Pushing Limits: Testing the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 on the Vegas to Reno Route

2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Testing

It’s the morning of day three and I’m bombing down a deep sandy gully that follows some power lines across the desert as far as the eye can see. The truck I’m piloting is doing the deep sandy rut dance and I’m staying loose and letting it do its thing. A sharper-than-expected corner comes up quickly and the rear tires come out of the rut as I toss the truck aggressively into the corner and stay on the gas. I’ve got it in 4WD, with all the electronic nannies turned off, and Baja mode engaged. The backend swings out in a controlled four-wheel drift in the deep sandy gully that has me giggling like a schoolgirl and scanning ahead for the next opportunity to do it again.

“Weightlessness lasted much longer than anticipated, but when the truck came back to terra firm, the landing was so smooth and controlled that the grin on my face just got bigger.”
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Colorado ZR2 — Driving in 2WD, Baja mode, and traction and stability control turned off makes for a very fun time off-road at speed over moderate terrain.

My confidence has grown in the machinery over the past two-plus days and my right foot has gotten heavier. As I come around another sweeping corner a quick uphill elevation change appears. A mischievous grin imprints itself on my face as I push my right foot to the floor and at takeoff straighten the wheel. Weightlessness lasted much longer than anticipated, but when the truck came back to terra firm, the landing was so smooth and controlled that the grin on my face just got bigger.

New Trucks Colorado ZR2 — Shiny low mile new trucks at the starting line ready for the big off-road miles ahead.

Adventure Testing of Chevy Colorado ZR2

This was the final morning of a three-day adventure driving from Las Vegas to Reno on the Best in the Desert racecourse in the new 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2. It is also the first media drive of the next-generation truck, with only nine top journalists in attendance. For sure, it is just a media review/content creation drive and not a race, but they did let us pick numbers and put the numbers and our last names on the trucks. That makes them race trucks, right?

We did get one flat, an inner sidewall tear, from a piece of sharp shale.

We started in the glitz of a Vegas casino, spent the second night in the old-school desert outpost of Tonopah, the third night in the bustling town of Fallon, and finished off in Reno with snow-covered mountains looming over the city. The finish line was actually at Chad Hall’s race shop outside of Reno with a special visit from a heavily camoed ZR2, on 35s, covered in AEV parts — yes, the 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison.

2023 chevrolet colorado — Comfort and capability are strengths of this truck on road as well. It eats highway miles with ease. (Photo: Joshua Walker)

My truck had just over 300 miles on it when the trip began, and I added over 700 behind the wheel, 400+ of that on dirt. Over the three-day adventure, we generally followed the exact route of the 2022 Vegas to Reno race, with detours made and sections removed for snowy mountain passes, time issues you get with a 12-vehicle convoy, a good number of flat tires, one driver error rock impact, a few loose lightbars, and me almost running out of fuel after burning too much on an early morning photo/video mission.

Chevy Colorado ZR2 First Impressions

If you couldn’t tell from the intro, I’m impressed with this new truck. It’s a great size for everyday practicality, has magic shocks that are as good on road as off, and finally has an interior that isn’t offensively bad. Better yet, the interior is actually quite nice, and has all the latest tech.

Chad Hall’s 2023 Colorado ZR2 stock class race truck

The camera system is top notch, and includes an under-truck trail cam, with lens cleaner system. The off-road driving modes and standard features, like front and rear lockers, make this truck not only capable but easy to control for any skill-level driver. The 33-inch all-terrain tires are a perfect on-road/off-road compromise, although I’d put a tire with a stronger sidewall on the truck for heavy off-road use. I do love that the Chevy Colorado 2023 now has the same wheel bolt pattern as the full-size trucks, which opens up a wide range of wheel options to choose from.

chevy zr2 — The 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is a sporty and fun truck, especially in the desert at high speeds.

I’d prefer the options of a longer truck bed and an extended cab, but it’s obvious that Chevy’s research shows that the crew-cab short box (5’1.7” long bed) is what the majority of buyers in this category want. I’d also prefer a few more hard buttons, versus so many controls buried in the infotainment menu screens. For example, there are no hard buttons/switches/dials for the headlights, fog lights, or traction control.

“It’s a great size for everyday practicality, has magic shocks that are as good on road as off, and finally has an interior that isn’t offensively bad.”

The new ZR2 is tuned considerably better than the last generation truck for slow-speed technical terrain, and the 2-inch larger diameter tires help quite a bit as well.

This truck flies! But, most importantly, it lands in complete comfort and control. (Photo: Joshua Walker)

The death of the gas V6 and diesel engine options in the Colorado is both a blessing and a curse. Sure, you get as much instant torque as the diesel offered and as much horsepower as the gas V6 but gone are the fuel economy of the diesel and great sounds and linear powerband of the naturally aspirated V6. The new one engine for all Colorado trucks 2.7L gas inline-four turbo is an impressive piece of engineering that does its job well, but I really don’t love the sounds it makes, and the fuel economy isn’t very impressive — 19 MPG rated, but much less if you have a heavy right foot like me.

“Chevrolet basically took its recipe of sharp looks, great shocks, and loads of quality off-road equipment and added in a refined interior with the latest tech and a simplified options list…”

Tech like wireless Apple CarPlay makes adventures in the ZR2 that much easier.

The remote off-road trails around Nevada offer spectacular vistas.

Worth the Dollars?

Would I buy a new Colorado ZR2? The answer is yes. It far outshines any other mid-size truck on the market at the moment (although by the time this publishes the next generation Tacoma TRD Pro and Ranger Tremor trucks will have been revealed). Chevrolet basically took its recipe of sharp looks, great shocks, and loads of quality off-road equipment and added in a refined interior with the latest tech and a simplified options list (one configuration and one engine).

It’s a few screens deep, but you can fully turn off all the computer nannies that try to spoil your hooligan driving fun.

The Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers are the true magic sauce in the ZR2.

What I might do, however, is wait for the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison, which will roll on 35-inch tires, have more skid plates, proper bumpers, and possibly an even nicer interior. Speaking of refinement, I’d also have a look at the Colorado ZR2’s stable mate the GMC Canyon AT4X. It will cost more, but you’ll get a more luxurious interior, unique exterior styling, and the same optional AEV upgrades.

“The off-road driving modes and standard features, like front and rear lockers, make this truck not only capable but easy to control for any skill-level driver.”

SPECS

2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2

Engine/Trans: 2.7L 4-Cylinder Turbo HO / 8-Speed Auto

Power: 310 hp, 430 lb.-ft. of Torque

Tires/Wheels: 17” wheels / 33” MT (LT285/70R17) tires

Ground Clearance: 10.7”

Entry/Breakover/Departure Angles: 38.3 / 24.6 / 25.1 Degrees

Wheelbase: 131.4”

Length/Width: 212.7” / 76.3”

Payload/Towing Capacity: 1,423 lbs. / 6,000 lbs.

Fuel Economy: 17 City / 21 Highway / 19 Combined MPG

Fuel Capacity: 21.4 gal.

Starting MSRP: $48,295

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the EPA MPG ratings of the 2024 Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, and Nissan Frontier?

The EPA fuel efficiency ratings for several 2024 model trucks are as follows: The Ford Ranger has a combined MPG of 22. For the GMC Canyon, the combined MPG ranges between 17 and 20. The Honda Ridgeline reports a combined MPG of between 20 and 21. The Jeep Gladiator sees a combined MPG between 18 and 19, and the Nissan Frontier has a combined MPG rating of between 19 and 20.

Which mid-size pickup truck models offer hybrid or electric options in 2024?

In 2024, the Toyota Tacoma will introduce a hybrid model, which will become the most powerful variant in its range, indicating Toyota’s ongoing expansion of hybrid technology into its truck lineup.

What is the starting price of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger Raptor, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, and Nissan Frontier?

The starting prices for several 2024 truck models are as follows: The Toyota Tacoma begins at $32,995, while the Ford Ranger Raptor is higher, starting at $57,065. The standard Ford Ranger is more affordable, beginning at $34,265. Pricing for the GMC Canyon starts at $37,595. The Honda Ridgeline is available from $41,145. The Jeep Gladiator’s starting price is $39,790. Lastly, the Nissan Frontier is among the most economical, with a starting price of $32,020.

What is the starting price, EPA MPG, and C/D rating of the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette, a supercar known for its performance and styling?

The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette begins for $69,995, boasts an EPA estimated mileage of 19 miles per gallon combined, and has received a top C/D rating of 10 out of 10. This model is celebrated for combining high-performance capabilities and distinctive aesthetics, continuing its reputation as a prominent American supercar.

How do car reviews from Car and Driver magazine (C/D) describe the features and performance of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger Raptor, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, and Nissan Frontier?

According to Car and Driver magazine, the 2024 vehicles in the mid-size pickup truck segment have been evaluated for their features and performance. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma received high praise with a revitalized and modernized design, positioning it as a strong competitor with a 9.5/10 rating. The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, known for its rugged, off-road capabilities and a style reminiscent of its larger counterpart, the F-150 Raptor, achieved a 9/10. Similarly, the redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger was commended for its improvements, also earning a 9/10 score.

The 2024 GMC Canyon boasts an impressive off-road trim that delivers on its promises of power, and it too scored a 9/10 rating. The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is recognized for its comfortable, car-like driving dynamics, combined with sufficient space for cargo and towing, rated at 9/10. The refreshed 2024 Jeep Gladiator combines the iconic features of the Wrangler with the utility of a pickup bed, receiving an 8/10. Lastly, the 2024 Nissan Frontier is noted for its rugged appearance and array of modern conveniences, obtaining a rating of 7.5/10.

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD July/August 2023