Do you want to enjoy the power, toughness, capabilities, and durability of a midsize pickup truck? Two popular choices for the midsize truck segment are the Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado. See how the two models measure up in this 2022 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2022 Chevy Colorado midsize truck pickup truck fight.

2022 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2022 Chevy Colorado

For this 2022 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2022 Chevy Colorado comparison, we evaluated several factors to determine which truck comes out on top. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, payload, off-road capabilities, safety, interior technologies, and price/value. 

Tacoma vs. Colorado: Performance and efficiency

The Chevy Colorado has the advantage for performance. It offers three engine options: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder (200-hp/191 lb-ft of torque), a 3.6-liter V6 (308 hp/275 lb-ft of torque), and a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel (181 hp/369 lb-ft of torque).

In comparison, the two engines offered for the Toyota Tacoma are not as powerful. Its base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine generates 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, while its available 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.

The Colorado also has the advantage for efficiency. It has an estimated fuel economy of up to 20 city/30 highway mpg, compared to 20 city/23 highway mpg for the Tacoma.

Tacoma vs. Colorado: Towing and payload

On the towing front, the Colorado dominates the Tacoma. It has a maximum towing capacity of 7,600 pounds, compared to 6,800 pounds for the Tacoma. However, the Tacoma can haul a heavier load in the pickup bed. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,685 pounds, compared to 1,560 pounds for the Colorado.

Tacoma vs. Colorado: Off-road capabilities

Both trucks can more than hold their own when heading off the beaten path. However, the Tacoma has the advantage for off-road use, especially with the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models. They have many off-road enhancing features, such as an electrically locking rear differential, a Multi-Terrain Monitor, and Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control.

Tacoma vs. Colorado: Safety

The Tacoma is a safer truck than the Colorado. All Tacoma models come standard with safety-enhancing driving assistance features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. While the Colorado offers similar driving assistance features as the Tacoma, they are not all standard for every trim.

NHTSA crash test results are not yet available for the 2022 model year. However, we can look at the results from the 2021 model year. Both trucks earned a four-star rating for overall crash protection. For the rollover resistance test, though, the Colorado only achieved a three-star rating, while the Tacoma earned a three-star rating. 

Tacoma vs. Colorado: Interior technologies

The Tacoma and Colorado are evenly matched for interior technologies. Both trucks have a standard 7.0-inch and available 8.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. They both also offer similar technologies, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, a navigation system, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Tacoma vs. Colorado: Price/value

The 2022 Chevy Colorado costs slightly less than the 2022 Toyota Tacoma. The starting price of the 2022 Colorado is $25,200 for the Extended Cab models and $27,100 for the Crew Cab models. For the 2022 Tacoma, the starting price is $26,500 for the Access Cab models and $27,330 for the Double Cab models.

2022 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2022 Chevy Colorado: Which midsize pickup truck is better?

Neither the 2022 Toyota Tacoma nor 2022 Chevy Colorado has an overwhelming advantage. Strengths of the Tacoma include payload, off-road capabilities, and safety. For the Colorado, strengths include performance, efficiency, towing, and price. Take a closer look at each truck, evaluate your lifestyle needs and budget, and buy the best one for you.