Colorado ZR2 vs Tacoma TRD Pro

[10aciousB]

OK so I'm wanting to get away from the 14yr old YouTuber fanboys and hoping to get some real opinions of real men and women who actually hunt, camp, and off-road. I'm looking at getting into a new truck as I'm in an SUV now, and a bed is better suited for my lifestyle. Full size trucks are out mainly due to size and daily liveability constraints. I've narrowed it down to the Tacoma TRD Pro and Colorado ZR2 specifically, for their off-road capabilities. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The ZR2 is ultimately the better off roader out of the box, but because of its DSSV dampers, it can't be lifted - or at least GM strongly advises against it. The TRD Pro has advantages in clearance/approach/breakover/departure, but they're so slight I consider it a wash. ZR2 offers spool valve dampers, 31"Duratracs, a front locker, diesel engine and rocker protection. The TRD Pro offers A-Trac, Crawl Control, resale, "reliability"?, and sexier sheet metal. As for price, again it's a wash - they both come in around the mid-50s (I know, right). Not looking to start any fights, just people's thoughts.

[Passthru]

If you want a truck that lasts get the Tacoma.

[Monica B]

Here is a video comparing the 2 trucks.
Not sure if you have watched it,
but I thought it was informative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKP2lUfVWeE

[LeonH]

If you want a truck that lasts get the Tacoma.

x2

I had my 2013 Tacoma TRD for 4 years & 100,000kms. Lots of hunting, ice fishing, pulling 19' travel trailer. My cost of ownership was only insurance, oil and gas during those four years.

[Passthru]

x2

I had my 2013 Tacoma TRD for 4 years & 100,000kms. Lots of hunting, ice fishing, pulling 19' travel trailer. My cost of ownership was only insurance, oil and gas during those four years.

I'm driving a 2010 with 190000km. Only "major" repair has been a lower ball joint other than regular maintenance. Its never let me down. Same goes for the 1992 I had before this one.

[gtr]

If you pick the Toyota, you never tried the Chevy. If your five ten and 150 pounds you will be some what comfortable. If you not, as I'm not, you will be cramped.

[sns2]

That video is pretty informative. They seem pretty close. If it were me, and prices are a wash, I would go with the Toyota simply for resale, and possibly reliability. Good luck on your purchase! Post pics when you get her.

[gtr]

LOL.....You must be of smaller stature, or if you want to use the back seat, it would be good for kids. Life is too short to be uncomfortable in a vehicle. As I said try it out.

[Passthru]

By the way I'm 6' 4". No problems but with four fully grown people in the cab, then it starts to get tight.

[sns2]

LOL.....You must be of smaller stature, or if you want to use the back seat, it would be good for kids. Life is too short to be uncomfortable in a vehicle. As I said try it out.

I'm not buying it. I drive a full size and am not interested in small.

[gitrdun]

I'm sure that you can't go wrong either way as you haven't thrown in a Ford as an option....attaboy. :sHa_shakeshout:

[gtr]

I'm not buying it. I drive a full size and am not interested in small.

I won't buy one either.:)

[10aciousB]

LOL.....You must be of smaller stature, or if you want to use the back seat, it would be good for kids. Life is too short to be uncomfortable in a vehicle. As I said try it out.

Hahaha no, I'm 6'4/215. I've driven both, and granted, they're both on the snug side, it's fairly easy to find a comfortable driving position in both trucks. I'd give the Colorado the +1 in this category though, because it has the more upright "truck" like seating position. The Taco makes you feel like you're sitting on the floor with your feet straight out in front of you rather than in a chair as in the Colorado. And, with the Taco, I found it hard to see the lights when stopped at an intersection without cranking my head. But honestly, the difference between the two is not big enough to be a deciding factor.

[whitetail Junkie]

You might be hard pressed to find a pro for sale...lots of them are pre ordered/bought up sight unseen.

[10aciousB]

You might be hard pressed to find a pro for sale...lots of them are pre ordered/bought up sight unseen.

Oh I'm aware. Apparently there's a waitlist, and when one comes available, they'll call you. It might be in your town, it might be in BC, it might be in MB and it might not be the color you wanted. They ask if you want it or not. If you say no, it's to the back of the line for you and they call the next guy.

[whitetail Junkie]

Oh I'm aware. Apparently there's a waitlist, and when one comes available, they'll call you. It might be in your town, it might be in BC, it might be in MB and it might not be the color you wanted. They ask if you want it or not. If you say no, it's to the back of the line for you and they call the next guy.

Thats correct!The dealership I know in southern AB got 2 of them last year and the first one went to a fellow in northern BC,the second stayed local and I see it around town occasionally.

[7mmremmag]

For what its worth I have a TRD lift in my 2017 Tundra and it literally rides as nice as my wifes Acura.

I am very pro Toyota, but with that said I would never buy a Tacoma. Im 6' 2" tall and i think it would be too small.
Ive had two Tundras in a row now a 2015 1794 and now a 2017 Platinum and I can tell you they stand up.
Im a rig consultant and put the miles on highway and gravel/mud crappy leases etc and mine has been awesome even pulling a 24' Office trailer behind it.
IMHO the Colorado will not stand up like the Tacoma.
And the resale on the Tacoma will be great, especially on a hard to find model like that one.

[whitetail Junkie]

LOL.....You must be of smaller stature, or if you want to use the back seat, it would be good for kids. Life is too short to be uncomfortable in a vehicle. As I said try it out.

Then on the other end of the spectrum you see a young guy in his early 20's about the size of my right leg get out of a 6" lifted monster cab diesel Truck...LoL

[10aciousB]

Thats correct!The dealership I know in southern AB got 2 of them last year and the first one went to a fellow in northern BC,the second stayed local and I see it around town occasionally.

Just adds to the rarity and subsequent resale value down the road. A friend of mine bought a 4Runner Pro and had to go to a dealership in Coquitlam to pick it up.

[EZM]

Ford Ranger Raptor was also just released. Don't know much about it, but if it's anything like the F-150, might be worth a look (although I hate buying first model year of anything because you become a test pilot for unknown issues).

Here's how I look at it. Fuel savings between full size and mid size trucks are negligible and full size trucks offer some advantages BUT if you want a mid size, and are looking at these two choices .....

Toyota is likely the better and more reliable platform.

[whitetail Junkie]

Just adds to the rarity and subsequent resale value down the road. A friend of mine bought a 4Runner Pro and had to go to a dealership in Coquitlam to pick it up.

yaa your probably right...I know the dealerships 2018 4runner here in town is already sold....

[Big Sky]

This article was in the Friday Calgary Herald. TRD pro vs zr2

http://driving.ca/chevrolet/colorado/reviews/comparison/pickup-comparison-2017-toyota-tacoma-trd-pro-vs-2018-chevrolet-colorado-zr2

[Homesteader]

If you pick the Toyota, you never tried the Chevy. If your five ten and 150 pounds you will be some what comfortable. If you not, as I'm not, you will be cramped.

Disagree, yes the Chevy is a little roomier, but I fit fine in a 17 Off-road.

The gassers are similar to drive, with a slight edge to Chev on power, as well as fuel economy. Price was very comparable.

As for the Toyota, I’d skip the Pro, especially if you’re going to do a lift. The only real reason to get the pro is the fox suspension. Yes I’m biased, but test drove several Colorado’s prior to buying my Off road. For me, it was the right choice.

[fordtruckin]

By the way I'm 6' 4". No problems but with four fully grown people in the cab, then it starts to get tight.

How the heck do you do that? I like the looks of the Tacoma and everything you can do with them. I have tried to like them but having sat in them at a dealers and ridden with friends who own them, even with the front seats all the way back my 6'1" 200# just can't get in a comfortable position in that truck. Haven't sat in any of the new small GM's. Fiances dad has an on older one and I fit fine in that, just feel like I'm sitting way to low in the cab. He even had to put a big foam cushion under the seat cover to sit higher...lol

As for the Ford Ranger Raptor, I don't believe they are in production yet as they won't restart production on the regular Ranger until 2019 model year or later this fall.

[10aciousB]

Ford Ranger Raptor was also just released. Don't know much about it, but if it's anything like the F-150, might be worth a look (although I hate buying first model year of anything because you become a test pilot for unknown issues).

Here's how I look at it. Fuel savings between full size and mid size trucks are negligible and full size trucks offer some advantages BUT if you want a mid size, and are looking at these two choices .....

Toyota is likely the better and more reliable platform.

I'm running an XTerra Pro4x, so fuel economy is not a concern :lol: I average 15L/100km...

[Gray Wolf]

Crappy GM quality Vs Toyota quality.

I rest my case :rolleye2:
.

[fordtruckin]

Crappy GM quality Vs Toyota quality.

I rest my case :rolleye2:
.

Reading and listening to all those reviews posted about the two and several others I just found online, the consensus seems to point towards the gm over the Toyota. To each their own I guess, personally I have a hard time buying a product that went bankrupt, took a huge tax payer funded loan, resulting in the loss of $$ back to the tax payers when the loans were repaid. But once again, to each their own.

[hilt134]

I would go chevy for cheaper parts and more self fixability. As for reliability both should be fairly good if you are good at off roading and preventative maintenance. The other thing is latly there have been a few Toyota's stolen maybe they are a more like target?

If I'm honest however I would say skip the new truck. The amount of gas you could buy with the depreciation will set you up for a long time. A new truck is a fun novelty but trust me you feel a lot better when your 2004 ford scrapes a rock than your 2018 Tacoma.

[ESOXangler]

Reading and listening to all those reviews posted about the two and several others I just found online, the consensus seems to point towards the gm over the Toyota. To each their own I guess, personally I have a hard time buying a product that went bankrupt, took a huge tax payer funded loan, resulting in the loss of $$ back to the tax payers when the loans were repaid. But once again, to each their own.

Didn’t ford pull the same stunt? Just a few years earlier? 6 billion in loans constitutes a bailout to me...

[Twist]

OP. If you want a reliable truck, get the Taco.

[fordtruckin]

Didn’t ford pull the same stunt? Just a few years earlier? 6 billion in loans constitutes a bailout to me...

True but the difference being gm and Chrysler had to file for chapter 11 and took a vast majority of 80 billion in loans. Ford had already cut costs but didn’t want to compete against a government subsidized companies. They also paid back their loans where gm and Chrysler haven’t leading to the loss of some 10 billion in tax payer money which if my math is correct is almost twice as much as what ford borrowed. So yah not quite the same stunt as you say. Oh and the money borrowed was under a different program as well.

https://www.thebalance.com/auto-industry-bailout-gm-ford-chrysler-3305670

[Bushrat]

Didn’t ford pull the same stunt? Just a few years earlier? 6 billion in loans constitutes a bailout to me...

Yes, if it wasn't for bailouts we probably wouldn't have the big 3 American automakers today. On the other hand if they let the first one that was going down die the other two might have survived on their own?

[10aciousB]

Thanks everyone for all the input...It's a super tough decision. Seems the majority are on the Tacoma side, mainly for reliability and resale, but the ZR2 is undeniably an off road beast.

[FishOutOfWater]

Pay attention to the comment from the owner of this ZR2 Colorado @ 1:48...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t6JtmgUXh4

[lakerman]

Are you really going to use the crawl control, atrac, locking diff. and uprgraded suspension, or just get a trd not pro, updgrade yourself and save some cash, check out tacoma world to see what others have commented on, but the gizmos are nice, as Garth Brooks says ask me how I know:sHa_sarcasticlol:

[denpacc]

Thanks everyone for all the input...It's a super tough decision. Seems the majority are on the Tacoma side, mainly for reliability and resale, but the ZR2 is undeniably an off road beast.

IMO, the ZR2 has not proven it's reliability off road yet. An off road beast to me means it will get me home. I'd go Tacoma.

[Trochu]

IMO, the ZR2 has not proven it's reliability off road yet. An off road beast to me means it will get me home. I'd go Tacoma.

If its not proven how do you know it won't get you home? :sign0161:

[Trochu]

10aciousB, as you've said above, it would appear the Toyota is favored for its resale and reliability but the Chevy likely offers a superior ride, is more "modern", and gets better fuel economy. I'd pick your favorite on paper and then go for a test drive. Drive them both, pick a favorite from the test drive, and go from there. You might even want to throw in a F150 or 1500, something you're pretty sure you aren't interest in, just as a baseline or to ensure your initial thoughts are correct (depending on the configuration, these midsize trucks are very similar in size to a 1/2).

I'd likely go with the Chevy. Resale doesn't really concern me as I typically drive my vehicles for years. If after 10 years one is worth $15k and the other $10k, I'm not going to base my choice on $500/year for a $50,000ish vehicle and sacrifice ride quality, or some other feature, to get it. As far as reliability, both Toyota and Chevy are top ranked brands according to JD Power, Toyota being ranked higher, but I haven't heard of anyone driving a Chevy being stranded on the road in a long time. As far as reliability, my version of reliability is does the vehicle get you where you want to go. JD Power, and others though, gauge reliability very, very differently. According to their 2017 study, the top ten reliability issues were as follows:
-Battery failed,
-Wind noise;
-Road noise;
-Auto shifts rough;
-Auto hesitates;
-Voice recognition issues;
-Phone pairing problems;
-Material scuffs easily;
-Nav. inaccurate; and,
-Nav. system not user friendly.

That's the kind of things vehicles are getting judged for these days when it comes to reliability, my phone paired and the nav. system was easy to use. If you take care of it, I'd think the chances of the Toyota and Chevy leaving you stranded would be very, very similar.

That being said, unless your in hurry, I'd be waiting to see what the Ranger Raptor has to offer, as its specs. will likely trump the Chevy and Toyota in the majority of categories.

[denpacc]

If its not proven how do you know it won't get you home? :sign0161:

You are right, I don't know if it would get me home due to it's short track record. Therefore I'd buy the Tacoma. Although I must admit, I do like the diesel configuration in the Colorado.

[Trochu]

Although I must admit, I do like the diesel configuration in the Colorado.

I like the idea of it, although I must admit I'm a bit disappointed in the execution. I know its not a race car, but a 0-60 time of 9.4 sec. puts it within a second of the Smart Car, Spark, and Mirage crowd.

[whitetail Junkie]

but I haven't heard of anyone driving a Chevy being stranded on the road in a long time.

You must have missed the youtube link posted above...

[bobtodrick]

You are right, I don't know if it would get me home due to it's short track record. Therefore I'd buy the Tacoma. Although I must admit, I do like the diesel configuration in the Colorado.

The truck is new...but most of it's components are based on existing, proven hardware.

[Trochu]

You must have missed the youtube link posted above...

I meant personally heard off, not some link from the net.

I can find quite a few links of Toyota's failing as well, doesn't mean they generally aren't reliable though.

[tacomama]

Toyota all they way. No vehicle will ever be perfect, but there are some better than others.
General consensus and my experience of Toyota (1st: FJ Cruiser, 2nd: '13 Taco SR5) would only take me to one choice.

[tacomama]

If you pick the Toyota, you never tried the Chevy. If your five ten and 150 pounds you will be some what comfortable. If you not, as I'm not, you will be cramped.

I am 6 feet and 180lbs and quite comfortable in my Taco.

[bulletman]

I have a Tacoma! I am 6 FT 3 and 3/4. It's OK for me. A very dependable solid truck. My son has a Tundra, but he has a family, mine has left the nest long ago. I would go with the Tacoma, just for the higher resale, if you weren't happy with it.
One of my pals has a Tacoma with well over 250,000 kms. He's really happy with his, also.They just seem to go and go.

[Bub]

You can call me a fan boy, but Tacoma for me as well. As for the resale value, it won’t be a five thousand difference after ten years. I know a dude who sold his 2008 FJ Cruiser to buy the new 4Runner TRD Pro earlier this fall. The FJ had 125,000 miles (not km) on it. He got more than half of what he paid when he bought it new 10 years ago. Is it an exception? Maybe, but it is not that far of a stretch either. And man that 4Runner is a slick looking vehicle. I am jelly, lol.

Also, it’s a matter of taste, but that Chevy is pretty fugly looking to me.

[Dean2]

Thanks everyone for all the input...It's a super tough decision. Seems the majority are on the Tacoma side, mainly for reliability and resale, but the ZR2 is undeniably an off road beast.

If you are looking for an off road beast neither one of these is the right choice. Go get a Jeep Rubicon in 2 or 4 door and configure it as a pickup. Neither the Taco nor the Chev will do off road what a stock Rubicon is capable of when it is fully optioned. I have owned 5 Landcruisers, 3 4Runners, wife is still driving a pristine 1992 4Runner, and a half dozen various Toyota Pickups from 1985s to present. For off road ability and available accessories the Jeeps are the top of the heap.

The Toyotas are hands down the most reliable 4x4s and have great resale value, but for hard core off road the Jeeps are better rigs.

[10aciousB]

I meant personally heard off, not some link from the net.

I can find quite a few links of Toyota's failing as well, doesn't mean they generally aren't reliable though.

Agreed. There are lots of videos on YT videos of Tacos quite literally folding in half due to their infamous frame rot issues. Honestly, IMO most vehicles are more or less par on the reliability front. Some may be slightly better or slightly worse than others, but they're all pretty well the same these days.

[Positrac]

The last Toyota I had, a T100, was a capable enough truck but it had some issues as well. The head gasket went just after warranty ended with low Kms on it. 3.0L’s were notorious for that. Had a rear leaf break twice. I chalked that up to no weight in the back and washboard dirt roads slapping the springs together. Rust was a big issue with it and I had it painted twice. Finally the frame rotted through at the front hanger on the rear leaf spring on both sides which ended its life at 11 years. I had it from new. So, my one experience with a Toyota wasn’t any better than I would expect from any other manufacturer. My Dodge Powerwagon is now 13 years old and in far better shape with no real rust issues.

I have had a couple other Toyota’s but not long enough to form any real opinion of them.

[10aciousB]

10aciousB, as you've said above, it would appear the Toyota is favored for its resale and reliability but the Chevy likely offers a superior ride, is more "modern", and gets better fuel economy. I'd pick your favorite on paper and then go for a test drive. Drive them both, pick a favorite from the test drive, and go from there. You might even want to throw in a F150 or 1500, something you're pretty sure you aren't interest in, just as a baseline or to ensure your initial thoughts are correct (depending on the configuration, these midsize trucks are very similar in size to a 1/2).

I'd likely go with the Chevy. Resale doesn't really concern me as I typically drive my vehicles for years. If after 10 years one is worth $15k and the other $10k, I'm not going to base my choice on $500/year for a $50,000ish vehicle and sacrifice ride quality, or some other feature, to get it. As far as reliability, both Toyota and Chevy are top ranked brands according to JD Power, Toyota being ranked higher, but I haven't heard of anyone driving a Chevy being stranded on the road in a long time. As far as reliability, my version of reliability is does the vehicle get you where you want to go. JD Power, and others though, gauge reliability very, very differently. According to their 2017 study, the top ten reliability issues were as follows:
-Battery failed,
-Wind noise;
-Road noise;
-Auto shifts rough;
-Auto hesitates;
-Voice recognition issues;
-Phone pairing problems;
-Material scuffs easily;
-Nav. inaccurate; and,
-Nav. system not user friendly.

That's the kind of things vehicles are getting judged for these days when it comes to reliability, my phone paired and the nav. system was easy to use. If you take care of it, I'd think the chances of the Toyota and Chevy leaving you stranded would be very, very similar.

That being said, unless your in hurry, I'd be waiting to see what the Ranger Raptor has to offer, as its specs. will likely trump the Chevy and Toyota in the majority of categories.

Thanks! Great points! I never realized things like "road noise" were considered reliability issues. Like you, I tend to drive my vehicles all the way to the crusher, so resale isn't a huge consideration, but it is nice in case circumstances change and I need to sell for whatever reason.

That Raptor Ranger looks amazing!! The only thing I'm concerned about is the little turbo motor in it. Maybe I'm old school, but turbo motors make me a little uneasy. Also Nissan is getting set to release an all new Fronty, and there are some rumours of offering it with the global Navara platform's diesel engine!!

[Homesteader]

Are you really going to use the crawl control, atrac, locking diff. and uprgraded suspension, or just get a trd not pro, updgrade yourself and save some cash, check out tacoma world to see what others have commented on, but the gizmos are nice, as Garth Brooks says ask me how I know:sHa_sarcasticlol:


Crawl control/atrac, and the locking rear diff are available on the plain trd off road, that is what I have. But the pro does offer the fox suspension vs my bilsteins. The rest is mostly bling, and a bit of uniqueness.

Have 30k on mine now, the more I drive it, the better it is :) Tranny is definitely learning my driving habits, and shifts better then when new.

[nighteyes]

Taco
have a 2006 w 180,000 mile

[M.C. Gusto]

OK so I'm wanting to get away from the 14yr old YouTuber fanboys and hoping to get some real opinions of real men and women who actually hunt, camp, and off-road. I'm looking at getting into a new truck as I'm in an SUV now, and a bed is better suited for my lifestyle. Full size trucks are out mainly due to size and daily liveability constraints. I've narrowed it down to the Tacoma TRD Pro and Colorado ZR2 specifically, for their off-road capabilities. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The ZR2 is ultimately the better off roader out of the box, but because of its DSSV dampers, it can't be lifted - or at least GM strongly advises against it. The TRD Pro has advantages in clearance/approach/breakover/departure, but they're so slight I consider it a wash. ZR2 offers spool valve dampers, 31"Duratracs, a front locker, diesel engine and rocker protection. The TRD Pro offers A-Trac, Crawl Control, resale, "reliability"?, and sexier sheet metal. As for price, again it's a wash - they both come in around the mid-50s (I know, right). Not looking to start any fights, just people's thoughts.

Daily livability constraints? Care to elaborate? You have space for a mid size but not a full size! The extra foot length is too much? If your 6.4 and 215 your Absolutely wasting your time with these two trucks. Get a full size, I’ve had the trucks mentioned btw

[srs123]

My 2 Cents on this, buy the tacoma just for resale and reliability. Also the colorado is not a true chevy, it is actually a rebadged isuzu truck available in austealia and south america.

With that being said, you can geta 2017 f150 or a nissan titan for around 46 k which is pretty much the same price as the taco.

You cannot use the back seat in these smaller trucks for kids, car seats or anything so make sure it works for your future life style (3 to 5 years at least).

Shop around and test drive them all.

[10aciousB]

Daily livability constraints? Care to elaborate? You have space for a mid size but not a full size! The extra foot length is too much? If your 6.4 and 215 your Absolutely wasting your time with these two trucks. Get a full size, I’ve had the trucks mentioned btw

Right now I drive an XTerra Pro4X, which is a pretty good analog for interior space, and I fit just fine in it. It's a cinch to drive and park in the City, and I can get to my favorite off-grid camp sites and trails that a full size truck wouldn't dream of going without incurring some significant body damage. My better half has the responsible family vehicle, but the girls haven't complained about my X either. I don't need to tow or haul, and I like the fact that I can park in front of my house, and not down the street by the mailboxes (new communities these days). I simply have no need or use for a full size. I'd be perfectly happy keeping my X, but the only thing is I could use a bed.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

What’s there price on a Tacoma TRD pro in AB if you can find one?

[tacomama]

Get the Taco and enjoy. I have an SR5. V6, double cab with the 6 foot bed.
I have had mine for almost five years and couldn't be happier with it. Could I use a full size 5% of the time? You bet, but the rest of the time I don't need it and my Taco does very well.
I tow a 3000 lbs camping trailer with my full size quad in the bed. Works great and has power to do this without any issues.
Lots of people are spewing some BS on here....the back seats are fine, I regularly have some one over 6 feet sitting back there and it's fine, a car seat fits there too, mine is in the center. Too many people think they need a full size, but in reality many don't.

This truck has never let me down and the only maintenance on it has been the regular stuff like fluid changes and tires. I haven't had to get any repairs done.
I wouldn't touch any domestic truck with a 20 foot pole.
Just watch the general section on here and it's almost weekly that someone comes on here with an issue about their truck, which is usually a ford, gm, or dodge :sHa_sarcasticlol:

I heard a pretty good saying once, think it was on an older episode of top gear. Anything will get you there, but a toyota will bring you back.

[10aciousB]

What’s there price on a Tacoma TRD pro in AB if you can find one?

Mid 50s, but they are a limited production truck. You likely won't find one on any lot. You basically have to pay a deposit, go on a list, and wait for the phone to ring. The TRD Pro is a TRD Off road with: 1" extra ground clearance, Fox remote reservoir shocks (rear only), beefier skids, better tires (albeit still street biased), TRD rims, unique grille, Rigid fog lamps and special paint. The TRD Off Road is roughly $45. If anything, that's the most likely route I'll go, and just build my own Pro from there.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Mid 50s, but they are a limited production truck. You likely won't find one on any lot. You basically have to pay a deposit, go on a list, and wait for the phone to ring. The TRD Pro is a TRD Off road with: 1" extra ground clearance, Fox remote reservoir shocks (rear only), beefier skids, better tires (albeit still street biased), TRD rims, unique grille, Rigid fog lamps and special paint. The TRD Off Road is roughly $45. If anything, that's the most likely route I'll go, and just build my own Pro from there.

That’s interesting. What about a tundra pro?

[spurly]

Or wait for the new Ford Ranger, later this year.

[Rockman]

Mid 50s, but they are a limited production truck. You likely won't find one on any lot. You basically have to pay a deposit, go on a list, and wait for the phone to ring. The TRD Pro is a TRD Off road with: 1" extra ground clearance, Fox remote reservoir shocks (rear only), beefier skids, better tires (albeit still street biased), TRD rims, unique grille, Rigid fog lamps and special paint. The TRD Off Road is roughly $45. If anything, that's the most likely route I'll go, and just build my own Pro from there.

Yep. Well put. If you go Tacoma, I would get the Off-road version and just install Fox shocks on it. You'll essentially have a pro minus some badging, front grille, etc. And you can get Fox shocks with reservoirs and adjusters (adjusts the ride to more comfy or firmer performance) for around $4k plus labor, or DIY.

I would buy a Ford or GM given the right circumstances. I have no hate for those brands and respect them to some extent as great trucks with respectable reliability. Toyota certainly isn't perfect and could step up their game with Tacos, IMHO, but their reliability is a cut above the big three for sure. So anyone buying a ZR2 would cut into their market share and hopefully give them that kick in the pants. Go for it!

Just to throw in my $0.02 on some points brought out:
* I have a Taco, I'm 6'1 and under 170lbs, I fit no problem. I think GTR meant 150 kg? :-)
* I drive 2 kids in the back regularly and no problem (7yo in a big carseat)
* Regarding cheap parts and DIY-ability: Toyota has HUGE aftermarket support and endless tutorials online on how to do just about anything. Definitely beats the ZR2 at the moment.

IMO, definitely draw up the pros and cons of each one on paper, then drive both and make your own decision.

[does it ALL outdoors]

Crappy GM quality Vs Toyota quality.

I rest my case :rolleye2:
.

Take your blinders off and hit a few Toyota forums, they arnt what they once were. Not to be confused with me saying they are bad, just not great like they they used to be.

My last "crappy" s10 had over 400,000 K on the clock and buddy I sold it to drove it till he rolled it.

My current s10 ZR2 has 240,000 and still runs like new.

And cost's a fraction of a Tacoma to buy (at least they used to be) and repair, and still dosent have a spot of rust.

Is this the Toyota quality you speak of?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxK3vFNyYxQ

[DRE75]

2007 FJ Cruiser just hit 300k kms, and can fit the 2 kid seats in the back. I can take it anywhere I want with little to no modification, and it has a decent towing capacity.

I'm a tad biased, though, as all of my vehicles are Toyotas, and have been for the past 10 years now.

[58thecat]

x2

I had my 2013 Tacoma TRD for 4 years & 100,000kms. Lots of hunting, ice fishing, pulling 19' travel trailer. My cost of ownership was only insurance, oil and gas during those four years.

And on the 5th year...what happened?

[whitetail Junkie]

Mid 50s, but they are a limited production truck. You likely won't find one on any lot. You basically have to pay a deposit, go on a list, and wait for the phone to ring. The TRD Pro is a TRD Off road with: 1" extra ground clearance, Fox remote reservoir shocks (rear only), beefier skids, better tires (albeit still street biased), TRD rims, unique grille, Rigid fog lamps and special paint. The TRD Off Road is roughly $45. If anything, that's the most likely route I'll go, and just build my own Pro from there.

The unique headlight's on the Pro Tacoma are $1300.00 EACH ....I think them and the Limited tacoma's are the only ones with heated leather seats too...

[10aciousB]

The unique headlight's on the Pro Tacoma are $1300.00 EACH ....I think them and the Limited tacoma's are the only ones with heated leather seats too...

Are you referring to the Rigid Industry fog lamps? I believe the headlights are the same as the "lesser" trims...But $1300?? WOW!!

[fordtruckin]

Take your blinders off and hit a few Toyota forums, they arnt what they once were. Not to be confused with me saying they are bad, just not great like they they used to be.

My last "crappy" s10 had over 400,000 K on the clock and buddy I sold it to drove it till he rolled it.

My current s10 ZR2 has 240,000 and still runs like new.

And cost's a fraction of a Tacoma to buy (at least they used to be) and repair, and still dosent have a spot of rust.

Is this the Toyota quality you speak of?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxK3vFNyYxQ


That sucks! lol

[tacomama]

Meet the One Million Mile Toyota Tundra Still with Its Original V8!
https://youtu.be/TL7fyyUNRmA

[fordtruckin]

Meet the One Million Mile Toyota Tundra Still with Its Original V8!
https://youtu.be/TL7fyyUNRmA

a quick google search will show multiple vehicles from various manufactures that have done the same.

[Trochu]

That sucks! lol

What do you mean, thats an option, a bed that dumps!

[10aciousB]

Update: I test drove both, and, well, the winner is: the truck I already own.

2nd place - The Colorado: It delivered the nicer ride, had the nicer interior (minus a shift lever from the 1996 Grand Am parts bin), better engine, and the equipment I wanted out of the box without having to shell out thousands in extra dough and time. The only thing is the automatic transmission - I've never driven an automatic I liked, and the engine, although advertised at 305hp, did not feel even close to that (probably due to the automatic transmission acting as the fun police).

3rd place - The Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road/TRD Pro: Lockers in the rear only, street biased tires, and only available with an automatic in crew cab configuration (Ughh :angry3:). The Crawl Control feature was kind of cool, but I'm not sure how necessary it is. Most experienced off-roaders like myself would likely seldom use it. The interior was not as nice as the ZR2, cloth seats only, and an audio system that makes a clock radio sound like Dolby 7.1 digital surround sound. The new Atkinson Cycle engine felt like an absolute dud; but to be fair it was probably due to the automatic transmission which was all over the place and did everything it could to sap any available power from the engine (Did I mention I hate automatic transmissions?). It really wants to be in the highest gear possible and is very reluctant to shift. You really have to put your foot into it to make it go, and even then it does so with contempt. And to top it all off, the TRD Off Road came in at $48,000 all in...only $3,000 less than the ZR2. The TRD Pro adds $10K to that.

I'm not at all brand loyal, these are just my own observations. I was quite disappointed in both trucks, but more so the Tacoma. Looks like I'll be hanging on to my truck for some years to come yet.

[LeonH]

And on the 5th year...what happened?

On the fifth year I sold it for great price. Purchased it for $37k even (all in price) and sold it for $27,500 four years later. You will loose that much in one year with GM option

Since I bought it I moved 40kms away from Edmonton and needed a small commute car for work in Edmonton. So I got 2016 Mazda 3 and 2013 Ram that sits at home waiting for outdoor activities. Both vehicles I paid roughly for what I sold Tacoma for. Mind you both of my new to me vehicles were written off but person I bought them from is a friend I trust. So far I am happy...

Still nothing but praise is all I have for that Tacoma. You can't go wrong with it

[Gade81]

Daily livability constraints? Care to elaborate? You have space for a mid size but not a full size! The extra foot length is too much? If your 6.4 and 215 your Absolutely wasting your time with these two trucks. Get a full size, I’ve had the trucks mentioned btw

Yup totally agree. Would never buy either myself when you could have a 1/2t for the same money. And get waaaayyyy more truck.

But to answer the op's ?, probably tacoma. Even though they ugly