Debate TRD vs. ZR2

I know I will catch a bunch of flak on this but I really don't care. I just want to look at these two vehicles objectively. And as a long time Tacoma admirer for looks and function I am not complaining. I believe we are all enthusiast and can appreciate a good vehicle when we see one. And for the purpose of this I really am not concerned about the resale value but more so on the performance and aesthetics of each vehicle.
If you were in the market for a new truck and the mid size category is your interest and you have narrowed it down to the TRD Offroad or Pro vs the ZR2 what are some things that would be a deciding factor for purchase. I know a lot of us the first thing we look at is lift and performance. Now I feel these two trucks are probably the best that are out there from the factory with no real need for immediate mods as they are both very capable. But when we start comparing these side by side a couple obvious things stick out to me right off the back. First big difference in the ZR2s favor that I see is the locking front and rear diff. Yes the Tacoma has a locking rear and crawl control but that's not going to do or help where you will need both differentials locked out.
The suspension on the TRD pro is the fox arguably one of the best shock manufacturers on the market. But with the ZR2 you get Multimatic shock which I have heard nothing but great things about and even on the Offroad Tacoma you still get the Bilsteins which is decent but are they better than the multimatic on the ZR2 and where do we think the Multimatic stand up against the Fox suspension on the Pro's.
Approach and departure angles are all pretty close on these trucks I believe the last time I looked the Tacoma Pro has the ZR2 beat on this but nothing a few mods here or there couldn't fix right.
Finally you have engine options With the ZR2 you have the option for the diesel or the v6 power plant where as on the Tacoma you have only the V6 option right now.

Like stated I am just looking to start a discussion about true performance of these trucks when compared without prejudice. And one would have to admit on paper these two vehicles are pretty impressive.

 

In for the storm

 

Wasn't there just another big thread about this same exact topic?

 

Toyota for one simple reason those damn shocks on the zr2 they limit lifting ability without a lot of work arounds and the rear shocks are in the middle of the axle tube between the diff and leafs hanging down super low. Other than that both are very equal in my eyes. But I think Yota will be going to some sort of suspension like the ZR2. The zr2 has some one ups on the yota with a diesel and lockers. They are extemely capable off road out the gate.

@HrBrad8

 

I am not sure I have been on everyday and just see a lot of bashing on the other trucks for reasons other than performance so I thought I would just ask a few questions and see what peoples opinions were hopefully with an open mind and without prejudice.

 

That is one thing that I have read about and heard complaints about. In regards to the shock mount locations. But I think the lockers and motor options are defiantly in favor of the ZR2. I personally would think it would be a tough decision either way at the end of the day and would depend on what the owner wanted to use for the vehicle for cause lets admit it very few of us could afford a vehicle that is solely dedicated to a hobby we have and not multi purposed for daily driver and hobby activities.

 

zr2 off the showroom floor with the option of a dirtymax imo is the better truck.

Tacoma after you throw 5 grand (or more) in mods at it is the better truck (again imo)

 

Between the 2 with intent not to buy aftermarket stuff zr2 all day. Front locker and baby durmax is a win for me. Also GM performance parts has some fairly trick LT/MT parts.... still oem in my book

Take a gander
https://www.chevrolet.com/performance/colorado/off-road

 

Damn, pretty cool, didnt know they offered all of that

 

Knowledge is power

 

@HrBrad8 longer shocks bud Wanna see that thing in the air.

 

He's already got SOS bumper and sliders time for some skids and lift!

 

Nice I like it.
I got Eddy’s stuff to cept a front bumper.

 

Oh here's a negative for the ZR2 those silly factoty sliders are no better than the tacomas steps. They both attach to the body and are pretty weak. I wouldn't trust them as true sliders unless you don't care to damage the cab of your truck.

 

I think Ive said this before somewhere:

On paper the ZR2 wins, it has the bigger engine and the vast majority of reviewers say it has better road manners.

There are two things that completely eliminate the ZR2 from my buy list however:
1. The interior. It still looks and feels like a 1996 cavalier.
2. The stock wheels. Look at those wheels and tell me that they aren't a picture of six dicks around a biscuit.

 

#1 I think GM while they have come a long way with their more recent interiors compared to your 96 cavalier. I get what you are saying.
#2Easily correctable.

 

3. Reliability
4. Resale

Those should beat at the top of your list as they both arent present on the ZR2

 

Yes I get the resale but reading the original Post I already stated I wanted this to be a none issue. I wanted to go off of the build and functionality of the trucks. I don't think you can make a judgement on reliability as the ZR2 is a new truck and obviously has not been around as long as the Tacoma so there is no historical data to truly discuss reliability on the long term. And if you have reliability data I would love to see it.