These are exciting times for truck enthusiasts who also like off-roading. The 2017 Ford Raptor is out, launching the second generation of Ford’s halo F-150. Toyota has its new-for-2017 Tacoma TRD Pro that’s based on the new-for-2016 Tacoma. And Chevy comes late to the party with its Colorado ZR2 – a production truck based on the concept version from 2014. These three trucks represent the upper crust of the pickup segment. It’s a prestigious group that’s focused on going fast over rough terrain while still conquering the daily commute.
The Raptor might be the premiere pickup, having birthed this niche segment back in 2010, but the Toyota and Chevy new-comers aren’t slackers. In fact, thanks to their smaller sizes compared to the full-size Raptor, these mid-size pickups are more agile and can fit down narrower trails. The famed Rubicon train in California, or instance, is too narrow for the Raptor’s immensely wide track. The Tacoma TRD Pro and Colorado ZR2, however, should have no problem traversing the tight terrain.
The Toyota and Chevy are also less expensive (or rumored to be) than the Raptor. That puts them basically in a head-to-head fight for customers. Typical things like design, features, and brand loyalty goes a long way in choosing which truck is best, but a more objective comparison should be made. That’s especially true for someone who’s ready to pull the trigger on a purchase.
Both the Toyota and Chevy pickups come with unique bodywork that separates them from their conventional counterparts. The Tacoma TRD Pro has a unique grille with the throwback TOYOTA logo that harks to iconic vehicles like the FJ. It also has a hood scoop, unique fog lights from Rigid Industries, and a bumper with a high approach angle. Visible skid plates help protect vital components from damage. Bold fender flares and TRD Pro-specific wheels and tires give the truck a mean look. Toyota chose to run Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires that measures 265/70R16 – or a 30-inch tire for you off-road types. The tires aren’t all that aggressive, but they are reinforced with Kevlar, making them less susceptible to puncture. The Tacoma also gets a bevy of badges, including ones just below the side mirrors, on the tailgate, and the TRD Pro logo stamped into the bed wall sheet metal.
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 takes a similarly wild approach to styling. The front grille is specific to the ZR2, as is the shorty-style bumper with an incredibly high approach angle. Exposed tow hooks make vehicle recovery a breeze. Wider fenders are capped with black flares cover the widened suspension track. The truck is 3.5-inches wider than a standard Colorado, in fact. This is said to improve the trucks stability, both on- and off-road.
Around back, the ZR2 gives up the Colorado’s step bumpers in favor of an improved departure angle. A bed-mounted spare tire carrier is optional, but does cut into cargo space. Chevy says it’s offering the option to improve the truck’s departure angle while easing access to the spare should damage occur to a rolling tire. Speaking about tires, the ZR2 uses the Goodyear Duratrac sized at 31 inches on a 17-inch wheel. The Duratracs are more aggressive than the Toyota’s Wranglers, and also have the Triple Peak snowflake indicating their ability to operate without chains in winter conditions.
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