Colorado vs Tacoma
Chevrolet brings the Colorado; Toyota answers with the Tacoma. Both play in the midsize pickup class. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Colorado takes 2 of 2 areas against the Tacoma, starting with engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Colorado wins
- Off-road & Towing Colorado wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Off-road & Towing3.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Colorado has 82 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Colorado makes its strongest case: 310 hp against 228 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Colorado has 4,200 lb more towing capacity
The Colorado clearly leads on max towing, and 7,700 lb versus 3,500 lb is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The Colorado has 187 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the Colorado posts 430 lb-ft against 243 lb-ft for the Tacoma, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Colorado | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 213.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Colorado leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Colorado leads, and not by a little. The Colorado answers with 82 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. If this section decides it for you, choose the Colorado.
Total system output
Colorado: 310 hp Tacoma: 228 hp The Colorado’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Colorado: 430 lb-ft Tacoma: 243 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Off-road & Towing
Colorado leads
The Tacoma is outclassed on off-road & towing; the Colorado leads by a clear margin. Here the Colorado offers 4,200 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Colorado’s higher rating gives you more margin. On off-road & towing alone, the Colorado gets the nod.
Max towing
Colorado: 7,700 lb Tacoma: 3,500 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Colorado | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 310 hp (winner) | 228 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft (winner) | 243 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Colorado | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 21 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Colorado | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Colorado | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,700 lb (winner) | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Colorado | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Colorado | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 213.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Colorado | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $31,900 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Colorado if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (310 hp vs 228 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (7,700 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (430 lb-ft vs 243 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Colorado or the Tacoma?
On the specs compared here, the Colorado makes more sense for most buyers; the Tacoma doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Colorado from Chevrolet and the Tacoma from Toyota go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. Start with the headline difference (the Colorado has 82 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place. A second point goes to the Colorado for 4,200 lb more towing capacity.
Match the strength to your habits (engine & performance for the Colorado, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Tacoma), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the Colorado.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.