Are you looking for a smaller truck with superior off-road capability? Which truck should you get: a Chevy Colorado ZR2 or a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro? Midsize pickup segment is getting ever more competitive with the latest off-road trucks.
These two trucks are pushing the limits of off-road capability for a midsize pickup. Both offer plentiful ground clearance, approach/departure angles, skid plates, specially tuned suspension/shocks, and off-road ready tires.
The ZR2 takes off-roading very seriously with front and rear locking differentials, side rock rails, and aggressive Wrangler Duratrac tires. The ZR2 also offers more payload capability when configured with a 3.6L V6 and the 8-speed. The ZR2 could you be head with a turbo-diesel.
The Tacoma pulls ahead with better ground clearance, far better fuel economy ratings, and a higher tow rating.
| Chevy Colorado ZR2 | Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro | |
| Engine: | 3.6L V6 (or 2.8L Diesel) | 3.5L V6 |
| Transmission: | 8-speed auto (or 6-speed auto) | 6-speed auto |
| Max Payload: | 1,220 lbs (as tested) | 1,000 lbs (as tested) |
| Max Towing: | 5,000 lbs | 6,400 lbs |
| Ground Clerance: | 8.9 in | 9.4 in |
| Approach angle | 30 deg | 35 deg |
| Departure angle | 23.5 deg | 23.9 deg |
| Breakover angle | 23.5 deg | 26 deg |
Check out this video for a comprehensive look at these two trucks. We drag raced them to see which one is quicker. We towed a 5,000 lbs trailer with each on the Ike Gauntlet™ – World’s Toughest Towing test. Naturally, we took them on our toughest off-road trail – the Cliffhanger 2.0.
Which truck did better? You gotta watch it.
