cars news 10: Auto-Showdown: 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 vs. 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro was in a class by itself when it came to off-roading midsize trucks. That’s about to change thanks to the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, which made its official debut at the 2016 Los Angeles auto show with its two engine choices and a fancy suspension setup that we can’t wait to test on the dirt. Until then, here’s a preview of what should be an epic battle between the Tacoma TRD Pro and Colorado ZR2.

Suspension Tech from the Camaro Z/28

The biggest news with the 2017 Colorado ZR2 is its suspension system. Chevy turned to Multimatic and equipped the truck with Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers, which were essentially born on the race track. In fact, the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 was the first mass-produced road car to offer DSSV dampers and now the Colorado ZR2 gets them, albeit tuned for off-road duty (check out our First Ride for details and initial impressions on the fancy shocks).

Meanwhile, the Tacoma TRD Pro combines coil springs from the TRD parts catalog and Fox shocks up front and leaf springs, and Fox shocks for the rear. This combination did fairly well during our muddy off-road excursion in Hawaii.

Six-Cylinder Power

The Colorado ZR2 is powered by the same 308-hp 3.6-liter V-6 found in other Colorado models. Toyota’s 3.5-liter six-cylinder makes less power at 278 hp, though our recent tests of comparable Tacoma and Colorado trucks had the Toyota pulling slightly ahead of the Chevy with a 0-60 mph-time of 7.1 seconds versus 7.4 seconds. An eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice for the Colorado, but the Toyota can be had with either a six-speed auto or manual gearbox.

But Wait, There’s More (Torque)

If you’re seeking more pulling power, the Colorado ZR2 is available with Chevy’s 2.8-liter, turbocharged I-4 diesel, making 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma‘s 278-hp V-6 is good for 265 lb-ft.

Locked and Protected

Both trucks come with an electronically controlled locking rear differential, but the Chevy one-ups the Toyota with a locking diff up front as well. Skid plates protect the important stuff underneath the Tacoma TRD Pro and Chevy, though the Colorado ZR2 comes standard with steel tube rocker panel protectors.

All Clear

Both the Tacoma TRD Pro and Colorado ZR2 ride on lifted suspensions, but Chevy took further steps to help clear the rocks thanks to revised front and rear bumpers and an optional in-bed rack to store the spare tire away from harm in its normal spot under the truck.

Keep it Clean

For the first time ever, the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro can be optioned with easy-to-clean leather seats, which was just one of the requests from owners of the previous model. The Chevy is also available with leather.

Bring the Family

Both trucks are available in crew cab configuration, allowing plenty of room for friends and family. The Colorado offers more versatility thanks to the available extended cab model, along with the option of a short or long bed (Tacoma TRD Pro is only offered with a short bed).

On paper, this appears to be a close matchup. A romp on the trails will decide which truck is the better off-roader, but until then, which one would you rather take out on a dirt road?