Comparing 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma
Edmunds
Having undergone a complete redesign last year, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado proves how transformative the midsize pickup truck market has become. In a segment where slow and steady changes used to be the norm, this generation of Colorado boasts dramatic new styling, a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the latest in technology features and driver assist systems.
It’s not the only new truck vying for the top position, however. The Toyota Tacoma is fully revamped for 2024. The new model builds upon its famous ruggedness foundation and improves key factors like refinement, fuel efficiency and cabin comfort.
Edmunds’ experts put these trucks in a head-tohead comparison:
Engines, fuel economy
With their recent redesigns, the Toyota and the Chevy jettisoned previously optional V6 engines in favor of turbocharged four-cylinders in different states of tune. In the Tacoma these number three, including a hybrid, while the Colorado’s powertrains are whittled to two. The Tacoma’s gas engines range from 228 horsepower to 278 horsepower, with the hybrid powertrain offering 326 horsepower. During testing of the midrange engine, Edmunds’ experts found it lively and paired well with the smooth-shifting automatic transmission.
Motivating the Colorado is a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 237 horsepower, or 310 horsepower in high-output format. Edmunds found the Colorado’s
turbo-four similarly responsive in daily driving. The Colorado returns an Epa-estimated 16-22 mpg combined depending on chosen version.
■ Winner: Toyota Tacoma
Towing, off-road capability
Properly equipped, the Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds. That’s the most in the midsize truck class. The Tacoma checks in at 6,500 pounds. Owners who are serious about towing might prefer the Colorado, but in reality either truck is well suited for towing most small to midsize trailers.
It’s a similar story for heading off-road. Chevy offers the midrange Trail Boss trim level that comes with a lifted suspension for more ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a locking rear differential to help it better tackle dirt roads and rocky trailers.
■ Winner: Tie
Features, value
Momentum shifts in favor of the Chevrolet when comparing standard and available features. In basic format the Colorado and Tacoma are hardworking trucks at heart. Yet it’s the Chevy that comes standard with an 11.3-inch touch screen with Google-based software, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a digital gauge cluster.
The Tacoma features wireless smartphone connectivity across every trim. However, the base screen is smaller at 8 inches. A 14-inch touch screen is optional and has large menus and crisp graphics, but it dominates the dashboard and looks awkwardly placed. In general, the Tacoma lacks the refinement of the similarly equipped Chevy Colorado and feels more utilitarian.
■ Winner: Chevrolet Colorado
Driving, comfort
The Colorado has an advantage when it comes to handling, ride quality and engine refinement. Bumps and other road imperfections rarely unsettle the Chevy, and its solid steering lets you maneuver the Colorado with confidence.
The Toyota’s suspension is stiffer and more trucklike in lower trims. In the plus column, it’s easy to get comfy behind the wheel thanks in part to a wide range of seating and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel adjustments. The Tacoma boasts more interior storage nooks and cubbies, but the Colorado is the more polished truck for getting down the road.
■ Winner: Chevrolet Colorado