Chevy Colorado ZR2 vs Tacoma TRD Off-Road!
Can the latest and greatest muscle machinery from Detroit go toe-to-toe with the legendary Tacoma TRD Off-Road?
We might be a little biased here at YotaTech, but we don’t think we’ll ruffle any feathers with this statement. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is the standard in the midsize pickup segment, and has been for years. However, other small pickup manufacturers are on a constant quest to dethrone the TRD Tacoma.
The latest to come for the TRD Tacoma’s crown is the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. Recently, Car and Driver had the opportunity to test both, comparing the pickups both on and off-road. Before we get to the results, though, let’s look at how they stack up on paper.
The Tacoma’s new 2.4 liter turbo four-cylinder, when paired with an 8-speed automatic, makes more or less the same horsepower as the outgoing V6, with substantially more torque. You’re looking at 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque – not bad at all for a four-banger. Chassis upgrades include a wider track width and a coil-sprung rear axle.
The TRD Off-Road variant also features off-road goodies such as 32″ BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A tires, Bilstein dampers, and an electronic locking rear differential. A 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road starts at $43,295 before options.
By comparison, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 starts at $48,295 – five grand more than the TRD Tacoma. However, you do get quite a lot for that extra scratch. For one thing, then engine is more powerful. The 2.7 liter turbo four in the ZR2 is good for a whopping 310 horsepower and an impressive 430 lb-ft of torque.
Colorado ZR2 buyers are also treated to 33″ Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, high-tech spool-valve dampers from Multimatic, and electronic lockers for both the rear and the front differentials.
Chevy Colorado ZR2 vs. Tacoma TRD Off-Road: Real World Results
It may seem from these simple stats that the Tacoma TRD Off-Road has finally met its match. However, after extensive testing, Car and Driver reached the conclusion that the Tacoma TRD Off-Road still reigns as the king of midsize pickups. (At least until the new TRD Pro with the hybrid iFORCE MAX powertrain arrives.)
It should come as no surprise to the Toyota faithful that the interior quality was perceived as better. However, it wasn’t just a difference in materials. The layout and functionality are far better according to Car and Driver. There are cubbies for everything, and the controls are intuitive. The same can’t be said for the ZR2, unfortunately.
The Tacoma also features a superior payload rating (1200 lbs. compared to 1084 lbs.) as well as a higher tow rating (6300 lbs. versus 6000 lbs.). There’s more space inside the Tacoma as well, and the rear seats can fold flat to become a shelf – not possible in the Colorado.
The biggest surprise, however, came in regards to engine performance. Despite the additional power and torque on tap, the Colorado ZR2 wasn’t faster. In fact, it matched the TRD Tacoma’s 0-60 time (6.8 seconds) and 1/4 mile time (15.2 seconds).
When it comes to passing power, the TRD Tacoma actually accelerates faster from 50-70 MPH than the Colorado ZR2. At 4.7 seconds, the Tacoma handily out-accelerates the Colorado, which requires 5.4 seconds to complete the same pass. In addition, the Tacoma’s 21 MPG combined fuel economy blows the Colorado’s disappointing 16 MPG rating out of the water.
While the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is an impressive truck, it’s just not quite as good as the newest Tacoma TRD Off-Road. As Toyota fans, we appreciate the competition – after all, these new trucks push Toyota to continually improve their product.
Photos: Toyota and GM
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