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.
Photography by David S. Wallens
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, thanks to the Nitro Yellow Metallic paint, we won't lose this one in the parking lot.
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.
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