Midsized pickup trucks are increasingly the go-to option for drivers who want a capable off-roading machine that also handles well on the road and fits into tight parking lots. Two great options in this vehicle class are the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. To help you decide which truck is the best choice for you, our experts here at Huffines Chevrolet in Plano, Texas, put these two vehicles to the test in a head-to-head comparison. Join us as we explore their engine specs, interior features, and tech options.
2024 Colorado vs. Tacoma: Specs and Dimensions
Chevy equips its midsized Colorado with two engine options. If you stick to the lower two trims, your standard setup will include a four-cylinder turbocharged engine capable of generating 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The same four-cylinder engine is presented in a more potent configuration for higher trims. It cranks out an impressive 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, numbers that come close to what you’d expect from an engine in a full-sized truck.
The 2024 model year sees a fully redesigned version of Toyota’s popular midsized truck. The Tacoma is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine throughout the trim lineup, but different configuration options are available to change the output in some trims. For instance, the base setup includes an eight-speed automatic transmission that combines with the engine to deliver 228 horsepower. As you move up the trim ladder, you can rely on the engine for up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy is similar for both trucks, with the Tacoma able to achieve 26 mpg on the highway and the Colorado 25 mpg. In terms of towing capacity, the Tacoma is good for 6,500 pounds and can haul a payload of up to 1,705 pounds in its cargo bed. The Colorado offers a superior maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
There are two cargo bed lengths on offer in the Tacoma, one measuring 5 feet and another measuring 6 feet. The longer cargo bed can be paired with a smaller cab that only seats two people. The Chevrolet has one bed option measuring 5 feet, 2 inches.
Both trucks have crew cabs that seat up to five people. One of the biggest differences is the extra inch of legroom in the second row of the Colorado compared to the Tacoma, which is sure to make a big difference if you regularly travel with adults back there.
Features and Trims
You’ll have eight trims to choose from if you opt for the Toyota Tacoma: the SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro. The base trim features cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats. Stepping up to the SR5 gives you alloy wheels and a class IV hitch receiver.
The TRD PreRunner gets a fuel tank protector for the undercarriage so you can take on rough terrain. The Sport trim gains LED lights in the cargo bed and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, while the Off-Road gains skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential.
Chevy offers the Colorado in six trims: the WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, ZR2, and ZR2 Bison. The WT and LT trims start with the less powerful engine configuration. In the LT, you benefit from proximity keyless entry and a remote-locking tailgate. As its name suggests, the Trail Boss is full of all sorts of off-roading goodies, including an off-road suspension with a 2-inch lift, a more powerful engine, hill-descent control, an automatic locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires. The Z71 adds synthetic leather accents to the upholstery, red recovery hooks, and heated adjustable mirrors.
As you get near the top of both trim ladders, these trucks offer luxurious features such as leather upholstery and memory settings for the driver’s seat. These upgrades help you turn the cab of your midsized pickup into a more enjoyable place to be when riding around town or on weekend adventures.
Safety and Tech
When it comes to infotainment tech, both trucks have a lot to offer. The standard setup in the Colorado includes an impressive 11-inch touch screen, an equally large digital gauge cluster, and a six-speaker stereo. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and two USB ports are also included. You can upgrade to features such as wireless device charging, automatic climate control, and rear-row USB ports.
The Tacoma offers an 8-inch touch screen and 7-inch gauge cluster in its base setup. You’ll also have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and a four-speaker stereo. Choosing one of the higher trims can get you access to a 14-inch touchscreen, more high-powered stereos, and USB ports.
The Colorado and Tacoma also come with a wide range of safety features. You can rely on driver-assistance technologies such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Rear parking sensors and surround-view parking cameras are available to make your job easier when you’re trying to navigate into a tight spot.
Cruise control can adjust your speed on the highway to help you maintain a safe distance from other drivers. The Chevrolet Colorado’s Teen Driver system is a great addition that lets you configure restrictions for how your truck is used so that the younger members of your family can learn to drive safely.
Test-Drive the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado in Plano Today
As you can see, these two trucks have a lot to offer. While you can’t go wrong with either model, we like the Colorado’s stronger engine and higher towing capacity. If you’d like to test-drive a Colorado in our inventory, we’d be delighted to arrange that for you. The test drive will let you see how the Colorado behaves on the road before you commit to a purchase. We can also advise you on auto financing options, including our attractive trade-in program. Feel free to reach out to our team or stop by our dealership to find out more.