How Does the Toyota Tacoma Compare to Chevrolet Colorado?
2026 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2026 Chevy Colorado
How does the Toyota Tacoma compare to Chevrolet Colorado?
The Toyota Tacoma has been America’s best-selling midsize pickup for many years. There are many reasons that truck buyers have made the Tacoma the top choice for Gastonia drivers. Tacoma offers tons of capability in a comfortable daily driver. It also boasts a strong reputation for reliability and longevity, with excellent resale value. Tacoma is even regularly recognized by Kelley Blue Book for its strong resale value, giving it their 2026 award for best resale value among midsize pickups.
Many other midsize trucks have been redesigned in recent years in an attempt to challenge the Tacoma. The Chevy Colorado is one such contender. Both offer a rugged design, off-road and hauling capability, and a range of features. Both return for 2026 to face off to woo the midsize truck buyer. However, the Toyota Tacoma continues to offer a more complete truck line than the Colorado – let’s explore.
| 2026 Toyota Tacoma | 2026 Chevrolet Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $32,245 | $32,400 |
| 2WD Standard MPG (city/hwy/combined) | 20/26/23 | 20/24/22 |
| 4WD Standard MPG (city/hwy/combined) | 19/24/21 | 18/23/20 |
| Max Available Horsepower | 326 | 310 |
| Cab Choices | Extended or Crew | Crew Only |
| Bed Length Choices | 5′ or 6′ | 5′ only |
| Available Manual Transmission | Yes | No |
| Available Hybrid | Yes | No |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 yrs/25,000 miles | 1 yr/12,000 miles |
Which midsize pickup offers more performance?
While Tacoma starts out with a slight edge in fuel economy than Colorado in entry-level form, this is only further enhanced with the option of a hybrid powerplant. Tacoma’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain doesn’t sacrifice performance, as opting for this powertrain propels Tacoma to a higher horsepower rating than Colorado: 326 hp vs. Chevy’s 310.
Tacoma also achieves higher estimated fuel economy than Colorado with 2WD or 4WD in gas form, and of course when equipped with i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain it handily beats Colorado. Hybrid fuel economy estimates reach up to 24 mpg combined, and city fuel economy is up to 20% better than the 4WD Colorado.
Verdict: The Toyota Tacoma offers superior performance, with more available horsepower and greater fuel efficiency, plus an available hybrid.
How many cab types and bed sizes are offered on Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado?
Part of what makes Tacoma a leader in midsize trucks is the amount of variety offered in its range, with a truck for everyone. Not only is there a choice of the available hybrid, but a choice of cab, bed, and transmission that Chevrolet can’t match
Colorado only comes as a crew cab with a 5′ bed. Tacoma gives you choice, with Xtracab extended cab or Double Cab crew options. A 5′ bed is standard with the Double Cab, with the option of the 6′ long bed for those looking for additional room to haul.
Which midsize trucks offer a manual transmission?
Toyota continues to offer a manual transmission option in the new Tacoma. Chevy no longer offers a manual in the Colorado.
Verdict: The Toyota Tacoma provides more build varieties to accommodate more truck buyers.
Which is the best midsize pickup choice?
While the Chevy Colorado offers much to the midsize truck buyer, the Toyota Tacoma simply offers more. As such, it remains the top choice in the midsize segment. Tacoma offers extra power, greater efficiency, and more cab and bed options. Plus, with ToyotaCare, Tacoma provides complimentary maintenance for longer than Colorado: 2 years/25,000 miles, to Chevy’s 1 year/12,000 miles, helping to lower cost of ownership. This means Toyota gives more of what truck buyers want in a value-packed workhorse.
Toyota of Gastonia goes the extra mile on the auto mile for drivers in Kings Mountain and Shelby! Call, text or visit us today to see the new Tacoma for yourself. We can’t wait to see you!