Toyota Tacoma Vs. Chevy Colorado: Reliability, Power & Value

Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado Overview

Deciding between the Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado? You're not alone – this is one of the narrowest competitions in the truck industry.

The Toyota Tacoma is lauded for its time-tested dependability and the inclusion of standard tow hooks and LED headlights, as well as an available power sliding rear window and six-speed manual transmission. The Toyota model also offers multiple bed and cab options, while the Chevy Colorado only has one bed and one cab size. This detail gets at a noteworthy discrepancy: The Chevy Colorado leans more into appearance, while the Tacoma puts functionality and reliability first.

Despite their differences, it's apparent that both pickup trucks provide outstanding value. To help you make an informed decision, our team at McGee Toyota of Claremont has created this helpful guide to compare and contrast these two prevalent pickup trucks.

A Snapshot of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado

Before diving in, check out this side-by-side chart that shows what distinguishes each of the Chevy Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma specs and features.

Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado Specs & Performance

Whether you pick a Colorado or Tacoma, you're getting a workhorse that gets the job done without breaking a sweat. While it's true that the maximum available Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado towing capacity puts the Colorado ahead, both standard models have an equivalent capacity of 3,500 pounds.^4,5 Every Colorado model is powered by a sole engine, the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both trucks have 2WD and AWD options and come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the Tacoma has a six-speed manual upgrade that is not found anywhere in the Colorado lineup.

The standard Chevy Colorado gets 18/22/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).¹ On the other hand, the Tacoma has two engine options: the standard 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder or a hybrid version of this same powertrain setup. This allows Tacoma drivers to enjoy better gas mileage, with up to an EPA-estimated 23/24/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).²

Surprisingly, the Colorado only offers one cabin configuration (a four-door, five-seat) and one bed length (5 feet). Understanding no trucker has the exact same needs, the Tacoma gives you an option between the Crew Cab (five seats) or XtraCab (two seats) and a 5- or 6-foot bed.

Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado Trims

One major selling point of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma is its big trim lineup, multiple seating and bed configurations, and seemingly endless selection of packages and accessories.

• Tacoma SR
• Tacoma SR5
• Tacoma TRD Prerunner
• Tacoma TRD Sport
• Tacoma TRD Off-Road
• Tacoma Limited
• Tacoma TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX
• Tacoma Limited i-FORCE MAX
• Tacoma Trailhunter
• Tacoma TRD Pro

Meanwhile, the Chevy Colorado offers five unique trims:

• WT
• LT
• Trail Boss
• Z71
• ZR2

While presenting exciting packages as well, it can't keep up with the level of personalization you can employ when crafting your Toyota. When it comes to the Tacoma, customization is king!

Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado Reliability

The Toyota and Chevy brands are both known for phenomenal quality and durability, but which is more reliable? Taking a look at the RepairPal estimated maintenance costs for the 2024 model years, the Tacoma gains a lead with an estimated annual cost of $478.⁶ Next to an estimate of $599 for the Chevy, this is a significant distinction⁷ However, when we scrutinize their warranties side by side, they are essentially identical, both offering a variation on the Limited Warranty that's good for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever arrives first.⁸

Take a Toyota Tacoma for a Test Drive at McGee Toyota of Claremont

At the end of the day, the decision between the 2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2025 Chevy Colorado comes down to features that are dealbreakers for you. If you love premium interior designs, a bit more towing, and are happy with one cab and bed configuration, the Colorado could be your ride. The Tacoma provides more layout customizations, exclusive features like the manual transmission, and better fuel efficiency options. Save on more than fuel through one of our Toyota Tacoma specials.

If reading about the Tacoma is exciting to you, we hope you'll visit us to take it for a test drive! It's a simple process – just contact McGee Toyota of Claremont or visit us for an impromptu tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Toyota Tacoma or Chevy Colorado have better off-road capability?

Neither pickup truck takes a significant lead on off-roading skills. Both have outstanding ground clearance, cutting-edge suspension systems, and trim configurations meant for off-roading excursions. Hill Descent Control is an available technology for the Colorado, while the Tacoma offers equivalent systems such as Downhill Assist Control. If these two trucks cross paths on the trail, both will be enjoying a smooth and seamless driving experience.

How do the fuel economy ratings compare between the Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado?

It depends on where you look. The standard Chevy Colorado gets 18/22/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),¹ and its top efficiency is 19/24/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).³ The comparable Tacoma, the RWD Double Cab with a 5-foot bed, gets 20/26/23 MPG² but a mileage of 23/24/23² is available on the Limited i-FORCE MAX, surpassing the Colorado in efficiency.

Which is better for daily driving, the Toyota Tacoma or the Chevy Colorado?

Similar in size, both pickups are great for daily driving. A more productive question might be: What does your daily routine look like? The Colorado's key fob remote is great for chilly mornings. Do you love the idea of having a 120-volt bed-mounted AC power supply and power rear sliding window so you can chat with someone working in the bed? The Tacoma alone offers this.

¹EPA-estimated 18 city/22 hwy 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

²Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

³EPA-estimated 19 city/24 hwy 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

⁴Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.

⁵Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.

⁶ https://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/tacoma

⁷ https://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/colorado

⁸Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.