When it comes down to it, we are a nation that straddles the extremes. That is, when there is a choice between small, medium, or large, we prefer to stick in the middle. There are some exceptions to this rule, of course – you will always have people who prefer to go big or go home, and there will be a percentage of people who will opt for small. But for the most part, the majority of Americans will tend to stick right with the middle choice, even when shopping for a new truck. It makes perfect sense; midsize trucks offer the power you desire, the toughness you yearn for, and most of the capabilities of a full-size truck. Yup, midsize trucks would be Goldilocks’ choice, to be sure. Two popular choices in the segment are the Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. And while both choices are worthy, you can only drive one at a time, so you need to make a choice. So here is a handy guide to help you decide which will fill the void in your garage. It’s the 2022 Chevy Colorado vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma.
Benefits of a Midsize Truck
In the world of pickup trucks, many people make the assumption that bigger is always better. While that might be the case in certain circumstances, for the most part, it is not true at all. There are several points that can be made in favor of midsize trucks. Let’s start with the fact that they are far easier to maneuver in any situation. Never mind that they are easier to park, they are also easier to weave through traffic and far more enjoyable to drive.
There is also the fact that midsize trucks get better gas mileage. And when gas prices start to creep up, you will be glad for the fuel economy. Some will argue that there is a trade-off between fuel economy and raw power, which makes sense. However, both the Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma offer V6 choices with plenty of power, producing 308 horsepower and 278 horsepower, respectively. Sure, full-size trucks can crank out 400 plus horsepower, but most of us hardly know what to do with that kind of power. About the only thing you get with extreme power is a speeding ticket unless you plan on towing a yacht.
Towing capacities and payload are a big deal when it comes to trucks. We get it; it’s a great asset if you can tow loaded down trailers and cram a bunch of stuff in the cargo bed. But again, if you aren’t planning on hauling a massive load of bedrock to a building site, then there is probably no need for extreme towing and payload capacities. At the end of the day, the majority of truck owners will be quite pleased with the towing capacities of the Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, which max out at 7,700 lbs and 6,800 lbs, respectively.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is the go-to midsize truck for off-road enthusiasts. But while it does an excellent job in all sorts of off-road conditions, it gets dings for its on-road performance. That’s not to say it doesn’t perform well on the road; it’s just that the Tacoma gets complaints about its heavy handling and relatively rough ride. On the plus side, there is no denying that the Tacoma is a sharp-looking truck that will give you years of service.
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is available in five trim levels, each offering features that make them unique. The base model is the SR, which includes the basics you usually find at this level and not much more. The next step up is the SR5, which adds a few extra goodies, including front dual-zone climate control; unfortunately, it’s only available on the V6 model.
With the TRD Sport trim, things start to get interesting. At this trim level, drivers will appreciate the available Panoramic View Monitor and the Smart Key System, which is a system that utilizes technology that allows you to unlock your doors, open the liftgate, and start your truck while the keyfob is still in your pocket. In addition, the 17-inch alloy wheels are a nice touch.
The TRD Off-Road trim is definitely the choice for the off-road enthusiast. As expected, this trim level enjoys all of the features you would expect for off-road adventures, including a locking rear differential and Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control. Crawl Control is a system used in all types of terrain that automatically adjusts the throttle and brakes so you can pay more attention to steering. Of course, if you are super serious about your off-road escapades, you can always opt for the TRD Pro package, which includes all the off-road necessities you could ever want in a truck.
For those who enjoy a more luxurious ride, the Limited trim will be of interest to you. With this trim level, you are sure to love the leather seats, 10-way power driver’s seat, and power sunroof, just to name a few comfort and features. Now don’t think that this is just an all-show trim; the Limited still offers plenty of off-road capabilities.
Chevrolet Colorado
At the base level, Chevy offers up the WT trim. It offers everything you would expect at the base level, but you can choose the available V6 engine, which is a treat for those who don’t need a truck with all of the bells and whistles, but you still crave the power of a V6. Should you choose the LT, you enjoy everything you get with the base model plus body-color exterior features, including the bumper and door handles. The EZ Lift and Lower tailgate is also included at this level.
There are several exciting features as you move up the ladder to the Z71 trim level. Most will consider the Z71 as the luxury trim, in part because it includes comfort and convenience features such as automatic climate control, an upgraded infotainment system, and heated front seats and steering wheel. That said, the Z71 is also a worthy off-road beast thanks to the addition of an off-road suspension package and locking rear differential. Better still, the Z71 also includes a few features that aid in towing, like a hitch guidance system and a tow-haul mode.
If you are going to go all out, and there isn’t a reason not you when considering the 2022 Chevy Colorado, you will certainly want to entertain the thought of opting for the ZR2. Indeed, you get everything on the Z71 trim plus a two-speed transfer case, driver-selectable full-locking front and rear differentials, and standard four-wheel drive. You also enjoy a few interior upgrades, including a four-way power front passenger seat and power driver seat lumbar control.
In a nutshell, the ZR2 is as comfortable on the inside as it is off-road capable on the outside. It is the real deal if you are into luxury and impressive capabilities. If you think about it, there isn’t a reason you can give us as to why you can’t crawl up the side of a mountain while enjoying a heated seat and upgraded infotainment system. In fact, we imagine it is what you dream about.
Which Midsize Truck are You Choosing?
When considering a midsize truck, you really can’t go wrong with either the Colorado or the Tacoma. But when you look at the details like towing capacity and horsepower, the Colorado edges out the Tacoma. With the Colorado, you also get a smoother ride, which is important considering how much time you may plan on spending behind the wheel. The 2022 Colorado is a standout in the midsize truck category; it is capable, comfortable, and should be on the top of your list.
