A growing segment in the automotive industry, the midsize pickup truck class provides drivers with a capable truck option without the hefty price tag of a full-size model. Among midsize trucks, the recently redesigned Toyota Tacoma stands out as an industry flagship and is in direct competition with the all-new Chevy Colorado. Take a look at our 2016 Toyota Tacoma vs 2016 Chevy Colorado comparison to see how these elite midsize options stack up in key categories that include preferred engine options, available transmissions, towing capacity and off-road editions.
Redesigned from the ground up, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma sports an athletic lifted image with a bold, muscular front end that dominates the road. At home on the road or the trail, the Toyota Tacoma provides ample power with a choice between an efficient 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a potent 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V-6 engine. A powerful exterior is matched by a refined interior design that puts the focus on the driver and adds a standard Toyota Entune system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, an integrated backup camera, Bluetooth technology and Siri Eyes Free capabilities. Upgraded trims incorporate Qi wireless charging, Toyota Smart Key with push button start, a power moonroof and leather interior.
2016 Toyota Tacoma | VS | 2016 Chevy Colorado |
3.5-Liter Atkinson Cycle V-6 | V-6 Engine Options | 3.6-Liter V-6 |
6-Speed Manual/6-Speed Automatic | Transmission Options | 6-Speed Manual/6-Speed Automatic |
6,800 Pounds | Maximum Towing Capacity | 7,000 Pounds |
TRD Off Road | Off-Road Edition | Z71 Trail Boss |
Power is the name of the game when it comes to pickup trucks and there is plenty to go around in our 2016 Toyota Tacoma vs 2016 Chevy Colorado comparison. Powered by a refined 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine that employs direct and port fuel injection, the Toyota Tacoma manufactures 278 horsepower and 24 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission. Chevy Colorado models employ a 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 that holds a slight advantage in fuel economy with the automatic transmission.
These power numbers equate to exceptional towing capacities for midsize pickup trucks with the Toyota Tacoma towing up to 6,800 pounds compared to a 7,000-pound towing capacity for the Chevy Colorado. In the grand scheme of things, those few pounds will not make a big difference when towing the family trailer. Where the 2016 Toyota Tacoma sets itself apart from competitors is on the trail.
The Tacoma TRD Off Road trim builds on the 4WDemand part-time four-wheel drive system with an off-road-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, a Multi-terrain Select system, a locking rear differential and a Crawl Control feature. By comparison, the Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Boss employs a standard four-wheel drive system with fancy accessories. Stop in at J. Pauley Toyota today to get behind the wheel of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.