Considering Switching From a Tacoma to a Colorado? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you’ve been driving the same kind of truck for years or even decades, it can be tough to switch to something different. But since models get updated and overhauled over time, it’s worth taking a look at your options every now and then to make sure that brand loyalty isn’t keeping you from checking out a truck that would be better for you. For instance, we know that a lot of drivers love the Toyota Tacoma; it was the best-selling midsize truck in the country in 2023. But just because it’s the most popular doesn’t mean it’s the best, and there are plenty of reasons why you might consider seeking out an alternative.

Whether you want to switch to an American-made model, want a higher towing capacity, or need something more affordable, the Colorado is worth considering. Chevy’s midsize truck has many of the same features as the Tacoma, plus some unique advantages that give it a leg up in the battle between the 2024 Chevy Colorado vs 2024 Toyota Tacoma. If you’re thinking about switching over, we’re here to help you make up your mind and figure out the details. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know to make a smooth transition.

Standard Fare on Base Trims

If you’re looking for an affordable truck for on-road driving, switching from a Tacoma SR or SR5 to a Colorado WT or LT is a no-brainer. Not only are the Colorado base trims more affordable, but they also have a more powerful engine. While the Tacoma’s standard 2.4L turbocharged I-4 produces 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, the Colorado’s 2.7L turbocharged I-4 delivers 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. That makes for a better ride, where you can easily accelerate to highway speeds when needed and can handle tough road conditions with ease. At this level, both trucks have the same maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

On the Tacoma, base trims come with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen display and can’t be had with the available digital gauge display, leaving drivers without much screen space. On the Colorado, a large 11.3-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital gauge display come standard across the lineup, making it easy to see camera views, safety warnings, and more at a glance. Both trucks come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but these features are definitely easier to use when you have a larger display at your disposal.

Everyday Driving

Whether you’re headed to a worksite, a campsite, or a hardware store, a comfortable ride can help make any drive more pleasant. The Colorado handles well on the road, not only providing plenty of power when you need to speed up but also giving you a smooth ride and a refined feel that makes driving effortless. By contrast, the Tacoma lets plenty of noise into the cabin and doesn’t have the smoothest ride. You don’t have to take our word for that—after a test drive, the automotive experts at MotorTrend said that the 2024 Tacoma “joggled over nearly all road surfaces,” while the Colorado “was by far the most refined” out of the midsize trucks being examined. The Colorado is also going to be easier to maneuver while making a tight turn or a U-turn. While the two trucks have the same overall length, the Colorado has a smaller turning diameter than the Tacoma, making it easier to handle in tight situations.

Loading Cargo

If you’re looking for a pickup truck, odds are you’re going to make use of the cargo bed. Now, if you’re married to having a six-foot bed, you will have to stick with the Taco. However, looking at the five-foot beds offered on both trucks, there are plenty of advantages to switching to Chevy. For one thing, you’ll have an easier time getting up into it since the Colorado has cutouts built into the bumper that act as a step, so you don’t have to add on accessories in order to access the cargo. The Colorado also has more standard tie-down points: two in each corner instead of just two up front and two in the back. Chevy even offers an available StowFlex tailgate, which gives you a lockable sealed storage compartment built into the tailgate for protection from the elements and easy access.

Off-Road Prowess

Both the Tacoma and the Colorado offer multiple off-road trims. That makes sense because midsize trucks are great for hitting the trails. Their smaller size makes them well-suited for navigating narrow spaces and twisty paths, while their tough truck build helps them stand up to the elements. But beyond size, which midsize model you choose can definitely affect your ability to drive off-road, depending on the equipment it provides on the most rugged trim levels.

The Colorado Z71 and Tacoma TRD Off-Road both offer a boost in power over lower trim levels thanks to a re-tuned engine, but the boost is more significant for the Chevy. While the TRD Off-Road gets a boost of 50 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque over the base powertrain to give it a total of 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque to work with, the Z71 gets a boost of 73 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque over the base powertrain, giving it a total of 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, so you can really let loose on the trails and conquer any obstacle. Both trims have a factory lift for additional ground clearance, a locking rear differential, and standard all-terrain tires.

Go all the way up to the top-tier off-road trims, and you’ll have to compare the Tacoma TRD Pro to the Colorado ZR2 Bison. You’ll find plenty of similar features on both, like rocker protection and red recovery hooks, but there are some differences. While the TRD Pro features an aluminum front skid plate, the ZR2 Bison comes standard with boron steel skid plates that are built to stand up to the toughest of obstacles. While both trucks have locking rear differentials, the Bison gets a locking front differential for even better control.

Interior Comfort

Opting for a midsize truck over a full-size option means getting a smaller cabin. However, not all midsize interiors are created equal. If you’re switching from a Tacoma to a Colorado, both you and your backseat passengers will gain some space in the all-important category of legroom. The Colorado’s backseat has an extra inch compared to the Tacoma’s, while its front seat has nearly three and a half inches more legroom. Both trucks have a solid layout that makes it easy to use various features and luxurious options like heated and ventilated seats on higher trims. Since the amenities are comparable, there’s no downside to switching over to the Colorado and getting the extra space you and your passengers need to stretch your legs out will help you get comfortable on any drive.

Switching to Chevy? Get Ready to Experience the Best

We know that switching from one automaker to another can feel dramatic. It’s easy to get attached to your truck and want to stick with what’s familiar. But if you’re willing to give something new a try, we know that you won’t regret upgrading from a Tacoma to a Colorado. The 2024 Colorado is a powerful truck that’s comfortable to drive and is a great value at any trim level. Whether you’re running errands around town, tackling tough jobs, or venturing off-road, the Colorado is up to the task. We know that once you decide to give it a try, you’ll never look back.