Lewiston Chevrolet – Which truck is better for overlanding near Walla Walla, WA — 2025 Chevy Colorado or Toyota Tacoma?
Overlanding blends long-distance travel with self-reliance, so the choice of truck matters. Shoppers weigh the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado and the 2025 Toyota Tacoma because each offers trail-ready hardware, utility-focused beds, and advanced driver assistance. If your goal is reliable power, intelligent camera coverage, and a bed that functions like a mobile workshop, Colorado stands out. Standard TurboMax™ torque across the lineup and up to 7,700 pounds of max available towing equip you for rooftop tents, water, tools, and recovery gear without juggling powertrain upgrades. Available segment-first underbody cameras help you read the terrain under your front and rear axles, and up to 10 camera views simplify both technical maneuvers and tight campsite backing.
Tacoma counters with genuine off-road credibility. Its i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain generates strong output on specific trims, and equipment like a Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism, Crawl Control, and available specialty shocks on TRD Pro and Trailhunter suits rugged routes. Tacoma’s next-generation Multi-Terrain Monitor checks front, side, and rear views, and its accessory ecosystem is deep for racks, armor, and lighting. The question for many overlanders is not whether Tacoma can go the distance, but how consistently it delivers the same capability across the lineup and how well its camera and bed systems adapt to trip planning, trail travel, and campsite setup.
Colorado’s bed and tailgate are built to streamline overlanding. Up to 17 available tie-downs create flexible anchor points for jerry cans, recovery boards, and fridge slides. The available StowFlex tailgate storage keeps smaller gear out of the cab and out of sight, while the integrated tailgate measurement tool reduces guesswork as you mock up drawer systems or cut crossbars. With an available 120-volt outlet and bed lighting, Colorado helps you finish camp tasks after dark without unpacking half your kit. Tacoma offers its own power outlet and a well-supported accessory catalog, but it does not match Colorado’s built-in bed organization or measurement features when you are fabricating on the fly.
Inside the cabin, Colorado leans into consistency. Every model includes an 11.3-inch diagonal center touch-screen with Google built-in, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and an 11-inch fully digital Driver Information Center. That means familiar menus and trail-relevant data no matter which trim you choose. Toyota equips Tacoma with an available 14-inch multimedia display and, on select grades, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The tech is capable and intuitive, yet the most robust setup is not standard across the range. For overlanders who prize redundancy and ease of use, Colorado’s uniform interface reduces the learning curve and helps keep your attention on the map, not the menus.
Suspension choice also informs the answer. Colorado ZR2’s factory 3-inch lift and Multimatic DSSV™ dampers are tuned to manage varied surfaces over long distances without sacrificing stability under load. Trail Boss adds a 2-inch lift and 32-inch all-terrains for those who prefer a milder approach. Tacoma can be configured with FOX® or Old Man Emu® shocks and a high-clearance front bumper on the most capable grades, which excel in technical terrain. For extended trips that mix washboard, rock gardens, and pavement connectors, Colorado’s damping and drive modes, including Baja on ZR2, deliver a broad window of control without wearing you out.
Looking at the entire trip lifecycle, Colorado’s towing, bed functionality, and camera coverage simplify prep, transit, and setup in ways that matter when the route is long and time is short. Tacoma remains a proven platform, especially in its specialty grades, but the Chevrolet approach to standard torque and built-in utility often proves more convenient for overlanders who want plug-and-play readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What camera tech helps most for overlanding?
Colorado’s up to 10 camera views, including available underbody cameras, help you spot breakover hazards and place tires precisely. Tacoma’s Multi-Terrain Monitor offers front, side, and rear views, which are useful but cover fewer angles.
How do the beds compare for gear organization?
Colorado offers up to 17 tie-downs, an available 120-volt outlet, bed lighting, and an available StowFlex tailgate storage compartment plus a tailgate measurement tool. Tacoma provides bed power and a strong accessory ecosystem but lacks the Colorado’s integrated tailgate storage and measurement tool.
Which is better if I tow an overland trailer?
Colorado’s max available towing of up to 7,700 pounds and standard TurboMax™ torque across all trims make it a confident tow partner. Tacoma’s tow rating is lower, and its strongest torque is limited to i-FORCE MAX hybrid trims.
For a hands-on walkaround of Colorado’s trail cameras, bed functionality, and off-road suspensions, connect with Lewiston Chevrolet GMC, serving Moscow, Walla Walla, and Coeur d’Alene. Our team will help you choose the right trim, tire, and accessory plan for your route and timeline.
Request more 2025 Chevrolet Colorado information

