2016 Tacoma vs 2016 Colorado Turbo Diesel (Polite conversations only)

Like many of you, I'm in the market for a midsize truck or will be soon. My 2009 Tacoma has 97k miles on the clock and I've owned it from mile number 9. It's been good to me. Without a doubt, best vehicle I've ever owned.

That being said, come time to buy my next truck, I'm seriously going to be weighing ALL available options.

I watched the live stream yesterday where Toyota revealed the new 3rd generation Tacoma. I liked a LOT of what I saw. It seemed to check the boxes on the biggest complaints that I see on this truck. Things like a locking tailgate, single key/fob which is now pushbutton start, updated engine, stronger rear diff/tranny/t-case, strengthened frame, reduced wind noise, nicer interior, more technology, etc...Long way to say, we spoke, and Toyota listened. However, one thing Toyota stated would NOT be coming to the Tacoma was a diesel engine; one of the BIGGEST requests guys like us make. Despite the lack of a diesel option, the 2016 Taco seems like a fairly good update. Nothing Earth shattering but they took care of all the stuff we complain about and left alone the stuff that "just worked". And as a previous owner, I can certainly appreciate that.

But the more and more I look at the Colorado/Canyon the more I think it's a very strong competitor. It has all the things the new Tacoma will have, sharp looks (in my opinion), and the 2016 model will come with a 2.8L Duramax Turbo diesel making 181 hp at 3400 RPM and 369-lb-ft of torque at 2000 RPM with a variable geometry turbocharger. For anyone new to forced induction and diesels; aftermarket power is very VERY easy to make with minimal investment. That's appealing for sure. Plus, this engine has been in use for a LONG time over seas. So it's not it's first rodeo.

Now before the mob of Toyo-fans storm in here and state the Tacoma will OBVIOUSLY be more reliable, I'd like to remind everyone that we don't know that and won't for quite some time.The Chevy truck is all new and the 3rd Gen Taco will be too. I'd be the first to agree that Toyota has a better track record that Chevy but I don't think it's anything extreme in this case.

But here's where things get REALLY interesting. When I bought my truck, I purchased a 100k mile extended warranty from my Toyota dealer. Even with the almighty Tacoma reliability, I've still needed a few things (lower control arm replaced, u-joint, front main seal) that would have easily cost more than the warranty was when I purchased it. Long way to say, even on a Toyota, the extended warranty was money well spent. So whether I buy a Toyota or a Chevy truck, I'll be getting an extended warranty with it. This means, as long as I'm not stranded on the side of the road, should I really be concerned? An all encompassing warranty is a VERY affordable and beautiful thing.

In the end, I'll be weighing the option of a Turbo Diesel well equipped Colorado against an equally well equipped Tacoma. It's going to be a battle for the ages. I'm interested to hear everyone else s thoughts on the topic. As I stated in the title, let's try and keep it civil.

Pictures for those who are visual learners!

 

Not going to lie, I'd probably get the new Colorado. That things looks nice. Paired with the diesel, it should be a fun truck.

 

For me ...NO diesel simply because I do NOT tow often (rarely does), I hate the smell, Diesel is more expense at the pump, diesel engine commands more up-front cost.

So, my 2012 TRD Sprot will go to my son when he start driving in 2 years and I'll be rocking a new 2017/2018 TRD DC Sport/Off Road V6.

 

Yeah, definitely look at your operating cost per mile. You may get better mileage, but each tank will cost you more, plus you'll have more maintenance and extra costs.

That being said, I think the new GM twins are really nice and deserve your attention. I am in the group that was dissapointed with the 2016 Tacoma, so I don't think the gap is that big between them anymore. To be fair, some of the things you mention (wind noise, stronger diff/tranny/t-case) we don't really know are improved yet. In the end, it really comes down to features, comfort, overall feel, and price for me. Especially with an extended warranty, I think the reliability isn't as big of a concern as it used to be.

 

I don't like the Colorado at all, but I like the Canyon. Weird what a small difference can make.

 

If I knew ahead of time whether the 2.8 Duramax would be reliable, I'd 100% hold out for one. The emissions compliance crap sucks, from experience. I'd hope they do it better than Ram did with my 1500 ecodiesel - crappy parts, and poor part availability. Doesn't really matter if the engine itself has been used in global markets... once it hits America and gets configured for our emissions and the company sources other parts, it's a gamble.

Reasons to not get a diesel: reliability concerns with these newer small displacement motors (especially first few years of new model), initial cost

Reasons to go diesel: everything else.

Wow, in the time it took for me to type that, many people had responded.

Cost of ownership isn't a big deal. You're going to require more oil than a gasser, and probably one optimized for not blocking diesel particulate filters... so yeah that's some added cost - but then you'll probably be looking at oil changes in the ~10,000 mile interval. Filters can be a drop in the bucket if the aftermarket is strong.

Whoever said they hate the smell - you aren't going to smell anything in a new diesel unless you do some stupid modification or have a leak prior to the DPF. I wonder how many of the nay sayers have actually owned a diesel or even driven one.

 

I think for me, the toyota looks better, and I think the evolution rather than revolution will keep the aftermarket supply of parts up for the toyota. That said, a colorado isn't bad and the engine options are more modern over all. But I would wonder about the feel driving each and the longevity of some parts that contribute to the overall feel of the truck. Which seats are nicer? What transmission shifts better and is geared better? How does the engine and exhaust sound? How does the interior hold up?

Looking at them side by side and knowing about the specs on both, I would still go toyota. I think the deisel option is nice, but I don't tow, and the mpgs would have to be way better to justify the cost. For me personally, I would love the new tacoma with a small gdi turbo gas engine. Maybe 2.2 or even 2.0L.

 

First thing, tell us more about what you will use the truck for. And what type of trim package as well. These decisions are very user dependent. Are you doing quite a bit of off road, that would make a big difference. Why the interest in the diesel? That seems to imply something about your intended application I'm guessing?

Also, confirm your ownership plan. Based on what you said I'm assuming this is something you will own for 10+ years? Seems the GM will take a huge hit in value in the short term compared to the Tacoma so that is a big factor for people on an "infinite payment plan" trading every three years. For a 10-15 year owner probably not as big a deal.

Anyway, good luck with your decision and I'm interested in the polite discussion too. But tell us more about you and what you will do with the truck or the discussion will wander in irrelevant directions.

 

We will be lucky to get anything close to an intelligent conversation.
Maybe once or twice per 10 pages. This forum is full of those who much rather insult others than to engage in a civilized conversation.

 

Don't fling poo, and no one will fling poo back at you.

Personally, I don't have the need (or the funds) to support buying a diesel. They've become pretty high maintenance engines for things that have nothing to do with maintenence.
- Do I have enough DEF in the truck?
- Where are the stations in my area that carry diesel?
- Do the costs of fuel offset economy savings per tank?
- Are the torque improvements worth the additional vehicle costs?

There's several operations around here (i.e. "hippies") that convert old Mercedes diesels into biodiesels. Ugh. Nothing like smelling like a french fry vat going down the road. But they feel there is a need to use this fuel source.

To each their own, based on their need. I don't need it, so I don't mind that it isn't there.

 

The new Colorado diesel was designed by isuzu so it shouldn't be to bad.

 

We seem to be doing fairly well thus far so chalk it up to luck or that the jerks are asleep at the keyboard...I'LL TAKE IT!

Very good questions and I'm happy to see people thinking about this logically. I bought my Tacoma new in July of 2009. I now have 97k miles on the clock. I do some offroading but not all the time. I realistically have only towed a set of jet skis and that was only once. I don't plan on towing. That being said, power is an addictive thing and more is very very fun. I recently sold my 1993 TT RX7 that had about 400hp. While power may not be NEEDED it's certainly nice to have and judging from the GR engine series, there's not much to be had in the way of extra power without serious modification. I find that diesel and many factory turbo vehicles offer quite a bit more flexibility with their ECUs than what I've seen out of Toyota lately. I'm told the ECU for 2GR engines in the IS350 (which will be similar to what we're getting) is essentially fort knox. No numbers yet (on either truck) but I'd expect the diesel truck would get good mileage. Hell, the RAM with a diesel gets about 28mpg so I'd expect this to be close to 30.

I've owned my truck (meaning it's been paid off) for over 3 years now. I'll be purchasing my next truck by trading this one in and financing the rest. It's smarter not to buy a vehicle for cash because the dealer won't give you as good a deal. After all, they make money on financing, so let them think they'll get more money out of you and then just pay off the vehicle early.

Good points all around. I've not sat in either so i can't say for sure. I can comment that my Tacoma has done very well on the inside. Whether that's a result of the truck's construction and materials or the way I treat it I'm not sure. I generally take good care of my expensive toys so I'm sure that helps.

True story. Hopefully it won't get totally neutered by the time it hits US soil.

 

If it's anything like those I was driving during many of my deployments, that might not be too bad. The transmissions were horrible (short clutch throw), but the motors were pretty solid. Should be interesting to see what GM does with them.

 

Don't forget to factor in depreciation. In five years the 2016 Taco will be worth $25k and the 2016 Colorado will be worth $15k.

 

From Toyota Chief engineer on diesel:

Excerpt:
“Diesel, from a fuel economy standpoint, is about a 30 percent improvement right out of the box,” Sweers said. “The downside to diesel is the emissions has to be certified at the same level as a gas engine. So the way to do that is you have to put on an after-treatment system. The after-treatment system is very expensive [and] it adds $3000 or more dollars per vehicle cost. So if we consider that cost, versus the fuel economy improvement, and the fact that diesel is $1 more per gallon more than gasoline, is there a return on the investment? And the fact that as we move towards the future and we get past 2017 and then 2019 [emissions] regulations … can you make that diesel survive? So is it a two-year engine? Is it a four-year engine? That’s the question. From an investment standpoint, it’s very difficult to show a return on that investment.”

 

This is an interesting thread.

Have you considered the ZR2 as an option with the diesel? I kind of like it...

 

It's not a option because that is a concept only.

 

While historically this was the case, you're basing this off two completely different vehicles. If the new Colorado/Canyon ends up being as good as it looks, then the resale value on the truck should be pretty decent.



Also, I'm VERY surprised to hear how many people are now saying they aren't interested in a diesel now that one is offered. I guess because it's simply not offered by Toyota?

 

Yes that's true for now. However, if you review the Chevy website for the Colorado you'll see it explicitly states the diesel is not a "maybe" but rather a promise to be delivered in the 2016 truck. Here's the link, look midway down.
http://www.chevrolet.com/colorado-small-truck.html#Performance

 

Right, the diesel for the GM twins was confirm since early last year. For Toyota I doubt it since the comments from the Toyota engineers are going a different route to save money for the consumer and Toyota.