2021 Tacoma TRD Off-Road vs. 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison

Growing up in LA, countless hours were lost sitting in traffic on the 405. When a majority of your free time is spent in your car, what you drive becomes your reality. Long before Prius became a status symbol, cars parked on the 405 were high end luxury, commercial vehicles and the occasional beater.

My first memory riding in a truck is from a very young age, a quick errand with my uncle in Washington State. Driving around was so different than anything I was accustomed to in LA traffic. I remember glancing through the back window into the truck bed and seeing an organized mess of tools and equipment. Driving with the windows rolled down, the pressures of living in LA were gone. It was freeing and I loved it. I always imagined myself owning a Toyota Tacoma, possibly the nostalgia from my childhood, but more importantly the reliability of the Toyota engine.

So how the hell did I end up with a Diesel Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison?

If you’re in the market for a mid-size truck with serious off-road capabilities, then like me, you’re torn between the Tacoma TRD and the Chevy Colorado ZR2. Why I went with the ZR2 depends on multiple factors. Let’s take a closer look at the two trucks to help you make your decision.

BACKGROUND

The Tacoma was originally built to replace the Toyota Hilux (still available in foreign markets) also known as the Toyota Pickup. First produced in 1969 and surprisingly, my roommate Steve still owns one. Currently parked outside in the driveway, it’s one of the last produced in 1994 and still running strong. The current 2021 Tacoma TRD Pro is a third-generation model of the Toyota Pickup which has been in production since 2015. Although in 2020 it was given a facelift with a new heritage grill and some tech, but let’s be real, it’s outdated.

When it comes to midsized trucks, there has not been a true competitor to the Tacoma until Chevy released the Colorado ZR2. The upgrade from the Z71 includes a 2″ lift with a 90mm body increase. Plus, it comes in a 2.8L Duramax Turbodiesel offering more torque and higher MPGs. The initial appearance of the ZR2 is achingly stunning. The standard package includes off-road friendly front and rear bumpers, flared fenders to cover a wider track, long-travel rear leaf springs and gold and blue Multimatic Dynamic suspension peeking out from inside the wheel well. Basically if the Ford Raptor and the Ram TRX birthed a child.

OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY

The stock Tacoma TRD Pro is off-road ready. The package includes a beefy TRD Pro 1/4″ skid plate, cat-back exhaust, hood scoop, fox internal-bypass shocks, a six speed transmission and in 27 years it will still be parked in your driveway awaiting a trouble free startup. It’s equipped with a rear electronic locking differential and with the increased ride height, it will easily withstand some rock crawling and mud trekking. Although the TRD Pro comes highly optioned from the factory, there are still a number of modifications one would have to do to make it withstand the rigors of overlanding. While no one is denying the cost of overlanding, needing to add upgrades before you drive off the dealer lot is far from ideal.

The ZR2 has both front and rear electronic locking differentials which seems to be the winning off road feature. Plus a secret weapon, the ZR2 AEV Bison. As-tested, the price of the Bison is comparable to its level of performance on the trail. Straight from the dealer, its ready for anything and the value is unbeatable. Taking notes from Jeep and incorporating a host of Bison exclusive boron steel armor, it offers the protection of the Gladiator but in a lightweight package, given it the swiftness of the Toyota for high-speed desert travel. If the stock ZR2 didn’t win you over with its off road capabilities, the Bison will.

ON-ROAD CAPABILITY

I recently test drove the Tacoma and before the drive I was sold on signing the paperwork to drive it home. The Tacoma looks really good on paper and it seems like everyone in Carbondale has one. But after the drive I was disappointed. The dash tech was easy to use and functional but the 4 door cab was small. The back seats were practically unusable and the seats overall were hard and uncomfortable. For a price, the TRD trim package includes leather seats but no update to the seat structure. Once on the road, driving at a freeway speed sounded like we were driving through a wind tunnel. There was no hesitation about driving straight back to the dealership.

After lunch we headed to the Chevy dealership, Adam convinced me to try another mid-sized truck. I was prepared to dislike the ZR2, as I was mentally sold on riding the Tacoma bandwagon. The salesman backed out the white ZR2 Bison from the showroom and I slid onto the soft leather seats with a look of forced disgust. This quickly faded as the driving capability of the ZR2 with DSSV Shocks was able to deliver a smooth, comfortable and quiet ride. I was sold, I floated across every puddle effortlessly, returning the white ZR2 to the dealership with a fresh coat of mud.

DECIDING FACTOR

While both trucks are equally comparable, our deciding factor was based on how exactly we are going to use the truck. We are planning for long trips and comfort is important, the majority of the time the truck will be a daily driver and traveling on pavement is required to reach the trailhead. Plus, having a usable backseat for the dog, storage, and occasional third wheel will come in handy. The extent of our off-roading includes some rock crawling and potentially desert running. More importantly, the truck will be the hub of our outdoor adventures. We want a reliable vehicle without having to make costly modifications down the road. All the reasons why I am now the proud owner of a Chevy ZR2 Bison Turbodiesel!

CONCLUSION

Still having a tough time making a decision?

In the end, the Bison was ultimately my decision. However, advice from a professional really helped me make my decision. Adam guided me to find my own direction while helping me understand the technical aspects of both trucks as well as the pros and cons. If you need help making a decision or have any questions regarding other competing mid-sized trucks, feel free to send us a message. We are here to help you find the perfect vehicle.

In January we ordered the V2 Go Fast Camper. Regardless of our epic impulsive decision prior to truck ownership, keep a lookout for an upcoming article on how we made the decision to go with the GFC!