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.”

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.

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 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.

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.

Fuel Economy on the Long Haul

Fuel stops were a recurring theme during our cross-country trek, but nothing out of the ordinary for an adventure of this scale. Covering the first leg of the journey from California to Ohio, we clocked 39 hours behind the wheel and topped off the tank eight times. The display told the story—an average of 16.2 mpg, landing right in line with the EPA’s 17 mpg combined estimate, even with the loaded bed and a constant mix of highway and byway detours.

For a truck hauling mountain bikes, a cabin full of gear, and pushing through everything the weather and terrain could offer, it delivered steady mileage and never skipped a beat. The extra capacity from that 4WD system even helped extract us, and a fellow traveler, out of some questionable situations—no drama, just onward momentum.

Hauling Toys and Gear with Ease

Packing for a proper adventure means bringing more than just the basics, and the Colorado ZR2 stepped up for the task. With a Race Face tailgate pad snagged off Facebook Marketplace, loading up a pair of mountain bikes was a breeze—no fiddling with hitch racks or fancy adapters needed. The ZR2’s generous 61.7-inch bed offered plenty of real estate for the rest of my gear.

Skis, three burly waterproof duffels stuffed with climbing gear and clothes, and a lidded bin brimming with recovery equipment all fit with space to spare. Everything rode securely, and I never felt like I was Tetris-ing my way through a packing puzzle. Whether it was bikes, adventure kits, or winter gear, the ZR2 handled it with the same easygoing capability that made the long desert miles so enjoyable.

Adaptive Cruise Control and Four-Wheel Drive, Road-Trip Style

Let’s talk about mile-munching ease. On stretches of lonely highway between neon-lit Vegas and snow-fringed Reno, I let the adaptive cruise control do the heavy lifting. Set it, forget it, and watch the miles fall away. That system doesn’t just maintain your speed—it reads the traffic ahead and paces you smoothly, so you get more time to admire distant peaks and less time fussing with the pedals.

Of course, road trips tend to throw curveballs your way. Somewhere between windblown Tonopah and a snowy pass outside Fallon, the weather took a turn. Gusts battered the truck, and two inches of fresh powder turned the road into a slip-and-slide. The moment I felt the backend so much as twitch, I flicked the drive selector into Auto. Instantly, the magic of four-wheel-drive distribution kicked in—sending power wherever it was needed. The confidence boost was immediate; the truck felt glued to the pavement and I simply refocused on the horizon, knowing the tech would do the rest.

Between the friendly cruise control and the clever four-wheel-drive system, long stints behind the wheel transformed from a chore into something effortless—giving me one less thing to stress over on this already epic journey.

Recovery Gear and Snow Survival Tactics

Snow always adds a layer of unpredictability to any off-road journey, and our time dropping into Salt Lake City was no exception. Our convoy had its share of wintry surprises while descending from the ski mountain as heavy flakes fell. Without missing a beat, we dove into the stash of recovery equipment in the bed, putting Maxtrax recovery boards, snow chains, and a trusty avalanche shovel to good use. When one unlucky Chevy Spark spun out and lodged itself up to the axles in the snowbank, the ZR2’s low-range gearing and a steady hand on the throttle made for a calm, controlled extraction—no drama, just grit and a bit of teamwork.

Before any payload could be rescued, however, I managed to wedge our own Colorado in a powdery drift while jockeying for position. Out came the snow chains and shovel again—one of those moments where patience and finesse outweigh brute force. A light touch on the gas was key, keeping the tires from digging in deeper and turning “momentarily paused” into “well and truly stuck.” It was a reminder that skillful use of the right gear—and resisting the urge to mash the throttle—is often the difference between a minor hiccup and a prolonged shoveling session.

Post-Maintenance Quirks and Ongoing Issues

No proper shakedown run would be complete without a little technology drama, right? After a pit stop at the dealership for the first oil change, filter swap, and a tire rotation—a routine pit crew performance—the total came to $136.07. Everything seemed shipshape as we rolled out, until an unwelcome light show appeared on the dash at home: the persistent “Service Tire Monitor System” warning.

Despite a few attempts at coaxing the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) back to its senses with the relearning process, the warning was stubbornly here to stay. Fingers crossed it’ll be a quick fix on our next dealership visit for scheduled maintenance. Just another small story for the road trip scrapbook, right?

Steadfast Comfort and Surprising Reliability Over Long Hauls

So, how did the Colorado ZR2 fare after more than 5,000 miles of hard use? In a word: unfazed. Over the course of the journey, comfort was on tap—thanks to cushy seating, a quiet cabin, and road manners that made highway slogs and pothole-riddled shortcuts equally tolerable. Luggage, snowboards, and bikes all found their place without protest, cementing this truck’s status as a genuinely versatile road-trip companion.

Fuel economy landed right in line with expectations, hovering around the EPA’s claimed average—even with unpredictable weather and a trunk stuffed to the gills. Most importantly, when the going got dicey, the ZR2’s steady 4WD system brought reassurance rather than anxiety; not only did it keep us on course, but it offered a helping hand to less fortunate travelers we found marooned in wintry ditches.

In short, reliability never became a concern. Even after days of sun, sleet, mud, and mishaps, the truck shrugged it all off—rolling into the driveway each evening with pep leftover and space to spare for tomorrow’s adventure.

The Most Frustrating Hiccup: Tech Gremlins After Maintenance

Now, if you’re wondering what snagged our spirits the most across those 5,000 miles, it wasn’t the snow or the long hours between gas station burritos—it was chasing down a nagging dashboard warning light. After a routine pit stop for fresh oil, a new filter, and a quick spin of the tires (to the tune of $136.07), everything seemed A-OK. That is, until we got home and the digital equivalent of a blinking nuisance—the dreaded “Service Tire Monitor System”—made itself right at home on the dash.

Multiple attempts to sweet-talk the TPMS back into cooperation with a relearn cycle didn’t make a dent. That annoying reminder simply wouldn’t budge, no matter how many times we coaxed it. So, like any true road warrior, I jotted it down as one more dealership errand for our next scheduled pit stop. Is it glamorous? No. Is it par for the course when racking up miles on a new rig? Absolutely. Just another reminder that even the most rugged trucks have their persnickety side.

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.

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.

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 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…”

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).

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.

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