If you’re in the market for a mid-sized pickup truck that can conquer any terrain, the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 and the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road are top contenders. These two models boast exceptional off-road capabilities and performance, making them some of the most rugged and capable vehicles in their class. But which one is the better fit for your needs? To find out, we put them head-to-head in a detailed comparison.
Motor and Execution
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is the latest version of America’s best-selling midsize truck. It comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Off-Road model adds a locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, a Multi-Terrain Select system, a crawl control system, and skid plates to protect the engine, front suspension, and transfer case. It also features a TRD-tuned exhaust, a hood scoop, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a composite bed with a 120-volt power outlet. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road has a starting price of $37,280 and a maximum towing capacity of 6,400 pounds.
The 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is the most off-road-oriented model in the Colorado lineup. It comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ZR2 model also offers an optional 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine that makes 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The ZR2 model features a two-inch suspension lift, a wider track, front and rear electronic locking differentials, Multimatic DSSV dampers, a front skid plate, rock sliders, and 17-inch wheels with 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires. It also has a unique grille, a steel rear bumper, and a spray-on bedliner. The Colorado ZR2 has a starting price of $42,995 and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Inside and Innovation
The Tacoma TRD Rough terrain accompanies a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment framework with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It likewise has a 4.2-inch driver data show, a calfskin wrapped controlling wheel, a 10-way power-movable driver’s seat, a remote charging cushion, and a rearview camera. The Tacoma TRD Rough terrain offers a few security and driver-help highlights, for example, forward crash advance notice, programmed crisis slowing down, path takeoff ready, versatile voyage control, and vulnerable side checking.
The Colorado ZR2 comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It also has a 4.2-inch driver information display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a rearview camera. The Colorado ZR2 does not offer any standard safety or driver-assistance features, but it has an optional package that includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear parking sensors.
Rough terrain Execution
We took both trucks to a local off-road park to test their abilities on various trails and obstacles. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road impressed us with its smooth and responsive engine, its precise and easy-to-use manual transmission, and its versatile and intuitive off-road systems. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road handled rocks, mud, sand, and hills with ease, thanks to its locking rear differential, its crawl control system, and its Multi-Terrain Select system that adjusts the throttle, brakes, and traction control to suit different surfaces. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road also had a good ground clearance of 9.4 inches and a respectable approach angle of 32 degrees, departure angle of 23.5 degrees, and breakover angle of 21 degrees.
The Colorado ZR2 also impressed us with its powerful and refined engine, its smooth and quick-shifting automatic transmission, and its advanced and effective off-road features. The Colorado ZR2 tackled rocks, mud, sand, and hills with confidence, thanks to its front and rear locking differentials, Multimatic DSSV dampers that provide excellent ride quality and control, and its off-road mode that optimizes the throttle, transmission, and stability control for off-road driving. The Colorado ZR2 also had a great ground clearance of 8.9 inches and an excellent approach angle of 30 degrees, departure angle of 23.5 degrees, and breakover angle of 23.5 degrees.
On-Street Execution
Out and about, the two trucks offered an agreeable and calm ride, with great perceivability and taking care. The Tacoma TRD Rough terrain had a more refined and eco-friendly motor than the Colorado ZR2, yet it likewise had a less responsive and jerky programmed transmission. The Colorado ZR2 had a more remarkable and torquey motor than the Tacoma TRD Rough terrain, however it likewise had a lower mileage and a stronger lodge. The two trucks had satisfactory slowing down and directing, yet neither of them felt extremely energetic or lithe on the asphalt.
If you need a midsize truck for off-roading, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 are both excellent choices. Both offer powerful engines, sturdy frames, and impressive off-road features and performance. However, there are some differences between them that may influence your decision. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road offers a lower price, better fuel economy, a larger bed, and more innovative and safety features compared to the Colorado ZR2. On the other hand, the Colorado ZR2 has larger tires, a wider track, better suspension, and more power than the Tacoma TRD Off-Road. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and budget, but we believe the Colorado ZR2 has a slight edge over the Tacoma TRD Off-Road for its off-road capability and fun factor.
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