2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma held a legacy of durability and utilitarian design. Despite showing signs of age, it retained a robust contemporary exterior with an aggressive grille and headlights. Inside, the Tacoma's cabin mixed old and new; while there was a modern design, hard plastics and outdated switchgear betrayed its aging platform. The trim levels offered varied features, with the TRD Pro offering the most off-road-oriented elements like leather (optional), unique styling, underbody skid plates, LED fog lights, and a TRD-tuned suspension.

By contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado matched the rugged demeanor of an off-road champion with its factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, and sculpted hood. The interior, however, showed some disparity across trims. While higher trims like the Z71 and ZR2 offered finer interiors, the base WT and Trail Boss had a cheaper, gray plastic-dominated look. Nonetheless, the inclusion of Camaro-inspired elements like dashboard toggle switches and round air vents added a sporty touch. Notably, the Trail Boss had practical elements like a front skid plate, all-terrain tires, and a spray-on bedliner as part of its extended package offerings.

Under the hood, the base Toyota Tacoma had a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine making 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which felt underpowered. The recommended 3.5-liter V6, standard in higher trims, produced 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The Tacoma's maximum towing capacity reached up to 6,800 pounds with a payload capacity of 1,685 pounds. Its six-speed automatic transmission sometimes struggled with gear selection, particularly at highway speeds. Off-road, the TRD Pro excelled with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, designed for rugged terrain.

Every 2023 Chevrolet Colorado came with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. The base WT and LT trims produced 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while higher trims like the Trail Boss and Z71 delivered 310 horsepower and 391 pound-feet, with the ZR2 offering an even more impressive 430 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard across the lineup. The Trail Boss featured a 2-inch suspension lift and the ZR2 had a 3-inch lift with specialized Multimatic DSSV dampers for superior off-road handling. The Colorado boasted up to five driving modes, including an exclusive Baja mode for the ZR2, and felt robust both off-road and on pavement despite a somewhat disappointing fuel economy of 19 mpg (averaging 17 mpg in testing).

The Tacoma offered versatility with two cab styles: the Access Cab (extended cab) and Double Cab (crew cab), each available with a five-foot or six-foot-one-inch bed. The rear seats, especially in the Access Cab, were tight and best suited for short trips or additional storage. The front seats provided ample legroom, but the limited telescoping steering wheel adjustment could inconvenience taller drivers. Convenient features included multiple cupholders, various storage spaces, and in-bed lighting with an in-bed power outlet.

Chevrolet's Colorado Trail Boss emphasized comfort with seating for four, though squeezing in a fifth passenger was not recommended for long trips. The cloth upholstery attracted pet hair, and the eight-way power driver’s seat ensured adjustable lumbar support. Rear seating was suitable for six-footers, though snug on legroom. This model also had useful storage solutions, including a deep but narrow compartment under the center armrest and numerous cupholders. The Trail Boss featured a 41.9 cubic-foot cargo bed with the innovative EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate and StowFlex storage panel, designed to carry long items partially raised.

The technology in the 2022 Tacoma centered around a straightforward, easy-to-use infotainment system, featuring either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. Users appreciated the familiar interface, large icons, and quick entry into Apple CarPlay. However, some elements like undersized dials and a manual wireless device charger activation button seemed outdated.

Chevrolet took a leap forward with the 2023 Colorado, equipping it with digital instrumentation and an 11.3-inch touchscreen integrated with Google Built-in technology. This system offered natural voice recognition through Google Assistant, Google Maps, and app access via Google Play. The Colorado supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and had an available Wi-Fi hotspot. However, adapting to the Google-based voice recognition system could take some time for those used to the older Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came with comprehensive standard driver assistance features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Though the backup camera was standard, its image quality left much to be desired. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Tacoma a four-star overall rating.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado also featured an extensive suite of safety measures. Standard Chevy Safety Assist provided forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Optional systems included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, the forward-collision warning system sometimes produced too many false alerts, necessitating adjustment of the gap settings to reduce frustrations. OnStar and a Teen Driver system added layers of safety and monitoring.