Compared: 2022 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2022 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota/Chevrolet

Article QuickTakes:

• Price
• Interior
• Towing

The Toyota Tacoma was introduced to the U.S. market in the mid-1990s, and is a well-known mid-size pickup truck that has inspired loyalty in many of its fans. Its current iteration continues to draw a significant following, although rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado have added new engines and rugged off-road models to sweeten the competitive pot. Comparing price, interior, and towing shows that a choice between the Chevy and the Toyota could come down to small personal preferences, like how often you need to tow or how important a premium-brand sound system is.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma: Price

You might have heard about the “Toyota Tax:” paying more for a Toyota upfront to offset its predicted reliability and strong resale value. However, in the Tacoma this truly is a myth, as the truck’s starting cost of around $27,000 is a few hundred dollars lower than the Chevy Colorado’s entry price. The base Tacoma is a rear-wheel drive (RWD) SR model that offers an access cab, long bed, and utility package, but leaves some exterior components unpainted and lacks rear-seat accommodations.

Shoppers looking for a bit more might lean toward an SR5 model, which is a versatile trim that can be configured in many different ways. For example, you can choose the RWD or four-wheel drive (4WD); a 2.7L four-cylinder engine or a 3.5L V6; an access cab and long bed, or a double cab with a short (5ft.) or long (6ft.) bed. The SR5 starts at around $30,000, but can cost more than $40,000 when configured to include options like the V6 engine, the double cab, the 6ft. bed, and the navigation package. Those buyers who are after a more premium Tacoma will appreciate the leather-trimmed interior of the Limited models, which start at $41,000. For the off-road set, rugged TRD models start at around $35,000 and go up to $48,000 for the 4WD-only TRD Pro.

The Chevrolet Colorado starts around $27,000 for the spartan work-truck model with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, RWD, extended cab, and long box (6.2ft.). If you’re using the truck for more than work duties, consider the LT model, which starts around $30,000, but can be upgraded to 4WD, a crew cab with the short box, and a stouter engine—like the 308hp, 3.6L V6 or the torquey 2.8L turbo diesel. A top-of-the-line Colorado Z71 costs about $39,000, while the adventure-friendly, 4WD ZR2 model starts at around $46,000, prices that are within a couple thousand dollars of the Toyota.

Toyota

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma: Interior

The crew-cab Colorado is slightly more spacious in the front, offering 45 inches of legroom, compared with the double-cab Tacoma’s 42.9 inches. Neither pickup option features the most luxurious or high-tech cabin; anyone expecting something truly upscale should look elsewhere. However, both automakers offer leather-trimmed seats, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment systems, wireless phone chargers, and six-speaker audio setups. The Tacoma can be equipped with a JBL-branded premium sound system, while Chevy offers Bose audio.

Chevrolet Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma: Towing

Depending on the cab and box setup, the four-cylinder Tacoma and gasoline four-cylinder Colorado can tow up to 3,500lbs. The V6 Tacoma can tow up to 6,800lbs, while the V6 Colorado is capable of up to 7,000lbs. Those seeking extra towing capability should opt for a diesel Colorado, which is rated for up to 7,700lbs. The max rating of the Colorado is only possible with the trailering package, and Chevrolet also includes a Tow/Haul drive mode for increased support and confidence when towing.