For me, here is the thing: Even if I haven’t used the capability YET, the capability is still there. It’s similar to insurance - you may never need it, but there is nothing better when you find yourself in a situation where you DO. Right choice in my opinion. All day long.

My 2021 ZR2 (gas) was 52k new. (In Vancouver, Canada) - When I looked at the Tacoma TRD Pro's they were sitting around 85k, and Jeep Rubicon's between 80k and 100k so it wasn't even a question of what I should buy considering the bang for the buck. Plus I got 0.9% financing whereas the other two are often sitting around 3.5% - it is insane, or at least it was when I bought mine Dec 2021. The markup is ridiculous on those other vehicles up here. Hard to justify 30k more for a similarly equipped Taco. Although I can agree with your points considering your situations over the last year, I am super thankful I have the extra capability when needed. My front locker has saved me twice now in deep snow - although I honestly shouldn't have been where I was both times haha.

The most important thing is that if you need it, you have it. I would rather have it and not need it, then not have it when you need it

I have a 2022 ZR2, so yeah not a whole lot of options for our new trucks yet for mods. but with guys like CBI getting into the ZR2's they are starting to get people excited about customizing their own ZR2's I believe with enough time, and enough guys like you and me making constant content about the ZR2, it will eventually get there, just not as fast as we would like obviously. unless we change the game ourselves. the ZR2 community needs to collectively come together and start thinking outside the box besides stuff like AEV. that's how Tacoma has become popular, because of there following. Keep up the great content man and hope to see you out there one day!

I am currently looking at buying a 2023 ZR2. I currently have 2 Jeep Wranglers, a 2018 JL and a 2014 JK, and have been having several engine issues with both. Before that I had a Chevy Silverado and it was the best most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

1 year with my 2021. I love it. It’s been perfect.

I have a 2018 ZR2 and I really do love it. I think it's better to have too much capability and not need it vs needing it and not having it. As for you overland travels on paved roads I didn't quit understand your point. Did it drive well or was it a rough ride? My truck handles and drives on paved roads like a magic carpet (60+ thousand miles). Off roading it seems the rougher the road the smoother it rides. Love the suspension. Only down side for me (and it has never been and issue just a concern at this point) is the shocks in back. I wish Chevy could figure out a way to mount them reverse so the shock is next to the tire. I've seen modes that do this. As for the cockpit I love the ergonomics of the truck. It's comfortable to drive and the layout for phone drink holders shifter etc are perfect for me. Down side is the stupid side door layout for drink holders and cubby holes. Make no sense. Overall the ZR2 is a great buy. I loved Toyota had a 2001 for 19 years but they've done things to the truck I don't like so ZR2 was my first choice. Only regret was letting my Toyota go. I should have held on to it just for the memories.

Fantastic insights! Loving your channel, very honest IMO

As long as you're happy with the truck, that's all that matters! I've owned my Toyota TRD Sport for a year now, and I couldn't be happier with it. I debated over the Sport and the Off Road, and the Sport was just right for my needs. I also looked at a Colorado, tough choices, but I'm happy with the one I made. Variety is the spice.

Why I like the ZR2. 1) America 2) Diesel 3) Factory front lockers 4) AEV option I would have got the long bed xtra cab option. But I have a 2016 Silverado Duramax that has been bulletproof for 130k. My overlanding build is a Dodge Ram AEV. But with fuel prices? A baby Duramax could be the ticket!

I am coming up on 2 years in my ZR2. Aside from an issue with the solenoid in c5 early on that was causing headaches, I've had zero maintenance issues. On road and city driving, I have no complaints. It handles well, it's a smooth ride, and decent economy if I drive right. It is easy to park, even in a parking garage. Only 1 time I was too tall. Off-road, I've fone a fair amount of trail running, winter wheeling and some dune running. I've only got stuck 1 time, and that was me being dumb. I don't really begrudge the basic interior, as it's super easy to clean. The only 3 things I'd do differently, if I could: no long box - too hard to find accessories, and my dog hates not having windows. No black - much harder to keep clean, and trail pin striping is very noticeable. Only got it because they gave a discount to change my mind. Fight harder with my wife to get diesel - I don't think there is much of a savings in money, over the life of the vehicles. But the range on a tank is worth it. The overall best part is that my wife thoroughly enjoys the truck, and likes off-roading and camping. She's already eyeing up the 2023 redesign for late next year after they've been out for awhile.

Had my ZR2 for two days before I was asked to pull a Tacoma off road out of the mud after another Tacoma off road failed on the rescue. You are nuts. No regrets here.

I’m waiting for delivery of “the sleeper” of your list later this week. Not green though. Magnetic Gray Metallic for me. I’m so excited! That ZR2 looks great though. Keep having fun out there and I’ll see you on the road! Or off.

Awesome honest review. Thank you

Coming up on 5 years with my Ext cab ZR2. Upgraded front and rear springs, shock relocation make the DSSV's even better. Even with relatively small 33" tires it goes anywhere. Sport truck handling on road and smooth off road. Worth more now than when I bought new.

i have a 2021 zr2. i have used it fully. lockers regularly. i have the aev receiver front end with the winch cradle from warn and the cradle holder in the bed. peak coil over and +2 in the rear. 255/80r17 falken wildpeak at3w with no trimming needed. 4.56 gears and trifecta tune for all the tire sizes. 34x10/17 super swampers on a second set of factory wheels (5 for $3275 from cl). almost zero rub, only going downhill across the rolling dips. datin shock skids. aev diff skid. rigid lights on the hood, down in front and in the stock rear bumper. waiting for install is the 589 enforcer light mount. i don't really plan on the overlanding thing as much as a hard trails and maybe ground camping. so for me it's good. maybe a regret is not getting the crew cab. aev has no option for the rear highmark flairs for the extended cab. that's it though. i have a gadget in the rear hitch that takes all the beating instead of the bumper. i help tacomas and jeeps when needed just because it's the right thing to do. some day i might need some help too. ;) btw i paid $39.9 for mine in the pandemic. i found a little town with a little dealership. did the entire transaction by text and phone.

I really loved my 2019 ZR2. The front lockers definitely saved my ass a few times and the suspension just casually navigates any jagged blast-rock logging road I want at full speed.. and that's saying lot around here. Then I upgraded to my new 2022 which I just picked up a couple months ago. But then the 2023 remodel was announced and the vids started showing up on KZfaq.. so I quickly made a plan with the dealership to order one as soon as they can process orders. I've had a lot of trucks in my 50 years and these ZR2's are my favs so far. If I needed a full size then I'd probably buy a new TRX but the new 2023 ZR2 is gonna have 430 lb-ft of torque which is comparable to the power/weight ratio of the TRX in torque anyway. It's also getting upgraded tech, the proper re-positioning of the rear shocks and a whole bunch of other needed fixes and upgrades. At the end of the day it'll go a ton of places the TRX just wouldn't even fit. Anyway, for the context of this particular vid I'll say that I do like the Tacoma's. They're reasonably capable and really reliable, but they just can't keep up with the ZR2's. Not in speed or off-road capability. Maybe they'll start making them with front and rear lockers someday.. and a powerful engine.. and comfortable seats, rear disc brakes, factory aggressive off-road tires, factory tuned exhaust, factory widened track and all the other sweet stuff the ZR2 comes from the factory with.. but in the meantime I'm just super stoked to order a 2023 ZR2 asap👍🏻

I bought a Jeep Gladiator because of the lockers, and aftermarket support is awesome for jeeps. I bought the Sarge Green. A buddy of mine just bought a 2018 Frontier Pro-4x to build a overlanding truck. The best truck is the truck you like and can afford.

Had my 2018 ZR2 over 4 years and 76k on it now. I love it more every day and have ZERO regrets choosing it over a Tacoma. I don't shy away from anything with this truck because I know it can handle it. Good choice

I don’t get the brand loyalty that some guys (mostly Tacoma fanboys) have. Drive what you like/Like what you drive. In my experience, Tacoma owners have the biggest blinders on. They absolutely refuse to acknowledge that there are better & more capable trucks out there.

I have a 2019 Zr2 gas version 41,000 miles with no issues. I totally understand what you are saying. I have similar feelings a year ago did I make the right move and bought a chevy and after some thought I came to the conclusion that if the truck is solid has no issues and will get you down the road and maybe to some places that a basic 4x4 won't it was all worth it. I love my Zr2. I have no regrets. Actually trying to convince my wife to buy a diesel Bison. She takes my truck all the time...🤐👍👍

I have the Colorado ZR2 AEV Bison Duramax Diesel and I love the capabilities!

Putting aside the off road capabilities, the DSSV shocks make the ZR2 a great handling road truck you can drive long distances safely and comfortably to get to off road locations.

I also have a white zr2 but a 18' up here in NH. I'd put a catch can and be religious with oil changes with the 3.6 and it'll be as reliable as anything else out there.. I think you made the right choice If you do alot of stuff yourself because all those magic buttons will get you unstuck pretty easily by yourself. I also don't see the draw to the dssv shocks, they're not as great as everyone says they are. I guess they're nice but not worth the extra cash

Glad you love the truck. I work at the plant that makes them. Ty for buying American. We also make the canyons. Canyons are just the more expensive model to the colorado despite using the same frames and same parts as the Colorados.

ZR2 is a badass truck. Looks great. Like all the mods you added.

Thank you for your insight. Great video. I gambled and went with Toyota instead of chevy. I see people fixated on purpose built top dollar rigs. I'm an every day joe. Who camps, mountain bikes and takes dirt trails in the PNW. I don't think people realize how very capable these trucks are in stock form. I bought an SR5 and put on OR Bilsteins/TRD springs that were take offs for $500. I look to upgrade eventually with armor and shocks, but am realizing " why" after spending a year in the captains seat . My friends TRD pro gets bored when we take it out. All people need are tires, really.

Having the things (skids,lockers, etc) are insurance in case you need them.

Was on the waiting list for the bronco, a year went by and dealers already jacking the price up. So researched gladiator, Toyota and zr2.. the jeep has alot factory recall, Toyota was way much..I found a zr2 slight over ago a 2021.. thus I'm in love with

Have you seen the TRD offroad double cab with a long bed? Those are unicorn.

I just ordered a 2022 ZR2 and excited for it to arrive. I will be mostly driving as a daily driver but with some weekend camping trips, trail rides but no real hard core off roading. But to know that I could, priceless. And there is the cool looks factor too. Tacomas are great in their own right but there are a million of them on the road. On wanted something different. My setup will look very similar to yours as I have the iKamper tent, Yakima rack, etc that I’m moving from my current rig. (Full size Ram 2500). So enjoy what you have. We’ve all been down that path of shoulda, coulda, woulda. Keep up the good content. One of the few from CT! Safe travels.

I have owned my Babymax zr2 for two years now and not one issue and I have over 60 k miles hated to trade my Tacoma in but now I can’t imagine going with out my zr2. Best dam truck

All you said about the TRD Sport can be said about the Z71 or just a LT 4X4. As far as your long road trip on paved road in a Tacoma, from what I have heard from Tacoma owners would be very uncomfortable due to the seating position.

Never owned a Chevy before my 2020 ZR2 with the duramax. I’ve Bison’d it completely plus. Diesel, lockers front and rear cheaper than TRD pro no brainer. 22-25 Mpg, 19 Mpg towing. Drove 19 hrs straight once and have never been more comfortable. Zero I mean zero issues in 30,000 miles. I think it’s the only vehicle I’ve owned that has never had a recall or minor warranty issue ever.

I’m on my second ZR2 , had an 18 and now a 22 . You can’t beat them for the money . They are a little pricey but look what you get . Full lockers front & rear and a 3” lift, that by itself 10 to 12 k if you buy it aftermarket . I don’t care what anyone says you can’t beat lockers , all that and it drives awesome on road and off . You made a good choice 👍

Hindsight is 20/20. Coulda woulda shoulda, there are pros and cons to anything. You got what you got and seem to enjoy it. If something else comes along you like better and you can afford it, take a look. Personally I’m not sure why folks are so brand loyal to corporations, I have a ZR2, but also enjoy any yt content with any brand vehicle out enjoying life. I’ve owned toyota, chevy, ford, even a mercedes benz, just happen to have a chevy now. I would ignore people with schadenfreude.

You dont choose the ZR2, it chooses you. lol I just bought a Metallic Blue 2022 ZR2. Absolutely love it so far. Hope to do some cool upgrades down the line. Nice vid, Thanks!

Dssv drives better on road than anything, that's one of the best parts of it. I've got a 2020 zr2 midnight. I'd rather have to much capability than wish I needed it. I also go to moab and rock crawl a lot though. Wouldn't do nearly as good without the front locker

i have a 2018 chevy colorado LT i spect it for highway use no 4wheel drive all other options are on the truck i now have 113,000 miles on it doesn't burn a drop of oil runs like the day i got it

People get too culty with truck choices. I own a Tacoma in the off road trim and it works for me, I enjoy it. It’s just personal choices that people need to quit getting up in arms about. All trucks these days are very similar and you really can’t go wrong with either big manufacturers. Enjoy your zr2, looks like a sweet truck.

Better to have the bells and whistles and not need them than to need them and not have them. I bought a 2019 Pro4x and have yet to actually need the rear locker.

My thoughts, tacoma sport has no locker. It does have a brake actuated rear LSD but a locker is far better to have when you need it. The zr2 is worth it just for having front and rear lockers alone. Yeah, you might not use it to its potential, but I'd you ever get into a sticky situation, it's nice to have a few extra tools at your disposal. I'm currently trying to make a decision between these two trucks xD

Heard a lot of good about tacomas. But most of the bad has been about it being uncomfortable on road-trips

Main reason I went for Chevy was the baby max. Went with the ZR2 for the looks plain and simple. Hope to get the emissions delete real soon which will improve everything about it!

i still break necks Every time I pull up somewhere, ZR2 is just unicorn luvit!

ZR2 diesel is one of my dream trucks

Buddy has a 3 inch lifted 4Runner OR on 33 inch Wildpeak MTs and I’m an inch level and the stock Duratracs. If it wasn’t for the front locker we’d have shovelling or been walking 6 hours to call our friend with his Rubicon with a 4 inch lift and 37s to come save us. Lol Buddy got buried in the snow and I was barely able to get around him to pull him out.

At least with the ZR2, you didn’t have to buy brackets to make the front seat comfortable, you already have disc brakes, and the transmission isn’t constantly hunting gears! 😂 #shotsfired Glad you’re enjoying the truck.

Color is the first option because I have to look at it everyday

I have a 22 Zr2 and I get what you are getting at here! I love my truck and use barely use a quarter of it's capabilities! I take it on the beach bc I am a guard. let's be honest, you are paying for a lot of extra and if you plan accordingly, you may not need that extra. BUUUT here is also even more honesty in place, IT IS SO NICE TO HAVE THOSE EXTRA OPTIONS!!! lol 😂😂😂😂 There will be situations where having the skid plates, 2in/or 4in don't remember what factory lift was but anyway. I think it's nice to have although yeah, 70% time it is a pavement princess and is purely a badass off-roader for looks. I love both trucks!! Was in the same boat as you when making a decision on them both. I actually ended up getting the Zr2 because the Tacoma's didn't have inventory (any of the offroads even sport trd offroad or trd pro) till the year after and I didn't want to wait. I still think knowing about the Zr2 prior to making the decision on the Tacoma's, I still would have purchased it based on features and stuff I enjoy doing. Idk why and prob biased opinion but I think the zr2 looks AMAZING and is seriously underrated little truck! Liked the video man! Keep it up!

I just got an LT 4x4 it has just about everything a z71 has minus the heated seats and steering wheel. Have yet to test it but I love it so far. Nicer than a Tacoma on the inside imo.

What do think of the z71 colorado considering your buddy has one ?

I love my zr2 it’s such a smooth ride, great sound system, handles great off road and on of course. Parents, if you want this truck for your kids it’s a great truck because of the teen driver settings you can put on.

You may not have been as happy with the Tacoma as you think on road. I have watched other videos on KZfaq where people complained about the transmission of the Tacoma in the mountains on road saying it hunted a lot and seemed to struggle. Nothing is perfect, but I’d rather have capability and not use it than need it and not have it. That said, I’m looking at buying a 2023 Colorado Trail Boss and hope it has the capability I need. But reality is the vast majority of my miles will be on road as well.

What was your actual fuel economy miles per gallon with a ZR2?

53k for a diesel bison edition is insane. I just priced one today. I can get a Lexus gx460 with 20k miles for 35k. Has mileage sucks but they go 500,000 miles.

Why didn’t you consider an Colorado z71?

Diesel. Front and rear lockers. Trailer brakes.

I think you made the smart choice... A TRD Sport would need a lot of mods to get to the same state as your ZR2. Personally, I'd have hunted down a Pro-4X. A locker, in a reliable Japanese truck would be epic.

Your talking about a TRD Sport compared to a ZR2, apples and oranges. I have a z71 and have been on some gnarly trails and it has taken care of me. I wish I would have gotten the ZR2 just for the lockers, but I haven't needed them yet, really. The only reason I didn't buy the Toyota was in 2018 you couldn't get Apple CarPlay and to get heated seats it was a $4000 upgrade. I drive a lot so the seats made a big difference and I've owned Toyotas before and their seats are terrible. The only regret not buying the Toyota is Aftermarket parts. Chevy is very limited.

Just got a 21 zr2 from 2017 TRD off road. Man the drivability, comfortably and refinement of the zr2 is much better in my opinion. Love the zr2 just a little more than the Tacoma.

Resale value?

Glad I waited for Colorado redesign. Old Colorado looks frumpy and engine options missed the mark. That said, it's a good truck but 2023 is an order of magnitude improved. Waiting for my ZR2 to be built.

As a 21 Taco sport owner, and someone who has taken it offroad, and lives in New England-I can comfortably say that the ONLY difference between the sport and OR is suspension stiffness. Its a daily driver for me. I will not be doing anything crazy with it. I take it offroad in areas where I am comfy driving. I have gotten it up on 3 wheels once. A couple times I was concerned I may have gotten stuck-but didnt. The sport is very, very capable going offroad. Plenty of clearance, no issues at all. Besides, the color matched wheel wells are nice. Yes, the air dam was tossed as soon as I got home lol. No need for that thing. It doesnt save on gas.

Manual transmission is top priority for me. My goal is to get a basic Tacoma and haul a dual sport bike. Do the fun offroad stuff on the bike That's the goal anyway, we'll see if it ever happens (definitely not this year)

considering they want high 60s in my state for a tacoma trd pro & gladiator rubicon ....no Id buy a raptor at that price point

I eat tacos all day. They still don't offer at tires or fr. Locker. To this day

everyone has an opinion, now ill say mine, I have a TRD OFF ROAD 2021, now the fact that you stated that the TRD OFF road is only 1000 msrp higher then the sport, I think it is very Stupid to not get the TRD Off road, because of the off road features that you get from the getgo. I have always told my friends that want a tacoma, if you can't afford a TRD Off raod trim, then get at least a SR5 with 4x4 is more then enough, but if you can wait and save up more for that craw control, MTS and E-locker that it is a lot more expenssive to add on aftermarket, might as well just wait a lil more save up and buy a TRD Off road, specially because you get bilsteins and they are so comfy. TRD Sport is made for the streets, not really off raod focused, so if you did take a sport, imo it would be the stupiest idea of all, when the TRD OF gonna offer you a lot of good features that you could use. for instance that ZR2 is such a machine, I was going to get my self a colorado, loved them, but unfortuantely so many o fmy friends have chevy and they all suffer from eletrical issues nightmare including my aunt, that I quit my self on chevy and wanted something reliabe. that is why i got a Toyota, also my friend work at a dealer, and i paid 38,500 for a TRDOF which is invoice price for tha truck... mine is also long bed which makes it more expenssive then the rest. but anyways that is my opinion, is not being a fanboy, it is about being realistic, TRD sport would be for people who might see a dust once in a while, and btw, if a price diff between a TRDOF and a sport is 1k, this would show only as 20 dollars more on your monthly payment if you are financing..

A trd sport doesn't have a locking diff and if you off road the off road tacoma is 100 percent worth it over the spot j have owned 2 tacoma off roads and seen several instances where the locking diff is absolutely needed I now own a zr2 diesel and there it out offroads my tacoma but the tacoma is offered in a manual it's steering isn't as numb as the chevy and the chevys brakes suck from the factory and Toyota qc is a thing of legend toyota needs to build a tacoma hybrid or ANY ENGINE THAT CAN GET OVER 20MPG and they might get my business again

Who gives a fuck what anybody else says if you like your 🛻💨 that's what matters I bought a Tacoma TRD 4x4 off road with a 6-speed manual just cuz I always wanted a Tacoma it's old skool AF but hey it's a 🛻💨 & that's what matters it will be reliable I'm sure & your 🛻💨 is badass you put a lot of miles on it for only 1 year💯💪👍👍

I just hate the way a Tacoma drives🤷🏻‍♂️

I drove the Tacoma, Ranger, & Colorado … the ZR2 is by far the best truck in the segment. The Toyota has horrid seats for anybody near or taller than 6’; electronics are circa 2005; transmission is constantly hunting for the right gear; engine is anemic. Contrast that with excellent seating in the ZR2; front & rear lockers; better powertrain. The Chevy is produced by an American 🇺🇸 company in the USA 🇺🇸, while the Tacoma is from a Japanese 🇯🇵 company that splits production in Mexico 🇲🇽 & the USA 🇺🇸. The choice was easy for me … 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2. There are a lot of people spewing outdated quality narratives about Toyota & plenty of sources dispel that notion on sheer data & facts. As more people wake up to the reality that Toyota no longer holds a quality advantage; innovation, performance, tech, & value will prevail. The ZR2 is the best truck in the segment. Just the same as Ford & Ram rule the full-size landscape.

#1 now am I talking about you or my comment stick around and you'll see

sell it, you probably will make money.

You can’t flat tow a tocoma

Bro is loooonnnggg winded...jeez

Stay american product

go ahead, just sell your ZR2, we all know you want to go Toyota sport. you know you want it. or just buy two trucks. ZR2 and Taco sport. then you have two girlfriends!

Toyota is better

My question to you is that if you thought going BACK and getting a regular Tacoma was a better choice it necessarily not having it to be a TRD Sport then why did you buy the ZR2 then? why didn't you just buy a regular Colorado Z71? see your just following the trend.