2024 Colorado ZR2 Driving Review From Owner Perspective

[@mikebellmore4132]

I really enjoy your no BS channel. Call it like you see it!

[@mikebellmore4132]

Footnote; wish it came in a 6' bed. Might consider replacing my 23 TRD offroad. Might.....

[@Jason-Samko]

Thank you. Greatly appreciated

[@TheCree2010]

I think the ZR2 wins the mid size truck with regards to aesthetics/ looks. Not factoring in anything else, it’s just an amazing looking vehicle!!!

[@n0xxm3rcyxx]

YES! wins in looks. everything else is just not for me i like the buttons and switches i dont like it all in the tablet thats stuck in my face and no V6

[@Jason-Samko]

Agree the zr2 is sexy. And it's very capable! Amazing truck

[@keithhunt3437]

Definitely a great looking truck but it seems like the Tacoma shares some styling cues.

[@gaurd3]

easy on the eyes

[@krasnaludek298]

Test drove a Colorado ZR2 & it legitimately rides better than my Raptor 37, as the Chevy is less “sloshy” on road. Best riding 4x4 I’ve ever driven … seriously. 👍🏻

[@Jason-Samko]

Have drove 2 raptors. They were amazing! Never owned one but man what a fun truck!!!

[@haroldneaus6225]

Just got the canyon at4x. Very happy with it. Was able to get 11% off.

[@blj_1970]

congrats

[@Jason-Samko]

Congratulations on an amazing truck

[@TADD29]

Love my ZR2. Yes, time will tell about longevity. But I think Chevy did an awesome job on these pickups.

[@blj_1970]

very nice ride for sure

[@robertedwards3822]

@@blj_1970I solved the anxiety of reliability. Since this truck was $15,000 less than a Toyota, I just paid the $2000 to extend the warranty to eight years and 100,000 miles. You can buy the warranty from any dealer just by googling it. There are certain dealers that sell it for a discount.

[@Jason-Samko]

Sure is a sexy truck

[@Jason-Samko]

Will be putting a warranty on mine as well

[@AJS24DH]

Longevity won’t be an issue with these trucks . The turbomax is built like a tank . It’s a heck of a motor and the truck as a whole is just awesome. I have a 24 ZR2 Bison and I love it 👍🏻 Keep the oil changed at every 5000 or less miles , it’s key to longevity and that’s with any vehicle if you ask me .

[@cliffbarnhouse4913]

Congrats on your new truck. I bought a 2023 ZR2 last year and can agree with your review. First new Chevy in 40 years. It still smile every time I drive it.

[@Jason-Samko]

Congratulations on yours as well

[@grumpynomad3551]

I might get my wife one of these. She loves these little trucks.

[@Jason-Samko]

That's exactly how we ended up with this one

[@melissayork7188]

Beautiful truck. We got an AT4X about 6 weeks ago and are loving it. Congrats again.

[@Jason-Samko]

Congratulations on your amazing canyon

[@666dynomax]

3-5 years its true colours iwll shine

[@Jason-Samko]

@@666dynomax you feel better now for that comment

[@666dynomax]

@@Jason-Samko a little bit. Like you don't see old Colorado's or canyons around. I feel bad for them. They didn't seem to make the test of time. Even the poor little Ford rangers you still see around.

[@666dynomax]

@Jason-Samko I kind of have a heart for the underdog I think. Always hoping the little guy will somehow be successful.

[@Ryan-rn8gk]

Love my old (2015) 4Runner. 185k and no reason to think it won’t go that far again. I changed the battery a few months back and it’s been averaging 19.1mpg. Thinking about giving it to my kids to drive and the Colorado is on my short list. I need to drive one to see how much room it has for tall people. A full size truck may be a better option.

[@Vec135]

Try out the different modes! Specifically the Baja, you’ll get the sport shifting enabled. Feels totally different than normal mode. Love my 2024 zr2 as well.

[@chuckchinn3181]

I can only get to Baja if I'm in 4h or 4a, then I can go back to 2wd. Is that normal? And yes, there is a difference.

[@Jason-Samko]

On the todo list as soon as I get past break in and do the first oil change at 1k.

[@kx8960]

@@chuckchinn3181 I have a 2024 ZR2 I picked up in mid-March, now with 9,300 miles and 2 trips to Moab and one to Glacier Nat'l Park. That's odd, Baja mode is actually more meant for 2WD. I was driving it around the street (pavement) in Baja mode because I liked the more aggressive throttle tip-in. You can even lock the rear in Baja mode, though it seems to automatically unlock it at 25mph. I'd have your dealer look at it.

[@chuckchinn3181]

@@kx8960 Not to highjack this tread ... but ... I've had a few other glitches. First the audio stopped turning off when the driver's door was opened. That fixed itself after the truck updated itself. Now the on/off/volume switch on the infotainment quit working. I've only got 2500 miles on it and will have that checked out when I bring it in for its first service at 'bout 3500 miles. Then the check engine light came on this week. Poked the fuel filler flap a few times and the light went off. I love the truck and no buyer's remorse ... yet. BTW, on some of the forums, the door thing and infotainment switch have been mentioned. To quote John Pinette, "You ain't scaring me!"

[@kx8960]

@@chuckchinn3181 I had the "audio didn't turn off" thing as well, I think that's a built-in warning that you need to upgrade your software/firmware because, like yours, mine fixed itself as soon as I did it. It had been giving me screen warnings for a while to update, but I ignored them, and so, it did that. It worked, because it pissed me off enough that I went to the dealer and updated it. I had turned off the automatic over-the-air updates because it was killing people batteries. I still have that turned off, but now will update when it tells me to. I had a "check engine" light come on with 400-ish miles on the ODO (knock sensor 2 the scan said) that turned out to be a glitch, because I took it in, they cleared it, checked everything/connectors, and it never came back. I had a glitch with the adaptive cruise control a couple times on my Glacier trip where it just turned completely off, but that went away too. I will say that a girl at work bought one after talking to me about mine, and she had to return it under the lemon law and get a new one. So, hopefully these minor things will go away for others. Try Baja mode again, you should be able to access it in 2WD, I can, even on pavement.

[@TheJines123]

Im confident in the L3B. My client t my shop has a ton of L3B silverados and they are all amost touching 200k miles with no issues at all. We have an account with CSX and we work on their silverado scout truck with that L3B and it has almost 20k running hours and no issues. Just dont do 7500 mile oil changes. Ive been doing 5k on all these trucks

[@Jason-Samko]

Love hearing this! Thank you. And yep 5k oil changes is how I always donit

[@vernscrote2237]

you should do a comprehensive review of my new 2024 LT Trail Boss for everyone

[@tomw3960]

Nice beast, unfortunately we don't get it in Germany 😢

[@kx8960]

We're still pissed about the WWII thing, so...🤣🤣

[@Jackal36426]

Great truck, but I had to leave it at the dealership. I’ve test-driven three of them, and unfortunately, each one left my back hurting-even though I don’t have any back problems.

[@Jason-Samko]

Glad you found that put before you bought it

[@robertedwards3822]

Hey Jason, that truck has launch control. Just saying! Might be a good topic for a video if you’re running zero to 60s.

[@Jason-Samko]

Been meaning to check that out after I break it in

[@snorris6033]

I've got a 2024 GMC Canyon owned it for 5 months did realize it had the G-Force gauge until I seen your video seen it but just didn't realize it was a G4 gauge

[@Jason-Samko]

It's pretty cool and adds to the smile factor

[@LibertyOrD___h]

Turbos are ok and more reliable than a fuel pump however as they age it’s vital to perform a basic maintenance check on the bearing, if there is any movement of the compressor wheel then the turbo needs replacing

[@bryy2053]

Before I bought my ranger raptor, I did my homework on everything in the segment. Hearing the engineers of this 2.7T talk about how they built the engine to specifically be a turbo truck engine from the ground up was very interesting. And having that engine up front of this thing is gonna make the front end feel more nimble. I heard a canyon denali next to me at a light pull off and the sound of the turbo and exhaust definitely gives a little diesel vibes. The ZR2 was up there on my list with the tacoma trailhunter, and even though toyota has mastered hybrid setups, it was just a turn off for me. The Bison was also intriguing but with those 35s, it's just slow. It's a monster, but I want to feel something under my right foot. Problem with the zr2 and ranger raptor, it's honestly hard to drive them slowly because they just want to run. Great color choice man! Truck looks great

[@Jason-Samko]

Thank you. And congratulations on your raptor ranger

[@timothywillis8883]

Love the tech in that truck! ❤

[@Jason-Samko]

Thanl you

[@wendehorn6314]

What kind of fuel are you using for this ZR2? 87, 89 or 93? I watched different reviews and everybody said something different

[@Jason-Samko]

@@wendehorn6314 I'm running 87.

[@Jason-Samko]

@@wendehorn6314 87. Nothing on the colorado says run premium. It was designed to run on 87.

[@wendehorn6314]

@Jason-Samko thank you, Jason!

[@theshtonsesh1278]

I got the z71 hoping to modify it better then zR2 later on. So far im just happy i didn't go with tocma as my initial buy while buying a truck.

[@Jason-Samko]

Congratulations on your awesome z71

[@kx8960]

Well, basically, you can't. You can't mount the DSSV shocks (frame is different), and there is no easy way to get the lockers, especially the front locker. You're stuck with only the G80 "semi" locker. You can put a lift on it to LOOK like the ZR2, but it'll never BE a ZR2.

[@na2305]

Do the LT and Trailboss (or Vanyon Elevation) trims ride smooth too? The ZR2 looks awesome but we don't need that much off road ability

[@Jason-Samko]

Yes. Love all the canyons and colorados. Amazing trucks

[@KevinEdge81]

Do you have any experience or opinions on the previous generation ZR2 Colorado!!??? Just curious. I see some decent deals on some low mileage used 2022s.

[@Jason-Samko]

@KevinEdge81 I have mad respect for the 1st gen colorado zr2! That was the truck that started all of this midsize offroad craze! Front and rear lockers, available with a diesel as well. Mad respect for it. It's only downside is the small tires and low ground clearance. But I believe both are easy to fix.

[@kx8960]

I have a 2024 ZR2 (fully loaded w/moonroof) I picked up in mid-March (9,300mi, 2 trips to Moab (5 days total wheeling there on easy-moderate trails since I'm a noob), and one 3,700mi trip to glacier Nat'l Park and back). The thing is amazing as is, but I plan on putting the Bison jounce dampers on it ($2,800 plus labor, most I'll do myself), then put 285/75/17's on it. Basically as tall/almost 34" but 1-1/8" narrower than the Bison tires which are NOT true 35's, so, less chance of rubbing with the OEM offset. Then a couple aluminum skidplates for the tranny, fuel tank, and rear diff, and I've got 95% of a Bison for thousands less. The frame and shock mounts are exactly the same on the ZR2 as on the Bison, the jounce damper kit is a bolt-on with the minor exception of the 1/2" rear shim that goes on top of the rear axle. I'll let the dealership do that last little bit so they can align the rear suspension. I'm getting about 18 CALCULATED mpg (the dash is about 1mpg optimistic), and have actually seen over 20mph calculated on a tank, and I do 85 on the freeway! My average for the entire 3,700mi Glacier trip was almost 19mpg! Wheeling it up steep hills I've seen maybe 15-16mpg, but I'm ok with that since it wasn't for a full 300+ mile tank. Drives great, pavement (best/smoothest truck I've ever been in) or dirt (soaks up all kinds of bumps), and climbs like a billy goat on meth. Can't really complain, except about some quirky infotainment system stuff (HATE the start/stop, but that's easily turned off, want a REAL switch for the lights, a few things like that). The dash displays are awesome, I like setting the driver's display to show the offroad map, and use the main display to show the front camera for cresting sketchy hills, works awesome! I have no need for the "hero" displays (pitch, roll angles, etc.), but some people like it. 4WD Auto is actually pretty damn capable and I forgot to put it in 4HI but locked the rear diff, and it went right up a steep stepped section no problem. Used 4LO with front and rear locked only once on a steep, rutted, slippery dirt hill, and man, there was like ZERO wheelspin, it just crawled up it like nothing. I even got a little air a couple times in it at 40mph or so, and the shocks just eat it up, but as mentioned, I AM gonna put the jounce dampers on it too. Love mine so far, enjoy yours and best of luck!

[@Jason-Samko]

Outstanding and very detailed comment. Love everything i read here. Thank you

[@kx8960]

@@Jason-Samko Prego!

[@thelonglastexpert]

Jason, which one is more fuel efficient? not what dashboard result but the real mpg?

[@Jason-Samko]

No idea. I don't hand calculate mpgs. Never been something I was too concerned about as I can't not change it. So I only go buy what the computer says

[@JM-fk5hh]

Looking to downsize to midsize truck in the spring, I have a 2020 F150 with the 2.7 EcoBoost and love the engine, looking at ZR1 or ZR2, and Ranger 2.7, really like the look of the Chevy and GMC midsize.

[@Jason-Samko]

@@JM-fk5hh all fantastic options

[@robedmund9948]

The only thing that beats the ZR2 package is the ZR2 AEV package. Either one is more than capable off road.

[@Jason-Samko]

The bison is an amazing truck

[@kx8960]

The AEV package is WAY overpriced for no engine upgrade. For that money, I'd buy a Ranger Raptor. I have a 2024 ZR2 I picked up in mid-March (9,300mi, 2 trips to Moab, and one to glacier Nat'l Park). The thing is amazing as is, but I plan on putting the Bison jounce dampers on it ($2,800 plus labor, most I'll do myself), then put 285/75/17's on it. Basically as tall/almost 34" but 1-1/8" narrower than the Bison tires which are NOT true 35's, so, less chance of rubbing with the OEM offset. Then a couple aluminum skidplates for the tranny, fuel tank, and rear diff, and I've got 95% of a Bison for thousands less. The frame and shock mounts are exactly the same on the ZR2 as on the Bison, the jounce damper kit is a bolt-on with the minor exception of the 1/2" rear shim that goes on top of the rear axle. I'll let the dealership do that last little bit so they can align the rear suspension.

[@canyonproductions7683]

Looks cool

[@chadcurtis7981]

Does it require premium gas? Or is regular unleaded fine?

[@russbrown9286]

Does not require premium they recommend regular 87 octane.👊👍

[@Jason-Samko]

Does not require premium. 87 is what I'm running

[@chadcurtis7981]

Thanks. This truck and Gladiator at the top of my list. Looking to buy in December. Will drive both and see who wants to deal.

[@Scroll_Lock]

Seat comfort comparison. Which is softer? I've sat in some new Chevys and it feels too stiff. I can drive very long distances in one day and at a normal weight I couldn't even take the "leather" Toyota seats after about 6 hours.

[@Jason-Samko]

Great question I didn't pay attention too. I do know my butt get sore in about 5 hours (my house to Orlando) in the 4 runner every single time. Yet I can drive the gladiator for 16 hours straight with a trailer bouncing and no issue in the butt! Have not drove the zr2 on a long trip yet to test

[@rickbrewer8507]

@@Jason-Samko Drove 11 hours in my 2024 AT4 (leather seats) and was comfortable - 5' 10 180. Assume the seats are the same design. Your DSSVs might make the ride even more comfortable.

[@CurtGodwin]

I love my ZR2, especially coming from a Subaru Outback (except for that gas mileage). So far, the only complaint that I have on it is that Georgia red clay really likes to stick to that plastic cladding around the wheel arches. Maybe some ceramic coating will help. Other than that, I'm pretty happy with it... doubly so knowing that Chevrolet has discontinued my color (Glacier Blue) for the next model year.

[@Jason-Samko]

@CurtGodwin great truck and thst blue super nice! I consider the fender flares a disposable item when offloading. Not very expensive to replace but save the truck

[@joeyl1939]

I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of gas mileage are you getting thank you

[@Jason-Samko]

@joeyl1939 hopefully curt will chime in. Mine only has 500 city miles on it so far are we are at 17

[@CurtGodwin]

@@Jason-Samko A hair over 18 MPG, combined (mostly city). Best has been about 23 MPG on a drive through the mountains.

[@CodBoomer18]

Doesn’t it have lane keep assist/adaptive cruise? So it can basically drive itself on road trips?

[@Jason-Samko]

It does and it works pretty good. Not great but pretty good around my area and roads

[@jedwin4816]

I can't argue with the power the 2.7 makes- it's quite adequate and then some. The transmission, despite its bad reputation, works very well. The ride quality (even in the Trail Boss without the ZR2 shocks) is pretty good for a truck. I can't complain about any of this- but one thing kinda ruins a lot of it for me: the engine sounds terrible. It's coarse and doesn't sound like a truck engine should. At least to my ears. I think GM intentionally left the turbo sounds in to make the truck sound a bit more like a diesel. If there was an aftermarket Cat-Back available that sounded better I'd buy it but so far I have not heard anything better.

[@Jason-Samko]

@@jedwin4816 I'm sure aftermarket will have something out soon to solve that

[@jedwin4816]

​@@Jason-Samkothere's lots of them available now. They all sound bad IMO.

[@BrianDIYChannel]

Do you have some noise from the rear leaf spring? I got some noise especially when there is rocking motion

[@Jason-Samko]

Not yet i don't. But only 500 miles so far😂 could be coming from the shock or a spring bushing

[@vincentvaladez9607]

I just wish they had a better speaker company/ more speakers in the truck that would be nice

[@Jason-Samko]

It has bose speakers.

[@vincentvaladez9607]

@ yeah I know it does but only adding 1 or 2 more speakers over the stock ones. it should have at least 8 to 10 , 10 speakers would be nice. Test drove one Wednesday the Bose speakers didn’t really blow me away.

[@calientemac1]

Does that truck take regular or premium, high octane unleaded fuel?

[@Jason-Samko]

87

[@JimmyMins]

I drove the LT Colorado but purchased the Ridgeline.The Chevy was nice but interior felt cramped and has a high step up height that would get tiring after a few months.Nice truck but not for me.

[@Jason-Samko]

Ridgeline is a great truck too

[@joeyonate6788]

Which is better to buy zr2 2024 or zr2 2025?

[@Jason-Samko]

same truck. 2025 went up in price. offers some extras that were options in 2024. But i think 2024 has the better deals right now.

[@pdmsemperfi7676]

Wow, I am so glad that came out with that G force wizzBangaru!! Well, worth the extra cost just for that factor alone😮😂

[@robertedwards3822]

Whatcha drivin’?

[@Jason-Samko]

Lots of very cool gizmos in this truck

[@dos0711]

The question is...do you like it better than your Gladiator?

[@Jason-Samko]

No. Me personally I prefer my gladiator for the fun factor and tractor like robustness

[@richardguse3410]

If GM had a Tahoe with DSSV suspension I'd have a hard time staying out of a dealership. As for Toyota, their new pickups and SUVs will have to earn a reputation for reliability.

[@Jason-Samko]

@@richardguse3410 agree on both

[@mikehundley9876]

Lot of folks says the power is weak ?

[@Jason-Samko]

@@mikehundley9876 compared to what?

[@mikehundley9876]

Don't know .? I need to just drive one .Thanks Jason .

[@mikehundley9876]

I'm wanting to see the SS Version .

[@nordlandak6853]

lol you said I don’t do driving impression 😂

[@Jason-Samko]

I don't😂😂! And these videos will get crap for views. And I think they are 100 subjective and opinion based. But the amount of requests i got to compare these was huge. So broke down and did all 3 vehicles. And have a summary video coming out tomorrow comparing my thoughts on all 3 back to back

[@dboyfresh]

Like my canyon at4 but my 99 silverado gets better mpg with a v8.

[@dominiciocca2842]

You’re not keeping that Gladiator another year when you have that to drive.

[@Jason-Samko]

@dominiciocca2842 the zr2 is great. But the gladiator is my favorite for my needs in the swamp and fun factor

[@traebishop3846]

... If I could, I would... That's all I'll say.

[@Jason-Samko]

It's a very impressive truck

[@Think1st-m9r]

Never had a problem with Chevy but haven’t really been into the styling and interior seem cheap and lack luster but they have really been making great improvements in these areas over the last several years. Toyota just doesn’t seem comfortable to me and I’m not a big guy. Even if it lasts 400k I couldn’t sit in one that long.

[@666dynomax]

immagine owning that shitbox colorado in 2034 be lucky if its even still running

[@Jason-Samko]

Thank God you warned us. Now we know to make sure to sell it in 2033

[@ritaisland]

I don’t understand if a Mustang, Camaro could have a v8, why can’t this truck, Tacoma, Ranger have a v6? These corporations need better marketing advices

[@kx8960]

Couple quirks I hate: 1. The start/stop button has to be selected EACH time, but, as it's the same with all the other vehicles I've driven (even my 2025 CR-V, maybe it's an EPA thing. Nowhere NEAR as annoying in operation as in my CR-V, THAT one sucks a$$. 2. The fog lights will NOT stay on either, you must select them EVERY time, and they don't seem very bright anyway. Annoying AF. 3. Unlike the audio system in my CR-V, the Chevy's system will NOT recognize the hi-def audio files on my USB drive for some stupid reason, and the CR-V's system sounds better anyway. 4. Who was the retread at GM that decided that the driver (You know, the person that gets into it the MOST?) didn't need or want a grab handle? I'm 6'1" and would STILL like one to ease getting in and out. 5. I actually like the gloss black dash accents (reminds me of my high end home theater speakers) except that the one part on the drivers dash can blind you in bright sunlight if the angle's right - shoulda thought thru better. 6. Should have been able to option aluminum skidplates for the tranny, fuel tank, and rear diff at time of purchase. 7. Wireless charger.....DOESN'T. I got fed up and now just use that area for my wallet, and run a USB cord from my middle console to charge my phone. 8. I run a radar detector so it would have been nice to have a couple extra charging options in the console. 9. No rear mudflaps available, only the front. So, I bought some WeatherTech "no-drill" ones. BUT, as they're pretty rigid, I'm worried about coming down off a ledge, catching one, and damaging the wheelwell, I'm going to trim them up pretty close to their mounting points, and attach some softer ones to the bottom, best of both worlds. 10. Spray washers for the front and rear cameras would have been awesome, but, I carry a small spray bottle of soapy water when wheeling for that.

[@Jason-Samko]

Excellent comment and insider info. Thank you for taking the time to post this.