2025 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2026 Toyota Tacoma
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the rugged new mid-size trucks, the 2025 Chevy Colorado and the 2026 Toyota Tacoma, often comes down to power versus efficiency. If you prioritize towing muscle and pure grunt, the Colorado pulls ahead immediately, boasting 310 horsepower and a hefty 430 lb-ft of torque from its standard engine. Conversely, the Tacoma aims for lower running costs, achieving a slightly better combined MPG of 23 versus the Colorado's 20 MPG, though its 228 horsepower feels noticeably less potent. With an MSRP hovering near the $32,000 mark for both base models—$31,900 for Chevy and $32,145 for Toyota—the price isn't the deciding factor. However, the significant 82-horsepower difference means the Colorado is the torque champion for heavy hauling, while the Tacoma offers better highway fuel economy (26 MPG vs. 23 MPG). Both offer similar dimensions, though the Colorado is taller at 78.8 inches compared to the Tacoma's 74.0 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Tacoma
The 2026 Tacoma wins for daily commuting due to its slightly superior fuel economy, netting 23 combined MPG.
2026 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma is slightly narrower at 76.9 inches versus the Colorado's 74.9 inches, potentially easing tight parking situations, although overall utility is comparable.
2025 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2025 Colorado is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, delivering 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, crushing the Tacoma's output.
2025 Chevrolet Colorado
The Colorado provides significantly more power (310 hp vs 228 hp) for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $31,900.
Choose the Chevrolet Colorado if...
- You need maximum pulling or acceleration capability, thanks to its 430 lb-ft of torque.
- You prioritize horsepower, as its 310 hp dwarfs the Tacoma's 228 hp.
- You are seeking the absolute lowest starting price point at $31,900.
Choose the Toyota Tacoma if...
- You prioritize saving a bit at the pump, achieving 23 combined MPG.
- You often drive on the highway, where the Tacoma hits 26 MPG.
- You prefer a slightly lower, less imposing vehicle height, measuring 74.0 inches tall.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Colorado | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 213.0" | 213.0" |
| Width | 74.9" | 76.9" |
| Height | 78.8" | 74.0" |
| Wheelbase | 131.4" | 131.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.7 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 5600 rpm | 228 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 243 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/23 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 406.6/492.2 mi. | 364.0/473.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.4 gal. | 18.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 45.2 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Manual |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.7 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.1 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 8.0 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R17 | P245/70R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Non-Matching | Full Size Non-Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado and 2026 Toyota Tacoma.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Colorado than the 2026 Tacoma?
The Chevrolet Colorado has a clear advantage in power, offering 310 horsepower compared to the 2026 Toyota Tacoma's 228 horsepower. That's a difference of 82 horsepower, meaning the Colorado has significantly more potential for towing or quick acceleration.
Which truck is better for city driving based on fuel economy?
While neither is stellar, the Tacoma has a slight edge for efficiency in city environments, rating 20 MPG in the city versus the Colorado's 19 MPG. For highway driving, the Tacoma also leads with 26 MPG compared to the Colorado's 23 MPG.
Are the physical sizes of these two trucks very different?
They are nearly identical in length at 213.0 inches, but the Tacoma is wider by two inches (76.9 in vs 74.9 in) and significantly shorter in height (74.0 in vs 78.8 in). This makes the Colorado the taller, boxier option.
What is the price difference between the base models?
The difference is minimal; the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado starts at $31,900, while the 2026 Toyota Tacoma starts slightly higher at $32,145. For only $245 more, you might consider the engine differences substantial enough to sway your choice.
Do either of these trucks require premium fuel?
No, thankfully both the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado and the 2026 Toyota Tacoma are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep everyday operating costs down.
Which truck provides more low-end grunt for pulling power?
If torque is what you need for pulling trailers or heavy loads, the 2025 Colorado dominates with 430 lb-ft of torque, easily overpowering the Tacoma's 243 lb-ft figure.
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