2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Off-Road Review: Desert Runner AND Rock Crawler?

[@matthewcleaver2493]

Why won't people stop complaining about the interior. It's a truck people not a BMW. The chevy interiors are plenty luxurious for what a truck is meant to do.

[@hf6541]

It's a 39k truck, you expect a good interior lol

[@PlainCheesePizza]

@@hf6541 I have a 2017...before that I had a 2014 BMW x5...I think the interior is pretty nice in the zr2 tbh

[@madcratebuilder]

I watched this when it was first posted and it influenced my decision to but a ZR2 2 months later. Best choice I could have made. In original form this truck is fantastic. I've tuned, geared (4.10's) relocated rear shocks and upgraded front and rear springs, added Timbren off rod bump stops and removed front sway bar. Only limit this has now is wheel base related. MPG is 15/17 in town and 22/24 on hiway. No problems, trans is great (tune). I was tempted by a 70k Gladiator for a few days but my truck is paid for.

[@jamesbeaman6337]

Excellent use of side-by-side graphics comparing gas vs diesel, under body camera placement and multiple simultaneous camera views! You guys just earned my Patreon donation.

[@TFLtruck]

+James Beaman thanks for the donation James. Very much appreciated!

[@David_Smith_]

I would have liked to see Andre doing the review of this truck. He seems to always provide more details

[@onlyweknow2]

Everyone tells me to get the Toyota Tacoma, guess they think it's the truck you bring home to meet Mom and Dad....That's why I'm picking up a ZR2 tomorrow, it's the truck I want to take to Las Vegas!

[@mikemissouri5152]

Bob Ross plus it's a way better truck!

[@markhoward9549]

everyone is watching this thing climb rocks and they're complaining about gas mileage. if you want gas mileage then you don't want an off road vehicle.

[@benbauer1257]

It ties in to soccer mom's and emasculated office workers insisting on driving something bigger and bigger every year or something with AWD because of their ego and lack of ability to drive. Therefore that leaves people like us that use trucks as toys or tools get shafted on price and features.

[@txrebelredneck3961]

They should of had a 5.3 option like they did in the concept Colorado. Plenty of power, torque, and fuel economy. Not to mention you get the beautiful sound of the v8 vortec.

[@seantaylor2683]

But it would get an increase of over 100lb-ft of torque and a much better torque curve

[@e9sports393]

Sean Taylor true but I just feel like the 5.3 is underpowered vs all the other v8s in the half ton class it would b nice if it was around 385 horse and torque

[@e9sports393]

Sean Taylor the reason why the 5.3 is underpowered in my estimation is so people jump up to the LTZ and High Country and get the 6.2

[@seantaylor2683]

For a modern full size truck I agree the 5.3 is underpowered but I think it would be perfect for the Colorado/Canyon. The new Colorado/Canyon isn't much, if any, smaller than my moms '03 Sierra so I think mid-size trucks are about due for a V8

[@jamesavery6671]

The tunes on the gm trucks suck ass. They are actually pretty peppy with a blackbear tune and such. A 5.3 would be way better than both options. 50 more horse is a good increase

[@ryanurukalo4347]

If they made a ZR2 version for the GMC Canyon...that would be sweet!

[@connorhaworth3076]

Now it's time for a comparison video between the Colorado ZR2 and the Tacoma TRD Pro

[@JonMartin84]

Chevy already lost in all ways that matter.

[@danthebig__z4852]

Jon Martin how you know that?

[@JonMartin84]

Compared to the TacomaTRD Pro it has less ground clearance, worse approach/departure angles, More weight, Less tow capacity, Worse value retention , No manual transmission option and is shaped like a mini van without a front bumper

[@marktime48]

My thoughts exactly. Chevy made a decent truck (finally), but it's not a Taco killer by any means.

[@hochhaul]

Jon Martin Until Toyota addresses the poor reliability of the 3rd gen, Toyota is the Taco killer.. Also while the Tacoma has slightly more ground clearance, the low hanging exhaust and transfer case are major issues. The Tacoma's weak rear differential is also a continuing issue. Guys on Tacoma World are constantly busting ring gears without trying .

[@cg_coyote]

Im curious about the longevity on the DSSV shocks. They sound way more expensive to replace than normal shocks, so I would hope they last longer. We shall see once they have been out on the market for a bit.

[@israel4ever487]

oh yeah,as soon as I pay my silverado down a little bit more,this bad boy toyota crusher will absolutely help me keep the roads and the trails 🔥

[@Bimmerphile1]

Wow, nice little truck. It is also very nice to see a manufacturer actually demoing an off-road vehicle in REAL off-road conditions.

[@Yogangster1995]

I'm a taco guy all day, but i'm glad chevy came out with this ZR2. Im hoping that with this entering the market, Toyota will finally come out with a diesel for the Tacoma here in the states.

[@mriphone1000]

One could only dream.

[@JonMartin84]

Not since GM is getting nailed by the EPA with their own diesel cheating scandal lol. Besides who gives a shit about the diesel its slow as dog shit and and barely gets better gas mileage then the V6 in the ZR2 trim level and can't even tow as much. The diesel only makes sense in the standard model.

[@mohicanairways]

As a taco owner, that's a sexy truck.. nice job chevy!! Still need some work with that interior though

[@jackhook4192]

So does the taco's. But the zr2 does have front and rear lockers on their dash which is a very big improvement over Tacoma.

[@billholt174]

4:46 -- Those who consider 'rock crawling' a sport clearly use these trucks away from parking lots and standard roads. Considering the engineering and construction costs already invested in delivering a product to market, wouldn't it still be a good idea to add a protective plate for the gas tank for a comparatively nominal cost? The Titanic was unsinkable.

[@TheCharleseye]

I love it whenever I hear "only 6-speed." Half the vehicles I've owned were 3-speeds. Most of the rest were 4 and 5. A couple had as many as 6. Never had more than that.

[@s.centralkeystone558]

Great work on the video! Can't wait for a ZR2 vs. Tacoma TRD PRO vs. Wrangler Rubicon comparison video! I don't think the Raptor really fits in with the group however.

[@k.r.v.4219]

Oh yea that’s a nice truck! It’s looks just like my Z71! Side by side they would both look similar, the only difference in looks are the bumpers! I have the same tires, plus with the better coil overs to level mine and air bags for towing level their both the same height! My only regret is not getting the diesel, but they were not available when I was ready to buy. I actually do too much over the road traveling and heavy hauling to compromise with a ZR2. I’ll say this though, after seeing the new Silverado that comes out next fall? I’m waiting to drive one and see what engines are offered in them before I do anything. I’ve also added four mud guards on my truck, that really helps to keep the mud and road spray down! After my truck looking like the one at the end of the video? I knew it needed them!

[@ArtofHunter]

I'm honestly impressed with this truck and I typically don't like Chevy or Ford trucks. I'm not sold on the body mounted sliders though even though their engineer said they held up to being scraped across rocks.

[@inotill]

4th option, Bose sound system 5th option, lighted interior package, and lighted emblems.

[@joefinch4542]

I saw one on these on the road yesterday! I was excited 😄

[@scraech]

The rear brake hose is making the brake line move like crazy. Look at the rear right when its climbing @ 2:18

[@nativeson3233]

I've got a 11' pro 4x LOVE IT! Extremely capable truck, with tried and true design. But I'm dead set on this being my next truck after its out a few years so they can work out the bugs it MAY have. Always been a huge fan of the Zr2.

[@tat2titan]

The Colorado is a really nice looking truck! Especially in the ZR2 configuration! My stepdad has a 2016 base model as a work truck & i like it a lot better than his old Canyon that it replaced!

[@Robert8455]

The one thing that stands out for me is the rear shock mounts being too low and that they seem to be made of plastic. I'm guessing a replacement shock isn't cheap either. I'd like to see some roll over and brake testing too. It has my attention even though its missing a V8.

[@esmoglo]

Love your content for years now & Joined your patreon campaign keep up the good work!

[@TsiRoadkill]

Front and rear lockers is pretty impressive.

[@engrcumins9809]

It would be interesting to know the difference in cost of maintenance between the two. The diesel gets better fuel mileage but diesel costs more. So, I wonder what the cost comparison is there. But, if the diesel will pull more, the cost - if diesel is more - may be worth it depending on the use of the truck. I'm interested in Overlanding and I've seen those folks really load down a vehicle and/or the addition of a trailer. I don't know how the v6 equipped version in the Colorado, the Taco or the Jeep do it. In this case, I think the diesel would be the best choice regardless of cost of operation.

[@mikemccabe952]

comparison vid against the original ZR2?? like to see how it does against the 1st gen ZR2 I had an '02 I got new & I liked it so much that 2 years later got another new1.. I absolutely loved em & it'd be way cool to see how the original ZR2 does against the new colorado ZR2 esp offroad

[@IronmanV5]

It would be really interesting to do a comparison with the V6 and The Duramax. See how they do against each other rock crawling, desert running, exploring gravel roads. What I a really curious about is the range difference between the two while off-roading. More range & endurance = going further and spending more time out in the boonies!

[@RCPropaganda]

I love my new taco, but for sure will go look at one of these. Would love the diesel. I wonder what kinda of deal they would cut on the truck, they seem over priced, so i bet they would make good deals.

[@Greg-wz7fk]

Growyourmind86 Should be able to knock off a couple grand easily. Looking online some dealers are already showing reduced pricing. Chevy dealers will budge on the price way easier than a Toyota dealer would for a Taco. Was able to easily knock off 2 grand when I bought my baby duramax Canyon and that was literally the first one sold from my dealer.

[@frankmagana1408]

Greg 123 where the hell are you getting money off of these trucks. In socal, these things are going for the full price of the truck. Same with the GMC's

[@Greg-wz7fk]

Frank Magana I live in SoCal too and that's the beauty of it. I got preapproved for the full amount of the truck (Canyon Diesel All Terrain) and then visited my local dealer here in Victorville. They gave me a quote and didn't want to budge on price. So I emailed the quote and my preapproval (so they know I was serious) to 5 different dealers and every time someone came back with something lower, I'd email another dealer to see if they would beat it. Since the Duramax had literally just came out was only able to knock off $2,000 before no one would budge. Using that same method now I could probably go another $2000 lower easily. A big help though is having a preapproval before hand. That's one less thing you have to barter with them for and they aren't going to want to let a serious buyer go.

[@frankmagana1408]

Greg 123 im assuming this can be done with the cheaper gas colorados? Im trying to get something to replace my isuzu trooper.

[@Greg-wz7fk]

Frank Magana Actually not as much on the more affordable models. They're more willing to go lower on higher priced models than lower priced models since they have more room to work with on their profit. You could obviously still knock down the price but definitely not $4,000. Your best bet is to wait for a really good sale. Like last year they had 20% off around Oct/November for all Chevy models.

[@adrianm1998]

Just bought the ZR2 today for 43k and change..I compared it to the TRD off-road and that was 45k+ with the upgrades. The TRD pro was even more.

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Locking front and read diffs nice. Read diff skid plate essential.

[@570productions]

I like the undercarriage view of the truck that you guys have started doing lately.

[@Duce2435]

Wonder if the 3.6 v6 will be sold in N.Z? Hope so,been waiting for it to show up here, probably be brought in under the Holden badge like the current Colorado is.

[@DRTMaverick]

I'd honestly love to see you guys take some vehicles to Browns Camp and hit Bates Road (it's a single Diamond, more like a Blue square run, but it's the easiest Diamond there). It'd look awesome and would give more challenge to the vehicles.

[@jrdrager]

I'd still be that one stubborn person and take the front bumper off anyways and put something aftermarket on! Also does it have a center diff or is it solid from front to back when in 4 wheel?

[@nowayoutstp4]

Hey was that white duramax at the end even a zr2, it had the wrong bumper on it if so.

[@michaeloloughlinsr.7809]

Debating which truck I put in a deposit for the pro but seriously considering the zr2 diesel I live on the big island of hawaii so I have to ship in bottom line how are the seats like a full size ?

[@ppha7665]

Is the rock sliders an OEM option? but it only bolts onto the body....

[@mrvwbug4423]

So how would you rate the gas V6 vs the Diesel? I've test driven non ZR2 versions of both engines and honestly found the diesel to be underpowered and plagued with turbo lag on road. The diesel was great at making the traction control work overtime in 1st gear, but once it upshifted the diesel was downright slow in comparison. My fear using that diesel off road would be that turbo lag causing a lot of strain on the axles in a rock crawl type situation.

[@jacob72499]

Why does gm tune the 3.6 to a lower horsepower number than mid sized suvs vs crossovers. For instance a 2016 V6 Equinox has 310 and so does the Colorado. Why do the the Traverse and Acadia have 280 horsepower?

[@DocWolph]

I would like to see the ZR-2 desert running not just trail crawling. Oh and look KZbin just recommended exactly such a video. Nice.

[@sweetlogo]

Does anyone else zone out when the guides start talking.

[@yodatrdor9153]

I'm getting rid off my trd off-road and getting this one with the duramax

[@johncarrick7284]

living in Alaska I would love the zr2 or the bison but those packages hurt the only reason I would buy a diesel. the mileage. what about the zr2 hurts mileage?

[@1badmoefoe]

Min 6:02 different motor then the regular F150. I thought this was a Colorado review. LOL .. Great vid as always..LOVE THIS CHANEL YOU GUYS!

[@TheSgtk9]

Roman, is there a engine braking and tow haul mode on gas zr2?

[@creigmacc]

GM should "limit availability", by "selectivity misplacing some shocks". This will help keep the eventual big $ on the hood discounts to a min for a few months.

[@septuzwillz5936]

should do a lil more desert running with it some jumps mud enough of the rocks like do the raptor run.lil more speed and bump testing be cool to see

[@BillSprague]

Pretty soon, the only body-on-frame, compact vehicles you'll have to buy will be trucks. Toyota has ramped up Tacoma production for this generation and it will be fun to watch what Ford does with the Ranger. Will we see a return of the Dakota with a 3.0L Diesel? The midsize truck market is getting interesting. Do you think GM will bring out and off road GMC Canyon?

[@frankmagana1408]

Bill Sprague from what i have heard, GM might do a raptor competitor using the GMC Sierra. But ive heard it for years now and nothing new has popped up. And now theyre testing 2019's so I don't know if its going to wait for next generation 2020ish, maybe theyre holding off so CAFE standards could get dropped, or just not do it at all because of the zr2.

[@BillSprague]

I don't think so. I'm guessing based on Ford in Europe.

[@GGNTech]

How do you think it will do as a snow/winter truck? Being in the NE we don't go rock crawling a lot but we do deal with weather.

[@SteveLord]

The Duratrac tires alone will be suitable. Props to GM for including quality tires instead of the usual all terrain crap.

[@Dadtothethird]

Duratrac tires are snow rated plus the truck has the autotrac transmission (auto 4wd). Set it in 4wd and don't worry about going from unplowed roads to plowed roads or vice versa. I would say it is an awesome winter truck.

[@scottpaul9610]

Lockers are actually best in "loose terrain"... Front lockers only work in low gear tho- so unless your in some really bad snow you'd be moving pretty slow. To be fair thats not a chevy thing. The beauty of this is not just having lockers, but having electronic lockers. No need to install air compressors and systems that constantly fail (all the air systems do) and have to have constant maintenance. Air is a pain. Electronic is easy.

[@djcdub3712]

Nice but what's up with that gage cluster @ 3:19.

[@mjslip7736]

Is that shock location stock or are those relocated for more Clearence?

[@robh8974]

I recommend people who are comparing the Tacoma with the Colorado to go read the details of the JDPower results. The Colorado did better....Also look at KBB resale. Colorado did pretty well also, but down about 10% more than Tacoma. Trucks have fairly good resale overall. After driving both a ZR2 and a Tacoma Pro, I'm sold on the Colorado.

[@taffetasi]

Are these fancy dancy shocks a wear item we will have to replace at 50000 miles? Wonder how much that will cost.... I love this truck but i have a feeling that once its time to replace shocks its going to be really pricey

[@PTExp]

Does the traction control off button turn it off completely?

[@ryanmartinage]

There are used Z71 duramax now and at the prices Im seeing... I think Im going to have to grab one.

[@easycomeeasygo8901]

yes head to head on those 3 trucks. i say most people wouldnt bring their 45 to 65k truck off roading like that. but its good to know it can do it

[@jackhook4192]

I bought mine to use not to look at.

[@pabloajungo2986]

you should test the colorado zr2 to the jeep rubicon.

[@techtraveler1365]

what size that big tires and lift kit? Also, What name brand tires too?

[@chriscardoza9714]

does it look for a gear to stay in when you mash the go pedal...

[@andrewnees4109]

Been waiting for this video and hope i can own one someday! bad ass truck

[@carsandgaming1734]

Offroad mode, when in offroad mode, offroad mode affects the stability control during offroad mode

[@hdfsfjhfkalsjfhlsaj]

Tabeguache trail is always fun and challenging.

[@felipem4520]

Will there be a GMC Canyon version of this truck?

[@thezombikilla]

So the shocks are basically just bypass shocks?

[@jakp8777]

Nice seeing American engineers in this video. I'm going to support my neighbors and American jobs and humane factory conditions and buy the GM. Plus, it's a much newer mechanical design.

[@SineOccasu]

I don't know why, but I think this sounds like a paid advertisement :D

[@HNLN-23]

Toyota has American engineers as well and unlike GM did not need a government bailout to keep them from going completely bankrupt.

[@ravenjames3873]

Toyota is more American than GM.

[@seraphimvalkyrin4543]

This truck with the ecoboost engine (yes I know, not the same company) would be amazing.

[@danthebig__z4852]

or just make their own turbocharged engine?

[@danthebig__z4852]

or*

[@seraphimvalkyrin4543]

But they don't, that's the problem.

[@chrissorreda4982]

Beastly looking truck!

[@fr3ddywr0ng31]

Nice truck for a chevy and i like the fact that it has a diesel option regardless of it being a pig

[@redhorse7458]

Well it certainly seems to be every bit as capable as the Tacoma TRD Pro. I'm glad that GM has stepped up and decided to compete in this segment. I must admit a certain bias given that I own a 2016 Canyon. It has thus far been an outstanding truck. Maybe now Toyota will decide to actually do something crazy like, I don't know, put disk brakes on the rear of the Tacoma. lol

[@prankster671]

any plans for the Silverado ala Colorado ZR2?

[@yamahschector]

I would love love to have your job. Or at least a guest hosting spot.

[@Bradington]

Race the TRD PRO vs ZR2 up cliff hanger 2.0!!!

[@carlitoswayz-Okan]

looks pretty cool but I still feel better spending that much on my trd pro. I'm only jelous of the power seats. it's funny that the exhaust is so low on the diesel and its alreay bent. competition is always good. 👍

[@vincefairleigh6899]

About time chevy fixed that awful front end/snow plow, next they have to tuck the rear shocks outboard towards the inner wheels , and how about larger wheels like the Hummer had? 285/70-17" min!!!! Tires are a bit small, I'd want the 285/70-17 min for something semi capable and street friendly, great video! Did you guys damage the weak rock sliders? They should go to the frame!

[@wittwer427]

Is there no stick available with the 3.6 and the zr2?

[@bunz2197]

I'm pretty sure you can get the little Dmax in the other gmc and Chevy trim levels and the raptor gets 3.5 high output ecoboost and none of the other f150 trims levels do so yeah the zr2 doesn't get it's own power plant like the raptor does.

[@Texano5-0]

Bunz21 actually you can only get the baby duramax in the canyon. But you can't get it in a Colorado unless it is the ZR2. Still though you're right

[@rlhmarines]

Bunz21 Wrong.....Baby Duramax is available on both Colorado and Canyon regular trucks.

[@SteveLord]

His point about the unique power plant still stands.

[@Texano5-0]

SteveLord yeah that's why I said he's right

[@davidinman7944]

The problem with the ZR2 is that you don't have a real option for more ground clearance. Replacing the Multimatic DSSV shocks defeats the entire purpose of the computer in the truck.

[@scottpaul9610]

you can pop 33's on with a 1 inch body lift, and body lifts would not effect the shock system at all. You would need either a body lift or a bigger suspension lift to do the same thing on the TRD - seems a wash. But honestly I don't think it will be that much longer before they start offering multimatic's with longer travel to satisfy the itch - truck is selling very well.

[@Bene_Factum]

GJ made it into a show!!!

[@JsGarage]

Is the diesel really only 22 hwy on the zr2?

[@jeremywalls5611]

The Colorado zr2 needs to go on the rubicon trail in California

[@andycampbell3599]

that is an interesting competitor for the tacoma. I'm not about to trade my trd off road in just yet though.haha

[@ericonelove1179]

That's in my backyard I live down the street from that trail

[@cristianlopez9930]

what trail is it

[@Meg8554]

full sizes are hard to find spaces sometimes lol

[@beachamboy11]

Did you say that you love the fact there are only three options for this truck? Can you elaborate?

[@thisisrob8750]

he did engine choice. carpet or vinyl, and double or ext cab. Hello

[@motocross402]

How much wheel travel does this have?

[@Mr.WS6]

will the diesel zr2 pull a ski boat?

[@StyfeLife]

Wonder what baja racers and other hardcore offroad racers use for shocks? Oh thats right, external reservoir bypass shocks...The multimatic spool valve shocks on the ZR2 might work great but trying to say they are superior is a pretty large stretch. Most decent external reservoir bypass shocks can be rebuilt easily and are fairly cheap to service...wonder how much those spool valve shocks cost to rebuild if you even can or how much a new set will cost? Most likely A LOT. Raptor shocks can be rebuilt quickly and easily, Im going to guess the ZR2 shocks are the exact opposite.

[@jessehernandez5043]

what do you expect? before this technology the internal bypass was the only option. I wouldn't expect the cost to rebuild to be that much more if at all because the construction is different. a spool valve doesn't bend or "deflect" like your standard shock discs do therefore not undergoing the same wear. it could also be replicated to exact specs every time. funny how completely closed minded people are to new tech just because they don't understand it.

[@dannyumana143]

Looking forward to head to head with raptor and taco!

[@jimmy4x4socal44]

Vinyl floors, four-door, Duramax!

[@danielfred16]

I don't really understand why everyone keeps bringing up the s10 when talking about this Colorado. i loved my old s10 had plenty of power and felt comfortable. yes it was a bit cheap feeling but i got mine for $2500 which is why it felt cheep because it was compared to same age taco and frontier. but nevertheless that was then and this is now. the new taco doesn't have the reliable 22re or the 4.0l trusty v6 anymore. its subject to new problems so proven reliability is in question. that said the Colorado is the same with the new 3.6l it has now

[@ElJuicePerformance]

Does it come in manual transmission

[@jakestech28]

Even my 85 Toyota Pickup has a gas tank skid plate... It doesn't take much to have a rock launch up and smash it.

[@oldspeed671]

I love American trucks! That’s why I bought a Tacoma. 👍

[@LikelyCandidate]

Finally a step in the right direction.

[@TheStig43and199]

Aw man. Reminds me of the good ol' S-10 ZR2.

[@jessarellanes6648]

I really like the truck, I wish it had the V 8

[@fisck45]

Do you honestly not know about the Raptors biggest selling point, suspension with a ton of travel or are you just trying to down play it to make the ZR2 sound better?