The full-size truck market has never been hotter. Ford, Ram and Toyota have offered off-road focused versions of their full-sized truck with the Raptor, TRX and TRD Pro models.
Not to be left out of the party, Chevy recently announced a ZR2 version of the 2022 Silverado. Taking a cue from its Colorado ZR2 little brother to create a more hardcore off-roader, making a much more serious off-roader than the Z71 Off-Road and Trail Boss trims. Although not as hardcore as the desert blasting Raptor and tire smoking TRX, the ZR2 is more directly aimed at the Tundra TRD Pro.
This comes in just in time as Toyota just redesigned the aging Tundra with an all new truck for 2022. How do these new full-sized off-roaders compare?
Power
While other manufacturers are ditching naturally aspirated V8s for supercharged V8s or turbo/hybrid V6 configurations, the ZR2 is powered by a tried-and-true 6.2L V8 making 420hp. The powertrain is also found in the top spec'd Silverado RST.
The Tundra packs a V6 hybrid but this is no Prius. The Tundra’s i-Force Max 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain makes 437 horsepower and 583 lb/ft of torque.
This also helps the Tundra tow up to 12,000 lbs. MPG numbers haven’t been announced but they should be better than the 15 mpg average of the 5.7L V8 Tundra that is being replaced.
Advantage: Toyota (on paper), Chevy (if you believe full-sized trucks should only have a V8 or better)
Suspension
Both trucks feature a lifted suspension and shocks tuned for off-roading. Under the Tundra, you’ll find a whole sea of red parts specific to the TRD Pro.
Up front, a red TRD sway bar helps counter the added body roll from the softer TRD tuned coil springs at found all 4 corners which give the TRD Pro a 1.1-inch lift over other Tundras.
In the rear a new 5 link set up similar to the new Ford Raptor, replaces the leaf spring rear found in previous generations of the Tundra. Wrapping up the suspension are 2.5-inch diameter Fox shocks with internal bypass and external reservoirs, ready for trail duty.
Underneath the ZR2, you will find fancy gold bodied Multimatic spool valved dampers, similar to the Colorado ZR2 (shown). Those who have driven the Colorado ZR2 over various terrain say it performs amazingly over any terrain. Expect them to be just as amazing on the Silverado.
Chevy hasn’t provided specific details such as wheel travel or ground clearance but it does sit 2.5 inches taller than a standard Silverado.
Advantage: Chevy
Off-Road Capability
The TRD Pro comes equipped with a rear locking diff, crawl control and multi terrain modes. For the most part, these features are not exclusive to the TRD Pro as they can also be had on the TRD Off-Road package.
Like the TRD Pro, The ZR2 has selectable trail modes but one-ups the TRD Pro with a locking front diff, in addition to the rear and center.
This combo is only found in the most serious of off-roaders (Colorado ZR2, Wrangler Rubicon, Mercedes G-Wagon and Ford Bronco w/ Sasquach Package). For challenging situations, locking diffs tend to be better than relying solely on fancy tech.
Advantage: Chevy
Exterior Styling
Unlike the Colorado ZR2 which has bulging fenders, the Silverado tones down the look but still gets a unique aggressive front facia, a high clearance steel front bumper and a hollowed out bow-tie logo to help the motor suck in more air.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the TRD Pro are LED clearance lights, similar to those found on the Raptor.
Front and back you’ll find big bold TOYOTA and TRD Pro branding front and rear, a factory LED light bar and “digital camo” pattern where you would typically find black rubber trim.
Advantage: Depends on who you're asking
With more choices than ever, which full-sized truck will you be taking off road?