When you're looking for a midsize truck that can pull its weight, two names usually rise to the top of any list--the Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. But how do they fare as rivals? Whether you're heading to the job site or the campsite, one model definitely has an edge. Let's take a look.
Key Takeaways
- There are a few changes to the Colorado lineup and none to the Tacoma this year.
- The Colorado has a max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds; the Tacoma doesn't quite reach those numbers and maxes out at 6,500 pounds.
- Pricing for the 2026 Colorado ranges from $34,495 to $62,795, as of December 30, 2025. Tacoma trims are between $33,740 and $54,765.
Chevy Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma Pricing and Upgrades for 2026
Chevy didn't feel the need to reinvent the wheel for the 2026 Colorado. You'll see a couple of new 20-inch wheel styles and White Sands paint that replaces the old bronze. It's a short list of updates because the truck is already dialed in.
Here's the price breakdown for the Colorado:
- 2WD Work Truck: $34,495
- 4WD Work Truck: $37,795
- 2WD LT: $38,095
- 4WD LT: $41,395
- 4WD Trail Boss: $42,595
- 4WD Z71: $46,695
- 4WD ZR2: $52,795
- ZR2 Bison: $62,795
Over at Toyota, the Tacoma is rolling into 2026 with zero changes. Its pricing looks like this:
- SR: $33,740 / $36,940
- SR5: $37,830 / $41,030
- TRD PreRunner: $40,330
- TRD Sport: $41,610 / $44,010
- TRD Off Road: $44,010
- Limited: $54,765
2026 Chevy Colorado vs Toyota Tacoma Engine Performance
Chevy keeps it simple with every Colorado getting a 310-hp 2.7-liter turbo-four engine and an eight-speed automatic. You can stick with standard RWD or go with optional 4WD. When it comes to the heavy stuff, the Colorado is the champ with a 7,700-pound max towing capacity--though the off-road-heavy ZR2 rates for 6,000 pounds.
The Tacoma runs on a 2.4-liter turbo-four. The base SR version puts out 228 horses, while the higher trims get the i-Force engine with up to 278 horsepower. You have the choice between an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, and RWD or 4WD. However, the Tacoma hits its limit at 6,500 pounds for towing, falling quite a bit short of the Chevy lineup overall.
Chevy Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma Entertainment, Infotainment, and Tech Features
The Colorado has a large 11.3-inch infotainment screen and an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster as standard. The system features Google-built-in tech with wireless phone integration, and there are plenty of places to plug in throughout the cabin. You can also upgrade to a nice Bose seven-speaker system if you want better sound.
The Tacoma starts with a smaller 8.0-inch screen, but a massive 14.0-inch screen is optional on some trims. Like the Chevy, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also an optional JBL audio system, which comes with a Bluetooth speaker that you can pop off the dash and take with you.
Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma Tech Features
| 2026 Chevy Colorado |
2026 Toyota Tacoma |
| 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen standard with Google built-in system |
8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen standard |
| 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster standard |
Available 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen on select trims |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Multiple USB charging ports throughout the cabin |
|
| Available Bose seven-speaker audio system |
Available JBL premium audio system with Removable Bluetooth speaker integrated |
Which Pickup Is Your Best Bet?
The Tacoma certainly has some cool tech, but when you look at the raw numbers, the Colorado is the pickup for anyone who needs a real workhorse. Come by our Coleman Motors showroom, and we'll show you exactly what it has to offer!