Skip to main content

Most mid-size trucks, like the Chevrolet Colorado, aim to defeat the Toyota Tacoma. However, most rivals haven’t been able to come close! However, the 2023 Chevy Colorado may have an edge against the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. 

2023 Chevy Colorado vs. 2023 Toyota Tacoma 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado has the best chance to catch up with the 2023 Toyota Tacoma as more truck buyers turn to the Colorado for its fresh updates. The aging Tacoma may be disadvantaged because it has been nearly the same since 2016. 

But age hasn’t been much of a factor until now. In 2022 the, Tacoma moved 237,323 units, which is astronomical. The Colorado landed in second place with about 89,179 units. We understand that the 148,144 difference is massive, but the gap is closing. 

Ford Authority points out that the Tacoma actually experienced a 6.02 percent decrease in sales compared to 2021, while the Colorado received a 22.17 percent sales increase over 2021. The Tacoma could continue to drop as the Colorado grows. 

Is the Colorado better than the Tacoma? 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 Toyota Tacoma both have advantages to consider. For example, the Tacoma is known for being extremely reliable, durable, and has an excellent resale value. 

But the Colorado has more power. The standard turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine cranks out 237 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. The high-output version of this engine generates 310 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. 

The standard Toyota Tacoma engine is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder unit with 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 3.5-liter V6 engine for 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. 

While the Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs, the Colorado tops it with the ability to tow up to 7,700 lbs. That’s not a massive deficit, but it is an advantage. 

Also, the Colorado uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and cylinder deactivation for decreased fuel consumption. It gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and up to 25 mpg on the highway. 

The Tacoma has an old-school six-speed automatic transmission and an optional six-speed manual transmission. It gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 23 mpg on the highway, so it’s not far behind. 

But the Colorado features a longer wheelbase, so it may have a smoother ride. Both trucks have beefy off-roading models, but Colorado has Multmatic DSSV dampers, and the Tacoma has Fox shock absorbers. 

The 2023 Colorado is more modern 

2023 Chevy Colorado interior
2023 Chevy Colorado interior | Chevrolet

Another advantage the 2023 Chevy Colorado offers is a modern interior with updated materials and tech. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a massive 11.3-inch touchscreen. 

Both trucks have a wireless phone charging pad and a 360-degree camera view. However, the Colorado also has underbody and hitch cameras. The screen on the Toyota Tacoma is a little blurry, so the Colorado may offer more visibility. 

Also, the Tacoma and Colorado have tons of safety features available such as blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. But the Colorado has more standard options across the lineup. 

It’s tough to beat the Tacoma, but the Colorado is trying. It’s more comfortable, can tow more, has advanced tech, and true off-roading chops to help it narrow the gap.