The Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado are impressive pickups, but which mid-size truck offers the better value? We’ll explore the issue below.
The Toyota Tacoma is a perennial favorite among truck enthusiasts thanks to its performance, reliability, and comfortable interior, but can it hold up to the competition from the equally popular Chevrolet Colorado? Let’s find out.
Which Mid-Size Truck Offers Better Performance?
The Toyota Tacoma boasts up to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 6,500 lbs at the entry level, which is more than enough to haul most loads. Add 4WDemand part-time 4WD to the mix, and it’s clear that this mid-size truck is quite capable.
The Chevrolet Colorado features a Turbomax engine, which is good for 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 7,700 lbs, outperforming the Tacoma by over 1,000 lbs. You’ll also get standard 4WD in Colorado, but not the advanced part-time 4WD system found in Tacoma.
Which Pickup Has Better Tech?
In today’s world, capability isn’t just a matter of brute force. It’s also about what kind of technology vehicles have to support drivers. In the case of the Tacoma, for example, you’ll get advanced towing tech like Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist.
The 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor found on the Toyota Tacoma is also worth mentioning. This advanced tech lets drivers toggle between front, rear, and side-view cameras to check their surroundings for obstacles. You can view it on the impressive available 14-inch multimedia display.
The Chevy Colorado offers up to five available drive modes, including tow/haul, to improve performance in different conditions. The mid-size truck also features available underbody cameras, which is a first in the segment. Plus, get up to 10 available camera views and a trailering app.
How Safe Are These Mid-Size Trucks?
Safety should be a top priority, no matter what type of vehicle you drive. These days, it’s essential to focus not just on crash test ratings but also on collision mitigation. The Toyota Tacoma and the Chevrolet Colorado are equipped with advanced active safety and driver assistance features.
In the Tacoma, you’ll get Toyota SafetySense 3.0. This suite of advanced features includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, proactive driving assist, lane departure alerts with steering assist, and even full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control.
The Colorado also prioritizes safety. Each of these Chevrolet trucks comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist. This package includes six advanced features to keep drivers and their passengers safe, including forward collision alerts, automatic e-braking, lane keep assist, and a following distance indicator.
Which Truck Offers a Better Value for the Money?
The Chevrolet Colorado and the Toyota Tacoma are impressive trucks, but which offers the better value for the money? Both are relatively affordable, so it depends on where your priorities lie.
If your top priority is hauling larger loads, the Colorado has a slightly higher tow capacity. The Tacoma offers a more helpful range of tech features. Both have extremely capable off-road variants. The best way to decide which truck to buy is to head to your dealership and take a test drive.