2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 1800-Mile Update: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly!

2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 1800-Mile Update: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly!
00:01 Intro
00:53 2023 Chevy Colorado Problems
01:09 Chevy Colorado Windshield Cowl Not Attached
01:26 Chevy Colorado Fender Flare Gap
01:52 Chevy Colorado Emissions Leak Code
02:29 Chevy Colorado Turn Signal Issue
03:06 Chevy Colorado Tailgate Storage Compartment not Closing
💥 Shop Amazon Here 💥: amzn.to/3QfyUEU
Chevy Colorado Gear: www.amazon.com/shop/drifterjo...
Spearfishing Gear: www.amazon.com/shop/drifterjo...
Lupe's List: www.amazon.com/shop/drifterjo...
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Shop our sponsored products by Epic Water Filters at epicwaterfilters.myshopify.com?ref=VXZCGRJTNB and use code DRIFTERJOURNEY for 20% off your order!
Shop spear fishing gear at bluetuna.com, use code VANLIFE for 10% off! Tell them Drifter Journey sent you!
Become a Patron here for exclusive camping and hot springs content.
/ drifterjourney
If our content is valuable to you, please buy us a beer or some tacos through PayPal or Venmo!! You can also support us by shopping through our affiliate links (below).
🌮Venmo: venmo.com/code?user_id=228861...
🍻PayPal: www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...
Thanks again for watching! If you like our videos, please click that 👍THUMBS UP 👍!! Or let us know what else you'd like to see! For more videos, please make sure to subscribe to our channel on KZbin and follow us on Instagram @drifter.journey
Instagram: / drifter.journey
Cheers!
Greg & Jess
Here are a few helpful discount links from our partners:
🏍️ MotoTote Motorcycle Rack 10% off Discount: www.mototote.com/drifterjourney
CODE: DRIFTERJOURNEY
RYZE Mushroom Coffee 15% off: www.ryzesuperfoods.com/?ref=D...
CODE: DRIFTERJOURNEY15
Sweat Tent Portable Outdoor Sauna $100 off Discount: www.sweattent.com?ref=drifterjourney
CODE: DRIFTERJOURNEY
🍇 Harvest Hosts Discount:
gr3f.co/c/53807/rMl8V
🤸‍♂️ Luna Sandals: USE CODE: THEDRIFTERJOURNEY
lunasandals.com/THEDRIFTERJOU...
💃 Swivel Shop Seat 5% Off: USE CODE: DRIFTER
theswivelshop.com/?ref=ahxt9m...
#chevy #chevycolorado #chevycoloradozr2 #offroad #colorado #4x4 #offroad4x4 #trailboss #truckreview

[@LPM84.]

Thanks for the updates! Keep em coming. Good luck on all of your adventures, and future endeavors.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! We'll keep them coming as long as people enjoy them. We want to get it built out for camping soon.

[@harolddenton6031]

I just bought a 2024 Colorado zr2 in the harvest bronze metallic color but sand duke was my second choice. This oast weekend i drove the truck up in the mountains between GreenvilleTn and hot springs,nc. I was impressed at how good the multi matic dssv suspension smoothed out the ride on bumpy logging roads, also. The stream 3 times and it easily handled those water crossings.

[@DrifterJourney]

Congratulations on your truck! I wanted that color but couldn't find one at the time. This one probably worked out better because of our dirt color and my lack of washing vehicles. The shocks really are nice and the truck is fantastic overall! Enjoy yours and let us know how it's treating you with time.

[@2bravowhiskey]

Thanks for the update and nice truck! I’ve got about 2k on my white ZR2 and absolutely love it so far. Took it over Imogene Pass and it ate it up. Very impressed. Driver was a little nervous though! I’ve had the turn signal issue but none of the others you mentioned. Also worried about the electronic goodies but, like you said, that’s the way of the world now. Getting about 18.5 mpg around town when i can keep my foot out of it.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! I've been wanting to get up on some of the passes over there but haven't had a chance yet. They may have to wait until next year for us. I might still try to squeeze in a Moab trip if time allows.

[@2bravowhiskey]

@@DrifterJourney Definitely would like to see a Moab video!

[@DrifterJourney]

So would I! If time allows.....

[@Eman52223]

I've had my order in for a ZR2 in since February. Now with the strike it's delayed once again. Seeing your video has reassured me that I picked the right truck to order. Thanks!

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! Hopefully they'll get yours on the way soon.

[@docholliday7548]

Enjoy the clips! I'm just under 800 miles in my Radiant Red Tintcoat ZR2 and love it. Its been out on the trail and has impressed. The only glitch I've had out of the box: child door locks inop for back doors; they're "on" regardless of lever position. Dealer said bring it in and we'll make it right.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! That's a new issue that I had not heard of. Hopefully they can fix it easily for you and that you don't have any other issues.

[@docholliday6285]

​@DrifterJourney yep, quick fix and no other issues...just love this truck.

[@kiunforschen3172]

I had the same problem with the tail gate. What I did was I loosened the screws on the hinge and repositioned the lid more closer to the lock and it worked fine.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching. I tried that too but it didn't work on ours. I'm going to do some custom adjustments at some point.

[@iFriendofYours]

I chuckled at the tire over the log: it reminded me of your golf cart episode (in Mex?), driving over the rocks (I think it was rocks). 😂

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! They were kind of speed bumps on the side of the path. We're actually planning on playing that course again next week.

[@nickmaruno7007]

Great update! How is the paint holding up on your rocker panels? I’ve got a ZR2 on order and have a lot of gravel on my daily drive. I know the territory MTs throw quite a bit of gravel. Would you recommend any paint film on the lower doors or do the sliders block the rocks well enough?

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! I took a quick look and the paint seems to be holding up fine so far......although it's dirty so I might not be seeing any issues. I read about some folks saying they are getting paint chips there. Paint film might not be a bad idea if you're worried about it getting dinged up.

[@jimm2216]

Thanks for the updates! My 2023 ZR2 has 251 miles on it and the front wheel arch moldings are doing the same as yours. It's little crap like this that drives people crazy....self included....since there's zero excuse for it. I'm going to remove the fender liner and hopefully I can just "flare" the clip a little more so it stays in place.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! I've read that it will work if you do what you're saying. I just haven't taken the few minutes to do it yet. Soon though.......hopefully.

[@joserubenvega]

Your videos have been really informative, I’m trying to decide between this and the Silverado version. But question can this haul 4x8 sheets of drywall/plywood laying flat??

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! That is a great question. They are supposed to fit nicely with the tailgate in the half position. I'll try to make a video about that soon since we have some 4x8's at our build right now.

[@jasrudy4919]

Hey Drifter on the tailgate storage lid, I has the same problem the best fix is to have the hinge bolt holes slotted 3/16" to a 1/4" and afterwards its prefect! Now having access to a machinist makes this option a little more convenient as I do, but it will fix the issue just FYI

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for sharing! I tried to adjust it as much as possible without doing anything special but will definitely try that out when I get some time.

[@simonmatthew4553]

The hood cowl issue is from the hood when you open 2 far.

[@DrifterJourney]

Yep! Poor design in my opinion. It pulls them out if I open it enough to put the prop rod in place.

[@andrewjackson584]

I'd say I'm still in the honeymoon faze at 1700 miles in my ZR2 and still enjoying the turbo boost at 3500 rmps 😂 if your picking up what I'm putting down. I get avrage 16mpg with mostly city driving, but I noticed if I don't really drive with a lead foot I'll get 18+mpg easily and I'm running 87 octane

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! We definitely are enjoying the truck and the power that it has compared to our 2 previous vehicles. The towing video is coming soon.

[@TowerTruck14]

Great Video ! Good information too ! Here's my question, The Desert boss is $61 plus How much is Yours looks just like a plan ZR2 ? and do you think these trucks are over priced ? I have a 2022 Nissan PRO4X first body style yes it has its issues but I lease mine so it goes in 2024 and I'm thinking of leasing a Colorado or buying , Thanks again

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! We go over the sticker and add ons in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnunZHl8a7WKpMk It came out to just over $52k plus tax. I do think all trucks are overpriced but I found the ZR2 to make the most sense for our intended purposes. It comes pretty capable and I shouldn't have to make a bunch of changes that would void a warranty. We used to have a 2016 Frontier Pro4X and this truck is in a completely different class.

[@joalyincontroly4379]

I ordered the same color and it's on a train to me right now woohoo! I live on dirt roads too and I'm hoping the dirt doesn't show as bad if my truck is the color of dirt lol

[@LPM84.]

I have the same color on my 2021 ZR2. As far as dust or dirt showing, it isn't too bad. Light shades of sand, dirt, and gravel dust doesn't show up to much. But darker mud and clay shows just as much as any other color.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! We don't wash our vehicle often (it at all) and I'd say it matches pretty good with the dirt we have around here. Hopefully they get you yours pretty quick.

[@DrifterJourney]

Nailed it! It looks good dirty though......in my opinion.

[@Light-ic5pf]

Why everyone have the same Issue check engine light and electrical problem? I was thinking to buy one but I probably wait for the New tacoma.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! It seems like it is just a small percentage of folks having some of these problems. It's a new truck that they are working the bugs out on. Luckily it seems that most will be fixed with updates. I'm curious to see what type of issues the new Tacoma will have. Maybe they'll have it more dialed in before release.

[@user-jt4wq4ie2n]

I’ve had the exact same issues you had - blinker, fender flares, and P0442 check engine code. Did you ever have the dealer address the check engine? My light came on about 800 miles. 200 miles later it’s still in. Dealer says they ordered an evap canister to be replaced, but of course it’s back ordered and they have no idea when they’ll get it. I’m just hoping it goes away while I wait.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! We never ended up bringing it into the dealer. The light turned off and hasn't come back on in quite a while. I definitely don't top it off when fueling up anymore. I think that was causing the error code.

[@krasnaludek298]

Check engine lights have happened on just about every car truck I’ve had: Honda, BMW, & Ford … it’s unnerving. I have an OBD II code reader & it’s a good peace of mind tool for at least ruling-out minor versus major issues. Nice truck 👍🏻

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! The code readers really do come in handy. Especially since we're an hour away from a dealer and spend a lot of time on the road traveling.

[@jimmycline4778]

I’ve owned my new Colorado Trail Boss since July 3 I just now turned 2k miles, it would take me several years to put 20k on it!

[@CubanKlink]

What’s you transmission temp mine is around 203 I feel like is too high

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching. Mine goes between 195 and 205 normally. It made it up to 215 while towing. I read somewhere that this is normal and that it may not actually be a correct reading.

[@chrisbusick8899]

Just wondering if the check engine light comes on right after you fill the tank and after you burn some fuel the goes away ?

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! It hasn't come on after filling up. It seems to be at random time with different fuel levels.

[@zephead843]

I understand these come with a "Check Engine Light Not Working" light. Another example of how our "gubmint" is determined to destroy the auto industry.

[@DrifterJourney]

Ha, no way!

[@cmorriscat31]

Hello I really think about buying the zr2 but I will be driving it every day as a daily driver I will not be taking it off road at all. I love the aggressive look please feel free to help me decide since you have been driving it for awhile please thank you

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! It's definitely overkill for staying on the pavement but if it's the truck you like......I say go for it. They sure do look good and the suspension makes the ride nice. Maybe try to test drive one to make sure?

[@rockymountainjazzfan1822]

The Colorado ZR2 checks more of the boxes for hard-core 4-wheeling compared to the other mid-size 4WD trucks currently available, IF the Colorado ZR2 turns out to reliable. With GM, that is a big if.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! Everything you said is spot on. Hopefully it ends up being reliable.

[@p.youhana3563]

You can’t beat truck with front & rear locker for $48k

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! That's exactly what pushed me this direction over the Trail Boss.

[@RossMalagarie]

The check engine light is 2 cpu that need to be reprogrammed, GM has just issued a call on it. Shiuld take 30mins at dealer free if charge

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! That's good information. I'll be in for an oil change soon and will ask them to check for updates.

[@TREVORJB101]

Some of these issues would be non existing had GM done better QC planning. This whole roll-out was a complete shit show. Nice truck regardless. Looking forward to future content.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! I completely agree with you there. They were already so late that they most likely gave in and said just send them. It almost feels like they should have skipped 23 and just made them all 24's when they got it right. It seems that most of the issues will be easy fixes so that's a win.

[@ZR2TexasVeteran]

Noticed the fender on the passenger side, but the driver side seems okay for now... Sucks to hear your check engine light came on a second time. I'm always using 87 here in Texas besides the one time I said screw it and put in 93 octane and have never averaged over 16 mpg lol. Got around 3100 miles on mine and it had just over 60 when I picked it up on Aug 25th. So far, so good 🤞... Looking forward to the towing video and keep the videos coming!

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks again for watching! You're only getting 16? You must be heavy on the gas and most likely having more fun than me. I'm glad to hear that you're not having any issues.

[@ZR2TexasVeteran]

@@DrifterJourney It's mostly city driving. Not really too hard on the throttle, but I don't baby it either. Just glad I don't have the battery dying on me like Andre's on TFL. I do hear some weird clicking noises sometimes when I leave the door open when the truck is off.

[@DrifterJourney]

Mine makes all kinds of noises when I turn it off. I've read that it's the system getting condensation out so you don't end up with smelly air coming out of the vents.

[@thedumbestdoge881]

🚨 FRONT FENDER FIX: Remove the two bottom screws from the fender liner, pull the liner out just enough to get your hand in, reach your hand in and click the fender in by pushing the fender and bumper together! Did that and hasn’t come out since.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for sharing. I had heard that it was more difficult than that so I didn't try. Maybe I'll give it a go since that sounds easy.

[@thedumbestdoge881]

@@DrifterJourney literally took me five minutes to do both sides. Easy peasy!

[@DrifterJourney]

That's what I like to hear!

[@jimm2216]

Just saw your suggestion after I posted mine is doing the same thing. I'll give it a whirl

[@jimm2216]

this worked 💯 the key is that by reaching in from the inside you can push out on the bumper cover and get the clip to engage. The bumper cover flexes too much to simply push on the wheel arch molding.

[@teddonley9594]

Thanks for the info. All new vehicles have issues to work out that takes a couple of years to get right. That new Toyota is going to be no different. Ford cheated by releasing a "new" model that been over seas for years lol smart on their part. I'm leaning towards the GM twins but gonna wait to see what the Dakota offers if Stellantis ever gets off their butts lol

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! We definitely figured there would be some small hiccups that they were working through. The truck has been great so far and we're glad we went this route.

[@beadblaster9508]

Gm seems to have major problems with their electronics. I think the 2024 has al new electronic platform so that should create some problems. I bet 2025 will be a major redo with the colorado going hybrid like the toyota.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad we got one before they switch to a hybrid because I'm guessing that will just lead to more issues. It seems like the kinks have worked themselves out finally and we're gaining trust with the trust daily.

[@justinchrist889]

This is ridiculous on a new vehicle.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! What's ridiculous??? The fitment issues, computer issues, or the price? Or all of the above? I agree with you.

[@docholliday7548]

LoL, no, it's not. There will be issues with an all-new model. Hopefully they're minor.

[@DrifterJourney]

That's the hope I'm having. I'm fine with the little quirks that need to get worked out as long as overall reliability is good.

[@angry-newyorker9070]

That’s ALL that’s wrong in a whopping 1800 miles? What the hell GM?

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching. It wasn't what we were hoping for but it seems to have worked out the kinks.

[@teresaallen3045]

I hate gray colors no gray me hope get Colorado no gray inside outside

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! That might be a tough one. I think they all have it.

[@teresaallen3045]

I wisg car companies do better job making damn vehicles i stick used vehicles

[@DrifterJourney]

Seems like nothing is made like it used to be! Thanks for watching

[@Travisj9935]

Can't imagine spending $48k+ for a thrown together unreliable vehicle 🙄

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! I think a lot of people are feeling that same way. Hopefully they work out the little bugs and it continues to be a great truck.

[@mattandrickadventures8416]

I agree 100%....nothing but problems......imagine taking this 2023 zr2 on a 100 mile overlanding trail and breaking down out in the middle of nowhere; scary thought.

[@bobbysmith9411]

You guys are way over exaggerating with the issue. The new Tacoma will have issues as well. Haven’t seen any major issue with the Canyon or Colorado so far.

[@DrifterJourney]

@bobbysmith9411 thanks for watching! It seems that most of the bugs have been worked out on ours and it has been a great truck so far.

[@DrifterJourney]

@@mattandrickadventures8416 that wouldn't be fun.

[@OIFIIIOIF-VET]

20K more over a 2022. Not worth it. I've had ZERO problems with mine.

[@DrifterJourney]

Thanks for watching! I don't see the prices coming down so we had to do it. I was torn between the 2022 and 2023 for a while. We weren't able to find a new 2022 for much less than this one. Maybe 6k at most. I felt the newer upgrades were worth it but we'll see how it holds up in the long run.