Tacoma vs Colorado

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

Just sold my 1994 Z71 for a lot more than I ever expected (I was the original owner!!- but thats another story..) and am looking for a replacement truck and have it narrowed down to a 2017-2020ish Tacoma TRD Sport or a Chevy Colorado. I think the durability/quality of the these trucks is now closer than its ever been and not the big split from earlier models years ago. A lot of new comparisons even give the Chevy the edge, which is surprising. Anyway, does anybody have either one of these newer models and what are your thoughts opinions on them vs each other?

upsscott · 11-30-2021, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

Just sold my 1994 Z71 for a lot more than I ever expected (I was the original owner!!- but thats another story..) and am looking for a replacement truck and have it narrowed down to a 2017-2020ish Tacoma TRD Sport or a Chevy Colorado. I think the durability/quality of the these trucks is now closer than its ever been and not the big split from earlier models years ago. A lot of new comparisons even give the Chevy the edge, which is surprising. Anyway, does anybody have either one of these newer models and what are your thoughts opinions on them vs each other?

I looked at both of those. I Really liked the zr2 Colorado with the diesel. In the end I wanted more offroad capabilities so I went with the Gladiator.

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otto_kretschmer · 11-30-2021, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

Just sold my 1994 Z71 for a lot more than I ever expected (I was the original owner!!- but thats another story..) and am looking for a replacement truck and have it narrowed down to a 2017-2020ish Tacoma TRD Sport or a Chevy Colorado. I think the durability/quality of the these trucks is now closer than its ever been and not the big split from earlier models years ago. A lot of new comparisons even give the Chevy the edge, which is surprising. Anyway, does anybody have either one of these newer models and what are your thoughts opinions on them vs each other?

a coupe years ago I went to the LA auto show and sat in the front and back seats of both of these trucks and the Chevy was more comfortable and had more head room. I'm 6-4 so headroom is something I look for in vehicles. If you're shorter you won't notice.

look 171 · 11-30-2021, 10:46 PM

Guy I am working on his house has a Colorado with a Super charger on it. I think he said was pumping out around 400hp. He has it installed when truck had a couple thousand miles. Its been trouble free with 80,000 miles. Nice truck, I think.

IROC · IROC's Garage

I really think you can't go wrong with either, but simply given the well-deserved reputation, I think the Tacoma would be the better selection if you plan on keeping it for a long time. And...if you plan any modifications, the Toyota aftermarket is huge.

I'm currently daily-driving my 1997 Land Cruiser. You just can't kill it. And, I have a 2019 4Runner sitting in the driveway.

flatbutt · 12-01-2021, 04:11 AM

I have the 2020 Taco Sport 6 cyl 1/2 ton. It is my fourth Taco and is the best so far. It is NOT a working mans truck but a very good homeowners truck. It's towing capacity is good enough for anything other than yuge loads.

Seahawk · 04:28 AM

I have had two, a 1990 SR5 and a 2000 Tacoma so my references on the current crop is dated. I do DD a 1996 Land Cruiser.

My future SIL has a 2020 Tacoma and he loves it. It is his first truck.

The only issue I have with the Tacoma, and my wife's 4Runner, is that I do not fit in them well. That's it...

I do like the look of the Colorado and the Ford Ranger. The Gladiator is also a nice vehicle...a few of my friends have them and love them. A friend of mine ordered the 2022 Maverick Hybrid and he has been a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton guy the last 45 years. As I have written here before, once we move off the farm, the Tundra gets sold and I'll get serious about finding a new, smaller, "homeowners truck". Like a lot of folks, I think the size of the trucks these days is absurd for what they are used for.

Great term, Flatt.

Lots to choose from!

Chocaholic · 04:37 AM

Gen 3 Taco is 2016- current. I recently bought a 2021 Tacoma Off-Road 4x4. I don’t off-road but the OR version comes with a more compliant (comfortable) Bilstein suspension. I went with 4x4 for the occasional boat ramp.

Nothing retains value like Tacoma. Quality is very good and fuel economy is reasonable for a truck (18-21). The cab is comfortable. So far (2500 miles) I’m pleased. Lots of aftermarket goodies available too.

Overall...a better experience than I expected. Worth a look. You can’t really go wrong with either. If your travels have you up near Lake Hartwell, you’re welcomed to check it out and drive it. Just say the word.

R K T · 12-01-2021, 05:15 AM

I've had three Tacoma's over the years. All good trucks.
I bought a new Colorado ZL1 two years ago and absolutely love it.
I'm 6'4" and it's way more comfortable than the Taco. The technology in the Colorado blows away all of the competition.
Gas mileage is great with the V6 303hp and when cruising at a steady mph it kicks down to V4....mid 30s mpg on regular gas.

flatbutt · 12-01-2021, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

but the OR version comes with a more compliant (comfortable) Bilstein suspension. .

That's probably true. My Sport handles incredibly well likely due to a stiffer suspension.

Chocaholic · 12-01-2021, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R K T

I've had three Tacoma's over the years. All good trucks.
I bought a new Colorado ZL1 two years ago and absolutely love it.
I'm 6'4" and it's way more comfortable than the Taco. The technology in the Colorado blows away all of the competition.
Gas mileage is great with the V6 303hp and when cruising at a steady mph it kicks down to V4....mid 30s mpg on regular gas.

Wow..
I can say confidently that the Taco doesn’t get anywhere near that kind of fuel economy. Not sure of the HP but I know it’s nowhere near 300. Power is just adequate...not going to win any races, that’s for sure!

herr_oberst · 12-01-2021, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

I like the color. What size tire is on that?

Norm K · 12-01-2021, 05:46 AM

I'll preface this by saying that I know virtually nothing about the Colorado and that I'm a big fan of Toyota trucks.

That said, the biggest gripe you'll hear out of long-time Toyota owners who are looking at new trucks is that the company appears to be suffering from a severe bout of hubris.

To be sure, their trucks still look great and their proven track record of near bulletproof reliability can't be ignored. But, apparently caught up in smelling their own fumes, they've been bypassed in nearly every other way by the competition.

Again though, it's tough for people who have owned their previous iterations to ignore 200K-300K miles (and higher in many, many cases) of comparatively flawless performance.

If I was in the market and planned on keeping the truck for 20 years and/or 200K+ miles, I'd probably live without the comfort and tech features of other marques and go with another Toyota. If I was looking to keep it for just several years/100K-150K miles, I'd definitely shop around.

_

R K T · 12-01-2021, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Wow..
I can say confidently that the Taco doesn’t get anywhere near that kind of fuel economy. Not sure of the HP but I know it’s nowhere near 300. Power is just adequate...not going to win any races, that’s for sure!

Forgot to mention towing!
7000 lbs with the heavy duty trailering package that includes dash built in braking adjustment etc.
Towed one of my cars 250 miles when we moved last year and still got 17 mpg!

fastfredracing · 12-01-2021, 05:50 AM

I don't know about the newer gen Colorado, but the ones I have worked on here, have been money pits for customers . Pretty sub par quality and most repairs are on the expensive side for a domestic vehicle . And I am a GM guy at heart.

R K T · 12-01-2021, 05:57 AM

The previous generation Colorado was junk!

No comparison to the current trucks.

David · David's Garage

I prefer the looks of the Toyota but the Colorado seems much more updated.

Now that I'm without an SUV, I've been thinking about getting a pickup and the Colorado is at the top of my list. I'd really like to wait for the 2023 though if it actually gets the 2.7 turbo 4.

Chocaholic · 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

I like the color. What size tire is on that?

The OR gets 16” wheels. I believe tires are 265/70/16. The Sport gets 17” wheels and rides a bit lower (I think). Color is called Magnetic Gray Metallic. Seems to stay clean-looking between baths...much better than black.

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

Thanks all.. Tough choice for sure. I kept my last truck 28 years, so thinking the same on this one which makes me lean just a bit towards the Taco.. Not too concerned with current resale because of that. That being said, my Z71 1500 was literally flawless over its lifespan. The 5ft bed (chevy) vs 6ft bed is a big difference also.. hmmmmmm.

911 Rod · 911 Rod's Garage

I feel it matters on how long you want to keep it. I bought my Tundra for that reason 6 years ago. So far I had to replace the spring on the gas door and an o ring for one of the TPS's.