2019 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2020 Toyota Tacoma

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, particularly in its Z71 Midnight Edition, presented a bold, all-black aesthetic that was striking yet challenging to maintain. This version of the Colorado was a middle ground between the basic and high-end trims, offering a clean and balanced design that avoided exaggerated styling cues unless opting for the rugged ZR2. Inside, the Colorado emphasized practicality with its straightforward layout and durable materials, though the plastic panels were prone to scuffing. The Midnight Edition added aggressive tires, enhancing the truck's purposeful appearance.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma was appreciated for its clean and simple design, though it lacked the aesthetic appeal of some competitors. The Tacoma's body was rounded yet maintained enough upright lines to assert its ruggedness. The TRD Pro model featured distinctive design elements like redesigned LED headlights and a bold grille, enhancing its off-road-ready look. Inside, the Tacoma's straightforward design continued with a functional dashboard and modest touchscreen, though the materials were mostly basic. Despite its utilitarian interior, the Tacoma's design effectively conveyed its adventurous spirit.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado offered three engine choices, starting with a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Most models featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine was available for certain trims, delivering 181 hp and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque. The Colorado's maximum tow rating was 7,700 pounds with the turbo-diesel engine, and the V6 could tow up to 7,000 pounds. The Z71 trim, equipped with off-road suspension and Goodyear Duratrac tires, performed well off-road but felt sluggish on pavement due to its heavy steering and throttle response. Fuel economy averaged 18.6 mpg, close to the EPA's rating of 19 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine was underpowered, producing only 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The more popular 3.5-liter V6 engine offered 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, though these were not available with the manual transmission. On-road, the Tacoma's steering was slow, and the V6 engine struggled with its transmission, resulting in poor fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Despite these drawbacks, the Tacoma's ride was comfortable, and it could tow up to 6,800 pounds.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado's interior was designed with functionality in mind, featuring easy-to-use controls and ample storage. The front seats offered power adjustments and durable upholstery, while the rear bench was cramped but included conveniences like USB ports. The Colorado's utility was enhanced by features like corner-step bumpers and an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, making it a practical choice for those needing a versatile truck.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size made it more maneuverable in urban environments, and its bed featured a rail system with movable cleats for securing cargo. The Double Cab's rear seats were cramped for long trips, and the lack of air vents was noticeable. Despite these limitations, the Tacoma's bed offered practical features like an optional power outlet and LED lighting, making it a suitable choice for those needing a capable yet compact truck.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado featured a straightforward infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. While the system was user-friendly, the tuning knob's functionality was frustrating. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a Bose sound system, enhancing the truck's tech offerings.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's infotainment system was intuitive, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8-inch version. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with a new USB-C port. The Tacoma also offered wireless phone charging and onboard Wi-Fi. The truck's 360-degree cameras provided useful views, and a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control, was standard.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado lacked advanced safety technologies, offering only a reversing camera and a Teen Driver monitoring system as standard. Optional features included forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. The Colorado received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a Marginal score from the IIHS for front passenger safety in a small overlap collision.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with more standard safety features, including forward-emergency braking and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Tacoma earned a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with Good ratings in most crash tests.