I'm looking for the perfect "all arounder" for my needs which consist of hauling things when need be (house/landscaping etc), as well as weekend off-road trips. I've narrowed it down to the following vehicles. I'm in no rush, and a lot can happen between now and when I'm ready (chip shortages are creating supply issues). *should be noted that I actually use 4WD when I have one. This won't be just a mall crawler.
Colorado ZR2
Ford Ranger FX4/Tremor
Jeep Rubicon/Gladiator
Tacoma TRD OR
4Runner TRD OR
What I like about each:
Colorado ZR2 - pros: is very capable with front locker and good on road. The more I see this truck in action and read the reviews (8.5 from Car & Driver), the more I'm impressed. con's: that iffy 8 speed automatic. However the DMAX fixes that bc it uses the 6speed.
Ranger FX4/Tremor - pros: Good all around truck with a good powertrain. Highest towing/payload in class. Quick. con's: FX-4 is a somewhat dated off road package. Interior is average. Ride is average. Tremor model fixes all those issues. No front locker but terrain management systems using brakes are getting quite good at emulating a true locker. Would have to build it up a bit on my own if I got the FX-4.
4Runner TRD OR- pros: reliable, capable off-road/rear locker. cons - dated across the board, and expensive considering the fact.
Tacoma TRD OR - pros: reliable and capable off-road. con's: small interior, doesn't ride that well and engine/AT is clumsy.
Jeep Rubicon/Gladiator - pros: unmatched off road ability, looks. Gladiator trim has a bed. cons: questionable reliability, price due to insane demand.
Colorado ZR2
Ford Ranger FX4/Tremor
Jeep Rubicon/Gladiator
Tacoma TRD OR
4Runner TRD OR
What I like about each:
Colorado ZR2 - pros: is very capable with front locker and good on road. The more I see this truck in action and read the reviews (8.5 from Car & Driver), the more I'm impressed. con's: that iffy 8 speed automatic. However the DMAX fixes that bc it uses the 6speed.
Ranger FX4/Tremor - pros: Good all around truck with a good powertrain. Highest towing/payload in class. Quick. con's: FX-4 is a somewhat dated off road package. Interior is average. Ride is average. Tremor model fixes all those issues. No front locker but terrain management systems using brakes are getting quite good at emulating a true locker. Would have to build it up a bit on my own if I got the FX-4.
4Runner TRD OR- pros: reliable, capable off-road/rear locker. cons - dated across the board, and expensive considering the fact.
Tacoma TRD OR - pros: reliable and capable off-road. con's: small interior, doesn't ride that well and engine/AT is clumsy.
Jeep Rubicon/Gladiator - pros: unmatched off road ability, looks. Gladiator trim has a bed. cons: questionable reliability, price due to insane demand.