VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 5600
278hp @ 6000
Torque
430lb-ft @ 3000
317lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
20 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
7700lbs
6500lbs
Engine
—
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Chevrolet Colorado and the Toyota Tacoma is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Chevrolet Colorado delivers 310hp @ 5600 while the Toyota Tacoma produces 278hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Colorado returns 20 mpg est. while the Tacoma uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $39,300 for the Colorado and $36,535 for the Tacoma. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Chevrolet Colorado4WD Crew Cab LT 2026 - From $39,300
Toyota TacomaSR5 XtraCab 6' Bed AT (Natl) 2026 - From $36,535
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 5600
278hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
430lb-ft @ 3000
317lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
21 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
22mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.4gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
213.21in
213in
Width (in)
74.91 w/Mirrors Folded, 84.4 w/Mirrorsin
76.9in
Height (in)
78.79in
73.9in
Wheelbase (in)
131.36in
131.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
4145lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
41.9cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
7700lbs
6500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Colorado
Fuel Economy
Tacoma
Value
Tacoma
Practicality
Colorado
Pros & Cons
Chevrolet Colorado
Higher towing capacity (7700lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Tacoma
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($36,535)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Colorado or Tacoma?
The Colorado gets 20 mpg est. and the Tacoma gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tacoma is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Colorado or Tacoma?
The Colorado produces 310hp @ 5600 and 430lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Tacoma delivers 278hp @ 6000 and 317lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Colorado is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Colorado and Tacoma?
The Colorado starts from $39,300 and the Tacoma from $36,535. The Tacoma is cheaper by $2,765 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Colorado or Tacoma?
The Colorado has a braked towing capacity of 7700lbs and the Tacoma can tow 6500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Colorado or the Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.