You want to get dirty, fling some mud? Here are two fine midsize pickup trucks that will take you as far down the trail as you dare go.
Indeed, the new Chevy Colorado ZR2 and venerable Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro are built for off-roading. Both are heavily beefed up versions of popular mainstream models.
Starting with the ‘Rado, it’s built for desert running, two track tackling and general rock crawling. Providing such capability is an upgraded suspension system with fancy Multimatic Spool Valve dampers, a two-inch lift, robust cast-iron front control arms and a body that’s been widened.
There’s also an advanced four-by-four system with lockable differentials and nine different configurations, from simple two-wheel drive to four-low with locked differentials and transfer case.
This Chevy offers two engines, a rev-happy 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque and a four-cylinder Duramax diesel rated at 181 horses and 369 pound-feet. The Six-shooter is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the oil-burner, a self-shifting gearbox with just half a dozen forward ratios.
As for the TRD Pro, it too has received a host of enhancements compared to mainstream Tacomas. For starters, it rolls on special 16-inch wheels wrapped in Kevlar-reinforced Goodyear tires. There are Fox shock absorbers, a one-inch front lift, progressive-rate rear leaf springs, a beefy front skid plate and numerous visual tweaks.
Under-hood, this off-road-bred Taco offers just one engine, a 3.5-liter V6, though amazingly it can be paired with a manual transmission. Naturally, an automatic is also available; both offer six speeds.
Rated at 278 horsepower, this engine delivers 265 pound-feet of peak torque, though it does some revs on the clock before it pulls with urgency.
Similarly equipped, with V6 engines, automatic transmissions and crew-cab bodies, the ZR2 stickers for around $44,000. The older Tacoma is a couple hundred bucks more expensive.
Which of these off-road-ready trucks do YOU prefer? Well, make sure to compare them in detail by clicking here and make sure to vote in our poll!
