Compare the2024 Chevrolet ColoradoVS 2023 Toyota Tacoma

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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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 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 Rear Cross-Traffic Alert 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, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

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	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	194	232
Neck Injury Risk	26.1%	39.1%
Neck Stress	330 lbs.	462 lbs.
Neck Compression	10 lbs.	69 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	150/71 lbs.	230/374 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	34.9%	55.2%
Neck Stress	178 lbs.	244 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	39/149 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
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	64	115
Spine Acceleration	30 G’s	37 G’s
Hip Force	285 lbs.	480 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	15 inches
HIC	251	339
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	60 G’s
Hip Force	586 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

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Colorado has a standard 800-amp battery. The Tacoma’s 582-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

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.

Engine

The Colorado’s standard 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder produces 78 more horsepower (237 vs. 159) and 80 lbs.-ft. more torque (260 vs. 180) than the Tacoma’s standard 2.7 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Colorado’s optional 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder produces 32 more horsepower (310 vs. 278) and 165 lbs.-ft. more torque (430 vs. 265) than the Tacoma’s optional 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Chevrolet Colorado (310 HP engine) is faster than the Toyota Tacoma V6 (automatics tested):

	Colorado	Tacoma
Zero to 60 MPH	6.9 sec	7.7 sec
Quarter Mile	15.4 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	88.1 MPH	86.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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

			MPG
Colorado
AWD	Auto	2.7 turbo 4-cyl.	18 city/23 hwy
Tacoma
AWD	Manual	3.5 DOHC V6	17 city/21 hwy
		TRD-PRO 3.5 DOHC V6	17 city/20 hwy
AWD	Auto	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’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 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.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Chevrolet Colorado higher (7 out of 10) than the Toyota Tacoma (5). This means the Colorado produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Tacoma every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Chevrolet Colorado, 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 brake rotors are larger than those on the Tacoma:

	Colorado	Tacoma	Tacoma 4x4
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	10.75 inches	12.48 inches
Rear Rotors	13.3 inches	10” drums	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
60 to 0 MPH	121 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 ZR2 Bison’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Tacoma (315/70R17 vs. 265/65R17).

The Colorado ZR2’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 70 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Tacoma’s standard 75 series tires. The Colorado Trail Boss’ optional tires have a lower 50 series profile than the Tacoma Short Bed Limited’s 60 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 Trail Boss’ optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Tacoma Short Bed Limited.

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 better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Colorado is 1.1 inches wider in the front and .9 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Tacoma.

The Colorado LT 4x4 handles at .78 G’s, while the Tacoma Short Bed TRD Pro 4x4 pulls only .70 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Colorado Trail Boss executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the Tacoma Short Bed TRD Pro 4x4 (27.7 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 29.3 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Colorado ZR2 has a 1.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Tacoma (10.7 vs. 9.4 inches), allowing the Colorado to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The Colorado WT is 1 foot shorter than the Tacoma Long 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.

Cargo Capacity

The Colorado has a much larger cargo box than the Tacoma Double Cab short bed (41.9 vs. 34.8 cubic feet).

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

	Colorado	Tacoma Access Cab	Tacoma Double Cab
Length (short/long)	61.7”	73.7”	60.5”/73.7”
Max Width	58.8”	56.7”	56.7”
Min Width	45.5”	41.5”	41.5”

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 2x4s 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 postholes, to allow the containment of tall, light loads. The Tacoma doesn’t offer stake postholes.

Payload and Towing

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

The Colorado Trail Boss/Z71/ZR2 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.

Trailer Sway Control (TSC) 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 has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Tacoma Short Bed Double Cab 4x4 (1490 vs. 1135 lbs.).

The Colorado has much higher optional payload capacities than the Tacoma:

	Colorado	Tacoma
Crew Cab	1710 lbs.	1525 lbs.
Crew Cab 4x4	1710 lbs.	1155 lbs.

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.

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 power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Tacoma has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

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 standard front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Tacoma’s standard power windows’ passenger windows don’t open automatically. The Tacoma TRD/Limited’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to lower them fully.

On a hot day the Colorado’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Tacoma can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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. When the ignition turns off, the headlights turn off after a delay timed to allow you to securely get to your front door. The Tacoma only offers an automatic headlight on/off feature as an extra cost option.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Colorado Z71/ZR2 keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Tacoma doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Colorado LT/Z71/ZR2’s optional 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 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.

Both the Colorado and the Tacoma offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Colorado offers optional rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Tacoma Double Cab doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Recommendations

Motor Trend selected the Colorado as their 2024 Truck of the Year. The Tacoma was Truck of the Year in 2005.