Comparing the Ranger Raptor to the Colorado ZR2 and TRD Pro
Soon, we’ll (hopefully) have three off-road specific mid-size pickups to choose from. But which one will come out on top?
Despite the fact that it merely exists as a giant tease for those of us in America at the moment, the freshly announced Ranger Raptor is still an exciting truck. And, well, we’re operating on the assumption that it will eventually land here in the U.S. After all, Ford wouldn’t dare deny us this amazing little mid-sizer, now would they?
So the next logical question is how does the Ranger Raptor stack up to its already established competition – the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Toyota TRD Pro? We thought you’d never ask. Let’s take a look at how these (kinda) pint-sized off-roaders compare on paper!
Engine
The big news for the Ranger Raptor is that it comes with a single engine option (for now). And it’s a diesel – a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit producing 210 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. While the Ford is down on displacement compared to the diesel-powered ZR2 (2.8-liters), it produces the same exact torque and 29 additional horsepower. The TRD Pro uses a 3.5-liter gas engine that tops both with 278 hp. But it loses a ton of ground with only 265 lb-ft of torque.
Suspension
All three of these trucks pack impressive technology underneath their bodywork. The Ranger Raptor is no slouch, sporting Position Sensitive Damping Fox shocks with internal bypass technology. Ground clearance comes in at an impressive 11.1 inches, and the approach angle measures 32.5 inches.
The Colorado ZR2’s Multimatic DSSV setup uses Spool Valve shock technology, similar to cars like the Camaro ZL1 1LE. It’s a unique idea for an off-road application, providing precise control over damping. The ZR2 does lose ground in terms of ground clearance to the Ranger Raptor, however (8.9 inches), as well as approach angle (30 degrees).
The Toyota TRD Pro, like the Ranger Raptor, uses a Fox suspension, albeit not quite as advanced. For 2019, the TRD Pro gets Fox 2.5-inch aluminum-bodied internal bypass shocks, specially tuned TRD springs, and progressive rate leaf springs in the rear. Ground clearance for the 2018 model (no word yet on 2019) comes in at 9.4 inches, with a 29 degree approach angle.
Price
The kicker, of course, is how much all of these bundles of off-road joy will set you back. The Colorado ZR2 starts out at $42,000, while the Tacoma TRD Pro bases at $41,000. Of course, those prices are for a gas-powered Chevy and manual transmission-equipped Toyota. Add on options, and you’re quickly approaching $50k. Ford hasn’t yet announced pricing for the Ranger Raptor, but it should start somewhere in the low $40k range. And while we can’t truly crown a winner until we can drive all three, we like the Ranger Raptor’s odds on paper!
