The 2021 Chevy Colorado Z2R Struggles in Mud
For some reason, the 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 has been on the back burner. It’s a little ignored as a midsize off-roading truck. Sure, it’s not the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon or Toyota Tacoma, but let’s see what the Chevy Colorado Z2R can do in the slush anyways.
Is the 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 good for off-roading?
Yes, the 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is a good off-roader. It’s a midsize truck, meaning it’s smaller than the massive Ram 1500 TRX, which often struggles because of its huge dimensions.
The Truck King has been testing the Colorado ZR2 and took it out on a spring day to see how it performs in the melting snow and mud. He took it out where he got the Ram 1500 TRX stuck. At first, the Colorado ZR2 seemed to float over the crunchy snow with ease.
The ZR2 went up, and over the hill, then the front tires sank in the mud and snow. They locked the front and rear in low and had Steve in the back for some extra weight, but the truck was stuck and needed to be towed out with their tractor.
Then the Chevy Colorado ZR2 started sinking and breaking through the ice on the way back. They decided to call it a day because the conditions were just too mucky. The spring can create some of the most challenging off-roading situations.
The Truck King mentioned that it’s important to know when to quit. Also, he praised the truck for its performance. It did get stuck, but it’s hard to say if it was the truck’s fault or if the melting snow and mud was just too much.
What comes with the 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2?
You can get started in the 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 for about $41,600. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro begins at about $44,175, and the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon starts at around $43,995. These prices are listed before destination fees, and dealership markups have been added.
The Colorado ZR2 comes with the 3.6-liter V6 engine that pumps out 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. It can also be paired with the 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Going for the ZR2 brings the max towing capacity down from 7,000 lbs to 5,000 lbs.
With the ZR2, you get a two-inch life, and the frame is 3.5-inches wider. The 17-inch wheels provide plenty of grip on the trails, and the Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve keeps the ride smooth on pavement. It has an 8.9-inch ground clearance and locking differentials in the front and rear.
How does the Colorado ZR2 perform?
According to CNET, the 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 has a pretty smooth ride. However, they mentioned that rivals have a smoother ride quality. Also, the cabin feels pretty outdated due to the simple layout and use of cheap plastic materials.
The front seats are pretty comfortable and can fit taller adults. The back seat is a little firm, though. Also, there are plenty of storage cubbies and pockets to store your tools. But the Jeep Gladiator takes things a bit further with a lockable bin under the rear seat.
The Chevy Colorado feels outdated in terms of tech, too, despite coming with an 8-inch infotainment screen with clear graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto cost extra when rivals offer them for free.
