2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2025 Chevy Colorado: 5 Major Differences
The Tacoma, a long-time favorite among off-roaders and urban weekend warriors alike, leans into Toyota's hybrid technology and a broad range of trims that run from work-ready to luxury-leaning. The Colorado, redesigned for 2023, doubles down on torque, towing, and value, aiming squarely at customers who want capability first and foremost. Here's a look at five major differences between these two trucks that could sway your decision.
One of the clearest differences between these trucks is in what sits under the hood. Chevrolet keeps things simple with the Colorado: every trim comes with the same 2.7‑liter TurboMax engine. That four-cylinder makes a strong 310 horsepower and an impressive 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The benefit here is consistency-you get the same punchy engine no matter if you're in a base Work Truck trim or the off-road ZR2. It also keeps things straightforward for buyers who don't want to wade through engine options.
Toyota takes a slightly more flexible approach. The Tacoma's SR5 and TRD Off-Road trims both come with a 2.4‑liter turbocharged four-cylinder, putting out 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Step up to the TRD Pro, which adds a hybrid setup to the drivetrain, and you get 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft.
Takeaway: Colorado wins on simplicity and strong standard torque, while Tacoma offers more choice-including the segment's first hybrid option for buyers who want both efficiency and power.
Hauling capability is still the number-one reason many buyers look at pickups, and here the Colorado takes the upper hand. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 7,700 pounds-best in class-and handle a payload of around 1,684 pounds. That makes it well-suited for hauling a pair of jet skis, a midsize camper, or heavy construction materials without breaking a sweat.
The Tacoma isn't exactly weak, but it does trail. The maximum towing capacity for the 2025 Tacoma is 6,500 pounds, with payload topping out around 1,705 pounds. That's plenty for most weekend trips or light work duty, but it leaves about 1,200 pounds of towing headroom on the table compared to the Chevy. It's worth noting that Tacoma's hybrid version has slightly lower towing ratings, capped at around 6,000 pounds, though torque delivery is strong and responsive thanks to the electric motor's instant power.
What this means in practice is that the Colorado is the better choice if you plan to tow often or near the maximum limits. The Tacoma can do plenty for daily use, but buyers with heavy trailers, boats, or RVs will notice the difference.
Beyond engine output, midsize trucks need to prove they can carry gear easily. Here, Toyota offers more flexibility. The Tacoma comes in two bed lengths-five feet or six feet-depending on cab style. The bed itself is also wider, measuring about 53 inches between the wheel wells. That means you can lay a standard four-foot sheet of plywood flat, a detail that makes a real difference for weekend projects or jobsite use.
The Colorado, on the other hand, keeps things simpler: every version comes with a five-foot bed and a crew-cab configuration. Its width between the wheel wells is about 45.5 inches, which means loading wide sheets requires angling them or placing them on top of the wheel wells. That's less convenient if you're hauling building materials, but Chevy compensates with clever storage solutions. The available StowFlex tailgate has a built-in storage compartment, while an optional bed camera helps monitor cargo while driving or backing up.
In terms of overall dimensions, the Colorado's cabin is slightly roomier, giving passengers more shoulder and hip space. Tacoma's rear seats can feel tighter, but Toyota balances that with useful hidden storage bins under the seats and behind the rear cushions.
Technology has become a key selling point, even in rugged trucks. The Colorado starts with an 11.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital driver display-standard across all trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come included, and higher trims add niceties like a premium Bose audio system and surround-view cameras. Chevy deserves credit for giving even base buyers a robust tech package.
Toyota goes bigger at the top end. Depending on trim, the Tacoma offers an enormous 14-inch central display-the largest in the class-along with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Wireless smartphone integration is standard, and higher trims bring JBL audio with a removable Bluetooth speaker, wireless charging, and clever storage touches. Toyota also offers advanced off-road displays that show pitch, roll, and other trail data.
Comfort levels are competitive in both trucks. The Colorado emphasizes wide, supportive seats and a more car-like driving position. Tacoma takes a step forward for 2025 with improved seat ergonomics and higher-quality materials, particularly in trims like the Limited and Trailhunter. In practice, the Toyota now feels less like a bare-bones work truck and more like a vehicle you'd happily drive daily.
Finally, there's the question of cost. The 2025 Colorado starts at around $31,900 for the base Work Truck trim, with prices climbing to just under $50,000 for the off-road-focused ZR2. That's competitive within the midsize segment and reflects Chevy's focus on capability and value.
The 2025 Tacoma comes in at a slightly cheaper starting price of $31,590 for its base SR trim. But where Toyota really pulls ahead is in long-term ownership value. Historically, the Tacoma has been one of the best trucks in America for resale, often retaining a higher percentage of its original price than rivals.
Fuel economy is another consideration. The RWD Tacoma manages a combined 23 mpg between city and highway driving, while the RWD Colorado gets 20 and 24 mpg, respectively, for city and highway driving. As expected, all-wheel drive specs for both trucks perform slightly worse when it comes to fuel efficiency. The all-wheel drive Tacoma gets roughly 21 mpg combined, and the Tacoma comes in just under that at roughly 20 mpg.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado represent two different philosophies of the midsize pickup. Chevy has carved out a niche as the torque-rich, tow-heavy option that offers a lot of standard tech at a competitive price. Toyota, meanwhile, brings choice-offering trims that range from budget-friendly to near-luxury, plus the first hybrid powertrain in the segment, strong fuel efficiency, and proven resale value.
For buyers who prioritize towing, payload, and straightforward strength, the Colorado is the clear winner. For those who want variety, hybrid efficiency, and a truck with a reputation for lasting longer than its owners might keep it, the Tacoma makes a strong case. Either way, the 2025 model year ensures that midsize truck shoppers have two compelling, but very different, options.
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Italy has cleared the way to build the world's largest suspension bridge linking the Italian mainland with Sicily in a massive A$25 billion infrastructure project that has been long delayed by debates over its scale, earthquake threats, environmental impact and the spectre of mafia interference. The Strait of Messina Bridge will be 'the biggest infrastructure project in the West,' Transport Minister Matteo Salvini told a news conference in Rome, after an interministerial committee with oversight of strategic public investments approved the project. 🌉 I #ponti sono sempre stati acceleratori per l'economia e lo sviluppo dei paesi. E #Webuild ha dato il suo contributo a questa storia.🇮🇹 Il Ponte sullo Stretto di Messina è una grande sfida ingegneristica per una grande opportunità di sviluppo economico, industriale,… — Webuild (@Webuild_Group) August 6, 2025 Premier Giorgia Meloni said that the bridge "will be an engineering symbol of global significance.'' Salvini cited studies showing the project will create 120,000 jobs a year and accelerate growth in economically lagging southern Italy, as billions more in investments are made in roads and other infrastructure projects accompanying the bridge. Preliminary work could begin between late September and early October, once Italy's court of audit signs off, with construction expected to start next year. Despite bureaucratic delays, the bridge is expected to be completed between 2032-2033, Salvini said. Read more here. China sees Albanese as 'weak', Coalition says The Coalition says China and Russia are "testing" Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as they see him as a weak leader when it comes to defence. China and Russia are currently carrying out joint patrols in the Western Pacific, right on Australia's doorstep. Beijing's mouthpieces have framed the patrols as 'jointly countering security threats' and a testament to 'deepening of China-Russia military ties'. 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'While concerning, this is not surprising. They are testing us because they see weakness in Prime Minister Albanese," he told NewsWire. 'The Prime Minister has set a dangerous precedent by repeatedly refusing to stand up for our Australian Defence Force. 'Australia must show strength, and we're not seeing it from Labor.' Read more here. Renewed appeal to find lotto winners as prizes go unclaimed for years The Lott is celebrating 10 years of its Set for Life game – and the lottery authority is reminding Australians there are two winners who are yet to claim their $4.8m prize. "Two Aussies remain oblivious to their good fortune, with two Set for Life division one prizes unclaimed, each worth $4.8 million. In New South Wales and the ACT, players have six years from the date of the draw to claim their prize," The Lott said on Thursday. One of the tickets was purchased at Thistle Kiosk in Canberra's Woden in April 2021 while the other was bought at Nextra Kiama in NSW's Kiama in November 2024. Set for Life differs from traditional lottery games by drip-feeding winners their prize. Winners are paid $20,000 a month for 20 years. The Lott is celebrating 10 years of its Set for Life game – and the lottery authority is reminding Australians there are two winners who are yet to claim their $4.8m prize. "Two Aussies remain oblivious to their good fortune, with two Set for Life division one prizes unclaimed, each worth $4.8 million. In New South Wales and the ACT, players have six years from the date of the draw to claim their prize," The Lott said on Thursday. One of the tickets was purchased at Thistle Kiosk in Canberra's Woden in April 2021 while the other was bought at Nextra Kiama in NSW's Kiama in November 2024. Set for Life differs from traditional lottery games by drip-feeding winners their prize. Winners are paid $20,000 a month for 20 years. Qantas trial makes it to Australia's busiest airport It's a trial we're sure most Aussie flyers will embrace, and it's now made it's way to the country's busiest airport. Qantas customers flying in from New Zealand's Queenstown or Auckland on Wednesday were able to complete a digital declaration through the airline's app before their flight instead of filling out an arrivals card. The trial has been running at Brisbane Airport since last year and has been warmly welcomed by the aviation industry and passengers. 'Extending the trial to Australia's busiest airport means, every day, hundreds more passengers will have a more seamless travel experience," Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said, The Guardian reported. It's a trial we're sure most Aussie flyers will embrace, and it's now made it's way to the country's busiest airport. Qantas customers flying in from New Zealand's Queenstown or Auckland on Wednesday were able to complete a digital declaration through the airline's app before their flight instead of filling out an arrivals card. The trial has been running at Brisbane Airport since last year and has been warmly welcomed by the aviation industry and passengers. 'Extending the trial to Australia's busiest airport means, every day, hundreds more passengers will have a more seamless travel experience," Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said, The Guardian reported.
