2024 Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado

The Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado are two of the most recognizable names in the midsize pickup truck world. Both vehicles have a loyal following and a reputation for delivering reliable performance, whether you’re using them for work, play, or both. For 2024, these trucks have received updates to keep them competitive in an increasingly crowded market. In this article, we explore the Tacoma’s and Colorado’s exterior design, interior comfort and functionality, performance and towing capabilities, off-road prowess, and technology and safety features.

Exterior Design

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma maintains its rugged, no-nonsense appearance while incorporating some fresh design elements. The front grille has been updated with a more aggressive look, and the headlights feature a sleeker design. It’s available in several trim levels, including the TRD Pro and new Trailhunter models, which offer raised suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires that are perfect for off-roading. Coming in at 213 inches long and 76.9-79.9 inches wide, this beast is available in the following colors:

• Terra with Black Roof.
• Ice Cap with Black Roof.
• Underground with Black Roof.
• Solar Octane.
• Bronze Oxide.
• Ice Cap.
• Underground.
• Celestial Silver Metallic.
• Black.
• Supersonic Red.
• Blue Crush Metallic.
• Wind Chill Pearl.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado has also received a more modern and bold exterior design. The front grille is larger and more prominent, flanked by slim, angular headlights. The wheel wells are more pronounced, giving the Colorado a wider, more planted stance. Like the Tacoma, the Colorado is available in several trim levels, with the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison models offering the most aggressive off-road styling.  This exciting vehicle is available in the following colors:

• Black.
• Glacier Blue Metallic.
• Harvest Bronze Metallic.
• Nitro Yellow Metallic.
• Radiant Red Tintcoat.
• Sand Dune Metallic.
• Sterling Gray Metallic.
• Summit White.

Interior Comfort and Functionality

The Tacoma’s interior has been refreshed to provide a more modern and comfortable experience. The cabin features a clean, straightforward design with high-quality materials and a focus on functionality. It offers seating for up to five passengers, with available leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. You can also fold the rear seats in the Double Cab model down to create additional storage space. It’s anticipated that the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will be available in several refined interior color options, including Cockpit Red for the TRD Pro, Mineral for the Trailhunter, and Boulder for the PreRunner.

The Colorado’s interior has also been updated to give it a more premium look and feel, with a spacious cabin that has room for up to five passengers. Higher trim levels feature leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Its rear seats can also fold down to accommodate large cargo items. Both trucks offer ample storage solutions throughout the cabin, including center console storage, door pockets, and rear under-seat storage. The Tacoma and Colorado also provide versatile bed configurations, with available features such as adjustable tie-down cleats, bed lighting, and 120-volt power outlets.

Performance and Towing Capabilities

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma offers two engine options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid (i-Force Max). The standard engine produces 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid powertrain generates an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and offers available four-wheel drive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado offers three variants of a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Its base engine produces 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, while the upgraded versions offer 310 horsepower with either 390 or 430 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and four-wheel drive is available on all trims and standard on the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison.

When properly equipped, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds with the hybrid powertrain, while the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado maxes out at 7,700 pounds with the high-output 2.7-liter engine. The Tacoma can haul up to 1,705 pounds of payload, and the Colorado maxes out at just shy of 1,700 pounds. Both trucks offer trailer sway control and integrated trailer brake controllers to enhance towing stability and safety.

Off-Road Capabilities

For off-road enthusiasts, both the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and 2024 Chevrolet Colorado offer dedicated off-road-focused models. The Tacoma TRD Pro and Trailhunter editions come equipped with features such as FOX internal bypass shocks, locking rear differentials, and MultiTerrain Select and Crawl Control systems. These models also feature aggressive all-terrain tires, skid plates, and increased ground clearance for tackling challenging terrain.

The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and ZR2 Bison models are equally impressive off-road machines. They feature Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear locking differentials, and a high-clearance suspension. The ZR2 Bison takes things a step further with American Expedition Vehicles-designed skid plates, steel bumpers, and 35-inch all-terrain tires. Both the Tacoma and Colorado offer exceptional off-road capabilities.

Technology and Safety Features

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma comes with an available 14-inch touch-screen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also available, providing clear and customizable information to the driver. The Tacoma features an available JBL premium audio system with a unique detachable Bluetooth speaker, perfect for outdoor adventures.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado comes standard with an 11.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system, which is larger than the Tacoma’s standard 8-inch screen. The Colorado also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as available Google built-in connectivity that integrates with the driver’s Google account for a seamless experience. Both trucks offer a suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Both the Tacoma and Colorado performed well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Find Your Perfect Midsize Truck at Longo Toyota

After reviewing the specs and features of these vehicles, one thing is clear: both the 2024 Tacoma and the 2024 Colorado are excellent midsize pickup trucks. The Tacoma is known for its reliability, high resale value, and off-road capabilities and is a great choice for adventure lovers. While the Colorado offers appealing features, overall, the Tacoma is hard to beat. Schedule a test drive in El Monte, California, to experience the Toyota Tacoma’s blend of performance and comfort for yourself. Our knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect model for your needs.

Tags: 2024 Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado
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