Five Reasons Colorado ZR2 Can Take On the Raptor — and Win
If this truck war sounds like a classic David vs. Goliath story, that’s because it is.
The very first Colorado ZR2 pickups are finally hitting dealerships, preparing to do battle with various off road trails and giant rocks. But the hotly anticipated mid-size truck will also likely do battle on dealer lots with other factory off roaders. They include the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and even the Jeep Wrangler — but Chevrolet is targeting bigger game.
Chevy likes to bring up the Raptor every time the company discusses the ZR2. And that might seem crazy at first, because these two trucks don’t share much in common outside of being purpose built off roaders. But there is some solid logic behind that comparison, as we’ve discovered. Here are five reasons the Colorado ZR2 can take on the Raptor — and win.
ZR2’s size can actually work to its advantage.
Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better. This is especially true in the world of off-roading. Put simply, a massively wide truck like the Raptor can’t slip through narrow paths like the mid-size Colorado. Not only that, but the ZR2’s tidy package and lighter weight will aid maneuverability. That’s obviously a pretty important characteristic in the desert.
Colorado ZR2 is cheaper than the Raptor – a lot cheaper.
Quite simply, the Colorado ZR2 is your cheapest ticket to off road pickup glory (at the moment, anyway). With a base price of $40,995, the Chevy undercuts the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro ($43,700), Ram 2500 Power Wagon ($52,000) and Ford Raptor ($50,155). Granted, it doesn’t feature the power and tech of the Raptor in particular, but wouldn’t you rather rely on old fashioned driver skill than computers? If so, you’ll pocket a cool ten grand at least.
Chevy truck is an old school off-road machine built for real drivers.
Speaking of computers, much has been made of the Raptor and its many driving modes. Those options include Baja mode, which basically turns anybody into Robby Gordon at the push of a button. But in the Colorado, you’ll be using your skills to navigate trails, not some computer. You’ll be shifting between high and low range and locking the differentials, electronically. And isn’t that much more rewarding?
You can get it with a diesel engine.
The Colorado ZR2 is available with a 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine that pumps out 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Our friends in other parts of the world love diesel engines for off roading purposes, and for good reason. They provide lots of torque, endless reliability, and are extremely efficient.
ZR2 uses some pretty incredible damper technology.
The ZR2 is the third Chevy product to use Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) damper technology, and the first in an off road application. The first two? Both high performance Corvette and Camaro variants. The dampers provide position sensitive and extremely precise damping with six tuning curves to provide optimum performance in any condition. That means you don’t have to compromise on road comfort for off road performance. Or push any buttons.
All-in-all, the Colorado ZR2 represents a rather compelling package. Perhaps the Raptor should be worried after all.
