New 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 vs Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro? Which One Should I Buy? 

Another excellent production from TFL!

Alright Chevrolet! You did great with the facelift now give us an interior update!

The diesel zr2 uses the space in front of the radiator for the intercooler.

Wasn’t a fan of the ZR2 looks at first but is has definitely grown on me. I am really liking the competition in the off-road truck market and excited to see what’s to come in the future!

Re sell value for Tacoma is ri·dic·u·lous. 1 year old TRD pro, sells in the 40’s

Test drove the 2020 of both vehicles. I was shocked at how much better the ZR2 felt on-road. Did not expect such an off-road worthy set up to drive anywhere close to that. Those shocks got some magic in them. If the MPG would have been a bit better, it would be in my garage now.

I have a Covid priced 2020 ZR2 and I couldn't be happier. I live in SW Colorado and have had it on all the trails, ie Black Bear, Imogene, Engineer, and the deepest mudholes I can find. The truck will go anywhere I command it and do it with a smile. It rides great on road, too. I replaced the rocker bars with the N-Fab removable steps for the fanily around town and still get protection when I want to do some serious offroading. They look tight on this truck.

Wish GM had the balls to drop a V8 in the ZR2. I'd be at the dealer ordering one in that new Sand Dune Metallic color.

“What kind of fake hood scoop do you prefer?” Nice smack!

He didn’t even mention how much more leg room the Colorado has. That was enough for me to switch to Chevy.

Whichever company will accept my $600 stimmy, I'll take it!

Dont forget that the zr2 allows you to shift to 4hi/low/auto, use lockers, disable traction control, use off road mode whenever you want on whatever terrain you happen to be on at the moment, you do not need to be level. You can engage the rear locker whenever you want, no low range required. Turning off road mode on also lets you use the rear locker up to whatever speed you want, it wont auto shut off at 25 mph. Off road mode also helps completely shut traction and stability controls off as well.

Buy: Tacoma Lease: ZR2

I picked up my 2020 zr2 this past june.i like the front end of the prior year. in my area the trd pro are 9k more than thand my zr2 and zr2 is same price as trd off road. imo pro is not worth it. i was dead set getting trd offroad until i saw the price. for the same price i picked zr2 instead as it offered more value. More power and torque, front rear lockers,leather interior, deeeeeper bed,full vinyl rubber (non carpeted) flooring, remote start from key, phone and Alexa ,roomier interior and better seating position. all of this i noticed when i test drove both trucks.

I was about to call BS about the ZR2 having only carpet, but sure enough, you can see at 12:56 they gave him a truck with no floor protection. 😂 My '18 ZR2 is a completely covered hard plastic floor. Fantastic for cleaning all the mud and sand out, and better than most rubber mats I've had in the past.

Says cooling limits ZR2 towing, while standing in front of the huge new grill opening, but does not mention it?!

I have no issue placing my Tacoma in and out of 4L/4H on any incline/decline. In addition, "the glove test".....you can use the buttons on the Tacoma to easily control volume and your preset stations.

I pick up my 2021 ZR2 this Friday. As far as the knobs causing confusion, after owning many trucks and cars at my age, I have never had an issue. I was surprised when a couple of my Toyota driving friends, told me to go for the ZR2. I wish Colorado had the earth tone colors like the Tacos. Any way, enjoy the off road times guys!

I love my ZR2. But in 32k miles I had a shock leak that GM found and replaced. I have the diesel and I get between 25 and 28 mpg with 2 sizes larger than stock tires.

Lol, Andre uses his manly gloves to tune the radio station from Chill music station to 90’s Paula Abdul 😜

He neglected to mention that Chevy dealers will take $5000 off of that sticker price to move a truck, yes, $5k! Good luck getting $500 off of that TRD PRO right now! I have a 2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road, but if shopping new I couldn't justify the price of a new Tacoma. I'd probably go work over 3 Jeep dealers on a Gladiator Rubicon and get the dealer to throw in a great warranty 😎

I researched for a couple years before purchasing my mid-size pickup. Test drives, off-road ride-alongs with friends, along with going over the Taco, ZR2, Gladiator, and even the Ranger. I even weighed them against Jeep Wranglers to see how they stack up. Each and every vehicle had pros and cons, and subjective looks aside, it came down to performance vs. investment to me. Jeeps being Jeeps, they have great performance, and the Gladiator was no exception on the trails, but a Wrangler it is not, and seasoned off-road vets had trouble getting it through unscathed in many instances that some of the other vehicles got through without issue. I've always been a fan of Toyota too, but in back-to-back comparisons I was shocked at how "tinny" and cheap the Tacos felt, not just to the touch with the materials they used, but even the feedback rolling through the cabin or even opening and closing the doors. A good track record of reliability is great, but if it comes from a vehicle that feels underpowered, thin, fragile, with archaic interior design and an engine that doesn't set the standard anywhere in the performance department, it makes it tough to spend the money on. The Ranger felt more "solid" and substantial to sit in and drive around with, but was clearly at a disadvantage on off-road prowess and capability, they really scream for a Ranger-Raptor styled trim level to take to the tighter complex trails to really compete. I figured the ZR2 would feel like a boat at best, but was amazed by the nimble footwork it could manage on some crazy trails that were notorious for tearing anything up that wasn't a small wrangler. The crawl control, front & rear lockers, sophisticated 4wd system all gave incredible control to some of the craziest obstacles, and felt like I was riding in a modified Jeep Wrangler than and mid-size Chevy truck. As a veteran mechanic, each of these trucks have pros and cons when working on them, replacing parts, upgrading, etc, the ZR2 excels in some areas, and can be for the more advanced mechanic in others, but don't let that deter you, the quality of the parts on these trucks are really something great and comparable to the best vehicles on the market. After taking the time to research and scouring over the options, I ended up buying a 2021 ZR2, and I haven't regretted it even once with the 7500 miles I've put on it. I watched it perform on the same difficult trails right next to Wranglers, and come out in similar fashion on the other side no worse for wear, while the Gladiators, Tacomas, and Rangers all sustained damage, bottomed out, had traction issues, or just plain didn't make it look as effortless as the ZR2 and Wrangler. The Colorado does actually have a good track record and are very reliable, minus a couple details that GM is seemingly (albeit slowly) working through, and made changes along the way. Just like every other vehicle in the market. Every newer vehicle has their hiccups, but it became clear to me that the Colorado ZR2 is the new standard of factory level off-road enthusiast mid-size trucks, value per dollar spent. In the end, any idiot knows the vehicle is only going to perform as good as the driver's experience and skill-level, and with equal drivers all of these can do well when tackling complex obstacles correctly. Every ZR2 owner I have spoken to, that has put real trail mileage on their trucks, has said the same thing, they won't sell it. Expect the resale value to remain high on this trim level for the Colorado trucks, and if you're in the market, buy with confidence. Just my two cents.

I like it when he says " Tayauta Takouma "

With all that room in the ZR2 engine bay I hope they offer the 3L diesel soon. 460 pounds of torque in that truck would be awesome.

Own a 2018 V6 ZR2. Once you get over the not-so-special interior, which is actually nice coming from the old Ford Rangers, you notice the ride is very smooth, good sound dampening, seats are decently comfy, plenty of power, great response when offroad mode is enabled, looks great, never need to worry about potholes or bad roads. Gets better than rated fuel economy under highway speeds. Drives really well in deep snow completely stock too. Great for home depot runs, moving furniture or towing the boat. Sound system is actually good too (much better than anything Ive ever had.) Skid plates have come in handy hitting debris on the highway a couple of times which would have causes serious damage to my old truck. Honestly seems like a very good truck for the money. 60k km, only replaced AC blower first few months under warranty. Only complaint is its not a supercharged v8, sounds like a regular chevy v6.

Man I really hoped that the’d drive the trucks... in the truck comparison. 😐

One last and holds value. One falls apart and trades in for penny’s.

The front and rear lockers is what sold me

The rear seats fold flat as well in the ZR2 as well, no plastic on the back though.

Isn't the Bison the top level Chevy offroad package? While u definitely have the top level Yota,you don't have the best offroad version for the Colorado.

I have a 2016 and a 2019 tacoma. The 4 lo engages without an issue. I will say that when they where new it was a lot harder for 4 lo to click on but if you use it frequently and turn it on every month like you should it will keep working just fine.

The Tacoma does have remote start. Press lock twice and then a third time and hold it down till the lights start to flash. Lol

Let's see what the resale value of each truck is after 10 years.

What is the point of 4L if you have to be on level ground? That cant be realistic

Wish I had the budget for a ZR2 but recently bought my 21’ Z71 and absolutely love it! Not mechanically inclined at all so I can’t speak much to that but ride feel and getting the job done wise I have been extremely impressed. I drove a taco in HS and while it was good, it always left me wanting more. It had a standard truck feel to it and didn’t feel special. That along with the over saturation of tacos left a lesser taste for me. After I enlisted and got home I got your avg base model canyon and loved driving it. It was a base model but it felt sturdier and more enjoyable for the lowest tier truck on the line. Years past and I upgraded to the Z71 and have gone off road with it stock almost every weekend since I got it. Minor rocky hill climbs and moderate mudding/water fording. All with the stock Z71 height and the stock AT tires. Performs amazing! My only complaint for mudding is that the stock height often isn’t enough and the skid plate gets sucked into deeper mud. To be expected. Looks on the Z71- gorgeous. Performance on it- higher than I expected. Got my small 3.5” lift coming and muds going on same time the lift does. One thing the taco does have me jealous for, though, is the diversity in ready made modifications for it. It’s like the glock of trucks. Runs great in a variety of environments and has its own Walmart level of customizations.

What about the Tacoma having drum breaks in the rear?

The Tacoma has front, rear and side cameras as well, the storage space in the rear seats of the Tacoma is larger than the Chevy seats, as the seats can be folded, and you did not do that, you must compare well between the two cars in everything inside and outside the car

You would think the Tacoma would come with better off-road tires so straight away you are going to get better tires if you what to be serious off-road , the Chevy just looks so much better so it wins for me too :-)

Ok...really? The color of tow hooks, using an actual key, wireless charger....if these things are what determine what truck is the most off road worthy, y'all have issues. What useable metric is radiator distance behind the grill? Explain to me how the TRD wins when it comes to beds? ZR2 has a higher payload, longer bed option, and the ability to add tie down points. So what you're telling us is that the TRD is more expensive with less options, but 2 more tie down points? Most important, if you are looking at these trucks, aren't you most interested in off road performance? So how is this informing people of "which truck should I buy"?

Andre, touch the start up push button then let it go. You don’t have to continue pushing it til the engine starts. I have the same feature on my 2019 Tundra & it has key start!

We love our 2020 zr2 a huge selling point was a small truck with front and rear lockers. The shocks are amazing as well.

The phone still charges even if it’s on an angle. Air pods charge as well..

My ZR2 Diesel is simply AMAZING!!!! I freaking love it every day. I’ve never gotten stuck, I’ve taken it in places that scare the crap out of me and the front locker truly makes the biggest difference. I’ve towed from coast to coast and the diesel with exhaust brake is unbeatable! To comfortably towing. I still averaged 19 mpg towing over 5000lbs across country up mountain passes and everything.

I love Tacoma’s, but damn does that Colorado look amazing

We have the 2018 zr2 Colorado same color scheme and I tell ya what the only difference is the grill and tailgate from what I see

I will say that that a big factor for me picking the ZR2 was not only the features and value, but size. I'm 6'3, 230lbs and was just not as comfortable in the Tacoma. It sits high, like a lifted go cart, which is great for ground clearance, but I need leg room and clearance for my head. If I'm going to be driving a truck every day, I want it to feel like a truck, not like I'm cramped. Sure, I miss the massive roominess of my Silverado, but the ZR2 is quite comfortable for a midsize truck.

Just turned 700 miles on my 2021 ZR2. So far. it has run great for a 4x4. As far as all the gadgetry, push button start, lane departure, and such, I feel I don't need it. It's a truck. Not a sports car. And I am old school.....I know. I am NOT knocking the Toyota, my wife has a 2020 Highlander. Now you want to talk about gadgets and pretty lights?....So yeah, my Chevy is doing fine for now, and I hope it keeps on going. I have wanted a ZR2 since I was in my twenties waay back in the early 90's. Now i have one, and feel young again! Great review! I enjoy these, weather my Chevy gets knocked out, or holds it ground. See you on the trails!

I’d already have a ZR2 in my garage if the damn thing came with keyless entry/ push button start. Also wish it had a column shifter but that’s a bit of a stretch.

I'm glad you went with the chevy... the only downfall is the damn remote... it should already have keyless ignition and entry. The have the product, just in the Cadillacs and other gm products. I think it should be standard equipment, especially in a truck

Lets be honest, the Tacoma is the most dated pickup available apart from the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tundra

I’d pick the trd pro over the zr2. It’s a better overall truck, plus it get much better gas mileage. People always complain about the Tacoma’s automatic being bad, but It’s really not. Well it’s a truck not a car so what if it’s slow. Also it like to get to a speed and sit at it, which makes it nice for road trips. From what I found, if you just go 65 in 6th gear with the auto you get 24 mpgs and it’s pretty smooth, but if you want it to go into a lower gear all you have to do is manually put it down a few, or just slow down a tad and gas it then it will downshift.

I'd personally go for the Toyota on longevity and interior design alone. The ZR2 is more capable off road overall but I don't want to deal with GMs electrical and timing chain issues after the warranty is up. The ZR2 also has an interior that looks and feels like a rental car from 2008 and if I'm going to sit in a $55K+(CAD) truck for hours and hours every week, I want to at least be able to tolerate it.

Driven ZR2 and Tacoma Offroad (non-pro) back to back and I must say the ZR2 is great on-road and more comfortable all around. I know these are offroad focused, but I wish the ZR2 or Colorados, in general, had Adaptive Cruise, I mean its 2020.

Only one of these trucks comes with a front locker, a diesel option, and stock tires that aren't completely horrible.

Sucks when you can’t activate 4 low at will. Got stuck in an odd position in snow when I went camping alone in my 2020 Off road. Dug my way out but I’m sure in 4 Low would have been a tremendous help. Got the 2022 ZR2. Couldn’t be any happier.

All these people knocking the Colorado interior like the Tacoma doesn't look like it's from the 90's lmao

On the ZR2 it looks like that spare tire hangs down enough that why not put the side step rear bumper on them or make it an option on the ZR2. Can’t mess with the departure angle that much more then the spare

Why isn't anyone mentionning the class action lawsuit for the Colorado's transmission... + Tacoma does have remote start.

The large space between the grill and radiator on both trucks is to allow for a pedestrian crumple zone. Part of the new safety standards on new vehicles. Supposed to lessen serious injury should you hit someone crossing a street. Toyota also has a radar sensor in the grill and a camera in the windshield to identify obstacles and clamp on the brakes. I'm sure the chevy has some similar features.

I think Tacoma has the most uncomfortable seats in all sizes of trucks. If you're taller than 5'-8" then forget about it.

The driving manners of the Colorado are under rated. People should drive them both before they decide which one is the right truck for them. They may be surprised.

Id take the ZR2 for the DSSV alone. Only a few vehicles come with those

Zr2 may not have push to start or touch handles but it does have a phone app so you can start it say deep inside the building you work. That's way more useful to me than handles and a button

The Tacoma does have a starter, u just have to press lock 3 times

The Tacoma does have remote start! And it works with that fob you have for it. You press the lock button 5 times. But hold it down on the 5th time.once the fuel pumps prime and system readies you will hear the engine turn over, then lease the button. Dont pause between the presses, dont wait to hear the locks or the trick to make a noise, it wont work half the time. To shut off the engine press the unlock button once. This is one of those things the dealerships dont tell you cause they use to charge a couple hundred for this option. Now its more of a secret they pretend to give you of your having issues with your Taco.

I believe the chevy zr2 is a toss up between gladiator ,!! Tacoma is tough with that crawl control ,but those two are on different levels because of the front locker! Great video andre, I always watch you guys when I want the facts on upcoming vehicles!!!

With no LED head lights on the ZR2 I wish they figured out a way to incorporate some fog lights?? I’d give the win on that issue to Toyota

Can’t go wrong with a Tacoma, you know what you’re getting not just looks and comfy seats.

If you truly using it for off road the lockers are the most important difference.

Tacoma Trd pro has never heard of depreciation.

Oh Andre’ I totally agree the Colorado as an everyday truck, for work an play, plus tow a bit more. Might not be as good off road, but that’s not truly what you buy a new 35-50k truck!

Tacoma dominated the midsize truck game along time, but that new Chevy is 🔥

You guys need to start saying it the Locking compartments under the rear seats are for guns

Anyone else notice when Andre was talking about the break controller on the ZR2 the dash wasnt sturdy- too much plastic there for me!

The very important question finally answered. Distance from grill to radiator? How about Warrenty, powertrain, backseat space, optional packages?

The space behind the grill in the Chevy is great if you need to add an aftermarket transmission cooled, or light bar.

Tacoma TRD PRO’s actually do have remote start. There’s just just no specific button for it. You slow click lock twice then press and hold until you see the amber little blink.

I love Tacoma’s but Tacoma needs to come out with a a few new upgrades. In the long run Tacoma resale value will always be better.

Recently rented a Colorado, and I definitely prefer it to the Taco's I've been in. That being said, those knobs on the left - the transfer case and headlight knobs - are at a great height to be grazed by your knee when you get in or out. You can jump in and find yourself in 4L, or find your headlights turned off without realizing it.

If possible, set up a review for these two trucks in about 3 years. Maybe you can compare maintenance, reliability and resale value.

Not that it matters, but since that Tacoma has the premium JBL audio, it actually does have remote start as well. You have to hit the lock button twice, then press it a 3rd time and hold it. It will start and run for 10 min.

Best thing to do is put the 4 cylinder from the Silverado in the Colorado

I bought a 2021 trd offroad dblcab for 39k out the door in oregon (tax free). Drove less than one month when a drunk driver hit me from behind and totaled it. Insurance paid 41k for it.

Just bought the 21 ZR2 love it , better than my toyota imo

We prefer the ZR2

I want to see these two go head to head in Moab. Also, you didn't mention the cameras. I'm more interested in number and usefulness of the cameras than the silly glove test.

Chevy is nice but i think I'm gonna pick up the taco due to reliably and a manual transmission. My last 2 chevys were not without plenty of issues

I didn’t think chevy could make it uglier, they proved me wrong

I owned a 2000 GMC ZR2. 21 years ago GM was putting rear disc brakes on pickup trucks. Maybe Toyota should put less cameras on the truck and slap on some brake pads and rotors. It would be a cold day in hell before I paid $50,000 for anything the drum brakes.

Great video!I would like to see the Z71 vs TRD off-road, um , off road which would be the two I am considering. The new lower bumper on the other Colorados for 2021 should help with approach angle.

What a missed opportunity for fog lights on the ZR2... those giant fake vents on the bottom corners are a perfect spot for FUNCTIONAL lights.

I'll take the ZR2 without a second thought. Although, I would personally prefer the gas engine over the diesel. For some reason an 8 speed transmission excites me.

Click lock 3 times on Tacoma remote and hold on 3rd press for remote start.

Can you guys do a comparison with Manual transmission Tacoma & Gladiator. Would like to know how they both handle with a manual transmission.

I chose a ZR2 over the Tacoma but a few things I wish they'd add: Keyless entry, push button start, and the soft touch dash that they use in the GMC Canyon Denali. For the price it's ridiculous that they don't include atleast 2 of the 3.

Space behind the grill is for your Warn winch. Hood scope is style points.

The Tacoma really feels way under powered and that trans is unpredictable. Hopefully they will change the powertrain soon.

If u can deactivate 4 of the V8 cylinders that is fine bc u hve basically a hybrid drive system. Only an F150 or 250 would need that much power in a clean combustion/burn world but it works if it gets combined 20 mpg in 2020.

The zr2 seats fold down flat in that back also. And it also comes with rubber mats but it’s an option.

I live in michigan, take a look at these trucks in 8 years....