2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Preview

Posted by Mark Williams | October 23, 2017

Competes with: Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Looks like: The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Drivetrain: 186-horsepower, turbo-diesel 2.8-liter Duramax I-4 (369 pounds-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm); 308-horsepower, gas 3.6-liter V-6 (275 pounds-feet of torque)

Hits dealerships: Now

For model-year 2018, there are very few changes to the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, which debuted as a 2017 model. The ZR2 is a specialty option package built off the LT 4x4 trim level that includes several mechanical upgrades and extra features.

All ZR2 models are offered in one wheelbase with either the crew or extended cabs (the former with a 5-foot-2-inch bed, the latter with a 6-foot-2-inch bed) as well as a choice between the high-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 gas engine or the torquey 2.8-liter Duramax I-4 turbo-diesel.

When compared to a standard Chevy Colorado, the ZR2 offers a 2-inch-taller suspension lift, more than 3 inches of extra width, 31-inch tires, unique front bumper cutouts, extra skid plating, high-tech Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve remote reservoir shock absorbers, a unique transfer case that allows for multiple traction settings, front and rear locking differentials, heavy-duty Duralife rotors and several optional features, such as sidesteps and an in-bed spare-tire carrier.

Among some of the more impressive standard features the ZR2 offers include the Trailering Package (with a trailer brake controller), OnStar 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi, cast iron control arms, rock sliders, StabiliTrak, hill descent and hill start assist, trailer sway control, a rear-vision camera and six airbags, including full head-curtain side and seat-mounted side bags.

We've spent a lot of time with the Colorado ZR2 recently, offering our first impressions here and putting it in head-to-head competition with its Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro main challenger here, where the ZR2 came out on top. We've also done a full review at our Cars.com sister site to provide a solid overview of what features and abilities the mid-size pickup has just in case you missed all the more technical coverage.

Here's a list of the upgrades and changes for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2:

Active Tow, which helps the driver align a truck and trailer when backing up
Heated outside mirrors
Exterior colors now include Satin Steel Gray Metallic and Kinetic Blue

Cars.com photos by Evan Sears

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Comments

Hard to improve on perfection. Great truck.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Oct 23, 2017 1:16:32 PM

How to improve, out the 4.3L engine in it and offer a manual gear box..

But other than that, pretty good. Better than a Taco.

Posted by: DB | Oct 23, 2017 1:28:11 PM

How to improve.. Put the 4.3L engine in it (you need torgue, not horsepower) and offer a manual gear box..

Posted by: DB | Oct 23, 2017 1:33:45 PM

Hahahah, you can always add a Supercharger to the 3.6L but it's still slow compared the MIGHTY RAPTOR!!!

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

Posted by: Frank | Oct 23, 2017 1:38:25 PM

This thing didn't even have heated mirrors before the 2018 model year!?

Posted by: Tyler | Oct 23, 2017 2:12:36 PM

@ Frank

Did you not see the comparison Motor trend did!! Your mighty Raptor lost to the ZR2!!! Dang Ford Fanboys never learn to read!!!

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 23, 2017 2:25:12 PM

MOTOR TREND IS A JOKE AND A PRO-GARBAGE MOTORS CAR SITE SO NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT IT FORD RAPTOR IS WAY BETTER THAN THE JUNK.

Posted by: Chingon | Oct 23, 2017 2:34:57 PM

@ Chingon

Coming from a guy who doesn't know how to take off his CAP lock on his/her computer!! Wow!!

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 23, 2017 2:39:51 PM

I care less for MOTOR CRAP.

TFL Truck is where it's at, real world comparo.

ZR2 with a Supercharger 370RWHP can't hang with a Stock Raptor.

It loses with an aftermarket add on. UBER FAILURE.

http://www.tfltruck.com/2017/10/ford-raptor-faster-twin-turbo-supercharged-gmc-canyon-video/

Posted by: Frank | Oct 23, 2017 2:54:42 PM

Posted by: Frank | Oct 23, 2017 2:54:44 PM

Just read that M/T review, those morons don't even know how to properly select a MODE in the Raptor.

They should stick to reviewing toilets and sinks.

Posted by: Frank | Oct 23, 2017 3:09:32 PM

If GM isn't going to offer a regular fuel, 362hp twin-turbo 3.0 liter V6 {LGW}, with the same torque of the diesel-369ft-lb (where is the substantiation that the diesel makes an extra 5 hp: 186 vs. 181)
Then at least connect the V6 to a medium duty 10 speed automatic, and offer a slightly shorter axle ratio, 3.55 vs. 3.42.
Bigger front brakes too, and maybe a forged aluminum lower control arm.
Drop the diesel for a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder. In the Chevrolet Traverse, you get 257hp & 295ft-lbs. So how about 247hp & 275ft-lbs.

Posted by: George_C | Oct 23, 2017 3:11:16 PM

Wow....usual idiotic comments .

First , TFL truck , though fun to watch , is a couple of guys doing random drives , not real instrumented TESTS (unless you call testing a guy holding a phone and imprecisely pushing the button to time things up in the mountains at different times with different drivers under different conditions or "drag racing" on a horrible road for a few feet with a precision timing tree guy waving them on....).

Secondly , why would you even compare a Raptor to some random person who threw on a centrifugal super charger (read NO low end improvement - terrible for a truck) and run it against a $75K specialty half ton only 0-60? Right.....How about you get the lightest possible Chevy 6.2L you can order , go down to actual elevations people live in and race a loaded raptor down the 1/4 mile? That would be a closer race than you think.....or put twin turbos on the Canyon instead and make it a true head to head....also , how much did the Canyon COST compared to the Raptor? Money is EVERYTHING in this game......This is all fun but meaningless.

Lastly , why do so many folks have to be so ridiculous here most of the time with the silly uninformed blather and continual crap on others in the comments? These sights sound like a bunch of kids in the yard acting tough ..... its all show when everyone is behind a keyboard.

Posted by: Shriker | Oct 23, 2017 3:23:33 PM

"RUN WHAT YOU BRUNG."

Stop crying.

Posted by: Frank | Oct 23, 2017 3:26:39 PM

other new thing for 2018, is all the 4wd twins get a 4wd light indicator. Previously when it was in 4wd you would have to look at the knob to see what position it was in.

Also wish it came with heated and cooled seats. I like the heated seat but the cooled seats would be great for the summer

Posted by: Dave | Oct 23, 2017 4:07:12 PM

What's new for the 2018 Ranger?...........crickets..........

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Oct 23, 2017 4:21:00 PM

@ GMjustsoso
What's new for the 2018 Ranger?...........crickets..
Three words you T**D, Detroit Auto Show!. From that day forward is the count down to GM irrelevance, your Dunkirk is coming, minus the escape flotilla.

Posted by: GM Blows Chunks | Oct 23, 2017 4:30:32 PM

https://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/ford-confirms-2018-ranger-raptor-chevy-fans-everywhere-1802034442

Read the title of the article, it clearly describes your life. :D

Posted by: Frank | Oct 23, 2017 4:51:29 PM

GM irrelevance, your Dunkirk is coming, minus the escape flotilla.

Wow, you're taking this whole mystical military grade thingy too serious. Reality, you're actually experiencing dunkirk as you continue to wait for your Ranger to come to save you......crickets......

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Oct 23, 2017 4:57:02 PM

You have lost it. You are jekyl and hyde...First you didn't care about drag racing.......few weeks ago Duramax Embarrassed your Super duty in drag racing loaded and unloaded.. You said that doesn't matter, but now that your Junk Ford beat a canyon??? You lie as much as Ford does old man!! So sad!!!

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 23, 2017 4:59:19 PM

Until this year I've bought nothing but Ford's since 1986. We live in the mountains of Colorado and needed a truck to get us to the trailheads for climbing 14ers. I looked long and hard at the Raptor vs. the Colorado ZR2. Went with the ZR2 because of slimmer stance for mountain trails and better on-road feel and couldn't be happier. Now when the Ranger Raptor comes out I may change my mind and go back to Ford but for now, ZR2 wins for what we need it to do.

Posted by: Mike | Oct 23, 2017 5:07:58 PM

@ blows chucks: I'm sure you Ranger Raptor ( when it finally arrives) will have a killer graphics package and you will feel proud cruising it through your local mall parking lots.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Oct 23, 2017 5:15:16 PM

Your video is a Canyon not a ZR2...You do the difference right?? WOW, you are really losing it!! Plus if you read the WHOLE article it said the Canyon was gaining ground and would have caught it!! They did an 1/8 mile clown!!! by 1/4 mile the Canyon (not ZR2) would have caught it....you need to read more before making yourself look like a HMMMMM....donkey!!! (there, I was playing nice!!)

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 23, 2017 5:43:40 PM

@ Mike

Congrats on the buy. Its a fantastic little truck. If I hadn't bought my 2017 Sierra, this would have been the truck. it drives very well for the size of tires, ride height, and suspension under it!
May it give you years of enjoyment!!

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 23, 2017 5:47:22 PM

@TNTGMC,

It would be the same results, you all say they're same truck and should be counted together.

So there you go, STOP CRYING!

So now you need a 3 miles to win a race. GTFO already.

Done with you.

Posted by: Frank | Oct 23, 2017 5:48:07 PM

It had a level Kit on it so it's a ZRCRAP!

Posted by: Frank | Oct 23, 2017 5:48:38 PM

Sorry bud but you really seem uneducated when it comes to pickup trucks.
Open the blinders man.?

Posted by: What the heck | Oct 23, 2017 6:02:42 PM

@ What the Heck

I have said this about Frank since I joined this Forum. He absolutely hurts himself every time he comments. He reminds me of a child who is "MR" and needs to wear a helmet to protect himself from banging it against the wall. Poor fella!!

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 23, 2017 6:06:54 PM

Awesome truck well balanced and all around truck you can live with as everyday vehicle. Yet super capable on the hardest trails and high speed desert running and proven Rubicon trail rated. No it's not a Raptor so is the Raptor it's not a ZR2...haha Raptor on the Rubicon would be torn up.. LOL

Posted by: Anthony | Oct 23, 2017 7:30:31 PM

Hahahaha

Posted by: Frank | Oct 23, 2017 7:42:33 PM

Until Ford replaces those junk vac-asisst plastic hub locks with something tough, the Raptor is and will continue to be hot garbage. Ford's 4x4 system is cheap and pathetically weak. Not to mention they continue to put cheap ball joints on them. Anyone that actually uses a Raptor off-road ends up replacing the Ford parts with aftermarket parts that are actually tough enough to last.

Posted by: Brick | Oct 23, 2017 8:27:57 PM

Great truck GM! You got the Ford girl Frank balling his eyes out and running his pie hole. Oh yeah and making himself look like the stupid he is. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Posted by: johnny doe | Oct 23, 2017 8:55:01 PM

Suck aborning truck. They cant even sell their small car trucks now this comes along? Always follow the leader, in this case they are trying to follow Ford....

Posted by: Nitro | Oct 24, 2017 6:51:17 AM

Always follow the leader, in this case they are trying to follow Ford...

@ Nitro

Really?? Does Ford have a midsize truck on the market?? NO!!!

Comparing a full size to midsize is laughable...Typical Ford!!

BTW...Chevy has had the ZR2 since late 90's in the S10...what did your FORD LIES MOTOR COMPANY have?? Nothing!!!

You are so confused my boy!! You and Frank need to stop hanging out and lying to one another

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 24, 2017 7:54:18 AM

You and Frank need to stop hanging out and lying to one another

Yes, Nitro and Frank should stop lying together.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Oct 24, 2017 8:36:38 AM

@tnt, do you even realize what you just said? I know that they do not yet have a mid sizer, but it is clear Gm is attempting to try to what has been done regardless of the truck size. The fact still remains GM is a follower NOT a leader. The older Z model didnt work out well, now they see the raptor and all its glory and want to try to re-create. So sorry you and gms have to keep defending....man I feel bad for you guys.

Posted by: Nitro | Oct 24, 2017 8:51:45 AM

man I feel bad for you guys.

You should feel bad, you continually lose.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Oct 24, 2017 8:56:49 AM

You don't even think before you type. GM is not following Ford!! If they wanted to compete with the Raptor they would. The ZR2 nameplate has ALWAYS been in there lineup since late 90's. FORD had NOTHING!!! You are very small minded. NOW FORD is obviously scared because they are following GM in the mid size market by bringing in a Raptor for the Ranger!!! WHO IS FOLLOWING WHO!! Man you are lost my child!!! Go figure!! It happens when you drink Ford Lies Cool-aide.

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 24, 2017 9:08:39 AM

I'll keep my two Tacoma's thank you very much...

Posted by: oxi | Oct 24, 2017 9:16:27 AM

@ Oxi

That's not a bad choice either. Very RELIABLE trucks. My buddy has a 2013 and its been great to him. I really prefer that older body style (nice, rugged, tough looking truck) compared to new ones. They are hideous!

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 24, 2017 9:27:35 AM

You need to quit it already, we don't care what you say. You don't own anything and your in-laws don't own anything.

Then you lie about your in-laws F-350 costing 90K.

You're the biggest uber moron on this site.

I referenced TFL and ZR2 because it's basically the same truck with the same crappy motor, THIS IS WHY YOU TRVLLS COUNT THEM TOGETHER IN GM TRUCK SALES, RIGHT?

SAME DAMN TRUCK? FRIGGIN MORON

....and you cunts are calling me dumb....thanks for proving my point. I'm happy you're a bunch of idiots.

Later, I got a life to livel

Posted by: Frank | Oct 24, 2017 9:43:54 AM

Get help

Posted by: papajim | Oct 24, 2017 10:03:19 AM

I got it now, Nitro was right, the Z is trying to compete with Ford, which it cannot. It wants to be known as a baby raptor knock off, which is what it is. Pap and I know this, we just do not want to tell you guys that. Just like my FIL has truck I know nothing about, and Papa has that aveo car thing GM tried and failed at, we really have no clue what we are talking about and it shows every post. we will continue to, however, defend the government motors twins and their lack of being in first place for the last 40 years. TTL

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 24, 2017 10:11:21 AM

@TNT, well said!

Posted by: Nitro | Oct 24, 2017 10:29:37 AM

This is how childish you Ford clowns are!! You log into the sight under my name and spread LIES just like Ford does!!!

Unreal...no wonder you fanboys get butt hurt so much because o give you facts and you are used to LIES!!!! As for Frank...my personal stories are true. His truck his ordered ..i have no life or friends so u take it out on people...your a sad individual

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 24, 2017 11:44:49 AM

"You" not I...dang spell check

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 24, 2017 11:46:01 AM

TNT, get over it, get a shrink, its a forum for cryin out loud, I'm a ford fan boy and you are GM fan boy, we will bust on each other and its all in fun. Man the crying is crazy round here....papa where are you, you are the worst at the crying game, mainly because you dont own trucks or ever drove them, and it shows.

Posted by: Nitro | Oct 24, 2017 1:33:09 PM

Keep defending man!! Keep Defending....
Uneducated in dictionary has your name by it!

Posted by: TNTGMC | Oct 24, 2017 2:37:21 PM

@tnt, hook line and sinker everytime!

Posted by: Nitro | Oct 24, 2017 2:41:46 PM