2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2023 Toyota Tundra

The 2023 Toyota Tundra captured attention with its imposing size, evoking admiration and respect. A massive grille, particularly when chromed, gave the vehicle a rugged, almost Texan personality akin to a Sam Elliot mustache. Toyota's designers interlaced various design elements, creating a harmony between the grille, headlights, and taillights. These cohesive features made the Tundra appear purposeful and durable. Slim, high-mounted headlights added an element of sophistication, while a distinctive character line along the side added length to its profile. At the rear, a three-dimensional stamped design provided further distinction.

In 2023, Toyota introduced the SX Package for the SR5 trim, which included dark gray metallic 18-inch wheels, body-color trim pieces, and the removal of front door badging. Inside, this package replaced the usual smoked silver interior accents with black ones. Buyers had seven trim levels to choose from: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro, and Capstone. Solar Octane (orange) was a notable color for the TRD Pro, although Ice Cap (white), Black, and Gray were also available with red Softex leather upholstery. Every Tundra boasted expansive seats and ample room, with a luxurious 14-inch touchscreen becoming a centerpiece in trims above the SR and SR5.

Contrastingly, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss, with its Radiant Red paint, projected a rugged off-roader vibe. The box-flared fenders with charcoal gray trim, deeply sculpted hood, and blacked-out aesthetics further accentuated this appeal. Chevys' expert design balanced visual elements without overwhelming the eyes, ensuring the truck looked both sturdy and stylish. Inside, the Colorado displayed subtle hints of Camaro design, particularly in the dashboard toggle switches and round air vents.

However, the Colorado Work Truck (WT) and Trail Boss trims were less exciting due to their gray front fascias and simplistic interiors. While the Trail Boss included a skid plate, its interior felt cheap and lacked soft-touch materials and contrasting colors. For variety, the LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims offered more attractive cabins and slightly more refined exteriors. The Trail Boss trim stood out with additional features like all-terrain tires, skid plates, and convenience packages, pushing its MSRP to $42,150.

In terms of performance, the 2023 Toyota Tundra showcased significant advancements over its predecessors. The previous 5.7-liter V8 engine, while powerful at 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, was outdated, with appalling fuel economy figures of 13 mpg city, 17 highway, and 15 combined. To enhance efficiency, Toyota introduced a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. For those craving more power, the hybrid i-FORCE MAX variant produced a staggering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on premium trims like the TRD Pro and Capstone.

A 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery and simpler modulation. The switch from a leaf-spring to a multi-link rear suspension significantly improved the Tundra's composure on rough terrains. Toyota’s maximum towing capacity hit 12,000 pounds, and the payload capacity increased to 1,940 pounds. While these figures outperformed many rivals, some competitors still edged out in payload capacity.

The TRD Pro trim, equipped with a 1.1-inch lift and 33-inch tires, excelled off-road, thanks to Fox shocks, BBS 18-inch wheels, and advanced tech like a multi-terrain system and downhill assist control. The spacious 2023 Tundra, however, encountered challenges on narrow trails due to its vast dimensions of 81.6 inches wide and 233.6 inches long.

With the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, every model housed a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque for the WT and LT trims. The Trail Boss and Z71 generated 310 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, while the ZR2 offered 430 pound-feet. Chevrolet paired this with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Trail Boss and ZR2 boasted a formidable off-road setup with a suspension lift and wider front track for enhanced stability.

Five driving modes—Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, Terrain, and Baja—catered to various driving conditions, with the Trail Boss particularly excelling off-road. Despite its rugged stance, the Trail Boss struggled with ground clearance during off-road tests. Nonetheless, the Colorado excelled on paved roads, delivering a quiet and smooth driving experience. The 2.7-liter engine, although powerful, didn’t provide the exhilarating thrust of its competitors. The official fuel economy for the Trail Boss was 19 mpg, but real-world tests indicated a lower average of 17 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra merged practicality with advanced technology. Inside, large physical controls for volume, climate, and seat heaters complemented the massive 14-inch touchscreen. A conventional shifter and spacious center console added convenience. The CrewMax configuration offered ample room for both front and rear passengers, with storage spaces cleverly integrated. Buyers could choose between double-cab and CrewMax configurations with varying bed lengths. However, the TRD Pro and Capstone trims were only available with a 5.5-foot bed.

Despite its stylish appeal, practical touches were abundant in the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss. The interior generously accommodated four to five passengers, with the cloth upholstery being easy to maintain. The power-adjustable driver's seat enhanced driving comfort. While taller passengers fit comfortably in the back, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat posed minor inconveniences for shorter passengers. Notable features included effective manual air conditioning and multiple storage spaces. The cargo bed measured 41.9 cubic feet, equivalent to just over five feet in length. Depending on trims and configurations, the payload capacity ranged to a substantial 1,984 pounds, while the overall towing capability reached a robust threshold of up to 7,700 pounds.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra excelled in the tech department with an optional 14-inch touchscreen for trims above the SR5, while Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster further enhanced the tech appeal, offering crisp graphics and dynamic visuals. A 12-speaker audio system was available on Platinum trims and above. In contrast, the SR and SR5 trims featured a simpler six-speaker system but still delivered quality sound.

Chevrolet did not lag behind, equipping every 2023 Colorado with an 11.3-inch touchscreen and Google Built-in technology. Even the base WT benefited from this feature. Digital instrumentation varied from an 8-inch screen in basic trims to an 11-inch display in the ZR2. Standard features included Google Assistant, Google Maps, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Chevy's infotainment system's sophistication was evident. However, the Google Assistant sometimes behaved unpredictably, requiring user adaptation. Enhanced trailer-towing capabilities and high-definition cameras rounded out the Colorado’s tech advantages.

Toyota's 2023 Tundra came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a range of ADAS features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The inclusion of a sway warning system for towing enthusiasts was particularly noteworthy. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not standard across all trims, which was a slight drawback. The Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS but lacked an NHTSA rating.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado also boasted numerous safety features. Chevy Safety Assist came standard with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. However, the forward-collision warning system was prone to false alerts, leading to user frustration. The gap adjustment feature partially mitigated this, but the reliability issue was notable.