Because some of the long standing players in this category have been required to redesign their trucks on order to stay competitive with the two new GM models it’s time to see how they perform against each other. Taking the Toyota Tacoma and putting it up against the Chevrolet Colorado gives us a look at what these trucks can do against each other. Of course it’s more fun to find two that have the off road capabilities so both of these are larger cab models with the 4X4 ability we want to fully enjoy. Let’s take a look at what these two trucks have to offer and find one that ranks higher than the other.
Using the two names of the trucks as the origin and destination points for the test this was less of a test that would be an irony but rather a test through some of the roughest country in the world where there are wide open spaces to make these two 4WD vehicles scream with delight. The proving grounds would run from the base of Mount Rainier and run all the way to Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs to give us a full 1300 miles of testing to have a great idea of how these two trucks could perform.
The Tacoma chose was a TRD Off Road Double Cab 4×4 short bed that cost $37,665 and the Colorado came in as a LT Crew Cab short bed with 4WD that offered a price of $38,720. This trek crossed through Washington, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado to bring the actual test miles to around 1900, making for a fantastic additional testing drive to make this an even better overall ride. Some of these states even offer an 80 mph speed limit to test these two midsized brutes.
The Tacoma
It’s hard to ignore the fact that this truck is an upgrade from the one that we enjoyed for over a decade, but that is basically what this truck really is. This could bring in a couple schools of thought, one being the fact that this has been the best-selling truck for over a decade in this category and Toyota doesn’t want to change what is already working. Another is that Toyota wasn’t ready for what GM brought to the table in order to be ready to challenge the Colorado or the Canyon to be the continued success.
What we see on the Tacoma is the same suspension, chassis, cab design and character carried over in this truck. On a positive note, the Tacoma does come in with up to 29 different versions to make sure there is a Tacoma that will fit nearly every taste. The engine for the Tacoma is new with the 3.5-liter V6 under the hood using direct and port fuel injection. This gives us a rating of 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque to be a more powerful engine than what we found before on the 4.0-liter V6 this engine replaces.
Inside the Tacoma the seating position seems awkward and low which makes it uncomfortable to drive. Other than this position the Tacoma feels roomy and upgraded with a new dashboard design that gives you upgraded capabilities. You certainly can enjoy the JBL speakers and the navigation system that is in place both of which work through the Entune entertainment system. While inside the Tacoma you will enjoy having a quieter cabin than before form the tuning of the chassis and some added noise deadening technology that makes this a truck you want to spend time inside for the ride.
The Colorado
As a new truck the Colorado comes in as a refined vehicle that offers the power and the drivability you want to have on this vehicle. You see some stylings that remind you of older model trucks from Chevrolet. Although you have the style that offers a nostalgic feeling this is a completely updated and modern truck for you to enjoy the ride and have a cabin full of features you want. One of the most impressive ways to enjoy this truck is to remember the tiny S10 that came before it and even the early model of the Colorado which were much smaller.
The interior of the Colorado does have a wide array of gray plastic pieces, but they are put together well and don’t appear to be ready to let you down at all. The gauges are easy to read and the driving positon is comfortable and enjoyable to give you the confident and fitting seat for you to fully enjoy. Of course, one thing most of the GM models have the Wi-Fi system from the OnStar 4G LTE system which gives you connectivity for up to seven devices. The Chevy MyLink system is also one of the highest rated infotainment systems on the market today.
Under the hood the Colorado brings in a 3.6-liter V6 engine which shows up with 305 horsepower which is attached to a six-speed automatic transmission that is an excellent pairing to give you a great drive. This engine is also rated at 269 lb.-ft. of torque which actually peaks at only 4,000 rpm compared to 4,60 rpm for the Tacoma. This truck feels like it ready to go every time you step on the accelerator as it jumps off the line ready for an adventure in the outdoors or on the road.
Which One is Better
After a 1900 mile test of these two trucks there were some excellent results. The Tacoma shows up with great off road ability, a quality feeling and the ability to handle cargo. On the negative side this truck gives you a poor driving position, has low cornering limits and a transmission that seems to be searching for the gear. Overall this truck does feel revised and updated, but it’s still basically the same.
Looking at the Colorado we find a refined drivetrain, comfortable seats, a great ride and a good looking truck for the positives. The negatives include the unfinished bed and the plastic interior pieces. What we find for this truck is it seems to be the perfect little brother to the Silverado and is a great way for anyone to have a midsized truck for their needs.
For this comparison the Colorado stood head and shoulders above the Tacoma, which shows how GM has done the job of making a truck that is much better than what was already on the market and made one that certainly is right for the lineup from Chevrolet.
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