2022 Toyota Tundra vs 2023 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2022 Toyota Tundra marked the beginning of its third generation, with Toyota claiming a complete redesign and re-engineering of every part of the truck, right down to the turn signal stalks. Its exterior featured a dynamic and expressive look, with a large hexagonal grille adorned in a variety of finishes such as chrome, dark chrome, or black, depending on the trim level. The top-of-the-line TRD Pro trim had a retro "TOYOTA" lettering above an LED strip light, complemented by a technical camo pattern trim and integrated into the seat covers within the cabin. The Tundra's body showcased chiseled and muscular side styling, pronounced wheel arches, and a neatly tucked-in rear with LED taillamps bracketing a tailgate stamped with the vehicle's name. Trim levels were subtly distinguished by exterior differences such as off-road suspension equipment, giving some models a taller stance.

Inside, the Tundra followed a trend of more premium materials and amenities, highlighted by an optional 14-inch touchscreen display on SR5 and standard on upper grades. The dashboard was specifically designed to integrate shapes from the exterior, creating a cohesive look that reinforced the Tundra's intent to be a versatile, everyday adventure vehicle.

Conversely, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss presented a rugged and ready demeanor, featuring a factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders with charcoal gray trim, and a deeply sculpted hood. Its Radiant Red color made it stand out as an off-roader, with visual balance and expressive detailing that avoided going overboard. Similar to the Tundra, the Colorado displayed a good aesthetic both inside and out. However, the base Work Truck (WT) and Trail Boss trims suffered from a relentlessly gray front fascia and a somewhat cheap-looking interior, which dampened enthusiasm for the design. Higher trims such as the LT, Z71, and ZR2 offered more refined interiors with body-color paint and improved materials.

In terms of differentiation, the Trail Boss and Z71 included purposeful off-road features like skid plates and all-terrain tires, whereas the ZR2 went a step further with mud-terrain tires and Multimatic DSSV dampers for superior off-road performance.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra abandoned its previous naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8, introducing two new engine options with its redesign. The base engine, i-Force, was a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with direct gasoline injection, delivering 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, except for the SR trim, which rated at 348 hp and 405 lb-ft. The hybrid i-Force Max powertrain added an electric motor-generator to the twin-turbo V6, achieving 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains were coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and drivers could choose between RWD and 4WD, with 4WD standard on the TRD Pro model. Estimated fuel economy for the i-Force engine indicated 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined for RWD models, slightly lower for 4WD variants. Overall, the twin-turbo V6 showed excellent performance with no noticeable turbo lag, providing smooth and consistent power delivery.

Supporting the powertrain, the Tundra's new chassis and suspension delivered enhanced handling. The independent double-wishbone front suspension provided stability, and the rear suspension switched from leaf springs to a multi-link with outboard-mounted coil springs, improving ride quality, particularly with an empty bed. Optional adaptive variable suspension and load-leveling rear height control further enhanced the driving experience. Off-road performance was tested rigorously, proving the Tundra's competence in challenging terrains, especially with the TRD Off-Road package.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, however, standardized a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine across all trims. The WT and LT trims produced 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the Trail Boss and Z71 saw a bump to 310 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, with the ZR2 boasting 430 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard. The Trail Boss and Z71 featured a two-inch suspension lift, while the ZR2 included a three-inch lift and exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers. Driving modes varied, including Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, Terrain, and Baja (exclusive to ZR2), each enhancing specific driving conditions. Despite impressive off-road capabilities, handling the Colorado on paved roads showcased quiet rides and stability, though the Trail Boss’s acceleration lacked the zest of competitors like Ford Ranger's 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo. Overall fuel economy was a downside, with the Trail Boss delivering 19 mpg, whereas the actual testing loop recorded 17 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra offered versatile configurations with Double Cab or CrewMax options, both accommodating five passengers. Double Cab models had 33.3 inches of rear seat legroom, while CrewMax boasted a more spacious 41.6 inches. Bed lengths varied: Double Cab came with 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot beds, and CrewMax offered either a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed. The Tundra introduced an aluminum-reinforced composite bed, known for its resilience and ability to resist scratches, dents, and rust, while preserving payload capacity up to 1,980 pounds. Towing capability was a highlight, with a maximum of 12,000 pounds, supported by trailer sway control and trailer brake control. Additionally, higher trims included innovative features like a trailer backup guide system.

Inside, storage solutions were smartly designed, such as the sliding tray in the front center armrest allowing access to the central storage area without lifting the entire armrest. The placement of the 12-volt power tap on top of the dash offered convenience for accessories like dash cams, showcasing Toyota's buyer-focused design approach.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado also showcased practical interiors. Seating for four people was comfortable, though the middle rear seat was tight, best for children. Cloth upholstery in the Trail Boss trim was standard, with an option for an eight-way power driver’s seat offering adjustable lumbar support. Storage was critiqued as insufficient, with small trays in door panels and a narrow center compartment bin. The rear seat airbags provided specific storage features like the StowFlex storage panel integrated into the tailgate, offering functionality for long items and supporting heavy loads with its Mid-Position setting.

The cargo bed in Colorado was slightly smaller, at just over five feet (41.9 cubic feet), compared to Tundra’s longer bed options. However, innovations like the EZ-Lift tailgate with integrated storage added unique functionality.

Technological updates in the 2022 Toyota Tundra were significant. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was standard for SR and SR5 trims, with a 14-inch touchscreen available from the Limited trim upwards. The available 12-speaker JBL premium audio system provided high-quality sound, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto kept the Tundra competitive. Toyota's Connected Services, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi Connect, and SiriusXM offered comprehensive connectivity options. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a head-up display was available on premium trims.

Special off-road technology like multi-terrain select, crawl control, downhill assist control, and multi-terrain monitor system was standard on the TRD Pro and available on other 4x4 models, enhancing the Tundra’s off-road capabilities.

The Colorado, too, came packed with advanced technology. Every trim, starting from the WT, featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including natural voice recognition, Google Maps, and a variety of apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also standard. Though the Trail Boss interior felt basic, these screens provided sophistication. Higher trims, like the ZR2, offered a seven-speaker Bose audio system, and Colorado’s digital instrumentation supported real-time off-road data.

New towing technology, such as high-definition cameras for easier trailer hitching, added functional value to the Colorado's technological offerings.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included features such as pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System, with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart-stop technology, ensured comprehensive protection. Eight airbags and features like tire-pressure monitor system, hill-start control, and driver active headrests rounded off the safety package.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado featured comprehensive safety measures, too. OnStar services provided emergency calling and crash notifications. Chevy Safety Assist included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Additional options were adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, and rear parking sensors. Chevy’s Teen Driver system was particularly noteworthy, providing parents with a report card of the young driver's performance.