The 2019 Toyota Tacoma and the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado are two stalwarts in the competitive midsize pickup truck segment. Both offer distinct personalities and unique features that cater to different tastes and needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll dive into various aspects of these trucks, including their look and feel, performance capabilities, and overall form and function. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of which one might be the better choice for your driving preferences.
2019 Toyota Tacoma vs 2019 Chevrolet Colorado: Pickup Trucks Compared
Look and Feel
When it comes to appearance, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma and the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado each have their own distinctive styles. CarGurus experts rated the Toyota Tacoma slightly higher in this department with a score of 9 out of 10, compared to the Colorado's 8 out of 10 rating.
The Tacoma embraces its rugged persona with a design that exudes strength. With various trims featuring unique grilles, wheels, and finishes, it offers a bold and imposing presence on the road. Its flared fenders, carved character lines, and pronounced nose add to its rugged charm. Inside, the Tacoma keeps things simple and functional, favoring hard and durable plastic materials. While it may not be the most luxurious cabin, it gets the job done efficiently.
The Colorado, on the other hand, balances form and function. It features clean and balanced design cues, which contribute to its overall appeal. The ZR2 trim stands out for its off-road-focused design changes. Inside, the Colorado's cabin prioritizes practicality over style. Basic materials dominate the interior, emphasizing durability. However, the plastic panels can scuff and scratch over time.
Performance
Both the 2019 Toyota Tacoma and the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado received identical performance ratings of 7 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. Let's break down their powertrains and capabilities:
The Tacoma comes standard with a four-cylinder engine but a direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 278 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 265 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm, is available and by far the more popular choice. This V6 powerplant is ready for towing, boasting a maximum rating of 6,800 pounds, depending on the configuration. A six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode and manual shift gate channels power to the rear wheels or available 4WD. The Tacoma also offers a 6-speed manual gearbox with 4WD in TRD versions.
On the road, the Tacoma's acceleration is solid, though the steering can feel slow and vague at times. It excels off-road, thanks to features like Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control in TRD models. However, the Tacoma's ride quality can be harsh on rough roads.
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado offers a range of engine options. The base engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. Most Colorados, however, feature a 3.6-liter V6 generating 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, providing robust on-road performance. There's also a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine available, churning out 181 horsepower and an impressive 369 pound-feet of torque.
The Colorado's towing capabilities vary with engine choice. The turbo-diesel engine offers a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds, while the V6 can handle up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped. The truck's suspension tuning makes it competent off-road, especially in the Z71 trim.
Form and Function
CarGurus experts rated the 2019 Toyota Tacoma with a 7 out of 10 for form and function, while the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado received a higher score of 9 out of 10 in this category.
The Tacoma's form and function offer a mixed bag. Getting in and out can be a bit challenging, especially for taller individuals. The front seats are wide and flat, manually adjustable, and offer ample storage. The rear seats, though, feel cramped with limited space under the front seats. The Tacoma's bed is short but practical, with a plastic liner, LED light, and a power outlet. Its maximum payload capacity varies depending on configuration but can reach up to 1,540 pounds.
The Chevrolet Colorado shines in terms of form and function. Its controls are easy to use, and the truck provides a commanding driving position. Both front seats offer power adjustments for height and lumbar support, ensuring comfort. The rear bench seat, though tight, benefits from soft front seatbacks. The Colorado's utility features, such as corner-step bumpers, an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, and a spray-in bed liner, enhance its practicality. It boasts a maximum payload capacity of 1,557 pounds.
Technology
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma may not be a technological marvel, rating just 5 out of 10 for tech, but its simplicity is part of its charm. During that model year, the infotainment system lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leaving drivers without seamless smartphone integration. The navigation system was less than stellar, struggling to locate specific addresses accurately.
However, there's good news for future Tacoma buyers. In 2020, Toyota addressed these shortcomings by adding Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility to the Tacoma. The infotainment screen also grew to a more user-friendly 8 inches, enhancing the overall tech experience. Despite these improvements, the system's interface may still feel somewhat dated.
On the technology front, the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado fares significantly better, earning a commendable 9 out of 10 rating. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system is a standout feature, known for its user-friendliness and resemblance to smartphone interfaces. Equipped with a 7- or 8-inch display, this system boasts Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto integration, and voice recognition. It also supports OnStar subscription services, including a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
One minor drawback is the unconventional tuning knob, which can be distracting to use while driving. Despite this, the Colorado's infotainment system is a highlight, offering modern connectivity and improved graphics.
Safety
When it comes to safety, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma boasts a solid rating of 8 out of 10, thanks to its comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense suite. This package includes a range of driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, sway warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additionally, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is available for most Tacoma versions.
In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Tacoma performs well, with acceptable ratings in most categories. It's worth noting that the Double Cab version received a 4-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In contrast, the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado lags behind in safety with a rating of just 4 out of 10. While it comes with a reversing camera and a Teen Driver monitoring system, advanced safety technologies are limited. Forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning systems are only available on the Colorado LT trim.
The IIHS gave the Colorado marginal ratings for headlights and small overlap, frontal-impact protection for front passenger safety. The NHTSA awarded the Colorado a 4-star overall rating in federal government crash tests, highlighting its mixed safety performance.
Cost Effectiveness
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma excels in terms of cost-effectiveness, earning a perfect 10 out of 10. Toyota's reputation for quality, reliability, and resale value is a significant selling point. Sticker prices align with those of competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and GMC Canyon. While the Honda Ridgeline and Nissan Frontier may offer better bargains, the Tacoma's legendary durability and potential for holding its value over time make it an attractive choice.
Despite its initial rugged appearance, the Tacoma's competence and unrefined character win over long-term owners. It's a truck that grows on you, offering a reliable and cost-effective ownership experience.
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, on the other hand, doesn't shine in terms of cost-effectiveness, receiving a modest rating of 4 out of 10. While Chevrolet regularly offers cash rebates, financing incentives, and loyalty programs, these merely bring the Colorado's price in line with competitors rather than making it a budget-friendly option. Over time, Chevrolet has reduced its free maintenance plan and free trial periods for OnStar, potentially diminishing its overall value proposition.
If you're not specifically seeking the turbo-diesel engine or the unique ZR2 trim, you might find more competitive pricing and value in other midsize trucks on the market.
Verdict:
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado scores 6.8 out of 10. Based on this comparison, here are our recommendations:
Choose a 2019 Toyota Tacoma if:
- You value a rugged, unpolished truck with a simple yet reliable nature.
- Resale value and long-term durability are crucial considerations.
- You can wait for the 2020 model with improved tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Search for a 2019 Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus
Choose a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado if:
- You prefer a truck with a modern and user-friendly infotainment system.
- Advanced safety features are not a top priority for you.
- You can take advantage of Chevrolet's financing incentives and rebates to make the Colorado competitive in price.
Search for a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado on CarGurus
In conclusion, both the 2019 Toyota Tacoma and the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado have their strengths, but CarGurus experts give the nod in this comparison to the Toyota.
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