Chevy Colorado vs Toyota Tacoma
2026 Chevrolet
Colorado
2026 Toyota
Tacoma
2026 Chevy Colorado vs. 2026 Toyota Tacoma
Which Midsize Truck Wins?
The midsize truck class comes down to a handful of trucks that Glenwood and Willmar area drivers cross-shop constantly, and the Chevy Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma matchup is at the top of that list for 2026. Every 2026 Colorado shares one standard engine across the lineup, the 2.7L TurboMax turbocharged four-cylinder, which keeps horsepower and torque consistent whether you are looking at a work-focused WT or a trail-ready ZR2. See why the Colorado pulls ahead of the Tacoma's base SR trim below.
Compare for Yourself
2026 Chevy Colorado vs. 2026 Toyota Tacoma, key specs side by side
2026 Chevrolet Colorado
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2026 Toyota Tacoma
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| Standard Horsepower | 310 hp | 228 hp |
| Standard Torque | 430 lb.-ft. | 243 lb.-ft. |
| Max Available Towing | 7,700 lbs.* | 6,500 lbs. |
| Max Available Payload | 1,710 lbs.* | 1,705 lbs.** |
| Standard Touchscreen Size | 11.3 in. diagonal | 8 in. diagonal |
| Max Available Ground Clearance | 12.2 in. | 11.5 in. |
| StowFlex Tailgate (or similar) | Available | Not Available |
*See disclaimers below. **Corrected from Chevrolet's own comparison page, which listed 1,680 lbs.; Toyota's own published spec data confirms max available payload for 2026 gas Tacomas at up to 1,705 lbs. Bed tie-down count, bed cargo volume, and cargo bed power outlet status were dropped from this table because they could not be confirmed against Toyota's own published spec data for the Tacoma SR.
The Verdict
Colorado Pulls Ahead Where It Counts
Every 2026 Colorado comes standard with an 11.3 inch touchscreen and 430 lb-ft of torque, giving it a real advantage over the Tacoma's standard 8 inch screen and 243 lb-ft. Add in the Colorado's taller max available ground clearance and available StowFlex tailgate, and it is built to handle more of what Glenwood and Willmar area work and weekend plans throw at it. Payload is close between the two, with the Colorado's 1,710 lb max edging out the Tacoma's 1,705 lb max by a narrow margin.
Experience the difference at Marthaler Chevrolet of Glenwood today.
Shop New ColoradoFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevy Colorado or Toyota Tacoma better for off-roading?
Both trucks offer genuine off-road trims. The Colorado ZR2 runs the same 310 hp TurboMax engine as the rest of the lineup with locking front and rear differentials, while the Tacoma's TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims bring their own suspension and traction upgrades. Ground clearance tops out higher on the Colorado lineup at 12.2 inches on the ZR2 Bison.
How does the Colorado's towing capacity compare to the Tacoma's?
A properly equipped 2026 Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs with the Advanced Trailering Package, ahead of the Tacoma's max available rating of 6,500 lbs, which requires a properly equipped SR5 or TRD PreRunner XtraCab. Always check the specific configuration and Owner's Manual before towing near either truck's limit.
Which truck gets better gas mileage, the Colorado or Tacoma?
Fuel economy depends heavily on engine and trim for both trucks. Because both manufacturers report MPG by specific configuration, check chevrolet.com and toyota.com for the exact EPA rating on the trim and drivetrain you are considering.
Is the Chevy Colorado cheaper to maintain than a Tacoma?
Maintenance costs depend on driving habits, dealer service pricing, and how the truck is equipped, so we cannot give a blanket answer for every configuration. The Colorado's single shared TurboMax engine across trims keeps parts and service more consistent lineup wide. Our service team is happy to walk through real maintenance schedules and costs for the trim you are considering.
Which truck holds its value better, the Colorado or Tacoma?
Resale value depends on regional demand, mileage, condition, and trim, and it shifts from year to year, so we avoid quoting a specific resale percentage here. Both the Colorado and Tacoma have strong followings in the midsize truck segment. Ask our sales team about trims and colors that have historically moved quickly on trade-in at our Glenwood store.
Where can I test drive the Chevy Colorado near Glenwood, MN?
Marthaler Chevrolet of Glenwood is located at 2200 St Hwy 29 N, Glenwood, MN 56334. Browse our current Colorado inventory online or contact us to set up a test drive.
Shop the 2026 Colorado at Marthaler Chevrolet
Visit Marthaler Chevrolet of Glenwood at 2200 St Hwy 29 N, Glenwood, MN, and see why the Colorado is the smarter choice over the Tacoma.
Disclaimers
*Based on latest available competitive data. Excludes other GM vehicles. Requires Colorado with Advanced Trailering Package. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer. These maximum payload ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it to haul people or cargo, carefully review the vehicle loading section of the vehicle Owner's Manual and check the carrying capacity of your specific vehicle on the label on the inside of the driver's door jamb. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. Colorado information and disclaimers sourced from chevrolet.com/trucks/colorado-vs-toyota-tacoma.
**Tacoma payload figure (1,705 lbs. max available, gas models) sourced from Toyota's published 2026 Tacoma specifications rather than Chevrolet's comparison page. Maximum payload and towing figures vary by configuration. Always review the vehicle's door jamb label and Owner's Manual before towing or hauling near the limit.
| Day | Open | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00AM | 7:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM | 7:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM | 7:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM | 7:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
| Day | Open | Closed |
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| Monday | 8:00AM | 5:30PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM | 5:30PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM | 5:30PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM | 5:30PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM | 5:30PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM | 12:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
| Day | Open | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00AM | 5:30PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM | 5:30PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM | 5:30PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM | 5:30PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM | 5:30PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM | 12:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
2200 ST MN-29, Glenwood, MN 56334
Get Directions| Department | Number |
|---|---|
| Sales | 320-334-2096 |
| Service | 320-334-2100 |
| Body Shop | 320-634-6978 |
| Parts | 320-334-2096 |