2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2025 Chevrolet Colorado

The fight for supremacy in the midsize pickup space is heating up as two top contenders prepare for the ultimate showdown. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma, with a complete redesign that adds extra sophistication to its off-road profile, faces the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado, newly refined to provide capabilities and power you can trust. 

This comparison is about Toyota’s precision engineering versus Chevrolet’s brute power, where every horsepower, pound of towing capacity, and approach angle could affect the outcome. If you’d like to know which truck will come out on top when capability meets efficiency and reliability faces off against pure muscle, our team at Longo Toyota in El Monte, California, has prepared this guide to answer all your questions. 

Engine and Performance

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma offers multiple powertrain options. The standard setup in most trims features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque; the base SR trim is equipped with a detuned 228-horsepower version. The Tacoma stands out with its i-FORCE MAX hybrid system, a first in its segment, which combines turbo power and electric assistance to deliver 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid provides impressive performance and excellent fuel economy, achieving 23 mpg combined, which makes it a standout for efficiency.

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado utilizes a tried-and-true turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine across all models, producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. While this engine provides adequate power and eliminates trim-level confusion, it lacks the technological sophistication and fuel efficiency of a Toyota’s hybrid system. The Colorado feels dated compared to the Tacoma’s electrified powertrain. Additionally, the Tacoma’s available six-speed manual transmission is a significant plus point if you’re a driving enthusiast, whereas the Colorado’s standard eight-speed automatic limits driver choice and engagement.

Towing Capacity and Payload

When it comes to hauling heavy loads, the Colorado excels with its segment-leading 7,700-pound towing capacity, easily beating the Tacoma’s 6,500 pounds (6,000 for hybrids). However, the Tacoma boasts a superior payload capacity of 1,705 pounds versus the Colorado’s 1,570 pounds, plus the flexibility of multiple cab and bed configurations that the Colorado, which is only available as a four-door crew cab, can’t match.

Off-Roading Capabilities

The Toyota Tacoma features a dual-suspension setup. Entry-level SR, SR5, and TRD PreRunner models have traditional leaf springs, while higher trims feature coil-spring rear suspension for better ride quality and articulation. The Tacoma’s approach angle allows for descending slopes up to 26.6 degrees, providing that crucial extra margin when navigating challenging terrain.

The Chevrolet Colorado has its own impressive off-road arsenal, featuring independent front suspension, a solid rear axle, and leaf springs across most trim levels. The ZR2 variant takes things up a notch with Multimatic DSSV dampers and 12.2 inches of ground clearance. The ZR2 Bison takes it further with 35-inch tires and hydraulic bump stops for rock crawling and jumps. While the Colorado’s maximum descent angle is 26 degrees, the Tacoma’s 0.6-degree edge might matter in extreme situations.

Interior and Comfort

The redesigned Tacoma interior showcases Toyota’s attention to detail with premium materials, high-resolution displays, and improved ergonomics. A raised seating position eliminates the previous floor-sitting feel, while added headroom and a more adjustable steering column suit a wider range of drivers.

Material quality throughout the Tacoma’s cabin reflects durability, with sturdy switchgear and design elements that echo its rugged exterior. The dashboard is functional yet modern, seamlessly integrating technology. Climate control remains single-zone across most trim levels, although heated and cooled front seats are available on higher trims, such as the Limited.

The Chevrolet Colorado’s updated cabin features improvements in design and facilities. It offers user-friendly controls and modern styling, with dual-zone climate control providing better comfort than the Tacoma’s single-zone system. Materials prioritize durability with decent visual appeal, though surfaces lack the premium touch of higher Tacoma trims. 

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Tacoma’s infotainment system features an 8.0-inch touch screen on base models and an impressive 14.0-inch display on higher trims. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. The available JBL audio system features a unique detachable Bluetooth speaker, ideal for outdoor activities — a clever addition that reflects Toyota’s understanding of its adventure-oriented customer base.

The Colorado offers an 11.3-inch touch screen with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for advanced voice control. It also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, matching the Tacoma’s technology offerings. However, the Colorado’s available Bose audio system falls short by comparison, being neither as rich in features nor as innovative as the Tacoma’s JBL audio system.

Safety and Reliability

Toyota’s Tacoma stands out with its standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are included on all but the base SR trim, where they’re available as part of an upgrade package.

The Colorado offers a solid safety package with standard automatic emergency braking, lane- keep assist, and automatic high beams. Advanced features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control, are also available through optional packages. While comprehensive, the Colorado’s safety offerings don’t quite match the Tacoma’s standard equipment level across all trims.

The Tacoma has consistently ranked among the most dependable pickups, with owners frequently reporting trouble-free operation well beyond 200,000 miles. Toyota’s proven track record includes excellent resale value retention and lower-than-average maintenance costs over time. While the Colorado has shown improvement in recent years and benefits from General Motors’ extensive dealer network, it hasn’t yet established the same level of long-term reliability confidence that Toyota has built through decades of consistent performance.

Choosing Between the Toyota Tacoma and the Chevrolet Colorado

The Toyota Tacoma wins hands down in this showdown. It has been a top-selling midsize truck for over a decade and consistently ranks among the highest in its class. But don’t just take our word for it; arrange a test-drive with our team here at Longo Toyota and see for yourself why the Tacoma is the ultimate choice in this segment. Plus, with our attractive financing deals , getting behind the wheel of a brand- new Tacoma has never been easier. Contact us today to learn more.

Tags: 2025 Chevrolet Colorado, 2025 Toyota Tacoma
Posted in Comparison | No Comments »