2026 Chevrolet Colorado vs the Competition

The Ranger was redesigned for 2024, with most models powered by 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engines. A 2.7-liter V6 is available on some trims, and the ZR2-competing Raptor is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. A 2026 refresh includes revised front-end styling, a new power moonroof option for XLT and Lariat trims, updated interior materials and technology, revised suspension tuning, and some new colors and package availability. 

• The Colorado’s engine is significantly more powerful than the Ranger’s standard 270-hp engine with 310 lb-ft. of torque.  In fact, it closely matches the output of Ranger’s optional 2.7L V6 engine, rated at 315 hp and 430 lb-ft.
• The Colorado and Ranger are very close in maximum towing capacity, but the Colorado LT has the edge at 7,700 pounds compared to 7,500 for the Ranger XL.
• The Colorado’s bed length is longer compared to the Ranger (5’2” vs. 5’)
• Colorado’s available 54-inch-wide rear storage bin is a feature not found on the Ranger. 
• Even at the LT level, the Bose or Kicker audio systems are available in the Colorado. The price-comparable Ranger XL offers no such premium audio system.
• Keyless start is available on the Colorado LT but requires an upgrade for the Ranger XL.
• The Colorado LT has a standard 11.3-inch screen. Rangers have 10.0-inch screens, while the Lariat and Raptor levels have 12.0-inch screens.
• The convenience of adaptive cruise control is an available option on the Colorado LT, but requires an upgrade on the Ranger XL.
• The Colorado provides two inches of additional front legroom (45.2 vs. 43.2 inches)

The first pickup truck from Nissan—then branded as a Datsun—came across the shore in 1959 and was the first compact pickup truck available in the U.S. The Frontier name was introduced in 1997 and catered to the U.S. market. All Frontiers are powered by a 310-hp 3.8-liter V6. It is available with both extended King Cabs and four-door Crew Cabs, the former with a six-foot bed and the latter with either a five- or six-foot bed.

• The Colorado engine matches the Frontier’s V6 with 310 horsepower while beating it significantly in torque. (430 lb-ft vs. 281) which peaks at 1,400 lower rpm (3,000 vs 4,400).
• The EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of the 4×2 Colorado and 4×2 Ranger matches at 19/24/21
• Maximum towing ability for the Colorado exceeds that of the Frontier (7,700 pounds vs. 7,040).
• The maximum payloads for the Colorado and Frontier are identical at 1,460 pounds.
• Rear passengers enjoy more legroom in the Colorado (34.7 inches vs. 33.2 inches).
• Colorado’s 11.3-inch standard touchscreen is much larger and easier to see than the Frontier’s 8.0-inch screen.
• In contrast to the Frontier, the Colorado’s rear cross traffic alert system includes automatic braking.
• Colorado’s brake discs are significantly larger than the Frontier’s (12.2 vs 11.7 inches, front; 12.8 vs 11.3, rear).
• If you need warranty work done on your vehicle while on the road, there are nearly three times as many Chevrolet dealers as Nissan dealers in the U.S.

Though Toyota brought its first truck to the U.S. back in 1968, the midsize Tacoma debuted in 1995.  The recent 2024 fourth-generation models are powered by 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engines, with upgrades to the i-FORCE and hybrid i-FORCE MAX states of tune. The hybrid engine is designed more for power than fuel savings. The Tacoma is available with an Xtra Cab combined with a six-foot bed and four-door Double Cabs with five- or six-foot beds. 

• The Colorado’s standard engine significantly outperforms the Tacoma’s non-hybrid engine in both horsepower (310 vs. 228 – 278) and peak torque (430 vs. 243 – 270.
• Both Colorado and Tacoma use eight-speed shiftable automatic transmissions.
• The Colorado has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds compared to 6,400 pounds for the Tacoma.
• The Colorado has significantly more front legroom than the Tacoma (45.2 vs. 41.8 inches)
• Rear passengers in Colorado also have more legroom than in the Tacoma (34.7 inches vs. 33.7).
• The Colorado’s five-foot cargo box is larger than the Tacoma’s (61.7 x 58.8 x 21.1 inches vs. 60.3 x 53.0 x 21.2 inches).
• Regarding Roadside Assistance services, Colorado comes with five-year/60,000-mile coverage compared to two-year/25,000-mile coverage for the Tacoma.
• The convenience of a Blind Spot Warning system is standard on the base Colorado, but optional on the Tacoma.

The Gladiator is the most recent entry in the gas-powered mid-size truck segment, debuting in 2020. Still in its first design generation, the model is based on the Wrangler SUV 4-door, with a longer wheelbase and a short pickup bed added to the rear. As such, it largely shares the Wrangler’s adept off-road ability and poor on-road ride and handling. All models come with a 4-door cab, a short cargo bed, a 3.6-liter V6, and 4-wheel drive.

• Even with 4WD, Colorado has a much lower entry MSRP of $37,795 vs. $40,015.
• If you don’t need 4-wheel drive, the Colorado is available with 2WD, along with a lower price and higher fuel mileage.
• The Colorado significantly outperforms the Gladiator in both horsepower (310 vs. 260) and peak torque (430 vs. 260).
• The EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy for the 4×4 Colorado and Gladiator matches at 19/22/19.
• Car and Driver reports that the Colorado has significantly better acceleration, with a 0 to 60 time of 6.8 seconds compared to the Gladiator’s 7.2 seconds. 
• Car and Driver also gave the Colorado a significantly higher overall rating than the Gladiator of 9/10, compared to 7.5/10.
• The Colorado’s rack and pinion steering has a much more precise on-road feel than the Gladiator’s Recirculating ball steering system.
• While the maximum towing capacity of both model lines matches at 7,700 pounds, most Colorado models achieve that capacity, while Gladiators have a 4,500-lb capacity.
• A blind-spot warning system and lane-departure warning are both standard on the Colorado but optional on the Gladiator.
• Colorado’s front independent suspension, compared to Gladiator’s non-independent front suspension, and the Gladiator’s 2-stage rear leaf spring suspension vs. its trailing arm arrangement, help contribute to a much more comfortable highway ride.