2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Review: Cure to the Blues

Need the cure for the blues? Get yourself a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 in Glacier Blue Metallic. I’ve reviewed the lower Z71 and Trail Boss trims, but was extremely excited to get the ZR2 in my driveway. The first thing that stands out is that blue color that is well worth the added charge for it. To help with approach angle, the front bumper gets cutouts at the ends which makes this the best looking front of any of the Colorado trims. Add those massive wheels and tires in bronze and the Colorado sits nice and tall. For everyday driving, you may want to consider side steps since the rocker panel protection is not much help to get into the Colorado.
Once you get a running start to hop in, you’ll be greeted with upgraded tech. This ZR2 had the optional leather-appointed seats which you’ll want to get over the cloth option. The seats were comfortable and had both heated and vented options which I was impressed with. Having the larger infotainment and gauge cluster digital display made everything easier to see. The wireless Apple CarPlay was perfect with the added wireless charger option. The only thing the Colorado lacked was storage space in the doors, center console, and under the rear seats.
Under the hood, the only engine configuration available is the 2.7L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. Chevy offers different tunes and with this being the flagship model, it gets the high output tune with 310 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. Although the shifting felt faster compared to last generation, it still had some delay with downshifting. I also wished it had a sport mode similar to Ford’s offering in the Ranger.
Overall, the new generation Chevrolet Colorado has been impressive. Add the ZR2 trim that brings the ruggedness of the Trail Boss and the tech and luxuries of the Z71, and you have my next truck.

[@pvflyer67]

great review. I just took delivery of my 2024 ZR2 in white and I've to agree with you about the wheels. its beautiful and one of my favorite thing about this truck looks. 🍺 I'll never replace it.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching and congrats on your ZR2! The white is a really classy look and fun to get dirty! Did you happen to go with the underbody camera? I'm trying to see if Chevy is producing any with them but either people don't go for it, or don't have the option for it.

[@pvflyer67]

🤦‍♂️ no, it was extra. Should have. My regret is not getting neither the tech ology package nor the BOSE system. The OE sound system sucks 😕

[@pvflyer67]

Blue was my first choice 💙 and white 2nd. I couldn't find a blue one where I live

[@Revmatchmedia]

@pvflyer67 yeah I’m not a big Bose fan but the one in the Colorado is really great sounding.

[@MassiveDerek]

zr2 with the academy is on the carplay ..... glad to see we're all growing up the same LOL

[@Revmatchmedia]

@@MassiveDerek it’s not a phase lol 😉

[@MassiveDerek]

@@Revmatchmedia hehehe

[@younglamb4396]

Great vid man!!!

[@jacobycampbell5564]

Love the truck! just picked up a 2024 ZR2 and really am enjoying it. The look alone I feel tough!

[@Revmatchmedia]

Congrats! Love hearing about everyone getting one. What color did you go with?

[@jacobycampbell5564]

@@Revmatchmedia I ended up getting radiant red, blacked out! Love it!

[@Torch4Life]

It is a great review. One thing I saw is you had auto-climate set to 69 & AC compressor was on & you'd had even more power if you'd turned it off (just push the AC button till light goes off). The greatest thing about this motor imo is it has all this tq on Regular gas. This will save a ton of money over time, almost nobody mentions it.

[@19462950]

Really good site. This guy seems Sooo nice. And he’s not real tech, and people can understand him. Great job, thank you.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks! I appreciate it. I figured anyone can read spec sheets so I’d rather talk about how it feels over the specs.

[@krasnaludek298]

My uncle just bought one … swapped for 35s on stock suspension. Very nice truck. 👍🏻

[@Revmatchmedia]

Nice! Yeah they're a lot of fun to drive. Hoping to get one by the end of this year.

[@MikesGarage24]

Great truck ! I love mine - 5000 miles and rolling !!!

[@Revmatchmedia]

Congrats! Have you towed anything with yours?

[@MikesGarage24]

Haven’t towed anything yet - but some pretty heavy loads in the bed - handles it like a champ

[@harolddenton6031]

I have tge colorado trail.boss in velocity nluw color. It stands out yraveking down the highway. Might trade it in on a zr2 in this glacier blue or that harvest bronze colored zr2 trucks.

[@smellmop]

A friend bought this truck. His windows keep rolling down by themselves, the dealer can’t explain or fix. The other day while he was in a restaurant the windows rolled down during a rain storm. Great job gm.

[@Revmatchmedia]

I did read where someone else was having this issue. I didn't experience this when I had for the week.

[@D94Rich]

pretty sure hes just sitting on the key fob and activating it

[@MrCaptflack]

Does he have the in Chanel vent shades installed ? I’ve seen that be a problem on other chevys

[@damclauchlan]

my key fob if you hit the unlock twice and hold it down on the second push will unroll all the windows. He must be sitting on his keys or something along that line.

[@smellmop]

@@damclauchlan I told him the same thing he was sitting on the keys, but he said no. Plus it’s happened numerous times. He said the research he did said it may have been caused by a computer update.

[@elizabethpayette9115]

Cool truck, love the colour

[@Revmatchmedia]

Me too! That blue looked so good!

[@rockstar49858]

As for drive modes, a snow mode would be nice to have.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Just put it in Baja mode 🤣. A dedicated Snow would be nice but they kinda bundle it in off-road. “Offers more traction on loose surfaces like grass, mud, gravel, or deep snow”.

[@TREVORJB101]

Great review! I really like the Harvest Bronze Metallic, but I'm sure it'll disappear after 2023. I'm sure they'll replace Nitro Yellow with another Orange Crush or something similar.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching. The harvest bronze is nice and although I liked the nitro yellow, I prefer the orange crush. Other than that, the new Colorado is such a big upgrade from the previous gen. Are you a Colorado owner or are you considering one?

[@jimmycline4778]

I got Colorado Trail Boss, the medium gray, but I can’t understand why people get a white ZR2,, you have to look 2 or 3 times to make sure it’s a ZR2,, blue looks the best on a ZR2 any color but white!

[@homerepairguy1902]

My trail boss Pushing snow easy kzbin.infoQAFJiP5IX8s?si=tVzcANsfzOVL675b

[@harolddenton6031]

Last June I bought the Colorado trail boss in this velocity blue color. Love my truck. Just wish I had waited couple more months and found a Colorado zr2 to buy.

[@mabelpup8502]

I don’t mind the cloth seat version..just crazy you can’t get a backseat armrest or map pockets..when are those ever options!!!

[@Revmatchmedia]

I can’t say it’s something I need as a driver but my kiddo in the back needs to have them. I hear it from him when cars don’t have them lol

[@davidroberts5600]

The camera stays on in so you can go 60+ in Baja mode.

[@acoaks84]

I don't remember exactly but I do believe u can have alexa or Google turn ur light on or off if u have that feature enabled

[@Revmatchmedia]

I believe its with google. Thankfully the auto sensor was good although there was a recall to adjust it. I did have issues with another car that if I was facing a certain way from the sun, it would cast a shadow on the sensor and turn on the lights.

[@JPMatteucci]

Very disappointed the back seat backs do not fold down😢

[@doubleg5666]

I’m looking to buy a new car and I don’t know if get this one or the Ranger Raptor , any advice?

[@Revmatchmedia]

Man that it a tough question. I unfortunately haven't driven the new Ranger or much less the Raptor trim. I did have this same problem with the previous generations of both the Colorado and Ranger because they were both incredible. I can tell you that this new Colorado is a big jump from the previous one and from what I've heard from others, the new Ranger is also great. I've driven the F-150 and Bronco Raptors and I do love a couple of things like the different suspension, exhaust, and drive modes that it has. With that being said, the ZR2 was dialed in so well that it didn't need those modes. What Im basically trying to say is it most likely be a win-win situation with whichever one you go with. If you're looking to modify, take a look at the aftermarket and see what is available. Speaking of availability, you'll want to be best friends with your ford or chevy dealer to lock either one in.

[@carlmcdonald5864]

Here in Canada you have to remember that. The Ford Ranger raptor starts off at $81000 VS 57000 just a heads up.

[@davidroberts5600]

Ford has really bad customer service and the markups can be around $10k. Look at what they did with the Bronco Sport injector issue.

[@seanjacobe]

Is there really no manual mode? I swear I saw the little thumb buttons on the stick??

[@Revmatchmedia]

Not a true manual mode to select a specific gear. It works as a gear limiter.

[@seanjacobe]

Oh ok good to know. Still waiting on my order from the factory😫

[@Revmatchmedia]

@seanjacobe that’s the worst but it’ll be worth the wait! What color and options did you go with?

[@seanjacobe]

I got the blue. Currently have a 2018 Colorado z71 in the same blue. I'm pretty sure I got every option available besides the bison package. Personally think a person would have to be out of their mind to get that.

[@Revmatchmedia]

@@seanjacobe​​⁠it’s not super practical unless you’re off roading every single day lol. Having the bed mounted spare is a pain if you need to use the bed. Did you go with the underside camera? I got to drive a trail boss with it and that thing was so nice to see underneath.

[@bradturner3361]

How are you not a Bose fan? It’s the best anywhere!

[@Revmatchmedia]

Because I studied audio engineering and they were more of a marketing company. They have had recent vehicles that I’ve been impressed with like this Colorado and all the Mazda lineup.

[@bradturner3361]

They really aren’t a marketing company. I’ve had almost everything they have made since the 80’s. Nothing compared to their sound. They have always been at the four front of technology.

[@harolddenton6031]

I like bose but I like jbl speakers better.

[@Revmatchmedia]

@@harolddenton6031 Same, I just swapped some JBLs into my miata and basically all my speakers in my house are JBL. The Bose in the Colorado did impress me though and worth getting the upgrade.

[@allanstephenson9336]

Truck is ok BUT omg. You got to put a grill and brush gard on. All that plastics wont last when you hit a deer. 😊

[@Revmatchmedia]

They do offer one from factory. We don’t have deer in my area, but there are cattle that will sometimes escape. Idk if that’ll protect me from hitting one of those lol. Thanks for watching.

[@thecount1001]

is this guy 5 feet tall or is the truck 10 feet tall?

[@Revmatchmedia]

That guy is 5’7” and the truck does have some height to it lol

[@septuzwillz5936]

Np kicking the toy of the charts. Toy ant shit compared to the only two osses ZR2 an the raptor

[@carlmcdonald5864]

This truck is almost a ten except for the gas mileage

[@Revmatchmedia]

I agree. Its so hard to take it easy on the gas pedal because that turbo is so fun to get spooled up.

[@MikesGarage24]

I have 5000 miles on mine, i notice when the temp is 45 or lower, gas mileage gets worse, but 46 to 70 degrees - its really good, getting around 18mpg city/country road mix . . . .

[@carlmcdonald5864]

@MjHunt-gr2ms good to hear I have one on order should be here in a month or so

[@RobustArid379]

I think the pink and green color is the worst combination on the ZR23. It’s reminiscent to paris hilton on 4wheel

[@allanstephenson9336]

If i had 60k. To spend. I'd go find a 67. 72 Chevy. Hell. They last and. The best is YOU CAN FIX THE DAM THING !!!!!😊😊😊

[@Revmatchmedia]

Hey to each their own. I could go either way too. Unfortunately with this crazy market, 60k should get you half of a 67 lol. Would you LS swap it or keep a period correct small block? I gotta say if I go that era, I’d have to go K5 Blazer.

[@allanstephenson9336]

@@Revmatchmedia hi. If done right. A 383 stroker is the 1 I love. Tons of torque. And very reliable. In NJ. Looking at a 69 Chevrolet 4x4 short bed. In NICE shape 29995 asking. He he 27 28. Should do it. Put it in barn. Get another cab cut frame and make it a 4 door. S W E E T. !! have a good holiday

[@joeindy942]

I just bought a new 24 and I paid $51,000.

[@chrisarmstrong7622]

Mine is in the shop with 400 miles on it. Worst vehicle I’ve owned so far 😡

[@dshehny]

What happened with it?

[@Revmatchmedia]

Im curious to know as well. Was it regarding the over the air update issue?

[@chrisarmstrong7622]

Service Axel locker code pops up every 5 minutes while driving, hood was super misaligned from the factory, wind noise in the cabin got super bad.

[@septuzwillz5936]

Well im glad someone put in android cuz i HATE APPLE.

[@wayneeden98]

Sir, you need your own company for your einstein laboratory of blabber mouth, you made me burned out

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@19462950]

He’s just saying what he :feels” about the vehicle, and gives his opinion about it. BTW, one of the great minds in history, the “e” should be a capital letter. All ya gotta do is CHANGE the channel!

[@mainchef5240]

gasoline engine more like a headache totally nope i rather drive an isuzu dmax

[@Revmatchmedia]

Different markets. The US diesel costs are pretty high compared to non-diesel

[@harolddenton6031]

You younger millennials and generation x folks will cry over the most simply things about a vehicle. You tech generation kids are some spoiled rotten folks.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@harolddenton6031]

They are too spoiled.

[@kx8960]

After wanting a ZR2 for a long time now, I'm going to wait until the 2024 model so HOPEFULLY they will have ironed out all the minor and NOT so minor issues. I want the 2024 to have the option of a "KTM orange" (orange crush?) to match my...well, KTM ('21 890 ADV R). If not, and unless they come out with a color I like better, I'll order that deep red metallic (not the fire engine red). I'm hoping for a factory lift kit and flares so I can run 35's, and I want a skidplate for the fuel tank and diff.

[@Revmatchmedia]

Thanks for watching. I completely agree with the orange. As I was looking for the clip of the previous gen, I realized how good that orange looked! The ZR2 does come with a factory 3" lift or were you looking for more? If youre looking for more, go Bison package since you'll get your 35s, higher lift, and the skid plates you're looking for. From having driven the Silverado bison off-road, the AEV protection really works!

[@kx8960]

@@Revmatchmedia Yeah, if they brought Orange Crush back, I'd be all over that! I want to be able to put 35's on it, so, as I read the Bison had like a 1-1/2" lift, wheels with more offset, and the wheel flares/fenderwells are a mite different. An extra $9k(!!!) for the Bison brings it into Ranger Raptor pricing but the 'Raptor has another 100hp and V6 so if I wanted to spend that, I'd get the 'Raptor. So, I want to spend just as much as needed to run 35's without rubbing at full articulation, and those 2 extra skidplates. Don't need/want the fancy boron skidplates and bumpers and jounce shocks and fancy interior. I figure I can get Bison capability for 1/2 the price of the upgrade. It would be nice to get a kit directly from Chevy or AEV (or similar).

[@kx8960]

@@2011buddylee Yeah, I'd have to see it first before ordering, but from the pics it looks pretty good. I think I've seen the Toyota orange and remember liking that.

[@Deadset.zr2]

35s will fit with no issues on this. Or just level it and throw 35s on you'll be good

[@kx8960]

@@Deadset.zr2 On a ZR2...MAYBE. As I read AEV had to change the wheel ofset, and give it a minor lift, and mod the fender flares and wheelwells. I say a vid of a guy try it on a Trail Boss and one of the rear tires caught some of the metal in the rear wheelwell and bent the shit out of his sheet metal.

[@user-xx7gd4ep2j]

본넷에 쇼바장착 도 안된건 뮈지.?

[@davidroberts5600]

The camera stays on in so you can go 60+ in Baja mode.