ZR2 Bison vs Tacoma Pro vs Gladiator

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/che...on-vs-chevrolet-colorado-zr2-comparison-test/

I haven’t seen anything posted specifically about this. Interesting comparison, though I hate it when they nitpick about stuff like telescoping wheel and cabin room. Maybe important if you’re super big or super small.

I don’t have any basis for knocking the conclusions, except to say that the ZR2 Bison and Gladiator are seriously expensive. I think a better comparison would have been to a Tacoma OffRoad, which can be probably be upgraded to super trail worthy for a lot less than these vehicles and which IMO is far superior to the base Colorado.

Also, I am not a fan of the Gladiator looks and think it would be really impractical as a DD.

Thoughts?

 

If those are my three options I'd go with the Bison.

 

Crossing the Mojave river if you had stock air intake could get sketchy at those water levels.

 

Found it interesting that they didn't include the Ranger.

 

Eh. Review sounds spot on to me. Of course when you count dd, $$$, and the projected resale $$$ I think the taco comes out much better... Why I have a taco instead of a zr2.

 

The Ranger lineup doesn't offer a contender.

 

They don't sell the Raptor version here which would be a comparable model.

 

The Tacoma's telescoping wheel and cramped cabin is not nitpicking. Those issues are widely complained about for a reason.

 

I like the Tacoma over the other 2 as an all around truck.

I like the bison ZR2 over the TRD Pro, and Jeep Gladiator Rubicon.

I'd buy an SR Tacoma before I'd a ZR, Rubi, Pro anything.

 

I get so annoyed reading these reviews, there's no consistency. If you read their review on the TRD Pro it says "On the trail, the 3.5-liter felt in its element while the transmission shifted at the right rpms" and "The smooth power delivery allowed the Tacoma to easily climb over an obstacle, and holding the gas pedal nice and steady was a simple task—something that's essential when you're climbing rocks or navigating through difficult terrain"

But then in this review they say "the Tacoma's poor transmission tuning and carlike engine are hindrances that would require owner modification to properly keep up with the Chevy or Jeep on tougher trails."

Which one is it?!?!

EDIT: Maybe I'm crazy but I feel much more cramped in Jeep than my Tacoma

 

I think it feels that way bc you're essentially in a tub

 

I'm 6' 4" but I typically sit kinda slouched over the center console, so lots of headroom isn't important for me, its hip room I need to be comfortable and I didn't have any of that in the Jeep.

It's all opinion obviously but thats why I don't care to read those articles. The writer could be 350lbs, no wonder he felt cramped!

 

At those prices just buy the Rivian truck and kick the snot out of all those trucks in every category

 

I don't believe the "Pro" is meant to run with those two nor the Ranger Raptor. I do believe Toyota could create one if they wanted to but that may be a niche market they won't bother with.

 

I have always felt that Toyota should put a more aggressive tire on the Pro.

 

My buddy has a Bison, very nice capable off-road truck. Engine(V6) & transmission in the Bison kills the Tacoma, styling not so much. He had a Rubicon, & the Bison has tackled the same tuff trails with ease. Lockers on the front are a plus. Love my Tacoma, but feel the Bison’s ride & off-road capabilities just a little better than the Tacoma from my experience(many hours out on the trails in both vehicles). When I decided to sell my Wrangler I had the opportunity to choose between both and I went with the Tacoma.

 

Yeah I agree consistency is not a strong suit with these magazines. I did think the reviewers were fairly objective, and I don't doubt the ZR2 powertrain is smoother. "Carlike engine" is a dumb descriptor though. An engine's an engine. It depends on how its utilized. The ZR2 LG engine was originally developed for Cadillac cars, as I understand. Regarding the transmission tuning, as I have a manual, that doesn't affect me at all.

Well it may affect some people, but doesn't bother me at all. My other vehicle is a Miata, so the cabin is super spacious compared to that one. And I even have a backseat!! The ND Miata doesn't even have a telescoping wheel LOL. You either fit or you don't...

IF I were a serious offroader looking for the best deal without mods, and IF I didn't want a manual, and IF I were willing to spend more than $35K for a truck, I MIGHT be willing to consider the ZR2. That said, for me the OffRoad is a reasonable vehicle that fits me and my lifestyle fine.