- It's been 25 years
since Toyota produced its first pickup truck in the US.
And since then,
the Toyota Tacoma has been the benchmark
for midsize pickup trucks.
And with two new special edition packages
and some upgraded convenience features,
the 2021 Tacoma is still leading the pack.
But that's not to say
it isn't competing in a highly-contested segment,
especially as challenges
like the Chevrolet Colorado enter the fray.
Let's take a look at how these two trucks compare.
Tacoma is all about off-road capability
with available features
like an electronically controlled locking rear differential,
Multi-terrain Select,
and even a 6-speed Manual Transmissions.
Tacoma's quality, durability and reliability are legendary,
as are it's resale values
and long-term cost-to-own estimates.
Every Tacoma comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P,
a suite of advanced active safety
and driver assistance systems.
Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize pickup truck
in America for the last 15 years,
and for good reason.
With best resell value and 5-Year Cost to Own Awards
from Kelley Blue Book,
as well as a Best Overall Value Award from IntelliChoice,
Tacoma is truly in a league of its own.
Likewise, Colorado earned a Best Buy Award
from Kelley Blue Book in 2020
for strengths like its towing capacity
and customizable interior.
Off-road performance is core to the Tacoma formula,
which is why it's available with advanced features
like Multi-terrain Select and crawl control.
And all V6 models are ready to tow,
thanks to the Standard Tow Package with a towing hitch,
connectors and much more.
Colorado's performance story gets interesting
with its available diesel engine,
which is rated with an increased towing capacity
for an additional cost.
However, any towing requires the trailering package
which has only standard on the top-tier ZR2 grade.
While Tacoma's lineup is structured around six grades,
three of which are performance-oriented TRD grades,
there's actually a total of 33 configurations available
to fit every lifestyle.
And this year sees the addition of the Trail Special Edition
and Nightshade Special Edition packages,
which show off Tacoma style and convenience.
Colorado has 18 total configuration
spread across four grades,
and only two of them are geared for off-roading.
Tacoma and Colorado
have many of the same multimedia features.
These include standard compatibility for Apple CarPlay,
which connects drivers to Apple music, maps, messages,
and other favorite apps from your iPhone.
Both vehicles also include Android Auto compatibility
which makes it easy to stay connected to Android devices.
Plus, there's a three-month SiriusXM
all access trial subscription
to more than 300 radio channels
accessible throughout the country.
But Tacoma goes a step further
with Amazon Alexa connectivity,
which keeps Amazon's digital assistant just a question away.
But Tacoma also boasts some additional off-road technology
like an available Panoramic View Monitor
for a 360-degree view around the vehicle,
and a Multi-terrain Monitor
that helps to spot potential obstacles.
On the other hand,
Colorado doesn't offer an equivalent
to Tacoma's available camera systems
or its advanced off-roading systems.
Every Tacoma comes standard
with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite
of active safety systems.
Plus it features eight standard airbags,
available blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert,
and available Rear Parking Assist Sonar.
While Colorado does feature similar safety systems
as those found in TSSP,
they're only offered on select grades.
Additionally, it only has six standard airbags,
and lacks a blind-spot and cross traffic system entirely.
But Colorado does come with some unique conveniences
like the Teen Driver key profile system.
From the outside, it's clear Tacoma means business,
especially with rugged specs
like a 9.4-inch ground clearance, standard skid plates,
a standard deck rail system,
and an available 120-volt power outlet in the bed.
Colorado debuts a refresh look this year
with the ZR2 grade benefiting the most from the update,
but it's ground clearance varies across the lineup
and starts at only 8.1 inches.
Inside, Tacoma offers a wide range of creature comforts
with available features like a power-sliding rear window,
power moonroof, and 10-way power adjustable drivers' seat.
And all automatic transmission V6 models
now feature standard Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control.
Colorado doesn't offer a sliding rear window
or moonroof on any grade,
and its drivers' seat tops out with six-way adjustability.
Ultimately, what makes Tacoma so impressive
is that it achieves these remarkable selling points
while also delivering one of the best value stories
in the entire industry.
This can be seen in its approachable starting price
as well as through ownership perks,
like the Toyota Care Maintenance plan
with roadside assistance.
So it's clear why Tacoma
is still America's best-selling midsize pickup
after more than a decade at the top.