Giving Props to the Colorado ZR2

Having passed their centennial anniversary last year, Chevy trucks entered 2018 propelled by a lot of well-earned momentum and pulled by the anticipated release of the 2019 Silverado. But looking back at 2017, one of Chevy’s greatest successes was inarguably the introduction of the Colorado ZR2 to the Chevy lineup, recently named as cars.com’s ‘Best Pickup Truck.’

Called an “almost perfect combination of passion and technology” cars.com stated that the ZR2 was “not just an interesting example of a new pickup truck, but is quite possibly the most distinctive vehicle that’s come along in years.”

It speaks to the confidence of both the lineup in its entirety, as well as the ZR2 that the finalists for this award were the brand new ZR2 and the Silverado 3500. Despite the wealth of innovative design and competitive weight reduction presented by other automakers, the last models standing were both Chevy trucks. And considering the enduring longevity of the Silverado, the fact that this upstart Colorado took the top seat, speaks volumes as to the ZR2’s overall design.

The motivation behind such a confident design was presented as follows, by Chevrolet’s U.S. Vice President of Marketing, Paul Edwards who stated, “To fully compete in the off-road space, we couldn’t just launch with a ‘me too’ vehicle. As part of our strategic plan and continued investment in our truck lineup, ZR2 builds on the boldness of the Colorado program. Our midsize truck line has defied naysayers by selling more than 300,000 trucks in three years, and ZR2 adds forward-looking technology and innovation to the recipe to reach an entirely new group of off-road enthusiast customers.”

With that in mind, a closer look at the ZR2 reveals that it stands alone, a segment to itself that boasts a thoughtful combination of technology, off-road capabilities and the accessibility of a mid-size pickup. It’s really no surprise that the ZR2 made such an impactful contribution to Chevy’s 2017 sales, despite its near mid-year introduction. Within seven months alone, the standalone offering was able to represent 10% of Colorado sales for the model year.

So, let’s take that ‘closer look’ that we promised, and see what makes this distinctively-styled (and equipped) Colorado so deserving of the attention that it has gained.

The Basics

As with other trim levels offered up for the Colorado, the ZR2 shares certain configurations, in terms of body style, drive, and powertrains. That said, the availability of those configurations will be largely influenced by which features you prioritize.

Looking at the ‘big picture,’ the Colorado is served up in one of three style configurations (i) Extended Cab with a Long Box (ii) Crew Cab with a Short Box, and (iii) Crew Cab with a Long Box. The starting pricing for these configurations are around (i) $21,295 MSRP (ii) $27,295 MSRP and (iii) $28,995 MSRP, respectively, while nuances of configuration can easily influence these price points.

Performance

Served up in both 2WD and 4WD variants, the ZR2 can be equipped with one of three powertrains (i) 2.5-liter inline four cylinder, an (ii) 3.6-liter V6 and the (iii) 2.8-liter Duromax Turbo-Diesel inline four. Of these, the gasoline I4 and V6 are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission while the Diesel is matched with a six-speed automatic. In terms of power ratings, these combinations result in (i) 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque (ii) 308 hp and 275 lb-ft, and (iii) 181 hp and 369 lb-ft, respectively.

Your preference may depend greatly on what you’re looking to get out of the ZR2. For example, if you’re looking to make the most of its all-terrain capability, the low-revving diesel makes for the ideal choice. However, highway time certainly makes the more aggressive power band of the V6 a better fit. Regardless of which you choose, the ZR2 is a perfect offering for a marketplace that seems to be embracing bold, on-brand styling but is looking for something with a more modest footprint than bulky, juiced-up competitors want to offer.

Notable Features

Aside from everything already discussed, what really makes the ZR2 standout? Well, there are a number of features deserving of credit, but let’s pick a few noteworthy inclusions that help to set it apart.

• First and foremost, the ZR2 features Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) Dampers, using three piston-mounted spool valves. The practical effect of valve placement and characteristics creates a perfect blend of off-road capabilities and on-road manners.
• With center console-mounted controls, the ZR2 features front and rear locking differentials that make it ideal for all-terrain driving at a range of speeds.
• The ZR2’s off-road profile includes underbody protection including a comprehensive two-piece skid plate and steel rocker sliders.
• Expansion of the track width by 3.5-inches makes the ZR2 wider than any other truck in Chevy’s lineup. Achieved by a wider axle and cast-iron control arms, the ZR2 gains more suspension travel, improving overall stability.
• Expansion of the vehicle height by 2-inches gives the ZR2 a confident 8.9-inches of ground clearance, able to conquer 23.5-degree breakover and departure angles, and clear up to 26-inches of water.
• Needless to say, the ZR2 has a lot to offer, especially to those with off-road ambitions.

Special Editions

Of course, what would a high profile vehicle like the ZR2 be without Special Edition variants that play off of everything for its aesthetic, versatility, utility or any combination of the above? There are seven enhancement packages made available. This includes Gearon’s function driven (i) Bars (ii) Divider and (iii) Utility Rack packages, aesthetic-drivers (iv) Chrome Appearance and (v) Premium Interior packages and the dramatic (vi) Midnight and (vii) Dusk Special Editions.

Depending on what you’re looking for, any one of these enhancement packages might be worth considering. Each one allows for a truly inspired take on the already impressive ZR2, but range from accenting a more traditional body style to a ZR2 with an aggressive Rally Sport aesthetic, and matching performance levels.

Is the Colorado ZR2 Right for You?

Bottom-line, the Colorado is perfect for anyone in the market for an aggressively-styled midsize with off-road capabilities rather than heavy-duty power. If you’re interested in exploring the Colorado ZR2, come visit McCluskey Chevrolet. Let us help you to get your closer look at this game-changing pickup, to determine if it’s what you’re looking for in your next truck