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2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Faces Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro In An Off-Road Showdown: Video

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the General’s answer for folks who are looking for a mid-sized pickup with off-road capabilities. Its most direct competitor is the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, and in this video published by Off-road.com, we find out which model video automotive writer Stephen Elmer thinks is better.

Equipped with the 2.8-liter Duramax, the Colorado ZR2 puts out 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque – 92 less ponies than the Tacoma TRD Pro, but an extra 104 lb-ft. Also counting against the ZR2 are its ride height (half-an-inch closer to the ground) and tow rating (just 5,000 lbs versus the Toyota’s 6,800 lbs). On the other hand, its $40,995 base price is $220 less than that of the TRD Pro – not a tremendous difference, but even at that price point, the ZR2 comes equipped with Multimatic’s excellent DSSV dampers.

Still, for Elmer, the Toyota sounds better on paper, and even feels more compact and direct on the road than the ZR2 does. That said, he criticizes the import for lack of comfort and poor seating position. By comparison, Elmer says the Colorado excels at comfort, but also maintains a level of stiffness that gives the driver confidence.

To hear more on their differences and find out which truck takes the win in this comparison test, click play above.

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Comments

  1. I know they want to highlight the baby Duramax, but GM needs to start handing over the V6 ZR2 for these head to head comparisons

    Reply
    1. Why do they? The ZR2 and the diesel are perfect combo and make that truck special.

      Reply
  2. They have reviews on both out there and both generally take the win over the Taco.

    Reply
  3. ZR2 vs TRD

    Hmm that right there tells you who customers should pick!

    GM

    Reply
  4. Will that ZR2 go 500,000 without a rebuild or a
    Major problem .

    Reply
    1. I’ve seen Chevy Cavaliers go over 500,000 k’s without any major problems or rebuilds and are still going strong. I’ve also had a brand new Toyota Corolla that was the biggest piece of crap I’ve ever driven. Toyota isn’t the only auto maker that can build reliable vehicles. Here’s some other important info for you. According to their own sales figures “40% of Taco’s are leased and are never taken off road, and most are traded in within five years”. So no wonder most Taco buyers never experience any “reliability problems”, they don’t keep their trucks long enough or put enough miles on them. Yours may have been great, no denying that-but its not extraordinary either ! Sorry!

      Reply
  5. Wow. This sure isn’t a bias review. How many Tacomas have been sold over the past year?

    Reply
    1. did you just try to use bandwagon marketing as a justification? Good god man.

      Reply

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