Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

2026 Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Colorado MPG: Is the Difference Really “Not Even Close”?

The 2026 Tacoma leads the cited Colorado configurations in combined MPG, but the difference is only one or two mpg for the listed 2WD and 4WD comparisons.
Entry778 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The 2026 Toyota Tacoma has the higher published combined fuel-economy rating in the cited configurations, but the gap is modest—not “not even close.” The U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency list 23 mpg combined for select Tacoma 2WD versions and 21 mpg for the Colorado 2WD. Among the listed 4WD versions, the Tacoma rates 20–21 mpg combined and the Colorado 19 mpg, with Colorado off-road models rated lower. These are estimates, not promises of real-world mileage.

2026 Tacoma vs. Colorado fuel economy at a glance

The figures below are from the DOE/EPA 2026 Fuel Economy Guide. They cover the listed configurations, not every possible trim or equipment combination.

Vehicle and configuration Engine and transmission City Highway Combined
Toyota Tacoma SR5/Sport/PreRunner 2WD 2.4L four-cylinder, 8-speed automatic 21 mpg 26 mpg 23 mpg
Toyota Tacoma listed 4WD variants 2.4L four-cylinder, automatic 18–20 mpg 23–24 mpg 20–21 mpg
Chevrolet Colorado 2WD 2.7L four-cylinder, automatic 19 mpg 24 mpg 21 mpg
Chevrolet Colorado 4WD 2.7L four-cylinder, automatic 17 mpg 22 mpg 19 mpg
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 4WD Not stated in the cited guide entry Not stated in the cited guide entry Not stated in the cited guide entry 17 mpg
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison 4WD Not stated in the cited guide entry Not stated in the cited guide entry Not stated in the cited guide entry 16 mpg

Source for all table values: U.S. DOE/EPA 2026 Fuel Economy Guide. The listed Tacoma 4WD city/highway ratings vary by configuration; the range shown here reflects those entries.

How big is the Tacoma’s advantage?

2WD: a two-mpg combined difference

For the cited 2WD entries, the Tacoma is rated at 23 mpg combined versus 21 mpg for the Colorado—a difference of two mpg. That favors the Tacoma on the published estimate, but it is not a dramatic separation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Maisto 1:27 Scale Special Edition 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Diecast Vehicle
  • Collectible quality True-to-scale detailed vehicle
  • Die-cast metal body with plastic parts
  • Officially licensed product by Maisto International
  • Highly-detailed die-cast precision model for collectible or play
  • Detailed die-cast precision model

4WD: a narrower, configuration-dependent gap

The cited Tacoma 4WD entries are rated at 20–21 mpg combined, compared with 19 mpg for the standard Colorado 4WD entry. The Tacoma’s listed advantage is therefore one or two mpg, depending on the configuration being compared. Colorado’s off-road ZR2 and ZR2 Bison entries are lower, at 17 and 16 mpg combined.

These comparisons are not exact trim-for-trim matches in every case. Drivetrain, trim, off-road equipment and tires matter, so compare the specific vehicles rather than treating either model as having one universal MPG figure.

Rank #2
MiJo Exclusives Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter Diecast Model, 1:24 Scale, Black, 2025 (Silver)
  • SCALE DETAILS: Precision-crafted 1:24 scale diecast model of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter, featuring authentic proportions and dimensions
  • EXTERIOR FEATURES: Black finish with detailed grille, LED-style lighting elements, and rugged off-road wheels with bronze-colored rims
  • DESIGN ACCURACY: Faithfully reproduced body styling including the distinctive Trailhunter badge, side steps, and pickup truck bed configuration
  • COLLECTOR'S ITEM: Limited edition MiJo Exclusives release, perfect for Toyota enthusiasts and diecast model collectors
  • DISPLAY QUALITY: Premium die-cast construction with detailed interior, opening doors, and authentic Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter styling elements

Why published Tacoma MPG varies by trim

The Tacoma lineup includes gasoline and i-FORCE MAX hybrid versions, and the ratings differ by trim and powertrain. Toyota’s 2026 model page lists SR at 20/26 mpg city/highway, SR5 at 21/26, and listed i-FORCE MAX trims between 22/24 and 23/24. Those manufacturer figures are presented as city/highway ratings; consult the exact vehicle’s label for its applicable rating and combined figure.

Source: Toyota’s 2026 Tacoma model page.

Which figure should you use when shopping?

  1. Match the model year. These figures are for 2026 vehicles; older model years may have different ratings.
  2. Match the drivetrain and trim. Compare 2WD with 2WD or 4WD with 4WD, and account for off-road versions and equipment.
  3. Check the specific vehicle’s window sticker. The table provides useful model-level context, but the label is the relevant reference for the vehicle you are considering.
  4. Verify the rating in the EPA comparison resource. The EPA provides model-year-organized fuel-economy data and recommends using its comparison resource to check specific vehicles. Ratings may be revised if information shows that label values are too high.

Sources: EPA fuel-economy test data and EPA/DOE vehicle comparison tool. EPA explains that manufacturers must update label MPG values if information comes to light showing the values are too high.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
FRJV 1 24 Diecast Cars Tacoma Toy Truck Metal Pickup Trucks Model Car Kits
  • 【Durable Sturdy Die Cast Metal Toy Trucks】Diecast trucks are made of zinc alloy + ABS plastic, zinc alloy body, ABS plastic chassis and interior, rubber tires.You don't have to worry, our metal toy trucks have gone through rigorous quality tests and passed CPSIA and CPC certifications, so kids can play with them without worry.The pickup truck toy are finely crafted with a smooth surface to ensure that children will not hurt their little hands while playing.Truck toys for toddlers 3-5.
  • 【Cool Designed Tocama Truck Model】With its delicate body lines and cool design, it will be favored by car-loving kids and model car enthusiasts.Model Truck Size:8.66×3.54×3.35inches.With fine workmanship and realistic details, large toy trucks are not only a favorite collection for car model enthusiasts, but also a children's toy for kids who love cars.Trucks for kids ages 4-8.
  • 【Multifunctional Tocama Toy Car】Pickup truck rear wheels have a pull back function,place the truck toys on a flat surface, pull it back and release it, and it will move forward some distance with the pull back function.The toy trucks open all four doors, the hood and the rear fender, and removable roof rack. The front wheels can turn left and right, and four wheels have shock absorption.Folding rearview mirror,convertible frame can be disassembled.Big trucks for kids ages 4-8.
  • 【Toy Pickup Truck with Cool Sound and Light Effects】The big toy trucks feature realistic sound effects and cool lights. Pressing the rear wheel triggers a sound and light effect, and the headlights and rear tail lights come on and trigger sound effects.Pressing the steering wheel also triggers the horn sound and lights.It will be a big hit with kids, adding a variety of choices and fun to their playtime. It will inspire kids to get away from the screen and back to real play.
  • 【Creative Big Trucks Full of Surprises】Not only is it a special gift for family and friends, it is also suitable for your own collection.This die cast truck is an ideal gift for model car enthusiasts and children. It will bring surprise to your children, but also let them play in the process of familiarizing with the knowledge of the car, stimulate thinking and improve the hands-on ability. Model enthusiasts can use it as an ornament.Put it in a display case at home and it becomes a work of art.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What the MPG comparison does—and doesn’t—tell you

The published ratings are estimates intended to make vehicles comparable under standardized testing; they do not guarantee the mileage a particular owner will achieve. Driving conditions, vehicle configuration and use can affect actual fuel economy. The two-mpg 2WD difference alone does not establish how much money a buyer will save: that would also depend on factors such as miles driven and fuel prices.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Maisto 1:27 Scale Special Edition 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Diecast Vehicle
Maisto 1:27 Scale Special Edition 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Diecast Vehicle
Collectible quality True-to-scale detailed vehicle; Die-cast metal body with plastic parts
$17.99
Bestseller No. 4
Matchbox 2024 Toyota Tacoma [Tan] 43/125-1:64 Scale Diecast Toy Vehicle
Matchbox 2024 Toyota Tacoma [Tan] 43/125-1:64 Scale Diecast Toy Vehicle
2024 Toyota Tacoma in a Rugged Tan Finish!; Number 43/125 in the Overall Series!; 1:64 Scale Diecast Toy Truck!
$9.51
Rank #4
Matchbox 2024 Toyota Tacoma [Tan] 43/125-1:64 Scale Diecast Toy Vehicle
  • 2024 Toyota Tacoma in a Rugged Tan Finish!
  • Number 43/125 in the Overall Series!
  • 1:64 Scale Diecast Toy Truck!

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.