Let’s say you want to turn your road trip into an off-road trip. The Colorado has plenty of capability. Off Road Mode changes the calibration of the engine and enhances the traction control to make for easier driving through mud or other obstacles. The Segment Exclusive Multimatic Shocks also help by making driving in rocky terrain a little easier on your truck, which improves durability and longevity.

The Tacoma has FOX internal bypass shocks to answer to the Colorado’s suspension helps. Crawl Control helps the transmission make the changes necessary to the terrain so you can focus on navigating the landscape while the Tacoma focuses on getting you there. The Tacoma also has a Multi Terrain Select to let you adjust the traction control, wheel spin, and engine throttle through five different setting depending on where you are driving. The ability to customize performance to match your environment means the Tacoma definitely climbs ahead in this category.

While you want your truck to be rugged, it’s becoming more and more important to have a mixture of brains with your brawn. The Tacoma has plenty of both. In addition to the touch screen with integrated navigation and access to your phone playlists, the Tacoma has a Qi-compatible wireless charging station. Just put your phone on there while you drive and you’re charging! Added bonus? You’ll also get a GoPro Mount to capture your off-roading adventures.

The Colorado doesn’t have the camera mount but it has the ability to post your videos over the in-truck 4G LTE wifi. The wifi also allows you to connect up to seven devices. When your teen is driving and you want them to focus on driving, and not their phones, the Colorado’s Teen Driver Technology lets you limit radio volume and set warnings at certain speeds. In addition to these, the MyChevy app lets you start the truck, schedule a maintenance visit, or check diagnostic info all from your phone. All this plus Apple Car Play puts the Colorado on top when it comes to technology.

Most cars now do great on crash testing and safety–buyers expect it and manufacturers deliver. So, the difference in safety now comes down to features. One great feature the Colorado has is a Collision Alert system to warn you when a collision is approaching. The truck will also alert you when you start leaving your lane because of Lane Departure Alert. Both of these warn you before an accident so that you can take action.

The Tacoma takes collision alert a step further with Toyota’s Smart Stop Technology that, when a collision is perceived as imminent, will apply the brakes for you to help avoid the accident. The Tacoma’s Rear Cross Traffic alert helps when backing out in the parking lot so that, even when you can’t see the car coming, your back up camera and cross traffic alert will. With these, and rear parking assist, the Tacoma wins this category.

When you’re comparing two vehicles and things are looking close, it’s the extras that will push you over the edge. The Colorado comes with the Chevrolet warranty, which covers the truck from bumper to bumper for manufacturer defects and more for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Chevrolet’s confidence in their trucks gives buyers confidence in their purchase.

The Tacoma comes with the same warranty. For 3 years or 36,000 miles, Toyota will stand by their vehicle and fix whatever needs to be. Toyota gives you a little more, though. For the first 2 years or 25,000 miles, the Tacoma is under Toyota Care. Toyota Care is a program covers the cost of your regular maintenance for the specified time to save you money. It also keeps your truck in good shape and your warranty valid.