Off-Road Comparison Test: Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road vs. Ford Ranger FX4 vs. Chevrolet Colorado Z71

We’ve already compared the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, Ford Ranger FX4, and Chevy Colorado Z71 on the road, so it’s now time to put all three to the test on the dirt. Now, while they’re still plenty capable, these aren’t the dedicated off-road trims — stay tuned for a TRD Pro vs. Raptor vs. ZR2 test — but rather the more approachable and wallet-friendly midgrade models. So, which one will take home the off-road trophy? Find out with Edmunds’ Emme Hall in this midsize truck off-road comparison test!

00:00 Intro
00:34 Ziggurat of Integrity
02:35 Hill Climb
07:03 The Pipes
10:32 Sand Wash Circuit
13:45 Edmunds' Take

[edmundscars]

Are these trucks off-road-y enough for you, or would you spend extra bucks for a ZR2, Raptor or TRD Pro? Let us know in the comments!

[teddonley]

The width of the rangers' bed instantly makes it more useful as a truck. When the 6cyl becomes available, that should further extend its superiority over the other options. As far as trucks that do truck things, I'll pick the Ranger.

[markspence]

Almost no one makes a video about base models. Thank you!!

[HOON]

Colorado ZR2 $46K in my area. Z71: $38K. Taco TRD Offroad: $43K. Toyota prices are out of control. The ZR2 is hugely more capable for $3k more.

[dutchstorm]

Emme, You're the best for off road reviews and information. Have you done off road training videos for Edmunds or elsewhere?

[stefanfalldorf]

Nice test. Positiv surprised Emme chose the Colorado. So would I out of those.
Negative surprised you didn't add the Frontier to that bunch. That would have been my no. 1 choice.

[-Zulu]

I'm not too surprised that the Colorado won the sprint portion of this comparison. The chassis is designed to do that, granted it's more for the ZR2. Because most of that version actually competes in races.

[TREVORJB]

The Colorado Trail Boss would've been a much better option for this match-up.

[andreasm]

Good thing you didn't have to turn that locker on in the Tacoma because everybody knows that the lockers in a tacoma are a pain in the ass 😅. And yes I own a Tacoma.

[Goose_Lord]

Great testing, fun to see them all swuare off. In Canada the ZR2 version of the chevy is comparable in price to the ranger Lariat and the Tacomo TRD offroad premium. No doubt the ZR2 would crush this particular competition with rear AND front lockers, 33" MT tires, and optional full underbody cameras.

[exmortis]

One of the best reviewers I have seen yet, sorry TFL.... Really enjoyed the video.

[KNRS]

I think Colorado wins this for me. It’s probably the most well-rounded midsize truck, has a trim for everyone of every demographic, has pretty nice engine power and tech, and is the best value for the money now.

[Sandsinburkina]

I've owned a 24 Tacoma TRD Offroad for about a month - just took it to Creede/Southfork area to put it through its' paces and was truly amazed at the trails it would eat up in "bone-stock" format. Nothing I love more than passing people in SxS that are giving me the "how the heck did you get up here" eyebrow raise! The only places I felt like it was lacking were in mud (stock tires aren't very aggressive) and I'm going to get an aftermarket front facing camera and a winch. Oh yeah - AND it rode like a car on the 12 hour trip to get there! Very pleased with my purchase...

[SilverScarletSpider]

good review but i would have loved to see the NA V6 Nissan Frontier instead of the Ford Ranger

[border]

And the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X is? Why do you keep excluding that vehicle?

[thegreeneyej]

Emme’s work is awesome! More content please.

[tyrsafray]

Love your videos and especially your delivery! Just found your channel ❤️❤️❤️

[jamisonjamisonx]

admittedly I don't watch a ton of different off-road reviewers (fan of Cammisa, Throttle House, Lieberman, Pobst, and a little TFL here and there), but I have never seen Emme before and she is awesome. Please get her out here more!

[dj_laundry_list]

One would think GM would ditch the automatic locker after 20+ years of sucking. I found the best technique was to carry a little bit of speed and stay on the gas a little bit when a wheel started to slip, so that when the locker kicked in, I was still moving forward and didn't need to suddenly get on the gas once it hooked up. Got me up some gnarly stuff... but why make it so annoying?

[lc]

Nice review! To make a better comparison then you would have to put the same tires on all the vehicles. Tires and tire pressure are everything.