Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road vs Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma presented a distinctive ruggedness, with each trim offering a unique blend of design elements like different grilles, wheels, hoods, and finishes. The overall aesthetic seemed to have been crafted with precision tools, giving it a robust, angular appearance characterized by solid metal blocks, sharply carved character lines, flared fenders, and a prominent front nose. This design approach rendered the Tacoma a ruggedly handsome appearance.

Inside, the Tacoma favored functionality with its extensive use of durable plastics, reflecting its utilitarian intent rather than luxury. The cabin featured geometric upholstery patterns and symmetrically arranged air vents that added a touch of style amidst the otherwise straightforward interior design. The truck boasted simple analog gauges and a traditional control panel with large, glove-friendly knobs and buttons. The interior layout was practical, especially with options across extended-cab (Access Cab) and crew-cab (Double Cab) configurations, and varied cargo bed lengths.

In contrast, the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado adopted a more understated aesthetic. The model reviewed, a Midnight Edition Colorado Z71, came in a striking all-black theme that, while stylish, was noted for its challenge to maintain cleanliness. The Colorado’s design avoided overly dramatic cues except in its more rugged ZR2 version, which combined aesthetic form with functional off-road capabilities. The interior of the Colorado was straightforward, with an emphasis on practicality and ease of cleaning, utilizing simple, basic materials that were nevertheless susceptible to wear and tear from regular use.

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma was primarily powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This setup was complemented by a 6-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode and manual shift capabilities, especially tailored for various off-road conditions through advanced systems like Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control. Despite its robust capabilities, the Tacoma's ride quality on pavement was less than smooth, characterized by a responsive yet stiff steering and a ride that felt both disconnected and overly reactive to road inconsistencies. The fuel efficiency during tests hovered around 20 mpg, aligning closely with EPA estimates.

The Chevrolet Colorado offered a range of engines, from a basic 200-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder to a more powerful 308-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6, and even a 181-horsepower, 2.8-liter turbo-diesel, which boasted 369 pound-feet of torque. The Colorado’s driving dynamics were described as sluggish at low speeds due to throttle response, but it stabilized into a more confident and solid ride once in motion. The Colorado excelled in towing capacity and handling, particularly with the Z71’s off-road suspension and robust Goodyear Duratrac tires, though its performance was hampered by a deep front spoiler and optional side steps that affected its trail capabilities.

The Tacoma's cabin access varied with height due to its elevated stance coupled with a surprisingly low roofline, which could pose challenges for taller individuals. The interior was practically laid out with numerous storage options and a focus on straightforward functionality. Seating was basic, with manual adjustments and effective air conditioning but lacked more sophisticated comforts like seat ventilation. The rear seating was cramped, typical of midsize trucks, with limited under-seat space and no dedicated air vents or USB ports.

Conversely, the Colorado prioritized functional simplicity in its cabin, with easily accessible controls and power-adjustable front seats enhancing comfort. The interior also featured durable materials suited to both work and leisure activities, though rear seating remained tight. Storage solutions were abundant, and the truck included thoughtful touches like corner-step bumpers and an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate for easier cargo management. Despite its practical interior, the lack of rear air vents was a noted omission.

Technology in the Tacoma was minimalistic, with the top-tier infotainment system lacking in intuitive navigation and connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, which were planned for future models. The system’s interface and usability were not as refined, with cumbersome controls that were not glove-friendly.

The Colorado, however, featured the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, which was praised for its user-friendly interface, mirroring the simplicity and intuitiveness of a smartphone. This system included modern necessities like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional navigation upgrades, although the physical tuning knob's functionality was criticized for its cumbersome operation.

Toyota equipped the Tacoma with its Safety Sense suite, offering a range of driver-assist technologies, although they were not the most cutting-edge versions. The truck performed well in safety tests but had some limitations in headlight performance and certain crash tests.

The Colorado was less equipped in terms of advanced safety technology, primarily offering basic features with additional options available only on higher trims. It scored lower in safety evaluations, particularly with its headlight performance and passenger safety in certain crash scenarios.