2024 Toyota Tundra vs 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2024 Toyota Tundra was designed with a massive grille, intended to enhance powertrain cooling and ensure long-term reliability. However, this engineering choice resulted in a polarizing appearance that not everyone appreciated. Despite this, the Tundra's overall design was considered appealing, with its industrial theme and camo-pattern detailing conveying a sense of durability and strength. Unfortunately, the interior's plastic components detracted from the truck's perceived build quality, as they often produced creaking and clattering sounds. The Tundra was available in various configurations, including Double Cab and CrewMax styles, with multiple trim levels and a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine. Prices ranged from $39,665 to $78,845, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado embraced a bold, aggressive design inspired by the Camaro, featuring rakish headlights and a sharply angled grille. The interior followed similar design trends, with circular climate control vents and a clean, horizontal dashboard layout. The Colorado was offered in several trims, including WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2, each with varying levels of features and off-road capabilities. The base WT model came well-equipped with modern technology, while higher trims added more convenience and comfort features. The ZR2 Bison, in particular, was designed for off-road enthusiasts, with unique bodywork and protective gear. Overall, the Colorado's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a midsize truck with a modern, aggressive look.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro was built to excel both on and off-road. It featured lighter BBS forged alloy wheels, Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, a TRD front stabilizer bar, and 2.5-inch FOX internal-bypass shock absorbers, providing a superior ride and handling experience. The Tundra came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 358 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Pro variant boasted a hybrid version of this engine, known as the i-Force Max powertrain, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity of 11,175 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds. The Tundra's off-road capabilities were enhanced by a part-time 4WD system, locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select modes, Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control. Despite its impressive performance, the Tundra's fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 17.1 mpg, below the EPA's estimate of 19 mpg.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, both displacing 2.4 liters. The base engine produced 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo Max version offered 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth power delivery. The Colorado's off-road-focused ZR2 Bison trim featured Multimatic DSSV dampers, enhancing its shock absorption capabilities. The truck's towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,710 pounds. On-road, the ZR2 Bison delivered a comfortable ride, though its off-road suspension resulted in a firmer feel. Overall, the Colorado offered a well-rounded driving experience, balancing off-road prowess with on-road comfort.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra offered a spacious interior typical of full-size crew-cab pickup trucks. However, the i-Force Max's battery placement eliminated rear underseat storage and a flat rear cab floor, limiting in-cab storage options. This proved inconvenient during a family outing, leading to the decision to use a midsize crossover SUV instead. The Tundra's cargo bed lacked some of the helpful features found in competitors, such as adjustable cargo tie-down cleats and bumper corner steps. Despite these drawbacks, the Tundra provided wide seats and ample interior room, though getting in and out of the TRD Pro could be challenging for shorter individuals. The driver's seat caused some discomfort during long drives, but the heated and ventilated front seats were appreciated.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado was available in a four-door quad cab configuration with a 5-foot, 2-inch bed. While the bed offered decent space, it was not as spacious as a full-size pickup. The Colorado's car-like seating position provided a comfortable driving experience, with ample front-row legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. The interior layout was user-friendly, though the low placement of cup holders could be inconvenient. Second-row legroom was tight, especially for taller passengers. The Colorado's high bed wall and floor made loading items more challenging, but the larger bed steps in the rear bumper were a helpful addition. The ZR2 Bison's spare tire placement in the bed reduced usable space, which could be a consideration for those frequently using the bed.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While these were the only modern design elements in the cabin, they were well-equipped with features. The infotainment system required activation of complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, with varying durations for each service. Safety Connect, offering features like automatic collision notification and emergency assistance, was available for up to ten years. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the TRD Pro included a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. Additional tech features included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and trailering assistance.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado's standard infotainment system was an 11.3-inch touchscreen with an intuitive layout and some hard-button controls. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a digital dock for easy navigation between menus. The system also featured a digital home button and a volume dial for user-friendly operation. Other standard tech features included an 11-inch digital instrument panel, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. Higher trims added wireless device charging, additional USB ports, and wall-style power outlets, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of collision avoidance and driver assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Tundra received high safety ratings from the NHTSA, with five-star ratings for most categories. However, the IIHS gave it a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test for rear-seat passengers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado offered a comprehensive set of standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The LT Convenience Package III added features like reverse automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Colorado received favorable safety ratings from the NHTSA, with four stars for frontal crash testing and five stars for side crash testing. However, it earned three stars for the rollover test.