The new-generation Toyota Tacoma brings up an old question; “how does this new truck stack up in the midsize truck market?” Let’s find out.
The Chevrolet Colorado is generally regarded as one of the most impressive midsize pickups in the market, making it a great choice to put the new Toyota Tacoma up against. Toyota made significant changes to its midsize truck, taking a favorite and adding more to the mix. Can this new Tacoma continue to be a favorite in its class, or does the Colorado have more for truck buyers to enjoy during their time on the road and trails?
Which truck offers more power?
The Tacoma starts out with a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that sends 228 horsepower and 243 lb-t of torque to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Chevrolet Colorado begins with a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. This makes the two pickups extremely similar, but when you move up above the base powertrains, you’ll find some distinct differences.
Tacoma power upgrades
Once you get above the base SR trim, the powertrain is tuned to deliver 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque in the Toyota Tacoma with a 6-speed manual transmission. If you stick with the automatic shifter, you’ll have 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This is thanks to the i-Force engine configuration.
Above this is the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, which gives you a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylionderengine and a hybrid electric motor to deliver 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Max towing for the new Tacoma is 6,500 pounds, and it can carry up to 1,705 pounds of payload.
Colorado power upgrades
Every model of the Chevrolet Colorado uses he same powertrain, but it comes in two different power setups. The higher-output models deliver 310 horsepower and either 390 lb-ft or 430 lb-ft of torque for the drive.
The Chevrolet Colorado can tow more than the Toyota Tacoma, providing owners with up to 7,700 pounds of towing power. The Tacoma bests the Colorado in payload, with the Chevy capable of carrying 1,684 pounds in the bed.
What makes the Tacoma special?
There’s a Toyota Tacoma for every shopper. This truck comes in seven available trim levels and offers various powertrain configurations. All told the Tacoma is available in up to 30 configurations. Toyota not only sticks to a manual transmission offering in this truck but also has the XtraCab build, which is unusual in the midsize truck market.
The new 2024 Tacoma features a TRD Pro model with some incredible new front seats that help absorb any off-road shocks and discomfort you might feel while driving. There’s also a new Trailhunter trim, which is made for overlanding and built to handle the challenges of being in the wilderness for several days at a time. This model has a high-mounted air intake and steel underbody protective plates.
This improved truck also comes with advanced safety features that make it easy to avoid a collision. This means you’ll have the benefits of forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure alert with steering assistance, lane-tracing assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
While out in the wilderness, Tacoma owners can enjoy listening to their favorite music on the JBL audio system which has a removable Bluetooth speaker to give you the sounds you love outside of the truck.
What makes the Colorado special?
The Chevrolet Colorado has been redesigned for 2024, adding a larger front grille, slit-like headlights, and wider wheels. These items give this Chevy truck a tougher look that’s easy to admire. The Colorado comes in six trim levels, all of which are built as a crew cab with a short bed.
When you step inside the Chevy truck, you’ll find a large 11.3-inch touchscreen that’s much bigger than the standard 8-inch screen in the Tacoma. The infotainment system in the Chevrolet Colorado is also easier to operate than in the Toyota Tacoma.
When you need a rough and tumble truck for the trails, the Colorado ZR2 Bison with its AEV upgrades could be exactly what you want to drive. This model has several impressive upgrades including a raised suspension, larger wheels and tires, and unique off-road dampers.
Which truck is right for you?
Should you choose the new Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Colorado? If you want build options and a manual transmission, the Tacoma is right for you. On the other hand, if you want more towing power and a larger touchscreen, the Colorado has you covered. Which truck will you drive?
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Stacy Wilson 
Daniel Malone