2024 Toyota Tacoma vs Ford Ranger vs Chevrolet Colorado

Let’s compare some key metrics of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma with the redesigned mid-size trucks from Ford and Chevy.

With much fanfare, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma was revealed. We love the taco truck as much as anyone, but it was getting a bit long in the tooth, so this 2024 redesign was badly needed. The new model looks to be the best Toyota Tacoma ever. However, the competition has not been sitting still. Ford recently revealed their all-new 2024 Ranger. And the Chevy Colorado just got a redo for the 2023 model year. So, the top three mid-size pickup trucks are all new. How does the Tacoma compare? Based on history we can assume that the Toyota will be the most reliable. But what about some other key metrics?

We don’t know the exact pricing for the new Tacoma yet, so we are not including a price comparison. And we have not driven the new Tacoma yet either, so we can’t include driving impressions. But we do have some key stats that we can use to compare these popular trucks. We are going to take a look at engine output, towing and payload capacity, and technology/special features to see how the trucks compare. Also, each offers a special off-road-oriented model so we will look at that as well. How does the Tacoma measure up? Let’s get into it.

Engines

Each mid-size truck offers three different engine outputs depending on trim and options selected. They are listed in the chart below. The base Tacoma engine is the weakest. However, it is only on the base SR trim trucks that will likely not be selected by many. On the other side of the scale, the i-FORCE MAX engine has more horsepower than any other truck outside of the special Ranger Raptor model. And even the Raptor can’t match the amount of torque in the i-FORCE MAX. But if we look at the bread-and-butter middle-grade engine for each truck the Tacoma i-FORCE is less powerful than both the Ranger 2.7L and the optional Colorado 2.7L Turbo.

Towing and Payload

The Tacoma with the i-FORCE MAX engine makes more torque than any other engine on the list. But that does not necessarily translate to the most towing or payload capacity. The maximum towing capacity for the Tacoma is rated at 6,500 pounds. The maximum payload is 1,709 pounds on the TRD Off-Road trim. The Chevy Colorado offers the most towing in the mid-size pickup segment. The Z71 and Trail Boss can tow 7,700 pounds. But the Colorado is slightly edged out in the payload department as it has a max rating of 1,684 pounds. Ford claims a maximum available towing capacity of 7,500 pounds with the new Ranger. That puts it just behind the Colorado and 1,000 pounds up on the Tacoma. But the Ranger is the payload champ with a maximum available payload capacity of 1,805 pounds.

Technology/Special Features

The Tacoma is not quite as capable when it comes to towing and hauling as the Ford and Chevy. But it does have some advantages. On the inside, there is a huge 14-inch touchscreen display available. But that is not the coolest feature. That has to go to the new IsoDynamic Performance Seat. This is a segment first. Per Toyota: “The IsoDynamic Performance Seat uses an air-over-oil shock absorber system allowing for vertical and lateral seat movement simultaneously to dampen body movement and stabilize the head and neck to keep alignment with the spine. This dampening effect is tunable based on body mass and occupant preference and can be bypassed, if desired, via levers on the seatbacks.”

The Ranger offers 400 watts of in-bed power to run some of your toys. The Colorado offers a StowFlex Tailgate that provides lockable storage right in the tailgate.

Performance Models

Toyota, Ford, and Chevy all offer a special high-performance version of their mid-sized truck. Toyota actually offers two. First up is the Trailhunter. This is an overlanding rig straight from the factory. It includes Old Man Emu 4×4 Suspension by ARB, an integrated air compressor in the bed, a steel rear bumper, strong recovery points, and a bed utility bar with removable MOLLE panels. 33-inch tires are also part of the package, as are several steel skid plates and a lot more.

The other special Tacoma is the TRD Pro. This is your high-speed desert runner. Standard gear includes FOX’s new QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks and FOX Internal Floating Piston (IFP) rear bump stops. The TRD Pro like the Trailhunter comes standard with the i-FORCE MAX engine. The TRD Pro offers 11 inches of ground clearance. And those cool IsoDynamic Performance Seats are exclusive to the TRD Pro. A high-clearance ARB rear metal bumper can be found at the back of this special Tacoma.

The Ford Ranger Raptor gets the special twin-turbo V6 engine and a host of other upgrades such as long-travel suspension, 33-inch tires, locking front and rear differentials, and an active exhaust system. Think of it as the F-150 Raptor that has shrunk by about 20 percent.

The special Chevy is the ZR2 Bison. It is built in conjunction with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) and is the most off-road capable Colorado. Heavy-duty bumpers, fender flares, 35-inch tires, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and a lot more make this a seriously capable truck.

Summary

The Tacoma by the numbers we know of as of today does not run away from the competition. But some data is incomplete, such as pricing and final EPA figures. But the Tacoma was never really a numbers truck. It is famous for being a competent mid-size truck that will last longer than you will. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma seems to be the best ever as far as features and power, and yet will likely still be as reliable as the sun.

Images: Toyota

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