Buying used instead of new gives you the chance to own a decent-quality car without paying inflated prices. The same is true for trucks. You can find a used pickup, like a Toyota Tacoma or Chevy Colorado, with nearly the same features as a newer model but at a friendlier price. 

U.S. News found the 2016 Tacoma and Colorado two of the best used vehicles under $20,000. Which one offers better value for the money? Let’s take a look. 

What’s great about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?

Prices for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma range from $19,755 to $33,000, depending on the features. U.S. News awarded it one of the best compact trucks of 2016 and gave it a score of 8.7 out of 10 possible points. 

The 2016 Tacoma offered two engine options. One was a four-cylinder that produced 159 hp. But, as U.S. News explained, it struggled a bit to pick up speed when traveling on the highway. The other was a V6 engine generating 278 hp, offering quicker acceleration and a more constant power. 

All Toyotas came with the Entune Audio infotainment system. The 2016 Tacoma offered a 6.1-inch display screen, Bluetooth, voice recognition, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and a power moon roof. 

What’s great about the 2016 Chevy Colorado?

The 2016 Chevy Colorado is one of the most affordable pickups on the market, coming in at $15,777 on the low end. For models with more options, you could pay up to $29,188. U.S. News gave the 2016 Tacoma high ratings for its generous cabin space and solid performance on the road. Plus, it’s a great hauler. 

You could choose from three engine options on the 2016 Chevy Colorado. Two were four-cylinder motors. One generated 200 hp, and the other was a 2.8-liter turbodiesel offering more towing power. The third one was a 3.6-liter V6.

Of the three engines, the turbodiesel offered the best fuel economy. It could get 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 200 hp four-cylinder had an EPA rating of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

If you’re in the market for a 2016 Colorado, look for one that comes with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. It boasts an eight-inch display screen, Apple CarPlay, and satellite radio capability. 

Will the cheaper Colorado best the Tacoma?

In comparison, the 2016 Chevy Colorado seems to be the better deal. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, the Colorado is less expensive than the Tacoma. At the lowest end of the cost spectrum, the 2016 Toyota comes in at over $19,000, but you can have the Chevy for only $15,000 or so.

Second, the Tacoma generally has a high predicted reliability rating, but problems plagued the 2016 model. That year saw transmission, engine, and electrical issues. And none of those fixes was cheap. 

The 2016 Chevy Colorado boasted a high predicted reliability rating. Though drivers reported some complaints, they were mostly about the interior. Both 2016 pickups won Best Compact Truck for the Money Awards from U.S. News, and both received scores of 8.7 out of 10. 

These two pickups were very similar, but the Chevy Colorado experienced fewer problems in 2016. Plus, it was cheaper to get into one.