2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 - The Off-Road King of Small Trucks

As competition gets hot in the small pick-up truck segment, Chevy's Colorado is soldiering into its 3rd model year with very little changes. The off-road oriented ZR2 promises to be an unstoppable companion when the pavement ends, offering even more off-road capability then its main rival from Toyota, but it requires drivers to make some compromises on the road with a noisy cabin, bouncy ride, and tight interior accommodations.

[@djw5415]

The running boards aren't really running boards they are called rock sliders. They prevent body damage while off roading.

[@TheRedDeadTaco]

Dwalk22 boss true rock sliders do not bolt on like the ones on the Colorado.

[@rl9810]

Incorrect. Most aftermarket rock sliders bolt on.

[@TheRedDeadTaco]

Yeah so normies do not have to weld them on.

[@gilvietor1918]

No, bolted on is fine. GM doesn't have any holes in the frame there, and these are mounted to the body. GM tested the truck at numerous places and contemplated mounting them to the frame and decided against it. Why? They didn't see a point. Now, there are a ton of holes in the Tacoma frame to wit you can mount "real" rock sliders onto, however, the ZR2's are just fine.

[@rich1958]

The point initially made was that the reviewer referred to them as running boards several times and commented on how hard they were to use as a step. They are rock sliders and not on there as a step. Now... if you hard core internet off-road dudes want to argue about the quality of the rock sliders, that is a different conversation.

[@robertb1742]

I sold my TRD last year to get ZR2. I was little concerned at the beginning with all the hype about American brands etc. So far this is the best truck I’ve owned. I have to say this truck is superior to Tacoma in many ways. Next year I’ll be getting diesel version.

[@commonsense7057]

@Jo Tru I have a Colorado 4x4 not the ZR2 sadly but a friend had a new mustang convertible rental with the turbo 4 and granted its not the V8 but it still has over 300 hp. We ran 3 roll on races from like 30-70 and surprisingly the Colorado beat it every time.

[@notapie-ro8186]

Did you end up getting the Diesel engine? How you liking it?

[@raf8474]

The DSSV shocks are actually like magic for street driving. I own a ZR2 coming from a Camaro SS and I'm incredibly impressed with how little body roll the ZR2 has when you push it through a corner compared to a standard SUV or Truck. The DSSV really knows how to compensate for the compression of a turn or bump while managing to have a cushy ride on the road when not. P.S. no one in a truck will ever complain about being able to hear the engine roar.

[@TheCpaschal86]

Two things that killed this review for me. 1 - How can you compare a truck like this to a Honda Ridgeline? 2 - No true truck guy would complain about a burly sounding engine.

[@DownHillgamer]

Lol yea dudes a quasian what did you expect

[@m3chan1zr]

That older style shifter is actually a refreshing sight from the common gated auto shifter nowadays. I like it.

[@MattZiggy]

Bro this is a TRUCK, not an Audi S5. Soft touch isn't for trucks.

[@austingraham1809]

People who are actually going to use the truck for what it’s meant for don’t care about soft touch materials because they are going to get it dirty.

[@timothygaynor5130]

You're not wrong, but at that price point... That's where it loses it for me.

[@austingraham1809]

Timothy Gaynor well a Jeep Wrangler cost the same with similar equipment and this is also a truck and is just as capable.

[@67wildwolf]

Amen........I grew up in the age that trucks got dirty. Now with the exception of the PowerWagan, Raptor and the ZR2 most trucks have really un-truck gear ratios better set for fuel econ than off road use.

[@bennyb6071]

Timothy Gaynor nice truck but in Canada at $57k way to much money for a 1/4 ton and lame interior finishes

[@andrewc9234]

where are you seeing them for 57k, i priced one out taxes in it was 52,400 for a crew cab diesel

[@franciscomatos9968]

Drives a truck, complains that it handled like a truck.

[@bosse641]

People that are not truck people really shouldn't review trucks, but stick to cars and suvs. They expect trucks to be like cars, but truck people don't want that, they want a simple rugged truck, built to last. ...without all the electronics(that always breaks down) and the luxury. But who make such trucks these days? You have to restore older ones. Too bad they can't make them more like the old days.

[@TheLadiesman0815]

Lmao

[@Antoin333]

John Grytbakk well said! This review is a joke!

[@papadarkfluff]

I wanna see him drive a square body and see how he reacts to those trucks

[@BigFrogs4x4]

I have the dmax zr2 and i think it rides as good if not better than my 09 cobalt. These dssv shock are awesome.

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review. I appreciate the fact that you point out the interior & on road flaws.

[@thompsona10625]

I upgraded from a 1984 k10 pickup.... I can’t believe how amazing this truck drives and feels. Interior is like a space ship! I can even roll the passenger side window down from the drivers seat! I don’t have to get out to put it into 4 wheel drive and I can control the radio from the steering wheel. Seats are super comfortable and the dash and arm rest are so smooth and not cold like the metal I’m used to. I have the 2.8 duramax and my average MPG is 29. I can see as good as 33mpg on the flat at 60mpg. I can’t believe how modern these new trucks have become!

[@damienredd9068]

Pickup trucks look good back in the coming decades of the best choice

[@ryansvloggingit5492]

Love all your vids very informative got a question I picked up a ford fiesta titanium hatchback 2014 was there any major problem s or did I make a good decision

[@bigsprinter]

ZR2 isn't a new trim for 2018...

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

I have a 2017 Z71 V6 Crew Cab 2x4. I love it. It’s a great truck. The 8 speed auto was introduced in 2017. My truck was $34,300 and with all the discounts I paid $29,000. Definitely a bargain.

[@Kdubzlovescars]

The Car Crazy Guy Z71 and 2wd? What?

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Caleb Ring I have no need for a 4x4. I live in SoCal. The weather is mild here. If I lived in an area with extreme weather the 4x4 would be my choice.

[@vividvulpe9842]

Nice

[@im_caiman4479]

Good review. Thumbs up.

[@TheStullaKing]

Just how many times did u use the word particularly?

[@matthewklumb9836]

What are the trails shown at 12:18, 13:30, and 19:30?

[@louisgrueling1171]

I have a 2020 colorado ZR2 Orange crush with black trim and added a Borla cat back exhaust system.. this truck sounds and looks awesome

[@isaiahrubio562]

The plastic is easier to clean for the actual off road guys. I would be more concerned about how it handles more then just some plasic pieces. Its not for luxury

[@jrhunt414]

Isaiah Rubio and plastic doesn’t rust when it gets scratched.

[@johnweiser170]

Do you think you will get the nissan frontier for a review?

[@ernestovaldez1226]

Even though i like the look of this truck, I went with the Toyota Tacoma, I have the 2017 tacoma and love it! I get compliments on the looks of it and also get a lot of staring from people.

[@PoweredByLS2]

The staring is because people are like "damn that thing is ugly". :-P

[@agamersworld4741]

So wheres the standard zr1 chevy colorado video?

[@Cell1000bc]

Spot on review. Holds true 2020.

[@Tomgillchevy]

The Colorado ZR2 is one of our hottest properties. Such an exciting ride!

[@paulstan9828]

Always great reviews Sofyan! Thanks!

[@JRsVsO]

First off, the ZR2'S come with 31" BF Goodrich beefy tires which wipe the TRD pro out of any off road challenge. 2nd, if you don't own one and ran it against or with any other midsize you would know this truck is superior. Is it missing some tech? Yes but more things to fix. I have the '18 midnight 3.6 and love it. Factory said you can jump it, and I have. It responded beautifully. This is a small raptor that can go places only Jeep rubicons can go. The front locker is the difference. I wouldn't dare take anything other than a beefy Wrangler into places I've taken my ZR2. Just my honest review.

[@nicmon5214]

Good video

[@benjaminhernandez5266]

Good Video i Love it. I cant wait for you to do the Nissan Titan warrior. I dont know if is on the market yet. Good Job bro.

[@bridger911]

That's a rock slider Sofyan

[@noone1704]

There is no competition for this truck in this class for off-road only one with front and rear locking diffs and you can get a diesel

[@Jimmyxsx]

no one Uhh Ranger Raptor.

[@wetoolow8750]

I love how the airbags are deploying on them when they're taken on mild off-roads.

[@EGGINFOOLS]

@@Jimmyxsx Not here in the states bud.

[@roninwilliams8898]

Again and again,,,,solid review!!

[@jq8741]

I think slide rail is the word you were looking for. :)

[@zombiestation]

The fish eye lens distorts the lines of the vehicle and it appears strange looking. Suggest switching to a normal lens.

[@cassondratakemoto7185]

Out of all the mid size trucks to also include the new ford maverick, which do you feel is worth buying? I am on the hunt. I drove the Ford maverick and found the ride quality just ok. The Colorado felt smoother. Haven't drove the Ford ranger. Any thoughts Sofyan?

[@chigasaki06]

Can't wait for your Genesis G70 review!

[@vw1610]

I need one.

[@shiftmotorsports9803]

31" tires come on this truck. I agree 100% with your first impressions regarding drivetrain harshness/raspiness and cheap interior plastics. These were mine as well, but went away quickly after buying/driving it. They are durable though as I had a Border Patrol Tahoe with similar plastics that still looked good after 100k of abuse. I LOVE the way it drives on and off road. I slammed the brakes on one time because I felt like I was driving my GTI and went to push in the clutch! No, it doesn't ride like a 60's Caddy, but it rides and handles like a sport sedan, which I like. This obviously isn't the truck for you, but I doubt you'll find many ZR2 owners unhappy with the handling/ride of their trucks.

[@wetoolow8750]

By any chance, does it have a start/stop function like the new Ford Ranger?

[@onlyweknow2]

Don't know what this guy is looking for in a off road truck, you'll have to pry my ZR2 from my cold dead hands!

[@joemiller9227]

Ahaha agreed

[@sac_fijian6314]

In the market for a mid size truck. Drove this and the Sports Tacoma over the weekend. Both have ups/downs. I still cannot make up my mind ....Taco TRD looks killer though but the Colorado V6 is more responsive. However, where Taco totally kills ALL trucks is the resale value and used market demand. I think this might be a the deciding factor for a lot people.

[@samiargos]

are you sure about 33 inch tires? they used to be 31s.

[@kennethtobierre7278]

You made alot of mistakes on the specs !

[@Ballista762]

Would like the next gen Colorado to come around

[@victorsuarez2954]

Reliability is something that Our domestic brands should work on, design and features are not usually a problem to compete with foreign automakers, but man...Tacomas are practically indestructible and not everybody uses those trucks to have fun, bunch of guys use them for daily country drive and work.

[@janetairlines1351]

Victor Suarez Tacomas are phenomenal. Best vehicle i've ever bought. Other automakers have wet dreams about toyotas production system.

[@Daywalker_27]

Indestructible you say? kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3LOl5yMoKeDlbMm47s

[@jeremyshearer3885]

Miss the Chevy s-10 zr2

[@GenkiDamaSSJ]

Can the auto 4wd be turned off for true 2wd?

[@robertkoehler4901]

Yes

[@kybaham1139]

Can you guys do the GLC 63s COupe

[@AFR383]

You should manufacture your own cars . Based on your criticism of this truck that everyone else seems to love, you must know how to wrap everything in gold stitch unicorn leather and sell it for less money

[@EGGINFOOLS]

He bases his reviews on what people would think if him and his husband pulled up at a party and got out to valet.

[@cordellej]

beautiful now i just need a 3.0L diesel engine with a 6 speed manual in right hand drive and then i can marry it

[@joemiller9227]

Ahaha funny

[@dyrewolf6618]

They should add as an option their 6.2L powertrain for some umph

[@theonlybucko]

Eliel Melendez or just the 5.3...

[@MonkeyKing777]

what do you mean zr2 is all new trim, my friend owns a 2017 zr2

[@soytupappa]

That colorado looks very similar to The Toyota Hilux looking at it from the side, especially the upper lip like front end.

[@kellyabercrombie9769]

Excellent review! I never tapped the fast-forward button once. I like your fast pace. I’ll definitely be looking for your Ford Ranger review.

[@brysonmblackwell]

New Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Warrior is coming!!

[@JagaegII]

The Ranger is coming, must review asap

[@regmccormack3157]

This presenter has fantastic English skills.

[@ryansvloggingit5492]

I want to get my hands on a fiesta st b4 there all gone and this is the last year

[@truthxbexheard1]

I don’t know why people have to show so much loyalty to a brand. All trucks are nice and good in their own way. The people in the comments remind me of gamers fighting which console is better lol

[@KZSoze]

No, they are not all nice and good in their own way. Nor is everyone equal, nor the world perfect, etc. Blind loyalty is for morons. But if you have data to back up claims, it's something else altogether. If I say for example, I prefer the proven more reliable truck, with a higher resale than any competitor, and unmatched build quality.. that is a true statement about a competitor to this truck. The same way someone might point to this truck and say, "the Chevy has both front and rear locking diffs" and the truck I prefer, the Tacoma, does not. That is a true statement. That said, you are correct, in these comments are oft filled with morons blindly spouting ridiculous arguments.

[@tsav6952]

You can get the 2018 LT Colorado with leather seats, not just the ZR2.

[@skyisdlimit6125]

They should also come up with a Silverado zr2 maybe not to compete with the raptor but with the coming Tundra TRD pro, Ram rebel and pro 4x. The Z71 package is a joke same thing with ford fx4. I wonder how the new GMC AT4 hold on but it’s probably just another sticker too maybe?

[@jakelee5456]

Mr_ NutZ AT4 is the GMC version of Trail Boss. So it's the Z71 with a 2" lift and beefy tires.

[@BigFrogs4x4]

Still needs front and real lockers to be true off road. ;-)

[@The1Hawks2]

No one is touching the raptor. I think it was smart to take the smaller truck market. Need to establish a hold before ranger.

[@spiralnapkin]

Lol on his last video about the corolla hatch, I mentioned how every car's door sounds nice and solid. He didn't say that for this car.

[@joemiller9227]

Because he's a 4x4 hater

[@oscarwildeghost]

This kid should just stick with Accord's and minivans. Thats his area of comfort.

[@bosse641]

Sounds like you want a car, Sofyan, not a truck. ....but us truck people do not want a truck to be like a car.

[@great0789]

Why are all these tacoma guys on here in the comment section? Must want a Chevy....

[@mikefoehr235]

GM sucks....without bailout money from the socialist communist US government they would not even exist anymore

[@redorange]

Tires are 31” not 33” as mentioned.

[@ElJomoL]

Best midsize pickup on the market. Like it or not. Better than the Tacoma.

[@moviesmetalmusicmotorvehic4828]

This thing begs to be an SUV that can fight the upcoming Bronco and new Jeep Wrangler!

[@tim3172]

As someone who suffers from back pain that often uses the heated seats just for that; the ability to heat just the back is an extremely well-thought out feature.

[@magnacartasamadams8189]

Not too good of a review is actually a really nice truck for what it's meant to do they have a lot of the extra stripped off compared to the GMC simply because of what it is designed to do and that is overland off roading Backcountry camping for long periods of time you don't need all the extra Bells and whistles Plus is more stuff to break when you're out in the Bush

[@tristinhafer9503]

I love the reviews but yes it’s crazy to think that people buy a TRUCK for off-roading. Never have I ever heard of a person complain about smart key entry or super soft touch interior... call me crazy.

[@mindspinn311]

Multimatic DSSV shocks. That’s all you need to know.

[@elliottmanning4116]

I know people will want to own it because it’s looks cool, but if you don’t take this off-road, just buy a non-ZR2 Colorado. It has too many other drawbacks for its off-road capabilities.

[@austincarter8812]

Omg this guy is just like the rest the guys who aren’t truck guys and review trucks

[@fraxonthefurry21]

It comes factory with rock sliders holy shit haha

[@joehastain5690]

particularly

[@luisprieto1262]

When trucks used to be all metal and not plastic and aluminum body. Srry am still in the 80s

[@fatbowe]

Well people in Beverly Hills aren’t looking for a Dairy Queen drive through 😂...in theirZr2👀 LoL...

[@nwinsto602]

all these comment abot how this is an off road truck, but people shit on tacoma for not having similar features on its trd when its an off road truck

[@jameshawkins809]

I checked these out. They are sooo cramped inside. Definitely for little guys. There is better leg room in midsize sedans.

[@wax333]

you should try the european hilux or ranger euro spec then youd complain about how tight it is in the vehicle lol

[@Trident_Euclid]

wax333 Indeed

[@coreysheckler4777]

That truck drives better than a Jeep and yes a 18 Rubicon. No comparison. ZR2 is a complete truck and a homerun by Chevy.

[@danhughes1814]

I enjoy these reviews, but I hate that people are constantly bitching about "tech". If it plays music, lets you synch your phone, and tells you how to get from A to B, what else do you really need?

[@EGGINFOOLS]

It doesn't have 33's it has 31's. Those are rock sliders not running boards. It's not a new trim for 2018. It doesn't have 10+ inches off ground clearance.

[@PeterLegler]

These trucks are nice, however I'm looking for a manual and that puts this truck in the pass catagory.

[@r12clark]

31" tires not 33"

[@septuzwillz5936]

I love that truck you fix all the things you didn't like .it would be the price of a raptor.running boards would defeat the purpose of the truck.and no full size truck can keep up off road with this truck.

[@directorjustin]

Great, honest review! The interior is pretty cheap. It looks like they sank all their money in the suspension and other off road related things. Clearly GM was passionate about making a very capable off road version of this truck. I respect that.

[@santiagoluna3599]

Justin of course they would it’s the off-road trim not the grand touring model

[@milesmayhem5440]

Wait until the Ranger Raptor comes into play.

[@upnorthyooper1196]

31" tires not 33", you should leave the trucks to the guys who understand what trucks are for.

[@kappete1]

this truck is better then a tesla.

[@DeliciousBass01]

Sure the truck will take you off road just about anywhere, but is likely to leave you stranded in the middle of no where too. Albeit, the Ranger disappointed me with the 2.3 ecothrust only...Taco is a wee bit too small interior wise...The new Nissan is about my only choice in the future. Don't let me down guys...

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

This is my dream truck, I want it in the crew cab but in the Deepwood Green color with the black bowtie. I also prefer the v6 over the diesel for my purposes, I sold for Chevy for 14 months and my last vehicle that I sold was a ZR2 kind of fitting. But as far as the engines go, if you want one that is a faster off the line, etc.. the gas has way more umph to it than the more sluggish diesel. The diesel gets better mpgs, longer life, and with that low end torque would be the better option for purposeful rock crawling. Those side pieces are called rock sliders to protect the sides of the truck while going off road. The interior is pretty much the same as the regular Colorado aside from purposeful switches like the front and rear lockers and off road mode button, etc... Would it be nice to have some soft touch plastics instead of the hard scratchy plastics? Absolutely it would especially for 45k, but the hard plastic is easier to clean. I love to hunt and fish and this would take me some places easier than a full sized truck in the same price range, yes I know that the capability for towing and space for hauling people isn't there, but I can sit behind myself at 6'1" 255lbs. and the largest thing that I would tow with is probably a 19 or 20 ft fiberglass boat which is 1.5-2k pounds less than the tow rating states. Definitely more comfortable seating position than the Taco, doesn't have crawl control like the TRD Pro, but I prefer to do things myself. Nice review as always.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

It’s an 8” screen

[@EmilianoAguirreSerrano]

New ford ranger raptor 👀👀👀

[@gmcsierra-te5oz]

I like the key more the but ten

[@CDub-np1cc]

Tacoma TRD is, and will always be the best choice. No. 1: 40 years off road racing development (Chevy -0 years), No. 2: Superior resale value, No. 3: Superior reliability (Significant Problems with ZR2 already), No. 4: Twice as many sold as the Colorado - consumers will always end up choosing the best quality and value. In 5 years, Chevy will be moving on to the next marketing strategy....

[@shookistheblaine8521]

Well if you want a more luxury truck that’s why they made the Canyon ....

[@j.martinez6077]

Awesome truck, Chevy has really stepped up their game. That said, I'd still get a Tacoma if I was in the market for new.

[@RNicknackpaddywhack]

Wish it wasn’t a Chevy. Not certain of how long it would last. That’s why I got the Tacoma, but otherwise I would have loved this truck.

[@speterbilt]

Key ignition is better than stupid push button on the dash.

[@verygerry3719]

Dude, I don’t think trucks are your thing. You should limit your reviews to Corolla’s and Prius’.

[@joemiller9227]

That's actually the type of car he probably drives.

[@Nb005]

But he said he hated the corolla a while back