2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, a staple in the North American market since 1995, was beginning to show its age despite a facelift in 2020. Its exterior maintained a contemporary look with an aggressive grille and headlights, but the cabin revealed its dated design with hard plastics and older switchgear. The Tacoma offered various configurations, including Access and Double Cab styles, with a range of packages from the standard to the TRD Pro. Standard features included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite. Higher trims added features like alloy wheels, sport suspension, and leather seating, with the TRD Pro boasting unique styling and off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss presented a rugged off-road appearance with a factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, and a sculpted hood. Its styling was well-balanced, with Camaro-inspired interior elements. However, the base Work Truck and Trail Boss trims had a grey front fascia and a cheap interior feel. The Trail Boss featured a front skid plate, while higher trims like the Z71 and ZR2 offered more powerful engines and enhanced cabins. The Colorado's pricing ranged from $37,229 to $58,929, with options like a spray-on bedliner and advanced trailering packages available. The Trail Boss trim, with its off-road prowess, was priced at $50,844.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma in Canada came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and a payload capacity of 583 kilograms. While the V6 provided decent acceleration around town, it struggled on highways due to its transmission gearing. The TRD Pro excelled off-road with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, making it a capable trail vehicle.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado featured a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine across all trims. The WT and LT trims delivered 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the Trail Boss and Z71 offered 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft. The ZR2 had a high-output version with 430 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with the Trail Boss and ZR2 featuring a two-speed transfer case for enhanced off-road capability. The Trail Boss impressed off-road with its suspension lift and all-terrain tires, while on-road, it provided a quiet and comfortable ride. However, its fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.8 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offered Access Cab and Double Cab body styles with five-foot and six-foot-one-inch bed options. The Access Cab had clamshell rear half-doors and limited rear-seat space, while the Double Cab provided slightly more room but remained tight for adults. The front seats offered ample legroom, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed featured in-bed lighting and a power outlet.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss provided comfortable seating for four, with the option to squeeze a fifth passenger in the rear. The cloth upholstery attracted pet hair, but the eight-way power driver's seat ensured a proper driving position. The back seat offered adequate headroom and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents standard on most trims. The Trail Boss's cargo bed measured 1,186 litres, with features like an EZ-Lift tailgate and StowFlex storage panel. The Mid-Position tailgate allowed for carrying long items.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility, while higher trims added an 8-inch screen and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's older design made it user-friendly, with easy access to Apple CarPlay. A wireless device charger was available, though it required manual activation. The Tacoma lacked advanced tech features but offered a trail camera for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado boasted digital instrumentation and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology. Even the base WT trim included these features. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Trail Boss offered wireless charging and a six-speaker stereo, with the ZR2 featuring a Bose audio system. The infotainment system provided real-time off-roading data and advanced trailer-towing technology.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including OnStar emergency services and a Teen Driver system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, with features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, the forward-collision warning system produced frequent false alerts, requiring adjustment to avoid frustration.