Choosing between the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma can be overwhelming – at least at first. Take a closer look at these midsize trucks, however, and it’s easy to see which is destined for your driveway.
Most Luxurious Midsize Truck: 2020 Chevrolet Colorado
When it comes to ride comfort, the Colorado is the favorite. In the midsize segment, it’s tough to find a truck that rides as smoothly as the Colorado. And its extended-cab and crew-cab body styles make a point of supplying generous passenger space. You can also add a range of upscale comfort features, like leather upholstery and heated seats.
The 2020 Tacoma might not ride as smooth as the Colorado does, but its cabin options are certainly roomy and comfortable. Highlights include a 10-way power driver’s seat that makes it easy to find the perfect spot behind the wheel, no matter how tall or short the driver. The Tacoma also offers a range of high-end features, including leather seats and dual-zone climate control.
Best Tech Lineup: 2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Like its Chevy brethren, the Colorado comes standard with an impressive array of tech gear. All five trim models come standard with the Infotainment 3 system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, and smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And all but the Colorado Base model give you a healthy supply of convenience features, like the EZ Lift tailgate and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Chevy’s OnStar telematics system is also standard on all but the Base model, keeping you extra safe with features like stolen vehicle alert and automatic emergency notification.
The Tacoma is a close second place in the tech department. It, too, gives you an impressive array of infotainment gear, including a 7-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, and smartphone integration. Toyota even gave the Tacoma’s touchscreen a makeover – it’s now larger, quicker to respond, and displays sharper graphics. There’s just one drawback: the Tacoma doesn’t offer an emergency telematics system similar to Chevy OnStar.
Off-Road Performance: It’s a Tie!
Both the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma offer their own off-road-ready trim models. The Colorado Z71 gives you all-terrain tires and off-road-oriented suspension. The Colorado Z72 is even more capable, thanks to its bigger all-terrain tires, raised suspension with special dampers, and special front and rear bumpers that improve approach and departure angles.
The Tacoma’s off-road-ready model is the aptly named TRD Off-Road. It gives you a wide range of fun-loving performance gear, including a lockable rear differential, Bilstein monotube shocks, and an off-road traction control system with crawl control.
Horsepower and Overall Capabilities: 2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Of the pair, the Colorado gives you both more power and more in truck-style capabilities. Its base engine is a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. If you crave an even speedier ride, check out the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, which gives you 308 horses and 275 pound-feet of torque. For maximum towing capabilities, you need the Colorado’s 2.8-liter turbo four-cylinder diesel engine. Its 181 horses and 369 pound-feet of torque help you tow max loads of 7,700 pounds.
In terms of pure horsepower, the 2020 Tacoma lags behind. Its standard engine is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder rated for 159 horses and 180 pound-feet of torque. For more muscle, there’s one engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 278 horses and 265 pound-feet of torque. The most powerful rendition of the Tacoma tows up to 6,800 pounds – not nearly as much as the Colorado can manage.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma offers off-road-ready trim levels and a sturdy overall performance, but the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado is still the best-in-class option. You’ll love how Chevy’s midsize truck is loaded with modern luxury and savvy technology. And its performance roster is even more impressive.