Colorado ZR2: Affordable, Purpose-Built Off-Roader
Chevy’s New Truck Is Less Expensive than the Raptor and Ram. But at What Cost?
Those who want a reasonably-priced, factory-built off-road pickup package have long been left out in the cold. But Chevy is here to save the day with the brand new Colorado ZR2. And now we know that it’s going to be your cheapest ticket into this growing segment, as Chevrolet announced that the ZR2’s starting price would ring in at $40,995.
As Chevy likes to point out, that price undercuts both the Ford Raptor’s base price of $50,155 and the Ram 2500 Power Wagon at around $52,000. Granted, both of these “competitors” are full-size trucks, while the Colorado ZR2 is mid-size. But in the world of off-roading, that isn’t always a bad thing when you’re trying to navigate narrow trails.
There are quite a few other differences that make the ZR2 a unique offering. For one, it’s the only truck of the three to offer a diesel engine option — the 2.8 liter Duramax turbodiesel, which is also offered on the base Colorado. The oil-burner produces 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Or you can opt for a 3.6 liter V6 that pumps out 308 hp and 275 lb-ft.
But the biggest differences lie in the philosophy of these trucks. While the Raptor features a ton of technology and driver aids, the ZR2 is decidedly old school. That means that the driver, not a computer, will shift between high and low range and lock the differentials — electronically, of course. It isn’t that old school.
In those regards, the Colorado is more similar to its fellow mid-size off-roader, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. But the Chevy undercuts it on price as well, with the ‘Yota featuring a base price of $43,700. So no matter how you slice it, the ZR2 is a bargain. And if you can’t wait to buy one, you won’t have to wait too long. The Colorado ZR2 goes on sale in the spring.
