Wanna ride shotgun with the GRM crew?
Welcome to this week’s test vehicle, a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, the range-topping, all-out offroad warrior version of the Colorado–or at least that's what Chevrolet wants you to think.
Offroad improvements fitted to the ZR2 include DSSV Multimatic suspension dampers, a 3-inch factory-installed lift and an exclusive front fascia, rear bumper and fender flares.
And, …
Is it worth the price tag?
I guess I'm of the "I'd rather have a $55,000 K1500 Silverado WT base model than a $55,000 Colorado ZR2 loaded up" school.
Ye olde window sticker showing a final price of $52,130 after destination.
So this thing is cool, but is it $50k cool? I haven't driven it enough to tell, but judging it by a normal car yardstick is a lot like saying the E30 M3 is pretty buzzy and uncomfortable, or a Wrangler Rubicon is more expensive than a Ford Escape. This is very much an enthusiast vehicle, just for a different type of enthusiast than the ones doing track days.
I will say one thing: It's no F-150 Raptor. It's definitely a notch cheaper/slower/rougher/less capable feeling. And the interior, while nice, makes it obvious this is just a Colorado.
Bonus points for sounding like a tiny diesel when cruising around, though. I do love me some turbo whistle!
In reply to Tom Suddard :
But is the Raptor 50% higher pushing $75,000? I was looking at a new truck and I've looked at both Chevy's and I'd punch up to the 2500 for similar money.
You do make a good point stating some vehicles might be quirky but that's why folks get them (Jeep Gladiator example). And it's really unfair to compare each other.
My biggest issue: just getting up into it. At least Tom (tall) had the same issues as me (not tall).
The base model with 2wd would be more relevant to my interests, especially if it sits lower. I like midsize trucks for the happy middle ground between decent towing capacity and reasonable size for driving and parking in town. I'd not likely ever use the off-road package stuff, though so far that seems to be what sells.
David S. Wallens said:My biggest issue: just getting up into it. At least Tom (tall) had the same issues as me (not tall).
It's so tall it's actually kind of comical. And the fact that there's no handles to aid ingress seems like a huge oversight.
In reply to JG Pasterjak :
Maybe eventually we’ll evolve the point where we we don’t need such puny aids? But, yeah, seriously, did anyone who doesn’t play for the Knicks test drive this thing during the development cycle?
JG Pasterjak said:David S. Wallens said:My biggest issue: just getting up into it. At least Tom (tall) had the same issues as me (not tall).
It's so tall it's actually kind of comical. And the fact that there's no handles to aid ingress seems like a huge oversight.
I bought the previous generation Canyon. I literally stopped at a truck accessory place on the way home from the dealership and bought running boards. It's a struggle for my short wife, even with the step. Good thing i didn't buy a full-size truck.
$52K isn't out of the realm of new truck prices. Yea I know... midsize. The Silverados I used to buy for $50K can be well over $60K now with the options I preferred.
GM finally listened to customers and gave them what they asked for. Dual zone climate, perforated seats, larger screens, better interior materials, enhanced safety equipment, sunroof, keyless start, LED's, rear cross traffic alert/ braking, parking sensors, adaptive cruise etc. that the 2nd gen didn't have.
Bought a '22 ECLB V6 ZR2 with NAV and Bose for under $45K, CCLB would've been around $48K, excluding Bison model.
This truck does everything I need it to do. Long box makes a big difference for hauling and I got the last of the V6's. FS trucks are just too damn big for me anymore.
16mpg across the board. And that's EPA cycle which most trucks fail to achieve in the real world.
We took this food shopping last night, and my wife backs up the finding that it’s rather challenging to get into.
I’d like to drive a less-offroady example.
*checks something*
Huh. The old ZR2s used to have a lower towing capacity than the other Colorados due to the suspension. It seems the new ZR2 gets the same 6k rating as the regular trucks.
This falls into my comfortable payment for my reimbursed sales program. The K2500 Silverado above requires $300/month from my family money.
Just struggling with the turbo 4 in a truck.
With the new Taco having a similar engine Nissans going to lead the pack with the V6 - I'm not sure what's up with the Ford Ranger.
JG Pasterjak said:David S. Wallens said:My biggest issue: just getting up into it. At least Tom (tall) had the same issues as me (not tall).
It's so tall it's actually kind of comical. And the fact that there's no handles to aid ingress seems like a huge oversight.
jg
No oh E36 M3 handles?! Really?
In reply to thatsnowinnebago :
Yup, no grab handles.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
No grab handle on the driver's side. There is one for passenger use.
In reply to DeadSkunk (Warren) :
I just used the steering wheel. It wasn’t graceful, I admit.
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