Choosing between the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma really comes down to what you want in a midsize truck. Our comparison guide is here to help you figure out which of these trucks will upgrade your daily drive.
Price: 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
Both midsize trucks offer similar starting prices: $27,100 for the Colorado and $27,230 for the Tacoma. However, if you’re looking for a better equipped truck, the Colorado can actually save you a bundle. The top-trim Colorado starts at $43,200, while the top-trim Tacoma will cost you upwards of $47,030.
Sporty Performance: 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
If you’re looking for a rugged ride, the Colorado is it; every model is available with trail-ready four-wheel drive, and the Colorado’s 308-horsepower V6 is certainly handy in the mud. The Colorado also offers an upgraded off-road experience, via its Z71 and ZR2 trim models. These come with rugged extras, such as all-terrain tires and a raised suspension.
The Tacoma’s standard four-cylinder engine (159 horsepower) isn’t quite as powerful as the Colorado’s standard V6. However, you can pay extra for a 278-horsepower V6, and the Tacoma offers a special off-road model: the TRD Off-Road. This truck includes a lockable rear differential and Bilstein shock absorbers, and other off-road-friendly extras.
Truck-Style Comfort: 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
When it comes to long-term cruising, the Colorado offers the most comfortable ride. Chevy’s midsize truck comes with one of two cabins: extended or crew. Both offer two spacious rows of seating, but it’s the crew cab that gives you the most comfortable second row. Optional upgrades — like heated front seats, automatic climate control, and leather upholstery — offer even greater on-road comfort.
The Toyota Tacoma is more comfortable than ever, thanks to its new 10-way adjustable driver’s seat. This midsize truck is also available with an extended or crew cabin. Although the Tacoma never gets quite as luxurious as a fully optioned Colorado, it does offer some desirable upgrades, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Standard Tech Lineup: 2021 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma comes standard with some features that are optional for the Colorado, giving it the most robust base features lineup. For starters, it comes with some high-tech features, like Forward Collision Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control, that help you maintain on-road safety. Toyota’s midsize truck also comes standard with important tech features, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control also keeps both front passengers equally comfortable.
The aforementioned features are available for the 2021 Colorado, but many cost extra. The Colorado does come standard with a 7-inch infotainment touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology. You can add a safety package to enjoy forward collision and lane departure warning systems. Power-operated comfort features, like a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats, are also optional.
Final Tally
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma both have tons of potential, but it’s the Colorado that really stands apart. Choose Chevy’s midsize truck for more power, greater off-road adventure, and all the modern comfort you care to purchase!