Have been without a truck for around 5-6 years, next year I'm planning on getting another one. The only 2 midsize trucks available with a crew cab and a 6' bed are the Tacoma and the Colorado/Canyon. My dad has a Tacoma, so I know exactly what to expect with one of those. I don't know anyone with either of the GM midsize trucks, but the reviews I've seen look good. I used to have a Silverado, but the entire time I owned it I think I towed something once, used the bed all the time though, which is why I'd prefer a midsize with a bed longer than 5'. I'd appreciate any insight from someone who's owned either of the GM midsize trucks on the positives/negatives of them.

Did they fix the airbags?

I was behind a buddy of mine on a dirt road. He hit a small bump, and the airbags deployed. Bad day.

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What about Ridgeline?

Tacoma is the choice between those two options.

Canyon99 said:

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Tacoma is the choice between those two options.

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I drove a crew cab 4x4 Colorado for about a week around Baltimore and then up to NY. The below is my review that was provided to the FB TAMSC folk.

"I managed to get about 12.8 hours of drive time in the Colorado. Overall, a decent truck that I'd swang if space dictated that I drive a mid-size truck.

The V6 had a decent amount of pickup at highway speeds, but sounds terrible. The transmission doesn't inspire much faith when it's going through the gears, but this would be easily fixed with a tune. The seats were acceptable, but could use more bolstering and softer cushions. Perhaps that would be achieved with leather seats or swapping in ZR-2 seats if they're any different."

I have a 2016 Canyon and I like it. I'm a bigger guy, and Canyons/Colorados surprisingly have more headroom than almost all other trucks, mid size or not.

I tow a 22 foot camper with it with no problem, although only a couple times a year. I have no need for a full sized truck and the Canyon does pretty much everything I need and does it well and also fits inside the garage.

I like the Tacoma's off road capability, but the seats feel like sitting in a lawn chair without legs. I think they're extremely uncomfortable.

Macarthur said:

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What about Ridgeline?

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They have changed the front which was my biggest complaint. I think it looks much better.

Canyon99 said:

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Tacoma is the choice between those two options.

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If you like feeling like you're sitting on a lawn chair that's had the legs cut in half. Yeah.

Mattressburn said:

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Canyon99 said:

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Tacoma is the choice between those two options.

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If you like feeling like you're sitting on a lawn chair that's had the legs cut in half. Yeah.

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The 2020 fixed the issue.

Canyon with the baby Duramax, brah

AgEng06 said:

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Canyon with the baby Duramax, brah

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And youre in STX $ territory....

Hey, he said he wanted a mid-size.

Hello TexAgs! I have lurked on this board for several weeks now. A lot of good information and opinions here. I figured I would make this my first post.

I am original owner of a 2017 Colorado z71 with 2.8 duramax diesel, long bed. Ironically I live in the mountains of Colorado. It's my daily driver with 63k miles. I due some hauling and some travel trailer towing, I work it pretty hard in the mountains. Here is my short review.

Pros:
Perfect size for someone who doesn't need a half ton. The 6 foot bed is more than adequate. Lifetime mpg of 25.9, and the computer is very accurate. I was getting 28 before 2 inch level on front and added bigger AT tires. All wheel drive setting is awesome. It doesn't grab the pavement like 4wd setting, yet performs great in snow and ice. The diesel torque is awesome at lower rpm's but it won't break any speed records. Only been at the dealership one time for recall work on the DEF sensor. No need to plug in on -20 degree nights. Starts right up.

Cons:
By far the worst thing on this truck is that there is no indicator on the instrument panel that tells you what 4wd mode you are in. I cant tell you how many times I have driven for weeks in all wheel drive mode and didn't even know it. Seats are meh, I'm 6'5" and would like a little more room. Headlights suck. Maybe someone can advise me on that. Lots of plastic on the interior. Driving in the mountains the transmission downshifts all the time during brake applications. Quite a bit of turbo lag off the line , but it is a four banger.

Hope this has been a little helpful. Let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to posting here more often!

I drive a Tacoma and love it. My two issues with the newest Colorado/Canyon are 1) the sides on the bed are so tall it is nearly impossible to reach into the bed from the sides and get anything out; and 2) the front end looks more like a mini van than a truck. Otherwise, from all reports, they seem like decent trucks, but they don't compare well to the Tacoma if you plan to use it off-road.

AgEng06 said:

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Hey, he said he wanted a mid-size.

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Other than the physical size, I dont see the advantage of any of the mid size trucks.

Cost, fuel economy, maneuverability, all have no significant advantage.

I think you could make a case for the Ridgeline if it's going to be driven quite a bit. That thing drives and rides fantastic comped to the other mids

I appreciate the insight on both. If the Tacoma had a better seating position it would be a no brainer for me. That's what drives me crazy, sitting on the floor of the vehicle, same issue with the 4Runner. I don't do a ton of long trips, but in the event I'm in the truck a long time, I would dread it in the Tacoma from my previous experience. I'm sure the Ridgeline is the most comfortable, but I just can't do it, it just doesn't look right to me. I don't like the Gladiator either, it just looks silly to me, and I don't really want to be able to remove the roof of my truck, plus the bed looks to be the least space of any midsize truck. The Ranger reviews I've read don't really do anything for me from what I've read either. This leaves Tacoma, and the GM trucks, plus, they are still the only ones that have a bed longer than 5' in a crew cab. Definitely plan on driving them both with an open mind.

Max Power said:

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I appreciate the insight on both. If the Tacoma had a better seating position it would be a no brainer for me. That's what drives me crazy, sitting on the floor of the vehicle, same issue with the 4Runner. I don't do a ton of long trips, but in the event I'm in the truck a long time, I would dread it in the Tacoma from my previous experience. I'm sure the Ridgeline is the most comfortable, but I just can't do it, it just doesn't look right to me. I don't like the Gladiator either, it just looks silly to me, and I don't really want to be able to remove the roof of my truck, plus the bed looks to be the least space of any midsize truck. The Ranger reviews I've read don't really do anything for me from what I've read either. This leaves Tacoma, and the GM trucks, plus, they are still the only ones that have a bed longer than 5' in a crew cab. Definitely plan on driving them both with an open mind.

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Go back and drive a 2020 Or 2021 Tacoma. They have supposedly changed the seating position around some to address that complaint.

The new look is definitely more masculine

Fwiw all of the truck mags consistently rate the Colorado/Canyon over the Tacoma. This board seems to hate anything GM and they love them some Toyota. And the Ridgline is still ugly as hell.

1939 said:

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Fwiw all of the truck mags consistently rate the Colorado/Canyon over the Tacoma. This board seems to hate anything GM and they love them some Toyota. And the Ridgline is still ugly as hell.

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If you read the actual reviews, most of the mags are rating them based upon criteria that favor use as a daily driver, not use as a truck or off road. When you start using a truck off road, those rating change.

1939 said:

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Fwiw all of the truck mags consistently rate the Colorado/Canyon over the Tacoma. This board seems to hate anything GM and they love them some Toyota. And the Ridgline is still ugly as hell.

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Taste is always subjective, but I think the new more muscular front end makes a huge diff.

And if you watch a review on youtube, they are pretty damn cool with all the features they have and if you really will be on the road a lot, they drive so much better than "trucks".

They rate them in "new" Condition, not 5 years old and warranty driven off condition.

I had a 2021 Colorado rental earlier this week. I liked it a lot. Currently drive a 2014 F-150.

I have a 2018 Z71 Colorado. Love it!

Pros - Like the size of the truck. Comfortable drive. Has all the power I have ever needed and I have done a decent move with a UHaul. Size of the cab works well for the 2 of us and our kids if they are home. Does everything I need it to do at the deer lease and hauling stuff.

Cons - Only con is the gas mileage leaves a bit to be desired. On long trips you feel the bumpy road more than our Honda Pilot

I agree with the comments that the Ridgeline is ugly but that is a personal opinion.

Bought mine in May of 18 and the incentives were incredible. I think (no expert here just guessing) you might be able to get a bit better price than the Tacoma.

Really enjoy it. No need for a bigger truck.

Aggiewes '87

txags92 said:

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When you start using a truck off road, those rating change.

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What are you basing that off of? I guess with base models the off-road edge would probably go Taco but a ZR2 is a level above a TRD Pro.

our 4Runner hurts our backs on trips. Its our only complaint

1agswitchin4lanes said:

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Mattressburn said:

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Canyon99 said:

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Tacoma is the choice between those two options.

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If you like feeling like you're sitting on a lawn chair that's had the legs cut in half. Yeah.

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The 2020 fixed the issue.

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I am almost 6'-2", and the 2020 with electric adjustable drivers seat did much better. The addition of the seat jackers made it the most comfortable truck I've ever driven. Added the jackers to the passenger side for my son, who is an inch shorter than me (at least for the next couple months), and it made it great over there also.

Don't let anyone tell you the Tacoma is underpowered either. The torque curve is at a little higher RPM, but when it hits, it will surprise you. I was a Ford guy. 23 years of it, and still like the F150 with a 5.0 v8. But I wanted mid-size, and after many many hours of research, looking, and then driving a Tacoma (getting ZERO interest in the process as a bonus, it was the right truck for ME. You may be different, and that's why they have different makes.

IF it is a truck you don't plan on keeping for at least 10 years, you might want to take into consideration that Tacomas hold resale value better than any truck on the market. I saw one in person listed last week on a lot (I know that was the list price on a used truck) and if I took off the options on my 2020 TRD Off Road to get down to that 2019 TRD Off Road, the price would have been almost the same for my trucks sticker value. And it was not mint condition either for its young age.

One thing of note: I was going to go leather seats because the wife's 4runner leather (Limited) is very nice. My 23 year old F150 had leather and I liked it. However I love the TRD Off Road cloth seats. I test drove one with leather too. The seats in mine are more comfortable, have a better grab, and seem to be VERY durable, and as a bonus, the interior is much more quiet.

meggy09 said:

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txags92 said:

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When you start using a truck off road, those rating change.

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What are you basing that off of? I guess with base models the off-road edge would probably go Taco but a ZR2 is a level above a TRD Pro.

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If you are talking about a $55-60k medium size truck, sure, Chevy put more bells and whistles into theirs. Toyota made the business decision that most folks buying a serious hard core off-road truck are going to mod the hell out of it anyway, so why make them pay for expensive things they are just going to yank off and replace? I also bet the interior of the Chevy looks like ragged dog crap in 7-10 years and won't be nearly as reliable with 200k miles on it.

Now if you are talking about the middle of the road model that 90% of the people are going to buy for 35-40k, it is no contest which truck is more capable off-road.

I'll leave this here FWIW. CR apparently receiving a lot of reports about drivetrains in to 2020 models.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/2578463001

Its Not Rocket Surgery said:

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I'll leave this here FWIW. CR apparently receiving a lot of reports about drivetrains in to 2020 models.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/2578463001

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Ouch, that is gonna leave a mark on all those commercials about their JD Power awards for quality and dependability...

Quote:

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10 least reliable models of 2020, according to Consumer Reports:

• Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon (same body style, different badging)
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Jeep Wrangler
• Alfa Romeo Giulia
• Volkswagen Atlas
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Acura MDX
• Tesla Model X
• Chrysler Pacifica
• Chevrolet Traverse

How automotive brands ranked for reliability:
1 Lexus
2 Mazda
3 Toyota
4 Porsche
5 Genesis
6 Hyundai
7 Subaru
8 Dodge
9 Kia
10 Mini
11 Nissan
12 Honda
13 Infiniti
14 Audi
15 Lincoln
16 Ford
17 BMW
18 Buick
19 Chrysler
20 Mitsubishi
21 Mercedes-Benz
22 GMC
23 Tesla
24 Volvo
25 Chevrolet
26 Jeep
27 Volkswagen
28 Acura
29 Alfa Romeo
30 Cadillac

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I thought you were talking about offroad ability. What does the interior have to do with that?

That's why I asked what you were basing the taco bring more capable off of. Say a TRDOR vs Z71, then I'm onboard. The Taco would have an actual locking rear where I'd guess the Colorado has the "auto" locking.

You could argue either are good enough for 99% of what people do though. Or your could use your own line of thinking that GM decided people were going to mod it anyway so they skimped..? Actually that doesn't make any sense.