Starting at
Starting at
237 | Horsepower (hp) | 159 |
259 | Torque (lb-ft) | 180 |
7,700 | Max. Towing (lbs) | 6,800 |
The truck market is huge these days, making it easier or harder to choose the perfect truck for your needs. With the new year almost here, there are even more options than ever if you’re considering a new truck. Compare, for instance, the 2023 Chevy Colorado vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma. These are two good-looking mid-size trucks with stellar reputations for being hard workers, so it’s no surprise they often compete with each other. So if you decide to table a gamble on the 2023 Chevy Colorado, will it be worth it? Does the 2023 Tacoma have everything the Colorado does at a lesser price? There are many questions, and consumers want answers.
To save you some time, we’ve done the legwork, checking out both trucks' performance, interior, tech, and safety features to see how they measure up. Buying a new truck is a big investment, and you want to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. Check out what we found when we compared and contrasted two of America’s most popular mid-size trucks.
The first thing you notice about the Colorado and Tacoma is how similar they look on the outside. Heavy, rugged-looking trucks ready to tackle off-roading driving or take on your work week, all without slowing down. The 2023 Chevy Colorado is a modern workhorse designed to take on your toughest tasks. The 2023 Colorado has been given a refreshing update for 2023 and includes a multipurpose tailgate with improved storage.
Plus, for all the off-roading enthusiasts, get ready to choose from not one or two but three enhanced performance models. The options include an all-new Trail Boss edition. Choose from three engines, which include the 2.7L Turbo engine (standard on WT and LT trims), a 2.7L Turbo Plus (standard on Z71 and Trail Boss but available for WT and LT trims), and the 2.7L Turbo High Output (standard on the ZR2). The newly enhanced engines offer better performance and efficiency than previous generations.
That’s a lot of power. So how does the 2022 Toyota Tacoma compete? For 2022 the Tacoma was offered with two engine choices, a 2.7L, of which drivers can expect a max horsepower of 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, or a and a 3.5L V6 that delivers 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. Sounds good? But comparing the two available engines with the all-new 2023 Colorado, drivers can easily level up to Colorado’s 2.7L Turbo Plus to unlock up to 310 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque or get the truck’s max performance with the beastly 2.7L Turbo High Output that gives drivers up to 430 lb-ft of torque for a smoother, powerful, more efficient drive. Not to mention the Colorado breezes past the competition offering best-in-class max towing that tops out at 7,700 lbs, overtaking the Tacoma's max towing capacity of 6,800 lbs.
Both the Colorado and Tacoma are built for some rocky, rough adventures, meaning drivers get plenty of options regarding control. The 2023 Colorado offers drivers five drive modes that allow drivers to tailor their driving experience based on road conditions. Choose from:
Likewise, the Tacoma offers up to five different modes that make it easy to get the most out of your truck's performance. In comparison to Colorado, the Tacoma drive modes include:
Each mode is designed to help drivers stay in control over sandy, slick, or uneven ground by maximizing traction, throttle, and overall performance for a safer driving experience that helps those behind the wheel stay in control and focus on the road ahead.
Both the Colorado and Tacoma have their own version of an off-roading monitor. Colorado has the Off-Road Performance Display that keeps drivers up to date on their drive performance with a real-time altimeter, 3D pitch and roll, and g-force, to name a few. Add an available underbody camera that gives you a view underneath your truck to monitor for rocks, branches, and obstacles in the road. The Tacoma’s system delivers a picture of your surroundings and obstacles with its Multi-Terrain Camera.
It’s not just off-roading these trucks are built for; when drivers need help with a heavy job, both models are ready for a challenge. The Colorado has an entire suite dedicated to making trailering easier and safer than ever before. Standard Hitch Guidance makes the tedious job of lining up the trailer and the hitch a cinch. 2023 model drivers can enjoy the all-new Hitch View, which provides an enhanced view of the hitch.
Use Chevy’s in-vehicle Trailering app on the Colorado’s infotainment system to make towing and hauling a stress-free job. The 2023 Tacoma, on the other hand, is available with a Tow Package that includes Trailer Sway Control. This package allows drivers to make the most of their truck's power, with a max trailering weight of up to 6,800 lbs, while Trailer Sway Control adds a level of control and stability to ensure you and your cargo get to where you’re going safely.
If you’re looking to get into the deep roads, the Colorado’s engine and performance are superior to the Tacoma, not by much, but enough for drivers to take notice. Colorado’s three engine choices give drivers more options, while the ZR2 was built for a rugged off-roading performance that leaves Tacoma coming up short.
Trucks have come a long way over the years. Once built for work, they are now offered as flexible machines designed for family, fun, and tough jobs. The 2023 Colorado is designed for an active lifestyle but doesn’t compromise when it comes to comfort. The roomy cabin makes each drive better than the last with a newly designed interior that is modern and equipped with the latest user-friendly technology.
The 2023 Colorado boasts a modern cabin that looks more upscale than previous generations. But don’t let the luxury fool you; the Colorado is just as durable inside as it is outside. Drivers and passengers can enjoy the supportive seating that offers plenty of leg and headroom both in the front and back. The new dash makes it easy to access the 11.3-inch infotainment display, as well as the available color 11-inch driver information center and you’re ready to customize your ride to meet your traveling needs.
The Tacoma doesn’t slack when it comes to offering drivers an easy-to-use, refined interior. Soft and supportive seating ensures a comfortable ride from start to finish. Drivers can enjoy a 10-way power adjustable seat with lumbar support, while the wide dash and touchscreen allow drivers to easily access all of the Tacoma's infotainment tech. Level up to the Tacoma Limited or TRD Pro to indulge in leather-trimmed seating.
But when it comes to trucks, everyone knows it's all about utility. Of course, you want a comfortable ride, but you also want a vehicle that will make your daily challenges a little easier as well, and who can blame you? So check out Colorado’s all-new available Integrated Tailgate Storage feature. This watertight class-exclusive extra lets drivers store tools, essentials, or equipment in a safe, durable unit in the tailgate. The space can also double as a cooler, thanks to its drain. The tailgate was also designed to make working in the field easier. You can take advantage of the built-in tape measure tool that is always there when you need it, along with 8 standard fixed tie-downs for securing any bulky items in the truck's bed.
The all-new Colorado has a flexibility that is tough to beat, but the 2022 Tacoma sure is going to try. The Tacoma helps drivers utilize every bit of space with hidden and locking storage areas to help keep you organized at all times. The standard Deck Rail System includes four heavy-duty tie-downs to keep your gear in place and stay cool with the available insulated storage that’s available on the Tacoma Trail Edition. The insulated storage compartment is located along the interior side of the truck bed and works as a cooler to keep your drinks and other essentials chilled.
Once more, both of these trucks are neck and neck, with the Colorado coming out just ahead with more premium interior options and extra legroom that place it just above the Tacoma. Drivers looking to get a little more luxury or features for their money will appreciate the attention to detail the Chevy Colorado offers.
The all-new 2023 Chevy Colorado makes it a snap to stay connected on the road. Drivers can seamlessly link their smartphones with the truck's Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity to bring along favorite playlists, get turn-by-turn navigation, and access all their favorite apps. For added convenience, available Google Built-In gives drivers easy access to navigation, music, and more.
The new 11.3-inch infotainment display offers full color and higher resolution than previous generations while allowing drivers to personalize and configure the system to their needs. And it only gets better with available wireless charging. Say goodbye to tangled wires and cords. Simply set your smartphone on the charging dock and go. The great new technology doesn’t stop there. Chevy has added class-leading camera technology with up to ten camera views, beating out the competition. The camera views are easily accessed on the truck’s infotainment screen. If you decide to go for the Z71 or ZR2 package, then be prepared to take advantage of the truck’s underbody camera that lets you see every bump in the road for easier navigation over rough terrain.
Likewise, the 2022 Tacoma lets drivers sync their smartphones with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for a customized driving experience that lets you access your maps, music, and incoming messages. Available Alexa from Amazon helps drivers get more done while behind the wheel, like adding products to shopping lists, making orders, and accessing at-home compatible devices using just your voice. The Tacoma’s Panoramic View Monitor delivers a 360-degree view of the area around you, making parking, backing up, and off-roading easier than ever.
To help keep things extra safe, the Tacoma comes standard with Toyota Safety Shield, a suite of features designed to alert drivers of possible collisions, pedestrians, or vehicles in their blind spots, allowing drivers to travel with confidence and peace of mind. Coming standard in 2023 is Colorado’s Safety Assist package, which includes six safety and driver assist features. These include emergency braking, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, and more, all designed to give drivers the confidence and peace of mind they need every time they hit the road.
It feels like the two trucks are about even when it comes to standard tech and safety features. While the Tacoma comes standard with a few safety features that Colorado drivers will have to pay extra for, the Colorado offers more in the way of user-friendly technology, such as more camera views and a larger touchscreen that presents Chevy’s current infotainment system in a more straightforward way that will make using the tech feel more like second nature than a challenge. For those looking for simplicity and convenience in their tech, the Colorado has an edge over the Tacoma.