For a while, Toyota has dominated the midsized pickup range. Many of the major players, like Chevrolet and Ford, pulled out of the midsized pickup game for a number of years. Toyota happily was the only kid on the playground, but that all changed when the big boys came back to play. The midsize pickup trucks are no longer limited to just the Tacoma, with impressive contenders like the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado on the market as well.
But how do the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 Toyota Tacoma stack up against each other? Here at Weelborg Chevy, we’ve created this head-to-head comparison to help highlight the features of each.
A Head to head comparison:
Engine and Performance
When it comes to what’s under the hood of each of these trucks, there are some distinct differences between the two. Starting off with the 2023 Toyota Tacoma offers buyers the choice of two naturally aspirated engines: a 2.7-Liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-Liter V6. The base 2.7-Liter comes with 159 ponies under the hood and a 180 lb-ft of torque. If you spring for the 3.5-Liter option, you get 278 horsepower and 265 lm-ft of torque. Both engine options come with a 6-speed automatic transmission, but the V6 comes with an optional manual transmission for those who prefer to switch their own gears.
The 2023 Colorado no longer offers a V6 or a diesel option like its predecessor. Chevrolet has done a complete redesign of its engine lineup. The new turbocharged gas-powered 2.7-Liter i4 is much more modern than the Tacoma engines. Chevrolet completely blows out Tacoma in terms of horsepower and torque. The standard engine in the Chevy Colorado boasts 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. If you decide to take a step up further to the 2.7-Liter Turbo Plus, it brings 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. But for those who really want the maximum output, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado’s top-of-the-trim engine offers 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
Winner: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado
Off-Roading Abilities
Toyota is renowned for its appeal to those who love off-roading. The specialized hardware in the Tacoma maintains its hold as an off-road icon. There are several notable features found on the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trim levels.
On the TRD Off-Road includes:
- A Multi-Terrain Select traction control system
- Locking rear differential
- Bilstein shocks
- Fender flare
- 16-inch aluminum wheels with Goodyear Kevlar-sidewalls off-road tires.
Upping the ante in the TRD Pro, this trim level includes:
- An array of off-road-focused exterior cameras
- Rigid Industries fog lights
- A TRD cat-back exhaust
- Fox internal bypass shocks
- TRD-branded skidplates
- An electronic rear-locking differential
- A 1.5-inch front and 0.5-inch rear suspension lift
Chevrolet Colorado doesn’t have the same pedigree, but its lineup does include multiple off-road-orientated models. The Colorado’s Trail Boss trim comes with a standard with a 2-inch lift and a wider front track. In addition, it also has a lifted suspension as well as better clearances. For example, the Trail Edition's 34.0-degree approach angle is 3.5 degrees steeper than the Trail Boss's.
Where the features really come out to play is in the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. This trim has a variety of features, including:
- DSSV Multimatic suspension dampers
- Off-road front fascia, rear bumper and fender flares
- AEV front and rear bumpers
- Bed-mounted spare tire carrier
- Unique wheel arch flares
- Front and rear jounce control dampers
- Underbody protection with 5 Boron steel skid plates
- 4.5-inch factory-installed lift and wider chassis
Winner: 2023 Toyota Tacoma
Interior and Tech Features
Chevy designers have combined attractive materials and traditional switchgear with modern-day tech. The Chevrolet Colorado comes stacked with a roster of innovative and lucrative tech features. Every model comes with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display and up to an 11-inch digital gauge cluster. The 2023 Colorado comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google’s voice assistance built-in, maps, and, for an additional upgrade, an extra-large wireless charging pad.
Meanwhile, with the Toyota Tacoma, the interior favors more simple and durable materials than more modern materials and features. The Tacoma’s cabin does have more shoulder and hip dimensions that make three-deep seating arrangements more comfortable. The Tacoma comes very modest with its features with a 7-inch touchscreen that has Apple CarPlay, Andriod Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Winner: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado
Towing And Payload
When it comes to towing, the new Colorado can easily tow between 6,000 and 7,700 pounds, depending on which model you choose. If you’re wondering where the top trim ZR2 falls within that range, the ZR2 can tow up to 6,000 pounds, while the rest of the trims top it at the lineup’s maximum of 7,700 pounds. The max payout capacity is 1,684 pounds, and the lowest payout capacity is 1,151 pounds.
The Tacoma trails behind the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado when it comes to both payload capacity and towing. The four-cylinder models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the V6 can pull up to 6,800. The payload capacities for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma range from 1,135 to 1,685 pounds.
Winner: 2023 Chevy Colorado
Fuel Economy
When it comes to how far you can go in each of these midsize pickups, both of them can take you where you want to go. The Toyota Tacoma’s base engine gets a respectable 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, the V6 version delivers 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
With the Chevrolet Colorado, on the 2.7-Liter base engine, 2WD gets 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. On the other hand, the AWD Turbo Plus delivers 17 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway.
Winner: 2023 Toyota Tacoma
Safety Features
Both the Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma feature impressive advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) rosters.
The new Chevy Colorado offers the Chevy Safety Assist standard in all their model. Chevy goes all out with their safety features. The multitude of features includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, following distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. But don’t think Chevrolet stopped there. They also include advanced systems available across their 2023 lineup, which includes blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning with brake assist, rear pedestrian warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma also has a robust array of safety features, although it’s not as robust as the Colorado’s. The Tacoma safety features include adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Winner: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado
Find The Right Truck For You With Weelborg Chevrolet Today
If you’re looking for a midsized pickup truck that offers immaculate off-road handling, various tech features, and high performance, the 2023 Chevrolet could be the ideal choice. Depending on whether you’re looking for an off-roading adventure escape or something that easily intertwines work and play, the Chevy Colorado has a little something for everyone in its trim flexibility.
Here at Weelborg Chevrolet, we understand that purchasing a new vehicle is a big investment that takes a lot of consideration. This is why our knowledgeable staff is here to help. They can answer any questions, give you insight into various makes and models, and help you find the best vehicle for your needs and lifestyle.
So, if you’re looking for a new pickup, contact us today to learn more about the 2023 Chevy Colorado.