Chevrolet Colorado vs Toyota Tacoma
The Chevrolet Colorado is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 25 mpg combined versus 24 mpg for the Toyota Tacoma, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $250 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota Tacoma leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Chevrolet Colorado
Small Pickup Trucks 4WD · 91 configurations
2015–2026
Toyota Tacoma
Small Pickup Trucks 4WD · 90 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Chevrolet Colorado | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 25 mpg ✓ | 24 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 22 mpg | 23 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,800 | $2,550 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 396 g/mi | 379 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI; Late Model Year, SIDI; Stop-Start, 2.8 | SIDI & PFI; 3-mode(Sport/Normal/Eco), w/SS, SIDI & PFI; 2-mode(Power/Normal) TM, w/SS, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode (Sport/Normal/Eco) TM |
| Transmissions | Automatic 8-spd, Automatic 6-spd, Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Diesel | Regular |
| EPA class | Small Pickup Trucks 4WD | Small Pickup Trucks 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 91 | 90 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Colorado vs Tacoma: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Chevrolet Colorado or the Toyota Tacoma?
The Chevrolet Colorado is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 25 mpg combined versus 24 mpg for the Toyota Tacoma, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $250 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota Tacoma runs about $2,550 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,800 for the Chevrolet Colorado — a difference of roughly $250 per year.
What engines do the Colorado and Tacoma offer?
Chevrolet Colorado: SIDI, SIDI; Late Model Year, SIDI; Stop-Start, 2.8. Toyota Tacoma: SIDI & PFI; 3-mode(Sport/Normal/Eco), w/SS, SIDI & PFI; 2-mode(Power/Normal) TM, w/SS, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode (Sport/Normal/Eco) TM.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Chevrolet Colorado and the Toyota Tacoma as Small Pickup Trucks 4WD, so they compete directly.
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