Today’s midsize pickups can do it all, including hauling the family to the movies in Jacksonville, towing a midsize trailer to Orange Park, or just heading to see family in Green Cove Springs. Two superior models in the midsize pickup class are the 2020 Chevy Colorado and the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. Which is the better option for your family? Keep reading to find out.
Exterior
The Chevy Colorado took a short break following the 2012 model year, but it returned in 2015 with a brand-new look. This updated design looks the part of a rugged pickup with its understated body lines, flat nose, bold dual-port grille, and more. Want something even more rugged-looking? The 2020 Colorado ZR2 adds an exclusive front end that helps enhance the approach angle for off-road enthusiasts. The ZR2 also includes an off-road-tuned suspension and wheels for legit performance off the pavement.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma has never taken a break since debuting in 1995. In 2016, a year after the revamped Colorado arrived, the Tacoma arrived with a sharp, new design. This redesigned pickup boasts an aggressive nose with an angular grille, a bold front bumper, stronger body lines, and more. Like the Colorado, the Tacoma boasts a more aggressive off-road-focused model called the TRD Pro, which includes a revised nose, skid plates, upgraded suspension, and more.
The Tacoma also has a lower-cost TRD Off-Road model with fewer styling enhancements and a TRD Sport model with a sleek body that includes body-color fender flares and a sport-tuned suspension.
In terms of size, these pickups are very similar, but the Tacoma’s 9.4 inches of ground clearance give it a 0.5- to 1.1-inch advantage when off the beaten path.
When looking at standard features, these pickups are relatively simple in their base trims. The 2020 Colorado’s standard exterior features include an extended cab body, 16-inch Ultra Silver metallic steel wheels, a chrome rear bumper with CornerStep, black beltline moldings, automatic on/off halogen headlights, daytime running lights, cab-mounted cargo area light, black mirrors with manual operation, black door handles, and a locking tailgate with a black handle.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma is over $3,000 pricier than the Colorado, so its standard exterior features are a little more robust. They include an Access Cab body, 16-inch styled-steel wheels, a 6-foot bed, projector-beam headlights, daytime running lights, a dark-gray grille with a black surround, color-keyed door handles, color-keyed rear bumper, easy-lower lockable tailgate, four adjustable and four fixed cargo tie-down anchors, variable-intermittent windshield wipers, sliding rear glass with tint, and engine and front-suspension skid plates.
| Measurement | 2020 Chevy Colorado | 2020 Toyota Tundra |
| Length (in.) | 212.7 (Extended Cab Long Box, Crew Cab Short Box)/224.9 (Crew Cab Long Box) | 212.3 (standard bed)/225.5 (long bed) |
| Width (in.) | 74.3 | 74.4 |
| Height (in.) | 70.3 to 70.7 | 70.6/71.6 (TRD Pro) |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 128.3 (Extended Cab Long Box, Crew Cab Short Box)/140.5 (Crew Cab Long Bed) | 127.4 (standard bed)/140.6 (long bed) |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 8.3 to 8.9 | 9.4 |
| Curb weight (lbs.) | 3,944 to 4,802 | 3,980 to 4,445 |
Advantage: 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Significantly simpler work-ready models
- Toned-down looks
Advantage: 2020 Toyota Tacoma
- Significantly more ground clearance
- Striking appearance
Interior
Inside, the 2020 Chevy Colorado has about as traditional a pickup cabin as you’ll find with its simple dashboard, large buttons and knobs, a four-spoke steering wheel, and basic seat designs. As you move up through the trim levels, the Colorado gets premium goodies like leather interior, 4G LTE Wi-Fi®, an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen, and more.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma’s interior, like its exterior, is more stylish than the Colorado’s with its sectioned components, rounded air vents, clean climate-control area, contrasting upholstery, and more. Like the Colorado, moving up the trim levels adds premium goodies like leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a JBL audio system, and more.
The 2020 Colorado again has a relatively simple list of standard features inside, including a four-way power driver’s seat, two-way manual passenger’s seat, rear seat delete, a front center console, rubberized vinyl floor covering, tilt steering, a 3.5-inch monochromatic driver information center, power windows with driver’s side one-touch up/down, power door locks, single-zone climate control, black interior door handles, and a rearview camera.
Though its base trim is relatively simple, it does have some advanced tech features like the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth® connectivity with audio streaming, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and a six-speaker audio system.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma matches all the 2020 Colorado’s interior features, plus it adds standard in-car Wi-Fi®. The more expensive Tacoma also has more standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, and hill-start assist.
In terms of roominess, the Colorado offers tons more front legroom and slightly more headroom, making it a great option for taller drivers. In the rear, the Colorado again has a ton more legroom, which makes it a good choice as a commuter car for families or as a crew-hauling machine.
| Measurement | 2020 Chevy Colorado | 2020 Toyota Tundra |
| Front headroom (in.) | 41.4 | 39.7 |
| Front legroom (in.) | 45 | 42.9 |
| Front shoulder room (in.) | 57.5 | 58.3 |
| Front hip room (in.) | 55 | 57.2 |
| Rear headroom (in.) | 36.7 (Extended Cab)/38.3 (Crew Cab) | 34.9 (Access Cab)/38.3 (Double Cab) |
| Rear legroom (in.) | 28.6 (Extended Cab)/35.8 (Crew Cab) | 24.6 (Access Cab)/32.6 (Double Cab) |
| Rear shoulder room (in.) | 57.3 (Extended Cab)/56.2 (Crew Cab) | 56.6 (Access Cab)/58.9 (Double Cab) |
| Rear hip room (in.) | 52.2 (Extended Cab)/53.3 (Crew Cab) | 51.7 (Access Cab)/56.3 (Double Cab) |
Advantage: 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Tons more front and rear legroom
- Simple cabin design
- Lots of value for tech lovers
Advantage: 2020 Toyota Tacoma
- More advanced safety features
- More stylish interior design
Performance
Midsize pickups today serve many needs with a wide range of powertrain options, and the 2020 Colorado’s engine options are among the most robust.
The 2020 Colorado starts with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive to deliver a 9.3-second 0-to-60 time and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.
The 2020 Colorado’s optional engine is a 3.6-liter V-6 paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive. This amounts to a 6.3-second 0-to-60 time and a 7,000-pound towing capacity.
At the top of the Colorado lineup is a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that cranks out 186 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine mates with a six-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive. With this powertrain, the Colorado has a pedestrian 9.1-second 0-to-60 time, but its towing checks in at a massive-for-the-class 7,700-pound towing capacity
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma has a more limited engine lineup that starts with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder unit that pumps out 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive, and it all adds up to a 3,500-pound towing capacity.
The 2020 Tacoma’s optional engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This mates to a six-speed automatic transmission in all but the manual-equipped TRD Pro model to deliver a 7.7-second 0-to-60 time and a 6,800-pound towing capacity. All V-6-powered Tacoma models, other than the TRD Pro, come standard with rear-wheel drive and have optional four-wheel drive. The TRD Pro comes standard with off-road-ready four-wheel drive.
| 2020 Chevy Colorado | 2020 Toyota Tundra | |
| Standard engine | 2.5-liter 4-cyl | 2.7-liter 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 200 hp at 6,300 rpm | 159 hp at 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 191 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm | 180 lb-ft at 3,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-spd automatic | 6-spd automatic |
| Driveline | RWD (std)/4WD (opt) | RWD (std)/4WD (opt) |
| 0-60 time | 9.3 seconds | N/A |
| Towing capacity | 3,500 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| MPG City | 20 mpg (RWD)/19 mpg (4WD) | 20 mpg (RWD)/19 mpg (4WD) |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg (RWD)/24 mpg (4WD) | 23 mpg (RWD)/22 mpg (4WD) |
| MPG Combined | 22 mpg (RWD)/21 mpg (4WD) | 21 mpg (RWD)/20 mpg (4WD) |
| Optional engine | 3.6-liter V-6 | 3.5-liter V-6 |
| Horsepower | 308 hp at 6,800 rpm | 278 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 275 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm | 265 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm |
| Standard transmission | 8-spd automatic | 6-spd automatic |
| Optional transmission | N/A | 6-spd manual (TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro) |
| Driveline | RWD (std)/4WD (opt) | RWD (std)/4WD (opt) |
| 0-60 time | 6.3 | 7.7 seconds |
| Towing capacity | 7,000 pounds | 6,800 pounds |
| MPG City | 18 mpg (RWD)/17 mpg (4WD)/16 mpg (ZR2) | 19 mpg (RWD)/18 mpg (4WD)/17 mpg (TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro) |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg (RWD)/24 mpg (4WD)/18 mpg (ZR2) | 24 mpg (RWD)/22 mpg (4WD)/20 mpg (TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro) |
| MPG Combined | 20 mpg (RWD)/19 mpg (4WD)/17 mpg (ZR2) | 21 mpg (RWD)/20 mpg (4WD)/18 mpg (TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro) |
| Optional engine | 2.8-liter turbo-diesel 4-cyl | N/A |
| Horsepower | 186 hp at 3,400 rpm | N/A |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm | N/A |
| Transmission | 6-spd automatic | N/A |
| Driveline | RWD (std)/4WD (opt) | N/A |
| 0-60 time | 9.1 seconds | N/A |
| Towing capacity | 7,700 pounds | N/A |
| MPG City | 20 mpg (RWD)/19 mpg (4WD)/18 mpg (ZR2) | N/A |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg (RWD)/28 mpg (4WD)/22 mpg (ZR2) | N/A |
| MPG Combined | 23 mpg (RWD)/22 mpg (4WD)/19 mpg (ZR2) | N/A |
Advantage: 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Higher max towing
- More powerful engines
- Quicker to 60 mph
Advantage: 2020 Toyota Tacoma
- Better V-6 fuel economy
- More agile TRD Sport model
Pricing and Features
The 2020 Chevy Colorado comes in five trim levels – Base, WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2 – and their prices range from $22,395 to $42,495.
There are six trim levels in the 2020 Tacoma lineup: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. Their starting prices range from $26,050 to $43,960.
2020 Chevy Colorado Key Features and Pricing by Trim
Base: $22,395
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Electric power steering
- Extended cab body
- 16-inch Ultra Silver metallic steel wheels
- 18-inch compact spare tire
- Chrome rear bumpers with CornerStep
- Black beltline moldings
- Automatic on/off halogen headlights
- Daytime running lights
- Cab-mounted cargo area light
- Black mirrors with manual operation
- Black door handles
- Locking tailgate
- Black tailgate handle
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Bluetooth® connectivity with audio streaming
- Voice command
- Apple CarPlay®
- Android Auto™
- Six-speaker audio system
- Four-way power driver’s seat
- Two-way manual passenger’s seat
- Rear seat delete
- Front center console
- Dual front-center-console-mounted USB ports
- Rubberized vinyl floor covering
- Tilt steering
- 3.5-inch monochromatic driver information center
- Power windows with driver’s side one-touch up/down
- Power door locks
- Single-zone climate control
- Black interior door handles
- Rearview camera
- Teen Driver
- Tire-fill alert
WT: $25,895
- All Base features, plus
- Carpeted floors
- Dual rear seats with underseat storage
- Carpeted front and rear floor mats
LT: $38,795
- All WT features, plus
- 17-inch Blade Silver Metallic cast-aluminum wheels
- Remote-locking tailgate
- Body-color door handles
- Body-color, power mirrors
- Body-color rear bumper
- Chrome beltline moldings
- EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate
- Spotter mirror
- 4.2-inch color driver-information center
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot capable
- Six-way power driver’s seat
- Two charge-only rear USB ports
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System
- 8-inch high-definition touchscreen
- Chrome interior door handles
- Cruise control
- Illuminated vanity mirrors
- HD Radio
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- OnStar
- Overhead console
- Remote keyless entry
- SiriusXM®
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Theft-deterrent unauthorized entry system
- High-definition rearview camera
Z71: $34,995
- All LT features, plus
- 3.6-liter V-6 engine
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Automatic-locking rear differential
- Black recovery tow hooks
- Hill-descent control
- Off-road gas-charged shocks
- Transfer-case shield
- Tow/haul mode
- Crew Cab body
- 17-inch Dark Argent Metallic cast-aluminum wheels
- Black beltline moldings
- Heated mirrors
- Fog lights
- Manual-sliding rear window
- Projector-beam headlights
- Rear window defogger
- Four-way power passenger’s seat
- Automatic climate control
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Power driver’s seat lumbar
- Power passenger’s seat lumbar
- Folding rear bench seat
- Remote ignition
- Wireless charging pad
- Rearview camera with trailering-assist guidelines
- Rear parking sensors
ZR2: $42,495
- All Z71 features, plus
- Four-wheel drive
- Autotrac two-speed transfer case
- Full-locking front and rear differentials
- Integrated trailer-brake controller
- Off-road rocker protection
- 2-inch receiver hitch with four- and seven-pin connectors
- Seven-wire electrical harness and seven-pin sealed harness
- Four-way sealed connector
- Transfer case shield
- All-terrain tires
- DSSV Multimatic suspension dampers
- Extended-cab body
- 17-inch aluminum wheels
- 17-inch aluminum spare wheel
- Black rear bumper
- Spray-on bed liner
- Off-road front fascia, rear bumper, and fender flares
- Taller and wider stance
- Dual rear seats with underseat storage
2020 Toyota Tundra Key Features and Pricing by Trim
SR: $26,050
- 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive with automatic limited-slip rear differential
- Variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering
- Access Cab body
- 16-inch styled-steel wheels
- 6-foot bed
- Projector-beam headlights
- Daytime running lights
- Dark-gray grille with a black surround
- Color-keyed door handles
- Color-keyed rear bumper
- Easy-lower lockable tailgate
- Eight cargo tie-down anchors (four adjustable and four fixed)
- Variable-intermittent windshield wipers
- Sliding rear glass with tint
- Engine and front-suspension skid plates
- Air conditioning
- Three USB ports (one media and two charge-only)
- Four-way manual front seats
- Urethane tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Six-speaker audio system
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay®
- Android Auto™
- Advanced voice recognition
- Bluetooth® connectivity with audio streaming
- SiriusXM®
- In-car Wi-Fi® (data plan required)
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Adaptive cruise control
- Hill-start assist
SR5: $27,825
- All SR features, plus
- Integrated fog lights
- Charcoal grille with a chrome surround
- Chrome rear bumper
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Remote keyless entry
- 8-inch touchscreen
TRD Sport: $32,745
- All SR5 features, plus
- 3.5-liter V-6 engine
- TRD sport-tuned suspension
- Automatic transmission cooler
- Engine oil cooler
- Power steering cooler
- Four- and seven-pin connectors
- Trailer-sway control
- 17-inch machined-alloy wheels
- Class-IV towing hitch receiver
- Wide-angle fog lights
- Gray grille with smoked finish and chrome surround
- Hood scoop
- Mirror-integrated turn signals
- Color-keyed overfenders
- Color-keyed rear bumper
- 120-volt/400-watt in-bed power outlet
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support
- Leather-trimmed shifter
- Keyless unlock and ignition
TRD Off-Road: $34,000
- All SR5 features, plus
- 3.6-liter V-6 engine
- Electronically controlled locking rear differential
- TRD-tuned off-road suspension with Bilstein shocks
- Automatic transmission cooler
- Engine oil cooler
- Power steering cooler
- Four- and seven-pin connectors
- Trailer-sway control
- Class-IV tow-hitch receiver
- 16-inch machined contrasting alloy wheels
- Double Cab body
- 5-foot bed
- Wide-angle fog lights
- Gray grille with smoked finish and chrome surround
- Black overfenders
- Chrome rear bumper
- 120-volt/40-watt power outlet
- Power-sliding rear window with tinted glass
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support
- Leather-trimmed shifter knob
- Keyless unlock and push-button start
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Limited: $38,970
- All SR5 features, plus
- 3.5-liter V-6 engine
- Automatic transmission cooler
- Engine oil cooler
- Power steering cooler
- Four- and seven-pin connectors
- Trailer-sway control
- Class-IV tow-hitch receiver
- Double Cab body
- 5-foot bed
- LED headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED fog lights
- Silver grille
- Front camera
- Chrome grille surround
- Chrome-accented mirror caps
- Chrome-accented door handles
- Color-keyed overfenders
- Color-keyed rear bumper
- 120-volt in-bed power outlet
- Power moonroof
- 18-inch polished alloy wheels
- Power-sliding rear window with tinted glass
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Leather upholstery
- Leather-trimmed shifter knob
- Keyless unlock and ignition
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Premium Audio infotainment system
- Six JBL speakers
- Navigation
- HD Radio™
- Panoramic rearview camera
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
TRD Pro: $43,960
- All TRD Off-Road features, plus
- TRD Pro cat-back exhaust system
- Six-speed manual transmission
- TRD-tuned off-road suspension
- 2.5-inch FOX internal-bypass coil-overs
- Remote-reservoir rear shocks
- Active Traction Control
- 16-inch TRD black-colored alloy wheels
- All-terrain tires
- LED headlights
- Sequential LED turn signals
- Black sport headlight bezels
- LED daytime running lights
- Heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” front grille
- Front camera
- Black badging
- Black fender flares
- Hood scoop with graphic
- Power moonroof
- TRD Pro front skid plate
- Multi-Terrain Monitor with camera
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Black TRD Pro leather-trimmed seats
- TRD Pro shifter knob
- TRD Pro floor mats
- Remote keyless entry
- Auto0dimming rearview mirror
- HomeLink universal home remote
- Premium Audio infotainment system
- Six JBL speakers
- Navigation
- HD Radio™
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
Who Should Buy the 2020 Chevy Colorado
The Chevy Colorado starts at a very low MSRP and still offers lots of tech, making it a great option for buyers who just need a pickup but may also enjoy some creature comforts. In its higher trims, though, the Colorado still has all the amenities and premium goodies other buyer prefer. Plus, with its optional diesel engine that affords it a 7,700-pound towing capacity, the Colorado is a great choice for buyers who tow often.
Who Should Buy the 2020 Toyota Tundra
Buyers seeking a more stylish and rugged-looking pickup will like the sharp looks of the Tacoma. Plus, with its sleek TRD Sport and rugged-looking TRD Pro model, it offers extra wrinkles the Colorado cannot match. Finally, with its sky-high ground clearance, the Tacoma is a more competent off-roader.
Does the 2020 Chevy Colorado seem like the perfect truck for you? Swing by Garber Automall, serving Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island and the surrounding area, to take the 2020 Colorado for a test drive and see what it can offer. Can’t make it to our Jacksonville area new-Chevy showroom today? You can also check out our online inventory to see all our in-stock 2020 Colorado models. From there, choose a few that suit your needs and set up a test drive around your busy life.
