Interested in a midsize pickup truck? Two vehicles in this class that are commonly compared are the 2019 Chevy Colorado vs 2019 Toyota Tacoma, and with good reason. Both of these vehicles are among the most powerful, capable, and advanced in their class, but only one can be crowned the winner in the battle of the midsize pickup trucks. So, let’s see how these vehicles compare when it comes to price, performance, capability, off-roading, and safety.
Starting Price?: The 2019 Chevy Colorado
If you’re looking for the best deal on your next midsize pickup truck, you’ll want to opt for the 2019 Chevy Colorado. The new Colorado offers a long list of standard features on its base model and is offered at a low starting MSRP of $21,300. Meanwhile, the Tacoma also comes standard with a nice selection of features on its base model, however, its starting MSRP is significantly higher at $25,700. Drivers who opt for the 2019 Chevy Colorado over the 2019 Toyota Tacoma will enjoy a larger standard touchscreen display, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For many drivers, this type of smartphone compatibility is a must-have feature for many consumers, however, is missing onboard the Tacoma on even the highest trim levels. Overall, the 2019 Chevy Colorado takes the win in the category of value by offering more features for over $4,000 less.
Horsepower & Torque?: The 2019 Chevy Colorado
When it comes to both horsepower and torque, the 2019 Chevy Colorado has the edge. When properly equipped the new Colorado offers up to 308 hp and 369 lb-ft torque. The Tacoma is not too far behind, offering up to 278 hp and 265 lb-ft torque, but the Colorado is the more powerful vehicle. This is largely due to the Colorado’s top available engine, the 3.6L V6 engine, which outshines the Tacoma’s 3.5L V6 engine. Overall, the 2019 Chevy Colorado offers three available engine options including the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and a 2.8L 4-cylinder diesel engine. Meanwhile, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma offers only two available engines including its V6 engine and standard 2.7L 4-cylinder engine. Whether you’re looking to customize your desired level of power and capability, or simply want the highest performance possible, you’ll want to choose the 2019 Chevy Colorado.
Towing Capacity?: The 2019 Chevy Colorado
With better horsepower and torque specs, it’s no surprise that the 2019 Chevy Colorado also takes the win when it comes to towing capacity. When equipped with its most powerful engine, the Colorado offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 LBS, while the Tacoma falls 200 LBS short at 6,800 LBS. For the midsize pickup truck class, both the Colorado and Tacoma offer class-leading capability, however, the Colorado simply offers a little more. For drivers looking for power that is comparable to that on a full-size pickup truck, but with increased efficiency and maneuverability, the 2019 Chevy Colorado is the ideal choice.
Fuel Efficiency?: The 2019 Chevy Colorado
As one of only two midsize pickup trucks with the option of a turbo diesel engine, the 2019 Chevy Colorado is incredibly efficient. When equipped with the 2.8L 4-cylinder diesel engine, the Colorado is able to earn fuel economy ratings of up to 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Even when equipped with its base engine, the 2019 Chevy Colorado is highly efficient at up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The 2019 Toyota Tacoma does not offer a turbo diesel engine and its standard engine is not impressively fuel efficient, earning 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway at best. If you’re interested in investing in a midsize pickup truck for its fuel efficiency, the 2019 Chevy Colorado equipped with its turbo diesel engine is one of the best options on the market.
Off-Roading?: The 2019 Toyota Tacoma
Drivers intending to use their truck for regular off-roading will certainly appreciate what the 2019 Toyota Tacoma has to offer. In fact, compared to other contenders in the midsize pickup truck class, there are few that can rival what this vehicle has to offer off the road. The Toyota Tacoma offers a unique trim level, the TRD Off-Road trim, which you guessed it, is specifically designed for off-road adventures. This model of the Tacoma offers skid plates, enhanced suspension and shock absorbers, as well as active traction control and a multi-terrain select system with crawl control. The 2019 Chevy Colorado is the more powerful and capable vehicle and does offer its own off-roading based trim level, Z71, however, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma undoubtedly takes the win when it comes to off-roading.
Standard Driver Assist Technology?: The 2019 Toyota Tacoma
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma offers a long list of standard driver assist features thanks to Toyota’s Safety Sense package. This package has recently begun appearing on all new Toyota models with varying features based on the model. For the 2019 Toyota Tacoma, the Safety Sense package includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Tacoma also comes standard with a rearview camera. Meanwhile, the 2019 Chevy Colorado comes standard with a rearview camera and Teen Driver technology and offers a long list of driver assist features among higher trim levels and available packages. However, despite offering less standard features, the 2019 Chevy Colorado actually received a higher overall safety rating from the NHTSA with a 5-star overall score compared to the Tacoma’s 4-star rating. Does the Tacoma offer more standard driver assist technology? Certainly. But, is it a safer vehicle? It would appear not.
Let’s Sum It Up with Some Stats
We’ve covered quite a few automotive categories while comparing the 2019 Chevy Colorado vs 2019 Toyota Tacoma. So, from performance and efficiency to capability and safety ratings, let’s break it down to a few key stats.
2019 Chevy Colorado
- MSRP: $21,300
- Horsepower: up to 308 hp
- Torque: up to 369 lb-ft
- Towing Capacity: up to 7,000 LBS
- Fuel Economy: 20 City/30 Highway
- Standard Infotainment Screen: 7-Inches
- Overall NHTSA Rating: 5-Star
2019 Toyota Tacoma
- MSRP: $25,700
- Horsepower: up to 278 hp
- Torque: up to 265 lb-ft
- Towing Capacity: up to 6,800 LBS
- Fuel Economy: 20 City/23 Highway
- Standard Infotainment Screen: 6.1-Inches
- Overall NHTSA Rating: 4-Star
The Overall Winner?: The 2019 Chevy Colorado
In truth, the 2019 Chevy Colorado and 2019 Toyota Tacoma represent two of the best choices in the midsize pickup truck class. However, the 2019 Chevy Colorado simply has the edge (no matter how slight) in more key categories than the 2019 Toyota Tacoma. The high starting MSRP of the Tacoma is also difficult to ignore considering its shortcomings. If you’re looking for the ultimate in value, power, capability, efficiency, and even onboard tech, you’ll want to choose the 2019 Chevy Colorado. However, it is no secret that the Tacoma is the more ideal vehicle for off-roading, so if you’re planning on off-roading regularly, opt for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road. No matter which vehicle you decide on, you’ll want to make sure that you visit your local dealership to see it in person. Take it for a test drive, ask any questions that you have, and check out the available accessories and packages. Only then can you be sure that this vehicle is the right choice for you.
