Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 first drive reviews

[calicamper]

No locking differential option? Didn't realize that. I wouldn't care though, so long as the aftermarket can supply what I want.

One thing lacking on the ZR2 is the double cab long option. If you want that.

I agree with p nut; go big. The midsize trucks aren't any cheaper to buy or own. MPG differences are a trivial expense in the grand scheme of things, and you'll appreciate the extra power and room in a truck that you load up and really use. I know I do.

Except in the land of people with purchase power its nearly impossible to find parking for a full size. Mainly due to width. The midsized rigs easily fit into Daily driving and parking around here. Full size not so much. And our Auto Market is the largest in the US. Meaning what sells here gets the most intrest from auto makers.

 

[rruff]

Except in the land of people with purchase power its nearly impossible to find parking for a full size.

I was going to mention that, but decided it wasn't a big deal for an overlanding vehicle. Width difference is ~ 5"? Maybe that will push you over the edge in the parking lot. Length is the main thing that makes mine hard to park, but I need it (for living space), so I deal.

 

[Clutch]

Cmon man, we've been over this. Yes, you WILL need all the power and torque of a HD V8, when you're trying to haul that Alaskan up a mountain pass. I'd be fine with a 4-cyl on most days as well. But not last weekend, when I was hauling a load with 4 people in the truck. Or the other times when 159hp and 180lb/ft wouldn't have been nearly enough. It's like having 4WD. No, you won't need it on 90% of the days, but when you need it, you NEED it.

It is has been settled the better 3/4's said quit being a cheap SOB and just get the V6. Shame Toyota doesn't offer the TRD Offroad with a manual, (but they do in Canada, what the hell is that aboot?) I have to get the Sport and make it into one. Though I don't really use the locker I have now. Think just swap the 17" wheels for 16's and call it good.

...and yes I know, I can get a fullsize for the price of a Tacoma. If Chevy offered the diesel in a non-ZR2 Colorado extra cab, I might consider giving up my manual trans. Gas V6 vs. gas V6...rather stick with Toyota so I can get the manny, that and I know those trucks inside and out.

Think the Alaskan or FWC will have to wait until I am full time retired, as I can only get out to go camping a handful of times a year. No reason to buy one if it is just going to sit most of the time. Though that is why we moved here, moto trails are super close.

 

[p nut]

It is has been settled the better 3/4's said quit being a cheap SOB and just get the V6. Shame Toyota doesn't offer the TRD Offroad with a manual, (but they do in Canada, what the hell is that aboot?) I have to get the Sport and make it into one. Though I don't really use the locker I have now. Think just swap the 17" wheels for 16's and call it good.

...and yes I know, I can get a fullsize for the price of a Tacoma. If Chevy offered the diesel in a non-ZR2 Colorado extra cab, I might consider giving up my manual trans. Gas V6 vs. gas V6...rather stick with Toyota so I can get the manny, that and I know those trucks inside and out.

Think the Alaskan or FWC will have to wait until I am full time retired, as I can only get out to go camping a handful of times a year. No reason to buy one if it is just going to sit most of the time. Though that is why we moved here, moto trails are super close.

That's weird they don't offer the AC TRD OR with manual. They do for the double cabs. Strange.
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Regarding the full size parking. Yeah, it's a hassle sometimes. It's a compromise. But I'm rarely in a situation where 10 seconds of extra walking to a further spot means life and death. And it keeps me from moving to places overrun with people (i.e. Cali).

 

[2025 deleted member]

Clutch is going to spend money on a new truck? I think the net is going to explode. How did she convince you? I picture Kathy Bates crushing your legs or something lol.

 

[Dalko43]

No locking differential option? Didn't realize that. I wouldn't care though, so long as the aftermarket can supply what I want.

One thing lacking on the ZR2 is the double cab long option. If you want that.

I agree with p nut; go big. The midsize trucks aren't any cheaper to buy or own. MPG differences are a trivial expense in the grand scheme of things, and you'll appreciate the extra power and room in a truck that you load up and really use. I know I do.

I should have been more specific. The regular Colorado's/Canyon's do have the option of auto-lockers (which I'm not a fan of because you lack control over them). They don't however have the option of e-lockers.

As for midsized trucks, like the Colorado, I think they definitely enjoy a decent mpg advantage over full-sized trucks and up. The 2.8 duramax has been reported on this forum as getting high 20's/low 30's on the hwy, which is pretty much unmatched by any 4x4 vehicle, midsized and up. Even the gasoline Colorado and Tacoma are getting low to mid 20's for hwy and high teens for city...that's still quite a bit better than what the 1/2 ton's are returning. Size-wise, I agree that the differences are becoming less defined. But mpg-wise, I see some obvious advantages for going with a midsized pickup.

 

[Clutch]

That's weird they don't offer the AC TRD OR with manual. They do for the double cabs. Strange.

Regarding the full size parking. Yeah, it's a hassle sometimes. It's a compromise. But I'm rarely in a situation where 10 seconds of extra walking to a further spot means life and death. And it keeps me from moving to places overrun with people (i.e. Cali).

Yeah, not sure why they do that. Kinda lame...

Don't care for the color coded fender flares on the Sport either, as they will get blasted with sand and gravel. Think the OR's are black plastic all the way thru.

just a couple little things I will have to change.
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Other than down town Boise, which is small anyway, you blink and you are through it... you can get away with a CCLB here. Though up in the mountains, I have been in some spots where I can barely get my Taco through...looking for that "perfect" out of the way camping spot.

Clutch is going to spend money on a new truck? I think the net is going to explode. How did she convince you? I picture Kathy Bates crushing your legs or something lol.

Ha ha! Think she is getting tired of me bitching about fixing my old one. (honestly I am too) That and she gets really nervous me heading into the back country in it.

As the 4 Banger vs. V6...she said just spend the money and get exactly what I want...as I have been trying to convince myself that the 4 is adequate, and I know it isn't. For some reason she loves those popup camper trailers, she wants one of those over an in-bed camper...dunno they look like a pain in the ******** to me, though you can leave them at camp and go run do stuff with the truck and not have to mess with a truck camper. So....she gets what she wants, and I get what I want.


It won't happen tomorrow, still gonna be a cheap SOB, and wait a year until I sell one of my rental properties.

 

[p nut]

Yeah, not sure why they do that. Kinda lame...

Don't care for the color coded fender flares on the Sport either, as they will get blasted with sand and gravel.

just a couple little things I will have to change.
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Other than down town Boise, which is small anyway, you blink and you are through it... you can get away with a CCLB here. Though up in the mountains, I have been in some spots where I can barely get my Taco through...looking for that "perfect" out of the way camping spot..

I know you don't need a D.C., but it may be worth checking out for when you realize a midsize won't cut it, it'll be easier to sell. Limiting the size of the truck for concerns of 0.1% of trails seem silly to me. Just park out further and ride your bike in! More trail time!!

 

[Highlander]

Thanks for the input guys.

Dalko43

So if you want to maximize the towing performance for your 2.8l duramax, the base truck makes sense, and arguably is decent enough offroad, even without all of the gear and gadgets that the ZR2 has. That said, the ZR2's double lockers and revised suspension make it very appealing to someone looking to take challenging routes.

There a 95% chance that I will NOT tow anything. I don't feel comfortable with towing. So you are right I don't need an increased towing capability. However I am not against of having a towing package as it comes with an additional transmission cooling system, which is a good thing for off-roading. It prevents form overheating.

As for hauling, I am not sure. Yes, I may not carry much as I always try to keep my car as simple as possible. But it's good to have an extra hundred available.

My idea of overlanding equipment is as follows: a roof tent, refrigerator, a small cooking stove, water tank and enough space to put a food and a hiking gear. I want to keep my future car as light and as simple as possible.

Having said all this. I think you are right, a Z72 would better feet for me, but there are two things left: price and lower MPG (compare to LT 2.8 D).

btw. What is max load capacity? what does it mean? 5 people + load in the bed?

rruff

I agree with p nut; go big. The midsize trucks aren't any cheaper to buy or own. MPG differences are a trivial expense in the grand scheme of things, and you'll appreciate the extra power and room in a truck that you load up and really use. I know I do.

I agree. I drove a new Eco-boost with 10 speed and it was amazing. Huge space inside, but I can't have a big truck or SUV and live in NYC area. I will have to drive some times in NYC too. And trust me there is nothing more bad than driving and looking for a parking in nyc.
So only option I am left with is a small truck such a taco or Colorado or SUV such 4Runner or GX470.

If I lived in Montana or Eastern Washington I would get an HD truck

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I drove a 2016 4Runner Trail.
It's a cool car. It drove way better than the taco. It has a bigger space and better siting position. In general it is much roomer car. The quality of the car seemed slightly better.
The engine and trany felt better too. Though the mpg was around 14-15.
My gf didn't like the "outdated" dashboard

 

[Clutch]

I know you don't need a D.C., but it may be worth checking out for when you realize a midsize won't cut it, it'll be easier to sell. Limiting the size of the truck for concerns of 0.1% of trails seem silly to me. Just park out further and ride your bike in! More trail time!!

Need the 6' bed so I can sleep in it. Would like to find a Flip Pac for it, even with that, if the weather gets too nasty, can close it up and snooze in the bed. If the DCLB came with a manual I would go that route. Though that popup camper that iggy is involved in might make the DCSB work. Fall and spring the wind is horrible here, my Wildernest sucks in it, can't imagine a FP or AT Hab being much better. I can see being able to park iggy's into the wind.

Dunno...still like a 6' bed. There is less to do to make a Sport ACLB work for me, than a DCSB.

Even with the bike, I tend to like to find out of the way camping spots. Last fall, found a spot literally on the side of the mountain that overlooked a lake...it was making me a little nervous it was a bit narrow. But it was great to relax and look over the lake after a long day of riding.


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Stlll kinda want to wait and see what Ford does with the Ranger, guessing it will be a miracle if it comes with a manual trans.

 

[rruff]

As for midsized trucks, like the Colorado, I think they definitely enjoy a decent mpg advantage over full-sized trucks and up.

If you tally your total cost of ownership, the mpg difference is still tiny though. And if you are carrying a load it vanishes.

I'd love a diesel with the emissions removed, but wouldn't want one with it installed.

 

[Clutch]

If you tally your total cost of ownership, the mpg difference is still tiny though. And if you are carrying a load it vanishes.

I'd love a diesel with the emissions removed, but wouldn't want one with it installed.

Get roughly a 10 mpg gain with the diesel...though yearly fuel cost savings really isn't that much.

The jury is still out, but I am guessing the emissions system is going to be a huge expensive headache when those things are out of warranty...think a gasser's catalytic converters are spendy...just you wait!.

I plan on keeping the new truck at least 15 years and 300K miles...quite comfortable buying a gasser and trying to do that...however..trying to do that with a diesel scares me.

 

[p nut]

Need the 6' bed so I can sleep in it. Would like to find a Flip Pac for it, even with that, if the weather gets too nasty, can close it up and snooze in the bed. If the DCLB came with a manual I would go that route. Though that popup camper that iggy is involved in might make the DCSB work. Fall and spring the wind is horrible here, my Wildernest sucks in it, can't imagine a FP or AT Hab being much better. I can see being able to park iggy's into the wind.

Dunno...still like a 6' bed. There is less to do to make a Sport ACLB work for me, than a DCSB.

Even with the bike, I tend to like to find out of the way camping spots. Last fall, found a spot literally on the side of the mountain that overlooked a lake...it was making me a little nervous it was a bit narrow. But it was great to relax and look over the lake after a long day of riding.


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Stlll kinda want to wait and see what Ford does with the Ranger, guessing it will be a miracle if it comes with a manual trans.

AC will be cheaper as well. Although, if you would rather have a D.C., just simply get a RTT. Then you get your shorter wheelbase, manual, extra doors.
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Each, don't hold your breath on the Ranger. But let's hope.

If you tally your total cost of ownership, the mpg difference is still tiny though. And if you are carrying a load it vanishes.

I'd love a diesel with the emissions removed, but wouldn't want one with it installed.

The other thing is, comparing midsize diesels to 1/2 ton diesels, there isn't THAT much difference in MPG. Ram and now Ford with the 3.0 diesel, I'd still have a hard time buying a midsize.

 

[Clutch]

AC will be cheaper as well. Although, if you would rather have a D.C., just simply get a RTT. Then you get your shorter wheelbase, manual, extra doors.
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Each, don't hold your breath on the Ranger. But let's hope.

Toss on a hi-roof topper and the AC is basically done, already have a cot to go in the back. Having to climb a ladder to get in and out of RTT doesn't really appeal to me. That and, have no need for rear seats.

http://www.wildernessshots.com/toyota-tacoma-overlander-expedition/







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yeah not holding breath on the Ranger.

 

[Dalko43]

Thanks for the input guys.

Dalko43



There a 95% chance that I will NOT tow anything. I don't feel comfortable with towing. So you are right I don't need an increased towing capability. However I am not against of having a towing package as it comes with an additional transmission cooling system, which is a good thing for off-roading. It prevents form overheating.

As for hauling, I am not sure. Yes, I may not carry much as I always try to keep my car as simple as possible. But it's good to have an extra hundred available.

My idea of overlanding equipment is as follows: a roof tent, refrigerator, a small cooking stove, water tank and enough space to put a food and a hiking gear. I want to keep my future car as light and as simple as possible.

Having said all this. I think you are right, a Z72 would better feet for me, but there are two things left: price and lower MPG (compare to LT 2.8 D).

btw. What is max load capacity? what does it mean? 5 people + load in the bed?

I think either version of the Colorado (ZR2 or regular version) will suit your needs. The ZR2 certainly seems better geared towards handling technical terrain, but the base Colorado with an autolocker should also work very well for basic exploration.

Max payload I believe is all of the gear and weight you can put in the vehicle (including the tongue weight from whatever you are towing). Don't quote me on that, but that's what I understand a vehicle's max payload rating to be.

If you tally your total cost of ownership, the mpg difference is still tiny though. And if you are carrying a load it vanishes.

I'd love a diesel with the emissions removed, but wouldn't want one with it installed.

It's true that the Colorado, optioned with a diesel engine, has about the same MSRP as a 1/2 ton (like a Silverado or Tundra). The pricing of today's vehicles, especially those with emissions-compliant diesels, is what it is. Keep in mind, that you can also get a fairly basic 3/4 ton truck for that same price as the mid sized and 1/2 ton. So if you're going to argue that a midsized pickup is a pointless buy due to its price, wouldn't that same argument apply to most 1/2 tons as well? That said, diesel vehicles, on average, do depreciate much slower relative to gasoline vehicles. As well, the diesel Colorado gets ~9-10mpg better hwy and 6-7mpg better city relative to the v6 turbo and v8 1/2 ton's that are available. So while there are some added costs to owning the diesel, there are also some cost of ownership savings that come with owning one.

I think owning a gasoline Tacoma or Colorado (which by the way are only $3k-4k cheaper than the diesel Colorado's MSRP) the differences in mpg are less defined, though I see a bit of difference in size and weight. I think owning a diesel Colorado, you will enjoy a significant mpg advantage, so a case could be made for buying one over a 1/2 ton, despite the similarity in price.

As for wanting a diesel without all those emissions, yeah, join the club. I think most gearheads aren't found of this new technology, even if it is effective at reducing particulate matter and NOx. That said, the major domestic companies (Ford, GM, FCA) have made a lot of progress in making these emissions more reliable and less intrusive relative to what they were not even 5 years ago. Hopefully that trend continues.