Pickup Truck Comparison: 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison vs. 2024 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X vs. 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Introduction:
Pickups, often overlooked in the tech and innovation race, are emerging as front-runners in the automotive sector, especially with off-road-focused models. This comparison pits three 2024 models against each other: Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, Jeep Gladiator Mojave X, and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, to see which comes out on top in a challenging off-road test.
Jeep Gladiator Mojave X:
- History & Design:
- Rooted in the heritage of the Jeep Wrangler, the Gladiator Mojave X builds on Jeep’s off-road legacy.
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6, 285 hp, 260 lb-ft torque, eight-speed auto (six-speed manual optional).
- Off-Road Features: 2.5-inch Fox shocks, hydraulic jounce dampers, heavy-duty cast iron steering knuckles, thicker Dana 44 front axle.
- Desert Rated: Swaps rock-crawling features for desert speed.
- Performance:
- Off-Road: Handles rocky, rutted terrain well but struggles on high-speed sandy stretches.
- Suspension: Fox shocks improve handling at moderate speeds, but lack some Rubicon features like the front stabilizer-bar disconnect.
- Powertrain: Feels underpowered compared to rivals, impacting overall performance.
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Iconic design, excellent visibility, charmingly analog experience.
- Cons: Expensive, underpowered engine, prone to scraping the undercarriage.
- Verdict:
- Despite its charm and visibility, the Gladiator Mojave X’s high price and less powerful engine keep it from clinching the top spot.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro:
- Design & Innovation:
- New platform, first hybrid in the segment.
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4 with electric motor, 326 hp, 465 lb-ft torque, eight-speed automatic.
- Off-Road Features: Manually adjustable Fox shocks, front seats with hydraulic suspension, stabilizer-bar disconnect.
- Performance:
- Powertrain: Hybrid powertrain offers V-8-like power and efficiency (22/24/23 mpg city/highway/combined).
- Suspension: Adjustable Fox shocks provide stable ride quality but manual adjustments are impractical in off-road conditions.
- Technology: Electronic sway bar disconnect aids in rock crawling, various drive modes assist in handling different terrains.
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Powerful and efficient hybrid, good ride quality, stabilizer-bar disconnect.
- Cons: Poor visibility from the cabin, suspension adjustments are cumbersome, perceived value lower than the winner.
- Verdict:
- A significant improvement over its predecessor with a strong powertrain and advanced off-road tools. However, it’s not as user-friendly or valuable as the Colorado ZR2 Bison.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison:
- Design & Technology:
- Strong off-road pedigree with advanced Multimatic DSSV dampers.
- Engine: 2.7-liter turbocharged I-4, 310 hp, 430 lb-ft torque, eight-speed automatic.
- Off-Road Features: Boron steel bumpers, steel skidplates, 35-inch tires with beadlock-capable wheels, full-time 4WD.
- Performance:
- Suspension: Multimatic DSSV shocks provide exceptional performance across various terrains, from rock crawling to high-speed desert runs.
- Powertrain: Offers a blend of top-end power and low-end torque, with minimal turbo lag.
- Technology: More user-friendly off-road capabilities, allowing drivers to lock the rear diff in 2WD and fully defeat traction control.
- Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Superior suspension, well-armored, flexible use of off-road features.
- Cons: Heavier feel, reliance on touchscreen controls, bed space reduced by spare tire carrier.
- Verdict:
- The Colorado ZR2 Bison is the most well-rounded and capable off-roader in the comparison. It offers the best blend of capability, comfort, and value, securing its position as the winner.
Conclusion:
In this rigorous comparison, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison emerges as the clear winner, offering unmatched off-road capabilities, advanced technology, and great value. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro comes in second with its powerful hybrid engine and off-road tools but falls short in practicality and value. The Jeep Gladiator Mojave X, despite its charm and rugged heritage, finishes third due to its high price and less potent powertrain.