2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma presented itself as a robust yet compact alternative to larger trucks like the Ford F-150 or Toyota Tundra. Its design was assertive, with an upright grille and tall bed that gave it a substantial appearance without the bulk of a full-size pickup. The Tacoma was available in a variety of trims, including the TRD Pro, which we tested. This model stood out with its bright Solar Octane paint, TRD-tuned suspension, and unique styling elements like a hood scoop and blacked-out badging. Inside, the Tacoma ranged from basic to well-appointed, with our TRD Pro featuring Softex leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats, making it a comfortable ride even in harsh conditions.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss exuded a rugged off-road persona with its factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, and blacked-out styling. The Colorado's design was well-balanced, with a sculpted hood and Camaro-inspired interior elements. However, the base Work Truck and Trail Boss trims had a less appealing grey front fascia and a somewhat cheap interior. Despite this, the Trail Boss offered a purposeful front skid plate and a capable off-road setup. The interior, while lacking in colour contrast, provided essential features and a comfortable driving experience, especially with the optional power driver’s seat and air conditioning system.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided decent acceleration, though it wasn't particularly quick. The Tacoma's off-road-oriented suspension handled rough city streets well, but its steering felt vague on paved roads. Fuel economy was a concern, with our TRD Pro model averaging 14.4 L/100 km in winter conditions. Despite its power, the Tacoma's performance was overshadowed by newer competitors in the midsize truck segment.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine. In the Trail Boss trim, it produced 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering swift acceleration and a robust off-road capability. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Autotrac 4WD system enhanced its performance, especially in challenging terrains. The Colorado Trail Boss impressed with its off-road prowess, thanks to its suspension lift and all-terrain tires. On pavement, it was quiet and comfortable, though its fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.8 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered various configurations, including access-cab and double-cab body styles. The access cab had clamshell-style doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed, while the double cab provided a choice between a long bed and a five-foot bed. The interior was compact, with tight rear seats in the access cab. The double cab improved rear seat comfort and accessibility, though legroom remained limited. The front seats were spacious, but the steering wheel's limited extension posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed was practical, accommodating gear for a ski trip with ease.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss provided comfortable seating for four, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The standard cloth upholstery attracted pet hair, but the power driver’s seat offered good adjustability. The back seat had adequate headroom and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents enhancing comfort. Storage space was limited, with small door trays and a narrow centre armrest compartment. The cargo bed measured just over 1.5 metres, featuring an EZ-Lift tailgate and StowFlex storage panel for added convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the interface felt outdated compared to competitors. Our test truck had a premium JBL audio system and USB-A ports, but the Tacoma lacked some of the advanced tech found in rival trucks.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado boasted an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology. Even the base WT trim included digital instrumentation and Google-based features like voice recognition, navigation, and app access. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Trail Boss's infotainment setup was sophisticated, offering real-time off-roading data and trailer-towing technology, though the Google Assistant required some acclimation.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came with Toyota Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. Our TRD Pro also had blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera. However, it lacked some advanced features like lane-keeping assist. The Tacoma received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, missing top marks in frontal crash and rollover tests.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including OnStar emergency services and a Teen Driver system. Chevy Safety Assist provided forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, the forward-collision warning system was prone to false alerts, requiring adjustment to avoid frustration.