2024 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2024 Chevrolet Colorado: Which Truck Reigns Supreme?

October 24th, 2024 by

Toyota Tacoma on a HillsideThe midsize truck market is a competitive one, and the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and 2024 Chevrolet Colorado are two of the most popular choices. Both vehicles offer unique features and provide excellent performance and comfort. If you’re struggling to decide which of these vehicles is for you, this article on the Chevrolet Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma will provide a comprehensive comparison. We’ll focus on their specs, performance, pricing, design, interior comfort, and safety to help you make an informed decision.

 

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Specs, Performance, and Pricing

Below is a comparison of the Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado specs, pricing, and performance.

Pricing Overview

The pricing for the 2024 Tacoma and Colorado models reflects their features and capabilities. The Colorado starts at $29,800, while the Tacoma has a slightly higher starting price of $31,500. Despite this difference, both trucks offer competitive pricing within the midsize truck market.

Performance Specs

The Tacoma offers a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder base engine, delivering up to 278 horsepower. There’s also an available hybrid powertrain that produces 326 horsepower. The Colorado features a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine on the base trims that produces 237 horsepower. Higher trims come with the TurboMax engine, delivering 310 horsepower.

All Colorado models pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the Tacoma is available with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The Tacoma offers leaf springs on the base models or upgraded coil springs on the higher trims, while the Colorado sticks to the former. Rear- and four-wheel drive are optional on both vehicles.

Fuel Efficiency

These vehicles are well matched in fuel efficiency, with the Tacoma marginally outperforming the Colorado. However, both vehicles are an economical choice for daily driving. Fuel efficiency varies slightly depending on the configuration you choose:

  • Tacoma rear-wheel drive: 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway
  • Tacoma four-wheel drive: 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
  • Colorado rear-wheel drive: 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway
  • Colorado four-wheel drive: 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway

 

Exterior Design and Aesthetics

Both trucks feature bold and stylish designs that appeal to different preferences.

2024 Toyota Tacoma: Bold and Rugged

The 2024 Tacoma has undergone a complete redesign, now with a more aggressive and modern look. Its bold grille design emphasizes its ruggedness, with options for LED headlights that improve visibility and aesthetics. With a range of trims, including the TRD Sport and Limited, you can choose from styles that cater to off-road enthusiasts or urban drivers.

2024 Chevrolet Colorado: Sleek and Modern

The 2024 Colorado features a more modern look with a streamlined profile. Its smoother lines offer better aerodynamics, which is a big appeal for city drivers. The Colorado offers vibrant color choices that make it stand out on the road. Like the Tacoma, it includes functional elements, such as an available multi-flex tailgate for versatility.

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma Size Comparison

The two trucks are closely matched in size. The Tacoma offers two cab and bed configurations (Double Cab or XtraCab and 5- or 6-foot beds), while every Colorado is a four-door cab with a 5-foot bed.

Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado Specs

Here’s how the Chevrolet Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma specs compare for the base trims:

2024 Toyota Tacoma 2024 Chevy Colorado
Wheelbase 131.9 in 131.4 in
Length 213.0 in 213.0 in
Width 76.9 in 74.9 in
Height 73.8 in 78.7 in
Curb Weight 4,485 pounds 4,377 pounds

Interior Comfort and Technology

Below is a breakdown of how the interior comfort and technology compare in the Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado.

Comfort Levels

Both trucks prioritize comfort but differ in their approaches. Targeting the practical-minded, the Tacoma features durable materials designed for rugged use. It offers raised seating to give you a better view of the road and improved comfort for taller drivers. For a more luxe feel, the Limited trims and above boast a head-up display and heated and ventilated front seats.

The Colorado’s interior also boasts high-quality materials. The seats feature supportive cushioning for long-distance comfort. There are multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin, which makes the Colorado a practical choice for daily drivers.

Technology Features

The Tacoma features a user-friendly 8-inch standard screen or an optional larger 14-inch touch screen. Both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Other handy tech features include the 7-inch digital gauge cluster or larger 12.3-inch all-digital unit. There’s also an optional wireless phone charging pad. The Colorado features an advanced 11.3-inch infotainment system and available wireless phone charging. It also offers an 11-inch driver information center.

 

Safety Features and Ratings

The Tacoma vs. Colorado reliability stats are pretty even, as both trucks come equipped with advanced safety features. The Toyota Tacoma includes the Safety Sense system across all trims, offering standard adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

The Chevrolet Colorado also provides some of the same standard features, but adaptive cruise control is optional. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma was rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Colorado has not been rated by the IIHS, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported two recalls.

 

On the Road: Handling

The 2024 Tacoma has undergone significant handling improvements, particularly with its new chassis and suspension system. It’s well known for its off-road capability, especially in the TRD trims, which feature skid plates, TRD-tuned suspension, and rugged-terrain tires.

The Chevrolet Colorado, particularly the ZR2 trim, also performs decently off-road, but its suspension system is designed specifically for a smooth ride on highways. Its well-designed chassis balances comfort and performance. If you’re looking for serious off-road performance, the ZR2 trim includes features such as increased ground clearance and skid plates for added protection.

 

Tacoma or Colorado: Which Truck Suits You Best?

Your choice between the Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Colorado ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize off-road capabilities and ruggedness, the Tacoma may be your best bet. If you seek a balance of comfort, modern technology, and fuel efficiency for daily driving, consider the Colorado.

Visit Auburn Toyota in California today or give us a call at (530) 885-8484 to check out the available new Toyota models and perform a Tacoma comparison in person, or contact us to ask about your financing options.

 

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Photo Courtesy of Toyota

Posted in Toyota Research