines than the Tacoma:

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

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

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Colorado’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Tacoma doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Colorado has 3.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Tacoma (21.5 vs. 18.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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.

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

For better traction, the Colorado has larger standard tires than the Tacoma (255/65R17 vs. 245/70R17). The Colorado ZR2’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Tacoma (285/70R17 vs. 265/70R17).

The Colorado Trail Boss’ optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Tacoma Double Cab TRD Sport/Limited’s 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Colorado Trail Boss offers optional 22-inch wheels. The Tacoma’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

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.

The Colorado is 1 foot, 1.5 inches shorter than the Tacoma 6-ft. bed Double Cab, making the Colorado easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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.

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

The Chevrolet Colorado has a standard CornerStep, 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.

Maximum trailer towing in the Toyota Tacoma is limited to 6500 pounds. The Colorado offers up to a 7700 lbs. towing capacity.

The Colorado has a higher standard payload capacity than the Tacoma:

When two different drivers share the Colorado Z71/ZR2, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Colorado Z71/ZR2’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Tacoma doesn’t offer an easy entry 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 Colorado’s standard front and rear power windows all open with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Tacoma’s passenger windows don’t open automatically. The Colorado LT/Trail Boss/Z71/ZR2’s front and rear power windows all open fully with one touch of the switches, and its driver’s window also automatically closes.

The Colorado offers an optional 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.

Motor Trend selected the Colorado as their 2024 Truck of the Year. The Tacoma has never been chosen.