5 Good/Bad Things about 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Here is the same truck, but on Texas dirt climbing up a steep rocky hill: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJTbiJKJZZx1m5Y

[@maxhenry1977]

I just checked stickers on a zr2 and z-71, both with the duramax, both with 4wd. The zr2 sticker claimed 18 city, 22 highway. The z-71 sticker claims 19 city 28 highway. Major difference between the zr2 and z-71 on mileage. I agree about the dipstick placement. They couldn’t have picked a worse spot. At least you don’t have to take the front drivers side tire off to change the oil.

[@red6743]

As a ZR2 baby-max owner, I'm getting Z71 MPGs.

[@natwarlal420]

@@red6743 just got the zr2 duramax 2.8 last night and thetruck is lovely... coming from an Ex-Tacoma owner

[@bobmar2540]

I have 2017 zr2 with gas engine . I just did a 500 mile trip averaging around 70 mph plus. I got 19.8 mpg with most of the being mountain passes. I was very impressed with the power. The main thing i don't like about the truck is the 31 inch tires. Not enough ground clearance.

[@mattybamboo7620]

I have the 2019 Colorado Bison gas engine took it down to Hollister and he handled all the obstacles the Jeeps did and no scraping like the Tacoma (although I like the Tacoma a lot there’s just too many in my area and I like to be different). It’s hella sexy and a put a bed cover with racks for the skis/boards and mountain bikes - can’t wait to head up to the Sierra this winter !!

[@robm3357]

The bison doesn’t get that great of fuel mileage do to the amount of air going under the vehicle as it doesn’t have a air dam. But if you had the LT trim with 4x4 , mine is the long box crew cab 4x4 it gets an easy 32+ mpg that’s 50% better fuel mileage than any of my Rangers.. Here in Canada gas/ diesel is EXPENSIVE so the Colorado diesel is extremely impressive... I call my 2.8 the gerbil max. I had 4 rangers before I bought the Colorado diesel and this thing gets 10 mpg better than any of the Rangers. At over 30 mpg and amazing towing abilities, it’s been a really good truck so far. I have had some major weight behind it too pulling dump trailers full of hard wood.

[@MountainHobbler]

I agree with the concern regarded wear and tear on the seats. I love my ZR2 but it is missing some creature comforts that would be nice. But then again I bought it for what it does off-road, and that I am very pleased with.

[@scotw67]

I like: 1. Fully boxed frame 2. 4 wheel disc brakes 3. Front locker 4. Rear locker that can be used in 2HI and 4HI 5. Looks awesome 6. Seats are very comfortable 7. Ride height 8. Spray in liner 9. Clear concise dash layout 10. Rear seat room

[@jessejames3261]

I have a 2016 Colorado Z71 4x4 diesel. It was rated 20mpg city and 29mpg highway. The 18/22 mpg ratings are for the ZR2 diesel. The front fascia was modified to improve approach angle, the down side was the hit it took for mpg. The ZR2 also has 1 size larger tires than the standard Colorado 4x4 which also is reflected in its mpg rating. I really like the Bison and appreciate your videos.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Thanks for commenting!

[@shiftmotorsports9803]

2018 ZR2 gas has averaged 15mpg over 32k miles. I don't baby it but also didn't buy it for gas mileage.

[@jamesm568]

I wish GM would put the 4.3L V6 in these trucks.

[@ryans3543]

Or the 5.3L V8 or the 2.7L turbo 4 banger they just put in the Silverado. A Colorado V8 would cut into the Silverado sales too much because it would be too cool.

[@docholliday7548]

A V6 diesel would be perfect IMO; around 340hp & 450fp torque would be ideal...like Gladiator.

[@terrencejones9817]

I've put about 3000 miles on crew cab long bed Z71 4x4 Colorado. Mostly highway. It consistency gets 28mpg , some long flat trips its gets 30mpg.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Diesel as well?

[@terrencejones9817]

@@Pickuptrucktalk yes. I put roughly 1k miles on a gas V6. It does a solid 22-24 highway mpg I work for a GM dealership in auto parts I frequently take a Colorado or Canyon as a road sales truck. I very nearly bought a diesel ZR2. But I needed a full size to haul my trailer. I purchased a trail boss instead.

[@richardcarnahan6335]

I wish that they offered the 3.0 Diesel engine with the 8 Speed Transmission over the 2.8 litter options. Much more power with better acceleration and much better Fuel Economy. It just plain makes more sense.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

It won’t fit in the engine bay.

[@Brandon-yp2wy]

That really is a nice truck. I agree there should be more tie downs standard from factory. I like led bed lights but when you start loading stuff in the bed, the lights just become blocked anyways. 18/22 is the zr2 number not just a standard colorado with 4x4. 4x4 configured standard colorado diesels can get up to 19/28 which is really good for a 4x4 pickup (best mpg of any 4x4 pickup I believe). The massive fuel economy drop from 4x4 colorado to ZR2 has entirely to do with all the extra off road features.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Dammit. I looked that up I swear and it said otherwise. Naturally, I look again and what do you know ...

[@Brandon-yp2wy]

@@Pickuptrucktalk Tim I am available for hire as a fact checker lol.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Brandon LOL. Good to know!

[@md.saunders6625]

Honestly the only thing I don't like about the diesel is not every gas station these days has it. Not crazy about the def either, But its a really cool option to get for sure

[@mr.william1913]

I'm surprised its doesn't have push button start for that coin. I know it sounds petty but several other options do and this truck should be competitive with newer technology in the cab.

[@docholliday7548]

Agreed. I'm confident the 2021 redo will include push button start and a host of other updates that will keep the Colorado on top.

[@drjhunter]

I own a Bison with the Duramax, lifted with 315 tires and have got 26-28 mpg on highway so before you talk do a test. Unlike The Ford Ranger who overates their MPG

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Congrats on the MPG! I didn't get the same sadly.

[@josepatino1452]

I get 24.5 combined on my zr2 diesel.

[@MTKARusty]

@@Pickuptrucktalk Diesels don't get the best MPG until well broken in, at least after 5k miles. Unfortunate that all reviewers only get brand new trucks so they all say the same thing that MPG is poor. I have a ZR2 duramax as well (non-bison), and I average 23mpg with about 65% city, 35% hwy.

[@rudaripu]

Did you keep the shocks? What mods did you do to fit 315s? I always thought Chevy could have come with 285 or maybe 305 ftom the factory or at least let enough róom to accomodate those tires... Regarding the fuel consumption in AWD mode i read or heard somewhere that this truck has a clutch pack that distributes the torque between front and rear... could it be this thst causes drag and affect fuel economy?

[@psychology2217]

My ZR2 gets 26 highway easy and 19 city. Basically 23 combined or mix driving. Way better than a gas engine. The difference between 2wd and 4wd is huge if you really think about it. Lots of added weight and loss of aerodynamics. Large front axle, transfer case, with the ZR2 larger heavier tires, suspension lift, etc, etc. there is a really big difference, that’s why there is a big fuel economy difference. But the ZR2 Diesel is still better than its entire class!!! More capable off road plus better fuel economy and even though the ZR2 has 5000 lbs towing max, the Diesel engine and exhaust brake and build in trailer brake system make it a dream to tow with. Whether it’s your boat, camping trailer or utility trailer it does amazing, especially up and down hills. Try to do the same thing with a Tacoma or ranger, or gladiator. It’s a joke. To sum it all up, the ZR2 Diesel is the best all around off road truck, especially for the money.

[@docholliday7548]

Hopefully the 2021 redo will incorporate the many necessary changes this truck needs, eg, pushbutton start, sunroof, dual zone climate control, LED lighting, soft touch cabin surfaces, etc. Also, a larger diesel like the one in the Silverado would be AWESOME and would address the woefully underpowered 2.8L.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

I just ran a video yesterday that said GM is going to kill the diesel. So...

[@williamstewart8449]

Two words.....volume control

[@CLDO97]

Great, common sense review. I like that you don’t take yourself too seriously like some other channels.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Thanks! Yeah, I like to have fun over boring stats and serious reviews.

[@MrBairdy79]

I got the GM tie downs and LED bed light kit, I have 6 more tie downs and the lights are great!

[@jook13]

"I'm tired of not having options" he's talking about you, Ford ranger.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

LOL.

[@harleyjackson5513]

Love my new Ford Ranger!

[@docholliday7548]

@@harleyjackson5513 Glad you like your Ranger as that's the bottom line. To me it seems Ford missed a significant opportunity to take the best of the ZR2, TACO, etc, and present the market with a fresh, class leading pick up with impressive off road chops. Instead, it's really vanilla without any exceptional qualities which is very disappointing.

[@georges4562]

How do you figure the “tire Whine” as you put it is different from the regular ZR-2 ????? . I also find it funny how these reviews make dislike observations as if they’re comparing a truck with a Cadillac. If you took a good look inside the bed you would have seen several plugs on each side of the bed that can be popped out to add extra tie downs.

[@mohnster4000]

You can get cargo box LED lighting and cargo tie-downs as options not sure if they can be dealer installed or from factory

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Pshaw options. Give me those standard dammit!!! LOL.

[@donthesheek]

Took one for a test drive, thought it was a noisy under powered ride. 2020 Toyota Tacoma trd pro sounds and feels much more solid but still not as quick on low end as I like.

[@psychology2217]

Don Thecheech The Tacoma shakes and rattles like crazy off road compared to the ZR2. Ask any Tacoma owner. Not a test drive but an owner who actually uses their truck. The Tacoma is reliable, do get me wrong they have proven that, but they also haven’t changed anything for a long time. They may be a bit quieter, but that’s because the taco as street tires and no Diesel engine

[@donthesheek]

@@psychology2217 Fred Sausage said whenever he and his Mrs. go off road topless in the jeep, there's a lot of bouncin, shakin, too......

[@docholliday7548]

@guy proulx False narrative.

[@docholliday7548]

Toyota halo has been exposed. That said, I like the TACO but it is not bulletproof as fanboys purport. I've had two Chevy pick ups and both were exemplary to include impressive reliability beyond 250k miles. For me, the TACO's stadium cheap seats (a real head scratcher) is a NO-GO. I think the ZR2 is a superior vehicle all around.

[@ivaniuk123]

It's taken a while (2023-2024) for the midsize truck market to catch up with technology. For a while there they were all left behind.

[@henrent]

I think the GM 3.0 diesel straight 6 would be really nice in that truck.

[@devil262786]

Why is the audio recording I want to know what you're saying😭😭

[@maxcastro007]

Bomb news!! I just read that GM will discontinued the 2.8l Duramax for next year. What do you think about it? The price of it will drop and find parts also will be hard. What's your thoughts about it?

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

They canceled it and brought it back. Just a matter of finding a plant to build it.

[@TREVORJB101]

Will you be covering Hall Racing and the Silverado ZRX prototype at the Mint 400?

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

I’m home, so not in person. If there is an interesting story or stock video sent to me, I’ll do a video.

[@B86432]

there was a time where you could get a 4 door v6 bison with the bose & nav package for under $45k that was almost 2 years ago......

[@frankmantione3268]

I have a 2016 LT Colorado.Ihave had it for two years. I bought it used. I love my truck.First chevy. I always had fords. So far so good.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Right on!

[@tomoathoudt3712]

What’s up with the scratchy sound?

[@Josh-iv1fb]

53k?? Can we get a front facing camera seeing as it’s an off-road truck.and cooled seats Chevy

[@Hustler1856]

Folks don't go off roads without changing your aluminum driveshaft after your warranty is up or ordering the driveshaft to be put on the vehicle before you buy.

[@thomasmakowsky1151]

They should put grab handles on the driver side !

[@Eightball2516]

Can you mount a winch in that bumper or does it have to be modified

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Just mount the winch. The bumper is prebuilt for it.

[@michaelcianci7944]

5:30 you can get various tie downs that go in place of all the little plastic ovals all over the bed, both from chevy or amazon. they are tough to get out though

[@princeodinson3239]

Your looking everywhere except on the road.... Reading ur note pad and messing with the menu options ain't safe... Good channel but u have to devise a way to remember the points u wanna talk about n info u wanna relay safer than this... I recommend pulling off the road n then go through the points... I'm a truck lover so I'm in for this channel now... New subscriber now.

[@sweetscienceboxinggym5646]

But does it have a lot of low-end torque?

[@madcratebuilder]

Don't slide your ass across the seat, put your left foot on the door sill and lift your ass off the seat. A ECLB ZR2 is about 450lbs lighter than a CCSB Duramax Bison. Makes a difference off road.

[@robm3357]

It’s not 4x4 that kills the milage it’s the Bison , it doesn’t have the front air dam. My LT diesel gets better than 30

[@danielb-c9100]

What happened to the Old Chevy commercial can you make a video of it About it

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

What commercial? Do you have a link?

[@danielb-c9100]

I don't have a link

[@danielb-c9100]

Video Is Chevy Silverado commercial from 91 the 2014 like a rock commercial

[@mohnster4000]

ZR2 Bison or Gladiator Rubicon?

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

ZR2 Bison for me. Better reliability and fits my needs better. While taking off the doors and the roof are really cool, I'm too lazy to do it. And I don't off-road THAT much to need the extra capability of the Gladiator.

[@Deathhotdog]

guy proulx i think the real advantage is ease of putting bigger tires on the thing, I love both trucks, waiting to see how the diesel gladiator does after they come out but I know it takes a lot of work to get 35’s under a zr2 and the gladiator can take 35’s with no lift, I think both are excellent choices just depends on your preference and style, also huge after market support for jeep anything i had a hard time modifying my pro4x Frontier a few years ago since so few companies make stuff for it but i see your point, if i was going to keep a truck stock I would most likely go zr2

[@docholliday7548]

A well-equipped Gladiator Rubicon is $11K more than a ZR2 Bison. So, how important is that solid front axle, disconnecting sway bars & removeable top? I like the Gladiator, but if I can get a Bison with diesel for $5-6K less with MUCH better on road handling that makes it an easy answer IMO. To each their own.

[@michaelross8036]

This channel deserves more subs

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Thanks! I'm doing the best I can and hoping it is just a matter of time.

[@Derham43]

It's the weight of the vehicle that makes the different in mileage. Max Henry is spot on with the difference between a ZR1 and a ZR2. Plus the Bison weights a little more than the ZR2 that it's based off of.

[@charliewilson9723]

I just cant see paying 55,000 for a Mid-Size truck--I just dont see it.

[@bennyb6071]

Agree, should be 35k

[@docholliday7548]

#1. The Colorado doesn't start at $55K; a fully loaded ZR2 w/ diesel is

[@jangle5393]

Awesome truck wish It had power rear window, front camera and box lighting and a v8 option

[@roninkraut6873]

I want a column shifter and a bench seat in the front.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Good luck! Seriously. I don't see it happening.

[@roninkraut6873]

Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk I don’t either but it would be nice. That way I can fit the whole family in there

[@docholliday7548]

You and two others, lol

[@rudaripu]

I think these mid size trucks have the potential to destroy full sized one

[@docholliday7548]

Very few need, or use, the capability of a full sized truck. Personally I think many purchase those behemoths to compensate for other anatomical shortcomings...

[@graphguy]

Great channel review - again. Love the exterior look... but way too many negatives.... NEXT.

[@cww53132]

Wow one dipstick talking about another dipstick. Just kidding

[@trevorbatchelder4247]

No bed lights they would be broke in no time

[@docholliday7548]

Not with the proper design.

[@kingstonsean]

Utilitrack system! Something my dinosaur Frontier has over the Bison. 😀

[@mwswarrior]

I have an 18 ZR2 Diesel. 21 or 22 around town and 26-27 on the highway.

[@sandman6298]

MPG hit ( on 4wd) may be a result of the automatic locking 4wd system, not disengaging as most frt ends do on dash selector, rotating CVs ect. 🇺🇸

[@hochhaul]

The Duratracs and lack of front aerodynamics have a big effect on fuel economy. The AEV wheels are also very heavy for their size.

[@matthewbromwell6740]

The lack of push button start and proximity entry are deal breakers for me. ACC would be nice for the price along with a heated steering wheel.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Agreed. Those should be simple additions and need to be done ASAP.

[@groot5441]

Agree

[@CeeLos_17]

Your audio throughout the video is horrible fix it.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Bought a new audio setup.

[@CeeLos_17]

Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk ok thx 👍

[@blakegarner3719]

I love everything about my ZR2 except gas mileage. I drive mostly City and in 5300 MI my average is 12.5. Absolutely pathetic. I do not even drive it hard. I don't even like to drive it places because the fuel economy is terrible and I'm already looking to get rid of it and possibly go with the diesel.

[@MicroMountainsDude]

99 bucks 9 tie downs in back I don’t like Superman because he has brown hair. Ok review but you are trying to hard to find out this truck is a Tacoma beater

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

You make it sound like I love the Tacoma. Interesting. Thanks for the comment!

[@MicroMountainsDude]

I understand the need for unbiased reviews. The Bison is hands down the best midsize truck in the 21st century. I think if we are going to pick it apart, the last is tie down shit. Or oh my I can’t reach the dipstick. Also your audio is fucked. Cheers. No hate Just brutal honesty

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Needs bigger tires stock from the factory

[@jrunberg]

For me the mid-size trucks ( what used to be full-size 10 years ago) are where it's at. These new massive hunks of shit like the dodge ram or silverado are non practical. Too wide and almost go into other lane on 2 lane highway.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Actually, everything has gotten bigger for years. One time I parked a 2018 Chevy Colorado next to my 1962 Chevy C10. The Colorado was wider and longer than the '62. The '62 was considered full-size back then.

[@johnellis6237]

Don’t be a mall crawler

[@evangelistar74]

Its more like colorattle!

[@hochhaul]

Sure beats listening to a 3rd gen Tacoma's cheap howling rear diff.

[@Pikertime]

WHY ON EARTH DIDN’T YOU EDIT THAT EXHAUST NOISE????

[@joehall7770]

Bullshit mine is bad to the bone.

[@gasless7]

to

[@antonioohdiazinon8709]

Va