2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: Offroad Test

We test the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel offroad deep in the Arizona Sonoran Desert to see how it compares to the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and more.
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[@PrimeAutotainment]

It’s been too long, Sam! Happy to see a review like this again from you.

[@jonh0130]

I got my 2018 ZR2 Diesel crew cab with the sports bar and lights for $42k. Absolutely love it!

[@Tomgillchevy]

Off-roading in the ZR2 is so cool - we love it - and so do many of our customers. Great video - thanks for sharing!

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review SH! Welcome Back!

[@rockford2523]

Great review! You do the best reviews on you tube! Keep up the great work.

[@stevewilson9792]

Best truck review & reviewer on the internet.

[@bosse641]

Rather have this one over the Raptor that's for sure. Cool little truck.

[@trackntrail2869]

same

[@brado647]

I really enjoyed watching this review. It was great to see you driving the vehicles that you review. This is definitely a truck on my wish list. Keep up the great work.

[@trevorschober8769]

You do the best reviews.

[@joelesparza8812]

Forgot to mention Off Road Mode button. Which reconfigures throttle response and keeps rear locker engaged past 25 mph

[@NigelNaughton]

Great job Sam!

[@tsav6952]

Good explanation of things Sam!

[@theHAL9000]

Great informative review.

[@zamboni68]

That’s not a cosmetic hood feature - it’s a “heat dissipating hood” insert taken from the Camaro. Helps deal with the engine heat on slow speed crawls. Beats having hood vents which let water and dust in the engine compartment. Love my front locker. Really helps when off roading on steep hills in southeastern Ohio. Mechanical locker > software locker Great review! 😎👍🏻

[@zcarfanatic]

Great video. Did you air down any for this? I just picked up a 2018 ZR2 V6. Love it so far aside from the 1980's shifter and gauge cluster font.

[@leewoiteshek4192]

Anyone know if there's a 2019 interior cab refresh? LED headlights?

[@gfinnstrom]

love your dry humour

[@Tailwind1]

Hi Sam, looking forward to seeing your review of the new Chevy Trail Boss.

[@backcountryadventure1813]

Would you buy this or wrangler jl rubi or 4runner trd pro

[@delvinchandler]

Hey good review I would buy it with the diesel, well as is, I like it!!!

[@jthor8373]

Love the truck! Though I still love the Tacoma TRD Pro, Chevy won me over with the diesel engine, aggressive styling and front locker in the ZR2. Just glad there isn't any auto stop start in this truck. At least not yet.

[@JLeeChron]

J Thor not a fan of the cylinder deactivation either

[@jthor8373]

J Lee Honestly it's not too bad but I think it all depends on where you live. I have some friends in LA who's cars have this feature and half of their intersections have a "left turn yield" only on green light on very busy streets. They dislike this feature a lot especially when they have to make split second decisions whether to make a turn or not.

[@JLeeChron]

J Thor actually come to think of it, i did hear you can turn it off via dealer programming...didnt ask back when i had my Zr2.... did ask dealer to shut off autostart permanently on the Raptor and they wouldnt do it for me.

[@bt4350]

It's not Toyota's fault you can't get a Hilux. It's our government's fault for colluding with Government Motors back in the 60's in order to force foreign small diesels to be prohibitively expensive with the use of tariffs.

[@jessehernandez5043]

@@bt4350 you do know that the colorados diesel is a foreign small diesel right? Not made by GM. Small diesels are also found everywhere in america, from BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes, etc.

[@santiagohills3321]

I was in the dealership buying a Chevy bolt last month (carpool lane sticker is huge for my drive), but man, I couldn’t help myself checking this thing out from the corner of my eye, the whole time. I’ve driven my dads z71 2wd diesel a bunch, such a good truck. This from me, a dedicated Toyota fan (99 4Runner, 271k, gonna try to keep it forever.)

[@honkytonk2010]

Spending a mortgage payment to get home ...lol..good one ..lol...thanks for sharing your awesome video

[@virenvs905]

God bless Chevy for putting in a diesel 😁

[@bt4350]

When you collude with the government to tax foreign made small diesels out of the market so you don't have to compete with them with a superior product, it doesn't really matter, does it?

[@jeremyfufushnick2965]

B T what is your point num nuts

[@Kai-ht5vj]

You're like the Bob Ross of cars. Lol

[@shannonzittlow8462]

I will be removing the fob from my key in mine when I’m bouncing around

[@TapperLV]

Just a heads up, when you engage the lockers, you don’t need to be in neutral. Just need to be in neutral when you go from high to low (and back).

[@TestDrivenTV]

Thanks! Force of habit.

[@TapperLV]

Just FYI too, you can use the rear locker in all settings; two high, four high and four low. Of course the front locker is only available in four low.

[@KTMcaptain]

7:55 THANK YOU!!!! God damn finally someone says it. TFL refuses to criticize the Toyota system and lack of locker. Especially on the tundra. Just a quick correction. Lockers do not split torque evenly all the time. They will send the torque wherever it is needed. One wheel in the air and the other on pavement, well nearly 100% of the torque on that axle will go to the wheel on the ground minus the torque it takes to spin the wheel off the ground (cause it will rotate at the same rate of the other). If both wheels can receive torque under their traction threshold, then it splits torque. But it will not send more torque than the traction allows unless both wheels spin. They allocate torque dynamically. Also, the atrac system engages its brakes, as you said... but you should be aware that brakes absorb the kinetic energy of the vehicle... so the atrac system does require more torque to overcome the terrain and can cause bogging issues. This is most notable in deep sand. Great review. Also, a torsen sends torque through the same principle. Torque flow through the helical gears causes internal friction and lockup. Helical gears thrust away from each other and the more torque the more thrust. This is why in low traction situations they cannot lock up because little torque is transferred through the helical gears. When they do have locking effect, it is proportional to the torque flow, traction, and will dynamically send torque to the wheel with better traction like a locker does. It’s just a locker does it better and in all situations, and a helical gear diff doesn’t lose diff action preventing maneuverability. Also, a locker can send torque back and forth instantaneously while digging for traction, which is very hard on the components. A helical will not have the same lock up effect and is very unlikely to have the same amount of torque transfer making them much safer on the steering components, axles, bearing, gearing, and other components.

[@drakedischler6568]

Firestarter you know the TRD off road Tacoma has a rear locker... right?

[@KTMcaptain]

Drake Dischler people still try and say it’s open front differential with atrac is just as capable. More geared towards the tundra though, which is why I mentioned it. But overall Toyota is moving away from lockers. The LC use to have 3 locking diffs 80series, then 2 pre 2000 100 series, and now only one (US model 2000 and on 100 & 200 series). The tundra has no locking differential option.

[@ghostindamachine]

Really cool truck! Question: in a next video, can you remove all the stuff on the keychain that is bouncing against the plastic / steering column? As this truck is so quiet it is a bit distracting.

[@tonyt3281]

I know its probably just because you're used to the old days of having to shift out of 4Hi or 4Lo with the transmission in neutral but all Chevrolets now have "on the fly" shifting so you can stay in gear and actually be moving up to 70mph and shift in to 4 wheel drive. The lockers can also be engaged up to 20mph.

[@The_Notorious_CRG]

Hey Sam...is it possible to add a short point to reviews about likely reliability? I was thinking that as a part of the industry you may have a little more insight into that aspect of the vehicles. I would love this truck but I always consider reliability and may choose the Tacoma just because of reputation - and I'd hate to miss out on something magical just because of reputation. Great job as always.

[@orreng]

Nice.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Funny as hell. Thank you for reviewing it.

[@galvanizedcity4981]

Please have nothing attached to your keys when you drive. Other than that amazing job on the detailed review without putting too much fluff in there

[@steviesaintanko2368]

“Kudos to Chevrolet for building at least something I’d buy from them” Well said, ...well said.

[@rondail5675]

Good content. Can you believe Chevy still has to use a key and not a FOB?

[@SoundgardenMan]

Was waiting for Sam to say testicles again as his final words at the end 🤣

[@bt4350]

lol, every time I see those light pods on that ridiculous trail boss package I have to ask... What in the hell are they supposed to actually illuminate sitting way back there and underneath the curve of the cab like that?

[@dzl4524]

Got kind of a Bob Ross thing going on. Ever think about growing an afro to match? Would be amazing.

[@toddmayta7615]

I have a 2017 Tacoma OR with tech pkg. Paid $36K for it. Just looked up trade in value in Kelly Blue book and it shows $33k. Loss of $3000 over one year of ownership. I also looked up a 2017 ZR2 with diesel engine. Trade in value is $34k. They sell for $46k so a loss of $12,000 in one year. I've been tempted to trade in my Taco on the ZR2 but why they lose so much value so quickly?

[@JLeeChron]

todd mayta ‘18 Taco’s can be had for 4-5k off msrp right now if you play it right. No way I’m paying the used “asking” prices for Tacomas. Book/trade prices are subjective, but historically, yes the Toyota does hold its value better than others.

[@jthor8373]

todd mayta The Tacoma name has been around longer and well established as a very reliable and rugged vehicle. Popularity also plays a role.

[@mikefoehr235]

I agree. my Taco is 5 yo and still asking around 25 000 to 30 000 on Autotrader. In 5 years it has only lost about 1/4 to 1/3 of my original purchase price. That is damn good IMO.

[@ghostindamachine]

As a European I am wondering how reliable Chevrolet trucks are? Are they on the same level as a Toyota? In general trucks like the ZR2 are not offered here. You would have to go to specialty US car importers ..

[@mikefoehr235]

IMO I would stick with Toyota...even if you sacrifice marginal off road capability between GM and Toyota...Toyota has a proven track record of reliability. I sure love my Tacoma..and all the Toyota's my wife and I have have been outstanding for reliability. GM is one of THE worst to bring new product to market that has serious issues. If you wait a few years it may be a better time to buy a ZR2...Anyway..good luck with whatever choice you make. I am personally done with Yankee crap

[@Squishysforbreakfast]

GM has the best reliability out of the north American manufacturers. But not as good as Toyota. However there is an uptick in problems with the new Tacomas.

[@jasonkim3185]

the hell happened to your hair? did you lose a bet or something?

[@TestDrivenTV]

He must have. Who would actually change up their hairstyle for any other reason?

[@jasonkim3185]

lol silly

[@ZacTexC]

You can’t keep your eyes off it

[@davidtaylor5811]

I like the diesel but that tailpipe looks like a rock catcher. I'd skip the "sport bar". Looks cheezy and the lights seem like they would light the sky more than the trail.

[@jessehernandez5043]

Agreed. My buddy trimmed his pipe and angled the cut to sort of match the approach angle

[@jonathantyree8172]

Presenting your tire for anyone that wants to steal it..Lol..realistic

[@danr3545]

I was thinking about the Tacoma, but they seem to be too unreliable. Too many recalls.

[@shkyhighscotty]

we own the 2018 model zr2 and only 13000 km been in the shop 11 times now and has never left pavement all electrical issues. been stranded 2 times now with it ....being in Canada there is no lemon law ....fuel pump and ECM and fuel injector and starter motor and rear thrust alignment was built out wrong from factory and stability track died, the rear door dont shut rite passengers always think door did not close. have not made it more then 2000km without issue

[@jackass1650]

Se2n2

[@MrRanvic]

Key fob is annoying. Jeeezzz man.

[@805gregg]

Toyota killer, stronger fully boxed frame, bigger v-6, and 4 wheel disc brakes, Toy none

[@mikefoehr235]

I am not overly confident that GM can out build Toyota...Toyota is one of the very best for quality and reliability...I know from personal experience.

[@andydto]

that key fob is too annoying lol

[@christianjones4624]

More stuff that will break at 80,000 miles.

[@rueben44]

I like this guy and have been wondering where he has been. However, what is up with that hair and rolled up pant legs. :)

[@TestDrivenTV]

Is the host not allowed a bit of flair?

[@rueben44]

TestDrivenTV Sure he is I'm just teasing.

[@6565hopepy]

Truck too small, and too expensive

[@AP-wf9nu]

No self respecting man would drive a zr2 or any chevy for that matter. It shows because dealers can't get rid of them. They are just sitting in the lot rotting away lol. Even with huge discounts they just can't get rid of them. Meanwhile Ford is having a hard time building enough Raptors to keep up with demand. There is a waiting list for Raptors. Can't say that about any chevy...

[@mikefoehr235]

Is that really true..can you prove that with numbers?? IMO Toyota sure has no trouble selling the Taco...I have one and I see them every where.....they sell like hotcakes. You think the Ford is better than GM? I am a fan of neither myself.

[@AP-wf9nu]

Mike Foehr simply look at the sales numbers of each. That will tell you everything you need to know. Tacomas are nice but tundras are gas guzzling pieces of junk. Everyone that I know that has owned a tundra has had nothing but problems with them and they could not drive past a gas station. They all traded them in for F-150s and have never looked back.

[@mikefoehr235]

Weird...so many that i have talked to ditched GM or Ford and went to the Tundra...maybe Canada is different

[@AP-wf9nu]

Mike Foehr lol we both know that's not true. But if that's what you want to think go right ahead it's a free country. Cheers.

[@mikefoehr235]

The big three better be afraid when Toyota brings out a new Tundra that will challenge FCA...GM and Ford....look what happened with cars....Japan invaded in the 70's and look where we are now...Trucks will be a logical evolution...auto makers want to sell their product....so I doubt Toyota is sitting on their laurels...everyone laughed at the Prius way back when...imagine if Toyota brings a hybrid pick up to the market...today's science fiction is tomorrows science reality.

[@fatbowe]

On paper the Colorado wins... But in the Real world the Tacoma does..

[@jabroni6199]

Random youtube comment with nothing to back it up... Must be true.

[@dwalker223outdoors9]

Not a single video showing that. I wonder why? Plenty showing opposite

[@bt4350]

I've yet to see a single Colorado on the actual trail since they released these . I saw one parked next to a Prius at a trailhead once, but never on the actual trail. Plenty of Toyota's, Ford's, Dodge's, and Jeep's, but not one 2nd Gen Colorado.

[@jabroni6199]

B T Sorry... it seemed for a minute you’re comparing single truck that’s been out for less than a year to multiple vehicles that have been available for decades and claiming you see one set more often then the other. Can you please clarify your statement? I don’t believe for a minute you said what I think you said because the level of stupidity in that statement is off the charts.

[@frick-n-frack4191]

Check out 420Motor videos. I think you would retract that statement. Don't you think its a little silly to discarding the capability of not only the vehicle (when you probably haven't even driven one) but capability of the driver as well? I literally have seen a Suzuki Samurai 4x4 wipe the side of a mountain with a Tacoma along with several other well loved brand vehicles. That doesn't make the Tacoma a crappy truck. You have a "my milkshake is better than yours" attitude that is very childish. You have nothing to back up your statement nor will you ever.