Are you considering getting the new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado or 2023 Toyota Tacoma? The Colorado has several strengths that give it an edge for midsize truck shoppers. However, both models are excellent choices and have advantages over the other. Here are three advantages of the 2023 Chevy Colorado over the 2023 Toyota Tacoma.

Unlike the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, the 2023 Chevy Colorado has an all-new design

The first advantage of the 2023 Chevy Colorado over the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is that the Colorado has an all-new design, unlike the Tacoma. For the 2023 model year, Chevy entered its midsize truck into the third generation. According to Car and Driver, the Colorado has “grown in width, wheelbase, and maturity.” It has a redesigned body, updated powertrain options, and a “vastly improved interior.” In short, the new version of Chevrolet’s pickup is bigger and better in most ways than it was for the 2022 model year.

Unfortunately, the Tacoma did not undergo many significant changes. C/D says the Toyota truck got two new appearance packages, and a few features are placed differently within the lineup. Other than that, 2023 Toyota Tacoma buyers will purchase the same model they would’ve gotten with a 2022 model year version. In addition, the Tacoma hasn’t undergone significant changes in a complete redesign since 2016.

The Colorado base model is cheaper than the Tacoma

Next, Car and Driver estimated the cost of every trim level in the lineup for the 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 Toyota Tacoma. For the Colorado, the WT base model is set to start at around $28,000. Although basic, the midsize truck offers some utility and features for a low entry price. It’s nice to have such an affordable model in the lineup, even if it isn’t the fanciest version of the pickup.

Alternatively, C/D’s estimated price for the Tacoma is slightly higher. Buying the SR5 base trim will likely cost just over $30,000. Buyers can get the second Colorado trim, LT, for about the same price. As a result, it’s a more well-equipped, higher-quality version of the Colorado for about the same cost as the most basic Tacoma. Anyone searching for the cheapest midsize truck possible will get more value from the $30,000 Colorado LT than the $30,000 Tacoma SR.

Chevy engine offers more power for less

Finally, its engine is the last advantage the 2023 Chevy Colorado has over the 2023 Tacoma. The previous Colorado offered a four-cylinder, a powerful V6 option, and a more fuel-efficient diesel. However, the new Chevy midsize truck only has one engine option. It’s a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four that produces 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque with the WT and LT models. Compared to the 2022 four-cylinder that makes 200 hp and 191 lb-ft, that’s quite a big jump.

Although official EPA numbers aren’t available yet, the automaker says the new engine will get similar fuel economy to the outgoing four-cylinder. Good miles per gallon and more power are something no one can say no to. Additionally, the engine gets a little more potent with the Trail Boss and Z71 versions of the pickup. In these instances, the output rises to 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft.

That’s much better than the most basic Tacoma engine, which is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 159 hp and 180 lb-ft. Even the upgraded V6 engine in the Toyota’s lineup gets just 278 hp and 265 lb-ft, which falls short of the Colorado in its highest forms.

Advantages of the Chevy Colorado over Toyota Tacoma

In conclusion, the 2023 Chevy Colorado has a few advantages over the Toyota Tacoma. First, it’s completely redesigned for the new model year, so the Colorado will look and feel new compared to Toyota’s midsize truck, that’s been roughly the same since 2016. Next, the cheapest version of the Chevy is more affordable than the Tacoma’s base model. Lastly, a new engine in the Colorado lineup provides more power throughout its iterations, no matter the price you’re willing to pay.