The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 may be smaller and less powerful than the half-ton Ford F-150 Raptor, but these facts are unlikely to deter consumers (and automotive publications) from thinking together about the two off-road-oriented pickups. Priced at $40,995, the Colorado ZR2 undercuts the hulking Raptor’s base price by $9160. Those more interested in an apples-to-apples comparison can pit the ZR2 against the $41,930 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro instead.
Like the Tacoma TRD Pro, the ZR2 relies on underhood hardware from lesser lineup mates. A 308-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine is standard fare, while a 186-hp 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine is optional. Additional add-ons include a premium sound system, a sweet bed-mounted spare-tire carrier, and a full-length vinyl floor in place of the standard carpet that can be added at no cost.
While Chevrolet didn’t release pricing information for the ZR2’s specific options, the brand did share the truck’s extensive list of standard equipment. Highlights include front and rear locking differentials for the standard four-wheel-drive system, a 3.5-inch-wider track compared with the standard Colorado, and a set of spool-valve dampers, a technology found at one point or another in Formula 1 and Le Mans race cars, among others. (Read our in-depth explainer about spool-valve tech.) Try finding these items on the base TRD Pro. Still, the TRD Pro does have one impressive ace in its hole: an available six-speed manual transmission. ZR2s are only equipped with automatics: an eight-speed unit for the V-6 and a six-speed for the diesel.
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Other standard ZR2 features include a 2.0-inch lift, 31-inch off-road tires, plates and side tubing to protect the mechanicals and underbody, a trailering package, an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with navigation, and more. The Colorado ZR2 goes on sale this spring and will be available in both crew- and extended-cab body styles, as well as with the choice of a short or long bed.
Despite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg's career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend.
