Is the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 the BEST new midsize truck to BUY?

The Colorado is all new for 2023 & Chevrolet is not messing around. On the outside you will discover tons of ground clearance, skid plates, off road wheels and rock sliders. On the inside you will be greeted by a massive 11in infotainment system, digital gauge display and special interior appointments. Under the hood is a 2.7L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 310HP & is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 the BEST new midsize truck to BUY?
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Videography:Steven Flood 🎥

[@tigertreetop]

wow it is so refreshing to see an off road truck review where the host actually knows how to drive off road, you're making it look like tons of fun. way to go Joe

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that I could have you ride shotgun with me!

[@markspence3750]

Bo & Luke Duke!!

[@ryangraney9892]

That automatic looks sooo pathetic!

[@atg1338]

Alot of review guys can drive off road. You are just in love with joe but he's married tewstar🤣

[@sokratzmmf]

The amount of glazing bro

[@FrankChouFinance]

I still have an old heartbeat of America magnet on my fridge 😂

[@RaitisRides]

Now that is cool Frank!

[@carsynm5636]

Picked up my Glacier Blue ZR2 a couple weeks ago. 20 mpg on highway at 75mph. All flat as I’m in FL. I was blown away when I saw it in person. Looks killer!! Smooth on road ride. Haven’t went off road yet - but it’s coming! Great review as usual Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

That is is fantastic! Great job man!

[@R32vdubb]

20 MPG niceeeeeee, I’m lucky if I get 16 MPG in my Tacoma (lifted)

[@NIVO1972]

how do you find the tires to be? are they a loud drive at 75? or? Im really curious

[@carsynm5636]

@@NIVO1972 not loud at all. Really nice ride on road.

[@NIVO1972]

@@carsynm5636 sounds great thanks.

[@bryanwashington9511]

This generation of the Colorado and Canyon are badass trucks and Joe is the man to bring us some awesome reviews!

[@coronaids8662]

Cheap n Cheesy with baby beds, no transmission options, nor cab configurations. Pathetic!

[@ethenjordan2010]

I had the ZR2 on order, a Denali came in months before. 3 months and 2500 miles later, I don't regret it. The interior is so much nicer than the ZR2, the 2 inch lift is plenty. All LED in the front, passengers gets power seats, and i have a HUD. GMC versions are superior IMO. I drive almost all in town I'm getting 19mpg (wish it was more). Zero issues and it has all the amenities. I love this truck.

[@DB-sd3cw]

How's it holding up? Thought about picking one up but scared of GM/Ford/Ram doodoo reliability

[@bigd2256]

I had a 23 AT4X and hated those stupid white stripe on the seats and all the bugs. I prefer the look of the ZR2 to the AT4x. I will be going to a ZR2 this go around

[@markspence3750]

Alot of people say, "Why buy a mid-sized truck?" If you have a job that requires using that bed alot, then absolutely a full-sized truck is what you need. They usually get the same gas mileage, and lots more room in the big truck. However, city traffic/parking is easier in the mid-size, and just more fun to drive. I think of a mid-sized the same way I think of a Jeep.

[@RaitisRides]

Very good points Mark!

[@Daywalker_27]

Only reason I’m looking at trucks is because of the climate I live in. Over the winter 4x4 definitely makes life easier. I don’t tow, haul stuff or transport a family around I just like to have something to get me though the winters. Having a vehicle that easily fits in a garage and is easy to navigate urban streets that can park in stalls with less efforts is also a large bonus.

[@younglamb4396]

Absolutely PHENOMENAL video!!! That was so different!!! That off road drive you took while actually giving it some gas and bending turns was great!!! Awesome atuff man!!!

[@TdawggLA]

If they really increased the warranty to 100k miles then it will definitely have more people interested. Truck looks awesome. Sounds better in the cab then on the outside

[@davefornit6235]

I believe it will only be on the Silverado not the colorado

[@nogamblinge2671]

The warrant is trash for sure 30k is like 2 years

[@DrPhilYourGap]

so my understanding the diesel is the only engine which gets the 100k warranty. I work for a GM and Ford dealer and never heard of 100k mile warranty until this video and coudlnt find anything in my system showing one.

[@benpritchett65]

You do great reviews and love that you compare storage space with food/snacks!

[@abrahamnutrition]

Great looking truck! I really like all of the angles. With all the tech it really does need the rear LED lighting. Marker lights would look good in the flat spots of the fender flares.

[@T_B_C_L]

Wow.... Put that thing through some off-road craziness and it handled it like a champ, all while putting a huge smile on the face. Awesome review as always. 🍻

[@paratracker]

Definitely agree that the front black plastic insert should be functional in some way - lights or drag/airflow related.

[@DannerBanks]

Absolutely love that you took it off road. Great review

[@jmackin7998]

As soon as I open the app to search for a ZR2 review from Raiti, BAM a new one on my suggestions page lol

[@zach6383]

They found a way to mind read

[@NIVO1972]

this sector of the market is only getting better and better with all the models forthcoming from other manufacturers. It will be a matter of who can out do who at a better price point. And thats a win for every consumer. Im excited to see the new Toyotas and even the Subaru model coming.

[@kcarley7035]

King of the one take! I gotta know if there is a blooper reel out there Joe.

[@user-bl4ez3sh5g]

Joe Rati, your reviews are really fantastically good. I watch every time you post one! However, all side curtains have functionality, even if they do not flow through. They actually grab the air and create stability at speed. That is why every car has some sort of side curtain now. Without them the nose feels less stable and they would need to adjust the toe or caster to create stability, thus reducing mpg.

[@marcusturner5291]

Nice video keep up the good work Joe

[@Gav376]

I told my mom I wanted that truck for my high school year😂😂

[@RaitisRides]

I like the way that you think!

[@Jojo-ni2cg]

Thanks Joe-very nice truck!!!!!

[@christerry4395]

I am going ZR2. Thanks for the review. Just watching how much fun you were having is a major selling feature. The fact that its a little less expensive than some of the competitors is another reason to go Chevy.

[@prachya007]

Love the review, I’m big fan!!!!

[@TheRobSJ]

What a great looking truck. My policy is that if you can have a vehicle look good even in a wild color (not just black because almost anything can pull off black), they’ve done a good job.

[@gassnake2775]

I totally agree with you Joe, I don’t like fake , nonfunctional decorations

[@Searching4Reason]

Just picked mine up yesterday in Glacial Blue. Looks amazing in person. I was so close to getting the Nitro Yellow. I was torn on which color to pick as it looks in all of them.

[@lukecoble57]

It is interesting to see some of the misses that you pointed out. For them to get so much right, and charge as much as they are, it seems silly. Still a fantastic looking truck.

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve and keep up the work and I love the video 💯👍

[@davonne225]

I would definitely pick this over the ZR2 Silverado. Yes should've been functionality at the front end corners for sure. Love the color and those wheels are sweet. GM still cutting corners with those tail lights and don't understand them removing the side steps from the bumper. I think the new ranger removed them from one of their new models also which is strange. The competition is fierce with the Colorado, Canyon, new Ranger, and new Tacoma. The new frontier doesn't stand a chance.

[@juliuscheng5788]

As far as I can tell, the "step delete" on the ZR2 was done for departure angle reasons. Maybe not by much, but when you are rock crawling, that step would probably be caught or even bent. The last-gen ZR2 also had a rear bumper corner step delete.

[@dallasfrost1996]

The Ranger Raptor doesn't have the bed steps due to the special exhuast system it has.

[@user-ye6sg8lh4n]

that is a lot of torque from inline four!! wow

[@alanklaus7774]

Great driving review. Pretty impressive off road truck. I hope the people who buy them do more than go to the grocery store.

[@morningdrums]

Just looks amazing. Do wish chevy would work on using the mpgs since people be using this as a daily driver as well. Am thinking of getting one

[@MikeJohnson-ut7lx]

I use the fog lights consistently at night. It help’s light up the sides of the road enough to watch out for deer. Imperative in my opinion.

[@mystictk4149]

This truck looks really good Joe, I'm still glad they did a redesign with this truck cause it definitely needed it

[@dukewaldsmith2132]

I'm not planning on joining the circus 🎪 but I think some 24"-26" Dub Floaters rims will look good .. I know how they roll in Florida & other places.. to each their own .. I also would need side steps in the back .. other than that I'm ready to hit the pavement jamming to Joe singing the national Chevy Heartbeat Anthem ....no off-road for me . Great job as always Joe n Steven ...

[@coachmaupin201]

Keep the great work 🦾🦾

[@Gabo3141]

This is exactly what a 10/10 review video looks like.

[@martinflores9103]

Sounds good and makes a lot sense the view

[@RaitisRides]

Good call martin!

[@fwarleader]

Best review on KZbin. Bought one same color. Not my first color but is awesome, would have preferred white but need to order for that and take 9 months.

[@yosnielarevalo7364]

I test-drove it last week. Absolutely best midsize pickup truck in 2023

[@kokomaung]

Chevy does an awesome job'' this is a phenomenon looking midsize truck thank you Joe'' ❤

[@markspence3750]

I absolutely love this truck!!

[@RaitisRides]

I know why, trust me!

[@morningdrums]

I really like the look and size of this over the Tacoma. I do wish it came with beefy grab handles for all 4 doors. I also wish the rear seats completely folds down. We know the ranger and the tacoma can both do this. Why can't chevy do this? Plus add more storage built into the rear wall. People want these things. I just don't understand why chevy and gm haven't created completely fold down rear seats with a table top for being big competitors.

[@maverickflint1991]

Another great video sir. 😊👍

[@vp2030]

Love the video as always great job but I have 1 question, is that pumped in Audio for the engine/exhaust sounds? It sounds way to good compared to the exterior sound

[@RaitisRides]

Yes it is.

[@vp2030]

@@RaitisRides that’s heartbreaking

[@toddlmac]

Great wheels and tires...looked like fun driving too.

[@bostondan77]

Excellent image stabilizing on your camera.

[@mikemorales4806]

Killed it in the styling department! Still waiting for the Ranger Raptor tho so I can join this mid size party 🎉😂

[@zivkourosevic3940]

Awesome looking truck. Chevy should be proud.

[@b.lemire7453]

The Edison light bulbs irk me too. At least Chevy separated the turn signal in the back from the brake light (although the turn signal should be amber!). I think the ZR2 is a compelling truck otherwise. Were I in the market I would certainly shop this model. As usual, great video Joe

[@RaitisRides]

You bring some very good points. Thank you for letting me share this one with you!

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Now my dream truck.

[@RaitisRides]

Dream big!

[@jTone40]

The twinkies chilled! Great video.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Joe, the Florida terrain, makes for a good testing area for the off-road capabilities of this vehicle. You look like the perfect person to conduct the testing.

[@jdimonda]

If you need other spots for off-road testing, there's a massive area in Hudson off of East Road. There is a sand dune area with hills that go up and down elevation around 50 ft. Along with hundreds of acres with trails

[@somejackball]

cool color!!

[@rybetz42]

I just picked up a trail boss in this same color. I really like it so far. Can I order those side frame rails on Chevy accessories? Or can you only get them with ZR2?

[@Graves-81_69]

The ZR2 is a really nice truck, I’m going to buy a Tacoma TRD Pro. My minds been made. As far as wanting some Ridgid fog lamps go, I completely agree. The fake air vents are just tacky. I think they should have used some kind extra driving lights. I work for the other AEV and I get calls all the time about lights from folks who are trying to reach American Expedition Vehicles

[@870expressmag]

Took a picture of one of these at the chevy dealer i was working at and sent it to my wife. She said, No Way😔

[@kevinbreese5739]

Beautiful/Awesome looking truck. If I knew this thing would be reliable I would buy it in a heartbeat (no pun intended). Instead I have a deposit down awaiting a 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro.

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow that is serious!

[@funkyfurballs1078]

An extra cab option with std size bed would be great!

[@roastum1usa206]

Good looking Rig!!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one.

[@Artofspeedd]

Colorado ZR2 look aggressive and a color the Killer

[@adamweber1545]

Looking forward to your review of the top dog 2024 ZR2 Bison.

[@RaitisRides]

Stay tuned for it!

[@billredding2000]

Back in 2021 (April) I tried to get a ZR2 but couldn't due to the chip-shortage. So had to bail (and get my $1K deposit back) on that and got a 2021 Jeep Gladiator (Rubicon) instead. A very decent "by default" choice I'd say. So presently, I already have my "BEST new midsize truck to buy" -- even it's a 2021 model. ;-) TODAY were I to buy though, I'd still likely go with Gladiator (Rubicon, POSSIBLY a Mojave) but I would agree that the "new & improved" 2023 models of ZR2s (way better than earlier ZR2s) are definitely something to consider, even compared to the Top Dog Gladiators (Rubicon/Mojave). Please note that I was (and still WOULD be) restricted to the MID-size segment only, so full-size trucks like the Raptor, TRX, Power Wagon (etc.) were not even considered. I was looking only for "the most serious off-road-focused/4x4s" that could TOW a decent amount (so forget the serious SUVs such as the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Broncos @ 3500lbs only), and the "regular mid-size trucks (Ranger/Canyon/Colorado, etc.) weren't considered, either (not "off-road-focused" enough for me). Neither were any Toyotas. My Rubicon can tow 7000lbs -- nice, as my minimum requirement was 5,000lbs. And I prefer the Gladiator's N-A V6 -- no turbos for me, thanks. So it was either a Gladiator or ZR2. Simple. And again (as said) they would still be my 2 choices today. :-) -- BR

[@mikejames-drummerreginacan1386]

Impressive truck. "See the USA in your Chevrolet". Thanks Joe.

[@shawnalange8875]

I need one of these Chevy ZR2 Gorgeous

[@morningdrums]

How does the seating position feel? Looking for something comfortable

[@bearbear8039]

Do they come winterized do they have cold fronts I ask cause I'm in alaska

[@brentengstrom5406]

My Stinger can't do that. Nice, Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

That is awesome that I can share it with you!

[@cmorriscat31]

Hello Raiti I am considering buying the new zr2 what’s your thoughts if this truck is every day driver and all highway miles? I really love the aggressive look . Thanks please let me know your feedback

[@RaitisRides]

It is such a great performing truck. Big leap over the previous brand.

[@awpel2]

i traded my 2020 taco for this zr2 a weekago , love this colorado zr2

[@DejonBuick-jl2fx]

Hey, Joe I love the color on this truck, however I am torn between the Tacoma TRD pro and this Chevy zr2 which one would you choose my friend.

[@RaitisRides]

It is a very tough choice!

[@genxtechguy]

Love it.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@ezmfg3511]

Thanks LORI

[@jamesdaple9951]

Wow great looking truck

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you approve.

[@user-uo7eq2yt3n]

What you need to keep in mind is some of these things like fog light and ect. Is left for aftermarket, so what you don't see or have will be so from the many venders wait to sale what people want!

[@Invictus_Veteran]

Waiting to compare it to the new Tacoma. I love my TRX but I might need another truck as a primary because there will be no more TRX hellcat super charged engines after 2024 lol

[@RaitisRides]

We will be bringing it all to you!

[@havingacow]

looks hella fun

[@baham9217]

HUD should be standard in EVERY Chevy/GM vehicle. And why the incandescent bulbs, GM?? Big Zonk!! Otherwise, it's a pretty nice truck; good upgrades and priced competitively. Good camera work, Steven!

[@breynolds4608]

Definitely a great ride quality and that tech they stuffed into this truck is amazing but to many zonks for me ie size/mpg/cost/motor size/lighting....give me all that new tech and suspension in my 2010 sierra id be satisfied..

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Love your reviews! Isn't the reason manufacturers have gone to smaller turbo charged engines is to have better MPGs? 16/16 out of a turbo 4 could've been matched with a small V8.

[@scurjaldan5349]

What's really stupid is the V6 got 18/18. Chevy going backwards on fuel economy.

[@davefornit6235]

The economy I get is the following 18 city /25 highway and 13 towing my camper.I mean its not a maverick and it has great tow capabiltys .The issue is folks hear 4 cyclinder and think MPG in the same sense I guesss

[@garyford516]

Turbo's have always been a pig when it comes to gas mileage

[@Daywalker_27]

It’s gotta make you wonder if the 5.3 would fit

[@raysanichar8098]

Thats what you get when you push 27lbs of boost. Its all turbo

[@lincolntiffin]

Hey, where did you take the truck on those trails at?

[@bigsled12]

I'll be interested to see if those rock sliders rust quick . I live in Minnesota

[@jasondickens9003]

Well the Colorado ZR 2 is aggressively styled and looks the business like a Raptor Ranger. The price point of the ZR2 is really good it’s less than a fully optioned Ranger Lariat and Raptor Ranger. Raptor Ranger has an engine of greater personality but it’s $4K more and may be difficult to get.

[@RaitisRides]

These are very good points Jason!

[@Daywalker_27]

Seems weird to have yellow stitching in the interior, why yellow? I can see black or even red maybe grey but yellow?

[@swift_cheese24_]

Best looking midsize truck in my opinion for sure in 2023

[@copytan2395]

The king of mid size trucks. Hands down!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you love this one.

[@pierrep2649]

Looks good and like plenty. I don’t like that both GM and Ford went with manual rear slide windows on all trims. I use that little window a lot.

[@Logan10067]

I thought Ford was gonna have the powered rear window, no? The deal breaker for me is Ford not having ventilated seats in the new gen ranger

[@pierrep2649]

@@Logan10067 I saw a few videos with the new ranger raptor and it looked manual.

[@Campos2011]

@raitisrides At 9:58 I don’t believe that warranty information is correct. That warranty got extended on the 2.7 engine, but currently only on the Silverado to show Chevy has confidence in their smaller engine being in a full size truck. Hopefully 🙏 they’ll extend that out to the Colorad but it’s current warranty is still the same “5 Years/60,000 Miles Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years/100,000 Miles” This is the: Silverado TurboMax: 5 Years/100,000 Miles Great overview of yours nonetheless 👍🏽

[@robertvigdal975]

Can you get an optional 6 speed manual?

[@HMuny55]

What people dont seem to understand is if you want good hp and torque numbers the fuel economy isn't going to be great no matter how many cylinders you have. For 16mpg avg they might as well have dropped the 5.3 in there. Would've lasted forever and prob got better mileage. You wouldn't have to see north of 2500 rpm daily driving. edit: oh and it would sell like hot cakes, prob dont want it scavenging Silverado sales though.

[@bitemefoker]

does it feel quick?

[@PHANTOM-gn3sq]

I agree with all of raitis comments.

[@RaitisRides]

Great minds think a like!

[@majidalmajid1111]

Great reviews We miss single cab 😢

[@AmericanDuck]

CAFE standards pretty much killed the single cab mid-sized truck. They just aren’t long enough to meet the mileage requirements otherwise.

[@ironsides64]

Hey joe when i was a kid i used to wish i could sing , now i wish you could sing lol

[@RaitisRides]

LOL I see what you did there!

[@clevelandaglennable]

Are there both front and rear lockers????

[@b1m3x8]

Yes

[@underscr0e]

Looks like you can actually work on that engine with all the space, unlike the v6!

[@jeremiahkunze3282]

Just ordered that exact same truck

[@jimclark7917]

Very cool truck! Where does one buy a "sheet of 2x4?"😂

[@quintonhorne5152]

It is a good looking truck

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@SynysterGoose]

I'm good with inconsistent bulbs because I can easily swap out switch back LEDs

[@RaitisRides]

This is true.

[@rybetz42]

Any recommendations on bulbs that I won’t get flashed every single time?

[@tuxedoblackcat1680]

Have you done the Lotus Emira?