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| 310 hp | Horsepower | 278 hp |
| 430 lb-ft | Torque | 317 lb-ft |
| 7,700 lbs | Towing | 6,500 lbs |
The popularity of midsize trucks has skyrocketed over the years, with more drivers discovering that bigger isn't always better in the truck realm. Automakers like Chevrolet and Toyota add to this appeal, inspiring a fierce rivalry that slates the 2024 Chevy Colorado vs 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Newly updated and promising more power than ever, the 2024 Colorado and 2024 Tacoma showcase two distinct approaches to designing a versatile, value-packed road warrior that can expertly navigate life on and off the pavement.
The Tacoma has an outstanding reputation in the industry, beloved among loyal Toyota fans who affectionately know it as the "Taco." Its long tenure in the Toyota lineup has built a solid community and a vast offering of aftermarket parts and accessories, which is certainly appealing to the off-roaders who claim the Tacoma as the perfect adventurer. Yet, the Tacoma has several disadvantages compared to rivals like the Colorado, giving Chevrolet a noticeable lead on its native soil. How so?
Toyota isn't quick to update its models, meaning the 2024 Tacoma's recent debut as a modern powerhouse will likely be it for several years. Moreover, Toyota capitalizes on the Tacoma's appeal by forcing drivers to spend more and get less, with the 2024 Tacoma starting at $31,500 and reaching north of $60,000 for trail-ready trims like the TRD Pro. Fortunately, Chevrolet remains true to its original mission of building affordable, high-performance vehicles. The 2024 Colorado is undeniably that, with a starting price of $29,500 and off-road-ready trims like the ZR2 priced just under $47,000.[a]
But what else differentiates the 2024 Colorado and the 2024 Tacoma? How does Chevrolet give drivers more value, innovative technologies, and functional features? More importantly, how does the Tacoma fall short in delivering the power and capability expected of a midsize marvel? It's time to find out.
Toyota promises more horsepower and torque from the Tacoma in 2024, but the real question is whether the automaker delivers. Without comparing the 2024 Tacoma to its Chevy rival, Toyota's midsize truck sees an increase in output from its 2.4L i-FORCE turbocharged inline-four heartbeat. The standard powerplant on the Tacoma SR is the base 2.4L i-FORCE mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. As a base engine, the powertrain sets the benchmark for the Tacoma but still leaves much to be desired.
The 2024 Colorado offers more standard horsepower than the Tacoma, giving it an undeniable edge over its rival. Chevrolet outfits the 2024 Colorado with a 2.7L turbocharged inline-four and eight-speed automatic transmission. The pairing produces 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Colorado keeps this advantage with its more potent 2.7L TurboMax inline-four, which produces 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque for outstanding responsiveness, acceleration, and handling at any speed.
Alternatively, Toyota forces drivers to spend more for better performance. Moving beyond the Tacoma SR's base powerplant to the 2.4L i-FORCE turbocharged inline-four increases the engine's output from 270 to 278 hp and 310 to 317 lb-ft of torque. Then, as you climb the lineup to trims like the Trailhunter and TRD Pro, this option is entirely eliminated. Instead, Toyota offers these trims with its hybrid 2.4L i-FORCE MAX, forcing drivers into the hybrid realm if they need an off-road capable truck. It's a request that Chevrolet doesn't make with the 2024 Colorado and adventure-ready trims like the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison.
Apart from Toyota forcing drivers to a hybrid powertrain, there's also a modest difference in capability. The Colorado and Tacoma are known for their exceptional work ethics, but how does this translate with the Tacoma's powertrain updates in 2024? It leaves the Toyota in the dust. The 2024 Tacoma and 2024 Colorado have a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs with their base powerplants. However, the Colorado outperforms and outshines the Tacoma with its TurboMax heartbeat. Where the Tacoma's i-Force promises a towing capacity of up to 6,500 lbs, the Colorado's TurboMax pushes the truck to new heights with a maximum trailering capacity of 7,700 lbs to heighten its versatility and capability.
The 2024 Tacoma and 2024 Colorado are midsize trucks with comparable dimensions and capabilities. Yet, they represent two unique approaches to giving drivers more for their money. Where Toyota asks drivers to pay a premium, Chevrolet offers more tangible value across the Colorado's lineup.
The 2024 Tacoma starts at $31,500 for the SR, a base model with the standard i-FORCE 2.4L engine that only sees an increase in output on higher-tier trims. Moreover, the SR is sparsely equipped, featuring an 8-inch infotainment system in the cabin that forces drivers to spend more on a better-equipped trim like the SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, or TRD Off-Road. These trims offer a progressive lineup of features and unique design elements and components, like the 17-inch TRD alloy wheels on the TRD PreRunner, the TRD sport-tuned suspension on the TRD Sport, and the Bilstein shocks on the TRD Off-Road.
The Tacoma's top-tier trims—the Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro—cost a premium, with prices starting at $52,000 for the opulent Limited and its 18-inch chrome-finish alloy wheels. The Trailhunter and TRD Pro are powered by Toyota's hybrid powertrain and offer distinct capabilities as off-road adventurers. The Trailhunter features Old Man Emu monotube shocks, while the TRD Pro has FOX Internal Bypass shocks, an advanced damping system, and exclusive interior elements that push its price above $63,000.
Chevrolet does a far better job of offering exceptional value across the Colorado's lineup in 2024. The WT base model, which starts at $29,500, produces more horsepower and torque than the Tacoma SR and features more advanced technologies.[a] For example, an 11.3-inch center touchscreen with the segment-first Google Built-In is standard across the lineup and complements an 11-inch digital Driver Information Center and advanced technologies like Chevy Safety Assist. Climbing the lineup to the LT adds body-color design elements and an upgraded interior, while the Trail Boss sits taller with its factory-installed lift and 18-inch all-terrain tires.
The heart and soul of the Colorado family in 2024 are the Z71, ZR2, and ZR2 Bison. The Z71 sits on 18-inch wheels and offers advanced technologies with its four selectable drive modes and off-road performance display. The ZR2 ups the ante with its three-inch lift and high-performance suspension, exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers, five drive modes, and potent TurboMax engine. With a starting price of $46,800, the Colorado's adventurous ZR2 is far more affordable and value-oriented than its Tacoma rival.[a]
The 2024 Tacoma and 2024 Colorado are tech-centric, with Toyota and Chevrolet relying on advanced technologies to improve your experience in the driver's seat. Yet, the inclusion isn't enough. Comparing the 2024 Tacoma and the 2024 Colorado shows how Chevrolet offers more, going above and beyond to complement the Colorado's tech-forward design with functional features that improve its versatility and efforts to partner with you to make every outing more manageable and enjoyable.
The difference is evident from the cabin, with the 2024 Tacoma featuring a standard 8-inch display that pales compared to the Colorado's aforementioned standard 11.3-inch infotainment system. The 2024 Colorado also offers the segment's first Google Built-In connectivity, extending the system's functionality and complementing wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tacoma also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Google Built-In hasn't yet made it to Toyota's wheelhouse.
The center displays in the trucks are significant because it's also where you'll find trailering, off-road capability, navigation, and other tools. On top-tier trims, the Tacoma offers a Multi-Terrain Monitor, but even the system's 3D views can't compete with Colorado's segment-leading camera system, which provides the most views in the class (10). Likewise, the Colorado's expansive display is also home to the Chevy Trailering App, making it easy to take advantage of the Colorado's higher towing capacity and tools like Hitch Guidance that lessen the learning curve of navigating the road with a trailer. This technology complements the Colorado's more functional design elements, like the segment's first integrated tailgate storage system and mid-position tailgate.
Beyond connectivity and trailering tools, the 2024 Colorado and 2024 Tacoma feature safety and driver-assist technologies that prioritize your safety and reduce the potential for collisions. Industry-wide standards mean that many of these technologies are comparable, with the Tacoma equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite and the Colorado with the Chevy Safety Assist suite. You'll find the suites include some variation of automatic emergency braking, a forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assist systems. Likewise, Chevrolet offers more advanced technologies with options like Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and an HD Surround Vision Camera.
Did you initially start your search thinking you'd get behind the wheel of a 2024 Tacoma? While the beloved Taco holds a prominent place in the segment, the 2024 Colorado sets new standards of excellence by offering more value, capability, and innovation. The combination is incredible, from many best-in-class features to segment-exclusive components that solidify the Colorado's finish ahead of the Tacoma in 2024.
The 2024 Colorado showcases Chevrolet's ingenuity and ongoing efforts to exceed expectations, making our jobs easier and incredibly rewarding as the leading Chevy dealer in the area. Just as Chevrolet goes above and beyond, the team at DePaula Chevrolet goes the extra mile to deliver an incredible truck-buying and owning experience. You can expect a personalized approach defined by integrity, transparency, and respect, whether you're working with our sales and finance teams or our factory-trained and certified technicians.
Whatever you need, DePaula Chevrolet is ready to help. Our extensive selection of new and used Chevrolet models is competitively and transparently priced, putting the truck of your dreams within reach. Moreover, our promise to partner with you guarantees you get the most from your truck every mile and adventure ahead, as we handle all our routine service, maintenance, and repair needs from the convenience of our state-of-the-art facility.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.