More and more, midsize truck mavens want their pickups not just to get them back and forth to work or the home improvement center but to head out off-road. Fortunately, automakers have been paying attention, at least if the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison and 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro are any indication. The tamer versions of these pickups enjoy the support of consumers. Now, Chevy and Toyota bolstered the off-road capability of these trucks to draw in more buyers.
The Colorado just got an update, hoping to draw more eyes. Meanwhile, the Tacoma has been the top-selling midsize truck in the U.S. for the last two decades despite not getting a major makeover until this model year.
Sporting new updates, let’s take a closer look at these midsize pickups.
2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison arrived on the scene this year. Chevy calls it “America’s ultimate off-road beast.” Just a quick look at the ZR2 suggests it’s an accurate claim.
Clad in enough off-road-ready products from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), one wonders if the ZR2 Bison is scaling the side of a large hill or taking on Mount Everest. Some of the off-road equipment in the Bison package includes a heavy-duty winch-capable front bumper, 17-inch beadlock capable wheels, and 35-inch OD Mud/Terrain tires. It also has boron skid plates and rocker protectors to ensure all components remain safe.
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison is powered by a 2.7-liter turbo high-output 4-cylinder, which produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Pricing starts at $60,540, including the destination fee.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Highlights
Touchscreen: An 11.3-inch touchscreen is a standard feature. It’s also easy to operate, which helps while on the fly. Moreover, Google built-in is offered with connectivity to a driver’s Google account.
Camera: If you’re an off-road enthusiast, you know that sometimes it’s tough to see what you’re doing or where you’re at, but that’s not a problem with the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. It offers 10 camera views, including front and rear underbody angles.
Baja blast: The Colorado employs several drive modes built for whatever conditions or terrain you plan to tackle, including one exclusive to the ZR2 trim. Baja mode is made for desert running and optimizes power and traction on sandy surfaces.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Colorado ZR2 Bison models near you.
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The Tacoma got a makeover this year, making the already rugged-looking TRD Pro appear ready to conquer the world. The wider front grille, slit-like headlamps, and wide wheel wells highlight the 12.2-inch ground clearance courtesy of a new off-road-ready suspension.
The TRD Pro gets power from a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid. The combination puts out 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, beating the output of the most powerful Chevrolet Colorado. Much of it comes at the low end of the range, perfect for powering up steep inclines.
In past editions, the interior of the Tacoma stressed simplicity, seemingly above all else. After the update, the cabin boasts a clean look and all the expected technology. Pricing starts at $65,395, including the destination fee.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Highlights
Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism: With the push of a button, you can increase suspension articulation across the whole truck. Of course, it allows you to travel across terrain not previously conquered.
i-Force Max: Pairing a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor may be the best example of how potent a hybrid can be. The result is a 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque beast. Although it prioritizes power over efficiency, the Toyota still gets a better EPA fuel economy rating than the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison.
JBL audio: This 10-speaker system includes a removable Bluetooth speaker. The integrated JBL FLEX portable Bluetooth speaker is waterproof and dust-proof, perfect for outdoor use.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tacoma TRD Pros models near you.
Similarities
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro enjoy updated exterior styling, powerful drivetrains, and a slew of new technologies.
Conclusion
These two pickups offer similar performance and come from the factory off-road ready. The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison is $5,000 cheaper than the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Conversely, Toyota’s TRD racing unit knows what it takes to win off-road races. That kind of experience is hard to ignore. In baseball, the tie goes to the runner; in this case, the tie goes to the trophy case, with the Tacoma TRD Pro.
| 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison | 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro | |
| Starting Price | $60,540 | $65,395 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.7-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder hybrid |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 326 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 465 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 16 city/16 highway/16 combined mpg | 22 city/24 highway/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | N/A | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 stars | N/R |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 inches | 131.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 212.7 inches | 214.2 inches |
| Width | 78.1 inches | 80.1 inches |
| Height | 81.8 inches | 75.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 43.4 feet | 45.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 38.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 38.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 45.2 inches | 41.8 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.7 inches | 33.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.4 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.1 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 41.9 cubic feet | 42.6 cubic feet |
