Went to order a Ranger Raptor from a local dealer that wanted me to pay $10k over sticker. Turned a lifelong Ford guy into a Chevy owner, but instead of buying a ZR2 Colorado, I decided on a Silverado ZR2 that's almost exactly like the one you tested here, I think the only difference is I have the solid black wheels......I love this truck! I love everything about it so far. I think you nailed the final thoughts on this. It's a great daily driver that can do more than just run muddy holes or rock climb.
Nice truck and great review. Just put my 2011 GMC Sierra, single cab, 4wd, 6.0 motor with an 8 ft. bed, on the road today. Not in the same league as the fancy ZR2 but with 12.5 k invested and no payments, it's just fine. With only 60k on the odometer and a winch mounted in the bed, I've got it made!
You're real world tests are still the best I've found on RU-vid. Particularly for someone like me who uses his truck as a truck and who lives in south eastern Ontario and experiences the same conditions. This ZR2 is a winner, but for me the tipping point for the F150 is the 7.2kw generator. The onboard generator would make for much better boondocking, let alone the ability to run just about my whole house during a power failure.
On the "before or after" locker question I say "it depends". If it is climbing or depending, lock up before. If it is mud or snow, lock up after, because you will be trying to pull yourself backwards and most winches are on the front.
Your left turn signal is not out, it just says to check it when you plug in a trailer, then you can scroll through to the right, then brakes etc. It took me a little bit to figure this out with my Silverado. Great review guys! Dad is right, you want to use lockers to get you free if stuck due to wheel slipping. If you go in locked and need to steer, you will bind and could possibly bust an axel.
You gave your full opinions comparing the ZR2 to the Tremor and mentioned the Tundra TRD Pro but never really specifically compared price and capabilities to the Pro. What are your thoughts? Great work, very thorough … as always!
I know this isn't about the 5.3 engine but everybody always says its a "DOG" yet, it's just a couple of tenths away from the "HEMI" 5.7. I kind of like that "DOG".
When you measure squat you should measure from the centercap or top of rim. That way you are not taking into account the tire sag of pressure. Love your work!
It's also a debate in the community about selectable lockers vs auto (like a Detroit). Selectable lockers are nice because you can turn them OFF when not in use and don't have to worry about them engaging on the street. And you can turn them on before you hit an obstacle, so unlike auto lockers (which depend on wheel slip to make them engage), you're already locked in when you hit an obstacle, and won't have any wheel slippage. But auto lockers are nice when, if you get in a place where you didn't think you'd need a locker and get stuck, they'll automatically kick in and you don't have to stop and engage them. And so many electric lockers are finnicky about engaging - Toyotas are notorious for not wanting to lock up unless you're on flat land.
Truck King. Your view on the Tremor is vs the ZR2 is correct. ZR2 has much better numbers In ground clearance, suspension travel, suspension performance ect. In fact the Trailboss has better clearance and angles vs the Tremor. The optional front Torsen is the only area where the Tremor is potentially better vs a Trailboss. I'd wager most people don't opt for it either. A Tremor with a 502A package is the same price or more expensive vs a ZR2. The only way Tremor makes sense is if you option it off XLT with shitty Halogen head lamps.
The problem with the current GM trucks is they're kind of POS compared to Fords current offering. GM's are less gay as they don't try and substitute a V8 with some boosted V6, but they're not as good at the same time. Fortunately Ford has decided to offer the Coyote in the 23 Tremor. They should have done this from the start. AFM/DFM has been a clusterphuk for GM since 05, and especially since 07, but for some reason they keep it. I work with a guy who has a 21 RST with a L83 that needed a new engine at 3,100 miles. That's ridiculous. I tried hard to fine a L87/10L80 truck for a decent price as I'm more of a GM guy, but couldn't, and settled for an 18 XLT 302A FX4 with a Coyote. It was a bit of a jump picking a Ford over a Chevy, but after test driving a GEN3 Coyote/10R80 truck I was very surprised and impressed with how much balls this truck had. It will eat a L83 truck regardless of transmission alive. I'd put money on my tuned/E85/3.73 truck walking away from a L87/10L80 truck with the same cab and drivetrain configuration. IMHO Ford has quietly given their trucks the best V8 in class, while trying to push their Egoboost BS. BTW I DD a 19 SS 1LE before my F150 and love the GEN5 6.2L. So much N/A potential, but GM has locked their newer stuff up way too tight where they suck to mod. Even HP Tuners said "F all that." Plus the 6.2L is way too expensive. "But it's a Corvette engine with different manifolds so of course it costs." Okay, but a Corvette isn't a Ferrari, and a LT1 is also a Camaro engine, and a GEN3 Coyote is a Mustang engine that's fully forged with dual port injection that come factory as a flex fuel vehicle that's setup to run straight E85 off showroom floor, and it's modern SD setup makes modding much easier and cheaper than a MAF setup. Their is no reason a GEN3 Coyote should cost Ford less to build than a GEN5 6.2L costs GM to build. Really though a TB isn't much better than an FX4 package. As crappy as Rancho's generally are I'm sure they're worlds better than the garage OEM F150 shocks, which is why I switched to Bilsteins with a Hellwig rear anti-sway bar to get the rear of the truck under control, and handling better than a new Ram which everyone falsely credits to the rear coil springs while neglecting to notice that Ram uses a rear anti-sway bar unlike Furd and Chebby. Also I think TB as a inch or two extra ride height over a Z71, plus better O/R tires. Also I can't figure out why GM invented pretty much the best suspension system ever with MRC only to throw Multimatic shocks at Camaro ZLE and Colorado/Silverado ZR2 trucks? If MRC (which is the bomb) is good enough for C7 ZR1 then why the need for expensive Multimatic shocks which are way too stiff to make a decent street car shock in a Camaro? I feel MRC could be made to work well in an O/R setup.
I dunno I got a loaded 2023 402A tremor for $68k and think it’s pretty good. I’m sure the Chevy is great too. If I want to do some serious off-roading the side by side comes out, and tremor is fine at towing.
I dunno I got a 23 402A fully loaded for $68k and it’s pretty great. 36 gallon tank and the Ecoboost is a towing monster and really fast, plus I have even taken it up some black trails and it is a blast. I’m sure the Chevy is great. I’d never buy a Stellantis product.
I bought one of these ZR2's in desert sand metallic. Looking forward to getting it in 2-3 weeks I hope. I told my dealer to call me as soon as they offer this truck with the 3 liter diesel engine. I will sell or trade the gas truck for it then.
Fantastic review as always. Loved the tremor comparison. How was the mpg? and are the seats any more comfortable than the trailboss/at4 of past years? thanks!
Chevy's 24-gal fuel tank is ridiculous, especially with this 14MPG ZR2 package! Raptor has a 36-gal, Ram 33-gal. I really don't get why GM keeps shrinking the fuel tanks.
Agreed. Offroad/overlanding pickups need range. That is also why I'd prefer the 3.0 duramax in this package rather than the 6.2 liter gas. Same applies when towing. Range is needed so one can fuel when and where you want rather than needing to stop due to limited range.
1) Momentum is your friend. Asses the obstacle and don't wait until you're stuck to engage all the help you can. When in doubt, gear down and lock up. 2) Respect the trails and forest roads. That means don't get yourself stuck. There are enough yahoos on ATVs and SxS out there tearing up the trails. 3) Mechanical failures have a way of happening at the worst times. Not everyone is driving a brand new truck. Don't wait until you're axle deep in mud (or on soft sand) to gear down and lock up (and maybe even air down).
On the locking before or in a tough spot I'm in the locking before school of thought. I want to get through and maximise my chance of getting through. Waiting to get stuck to lock then hoping the locker gets you out opens you to bad surprises. Plus if you're only locking to back out of trouble well you really didn't want to get through. Yes, if you're stuck locked you're really stuck and it will be work to get out. If you're stuck unlocked you're still stuck but then you might be able to get unstuck with the lockers. But then you may not have gotten stuck if it was locked. One last thing, you will cause less trail damage locked.
Trail damage is the key thing in my mind. That even applies to gravel roads that get all washboard before and out of turns and hills. 4x4 is less damaging to the gravel roads and trails just like locking up will be less damaging to the trails than unlocked.
GREAT JOB AGAIN FELLAS HI FROM SEATTLE AREA N MY 80 PLUS GRAND BUYS FORD SUPER DUTY ALL THE WAY AND SKIP THAT CHEVY TIL 6.2 SUPERCHARGED 685 HORSESHREDDN (ABOUT TIME N THEN SOME) REAL POWER N SOME 37 INCHERS N LET THE FUN BEGIN...ROCK ON ALWAZE FELLAS FROM THE NORTH...
My buddy had to have his nearly new GMC Denali engine replaced after going through a much lower level of water. Does this have the same flaw? Air intake under the car to catch “cool air” is what the mechanic said. Doesn’t make sense.
That 6.2L Big Boy V8 Is A Good Towing Truck While It Speeds Up Just Like The 3.5L Ecoboost V6 That ZR2 Beats The Tremor On That List From 0-62 MPH It Has The 3.23 Axle Ratio Which Is A Little Bit Slower Than The 3.42 Which Is My Favorite Because It Is Faster Than That Minimum Tow Package The Off-Road Package Just Like The Z71 ZR2 & X31 If You Want The Max Tow Package You Ain't Gonna Get The Off-Road Package The Off-Road Package Won't Let You Tow Much The Only Z71 Package With The Custom Trail Boss Is That Maximum Trailering Package That Borla Exhaust Sounds Crazy That ZR2 Is A Must Off-Road Worthy 🇺🇸.
@@MLCIT That ZR2 Has The Towing Capacity Of 8900 LBS Regularly You Can Tow 7000 LBS With A 3.23 Axle Ratio Which Is A Minimum Tow Package But That ZR2 Is A Good Off-Roader.
unless you know FOR SURE you need lockers, try without first with a bit of momentum and a good line, gets through most things....PS sounds great, seems to be quite capable. Probably one of the best looking versions of chevys new 1500. protect the gas tank though.
Don't wait till you get stuck to use the tool you have available. Think n of it like this say two or three tires spin causing you to lose available traction and once it's gone you don't have it (digging holes, throwing dirt/rock)where if you are already locked up you are using all traction available without throwing it away from your tires. IMO
I hate to say this but I just finished watching the other video with the Ford tremor and I noticed on the Ford there was some getting stuck a little bit in Polaris tire spinning and difficulty getting up there and the Chevy Z r 2 wow it made through those obstacles like nothing with out any problems
@@northerntoyota7584 yeah in all aspects it should be quicker. Only thing I could possibly see aside from malfunction or irregular testing procedure is the RST may have required an additional shift to hit 62 if it had shorter gearing and a smaller diameter tire. Even still that shouldn’t account for that much loss and other aspects should’ve still made it a quicker overall vehicle (unless the 6.2 in the ZR2 has some magic sauce due to the niche nature of it).
@@jeffb495 I don’t believe that difference would be enough to have any measurable difference, especially when the ZR2 has other deficits to contend with in this context.
I think an 8 second limit on the bed camera is not necessarily a good thing. I may want to keep it on so my passenger will keep an eye on the cargo. It should be configurable. Good review.
The ZR2 makes more and more sense as an off-road ready truck! The 8 second time-out on the bed camera making it safer is a silly argument to me. Should you also have a timer on the rear view mirrors for reasons of safety? Or should you put a timer on _supplementary_ rear view mirrors? Why should you need to have one on a camera allowing you to glance over at your payload? If you could have it on full-time, you'd have the peace of mind of knowing you can glance over at the bed at any time. But with the timer I think you are more likely to try and fix your gaze at the screen for the entirety of the time limit (because you know it'll time out), and in my view that makes the timer *_less_** safe!* Also, on the philosophy of preemptively locking up or not, I think both arguments need to be combined to find the correct answer. In my opinion, you should use whatever systems you have that will maximize your chances of getting through a rough patch, but still choose your path as if you didn't have lockers. So, I think both arguments _complement,_ rather than contradict, each other. Thanks for another great review guys!
I don't understand why you call it a ZedR2, am I missing something? Anyway, I like what Chevy did, especially putting the 6.2 in and not the weak 5.3. Also, even when the truck was unloaded, it still looked higher in the front. I personally can't stand the squatted look, it looks like something is broke on the truck. Otherwise it's a nice truck.......for a Chevy.
@@Theswitchy1 everywhere else in the world it’s pronounced zed, America and 1 other country (one I’ve never heard of) say zee. English speaking countries of course
Would prefer the 3.0L duramax to give reasonable offroad range with the tiny gas tanks they have in pickups nowadays. Don't need the high hp at high rpm. Need the torque and good gas mileage. Hopefully they will put duramax in future year ZR2.
It's not all Canadians. I'm not sure if it's an eastern Canada thing or a generational thing, but, in Saskatchewan at least, We say "Zee". Then again, we're the only province that calls hoodies "Bunnyhugs", so, take that with a grain of salt.
I chose the 2022 chevy silverado 1500 lt crew cab 4x4 over Toyota’s tacoma and tundra. Due to tacoma not having the power nor interior space and the tundra with fords v6 turbo motor.
Nice truck. It performed well on road with the payload and towing tests. And it was absolutely great off road as I knew it would be. But I am so disappointed, as a Chevy guy at heart, that Chevy didn't go all out and create a monster that competes head to head with the other 2 dinosaurs (raptor and T rex). They have the best suspension system with the multi matic shocks and the beautiful cut away bumper. But they refused to go wide body... WHY!? Then they put that badass power dome hood on it but only equipped it with the run-of-the-mill 6.2L engine... WHY?! They didn't even bother putting a fancy engine cover on the engine to justify the power dome hood. If you're gonna fake us out with a hood, why not attempt a fake out on the wide body too? To add insult to injury, we find out that GM has strapped a supercharger on top of the 6.2L but they only put it in the $150,000 Cadillac Escalade V... WHY!? If I were in the market for a factory super off road truck, this would be at the bottom of my list after the TRX and Raptor respectively. But if my choice was between a Ram Rebel, Ford Tremor, or the Chevy Trail Boss I would consider stepping up slightly to this half step truck.
Rich I love it that Chevy gave us this in between truck. I ordered mine in desert sand metallic and should get in in a couple of weeks. I could have bought any of the other trucks you mentioned but the Raptor and the TRX are too far over the top for some of us. I avoided them because they don't tow or haul what I need them too and they are not as daily friendly. I also considered a Tremor and the Rebel didn't do it for me. This Chevy with a 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 engine with a 10 speed will have plenty of power for most of us but I also have a 2015 F350 King Ranch diesel if the need arises. I plan on towing my camper to our favorite off road site with this new Chevy and am also going to have some other off road fun with it. That 0-100 KPH time pulling 7000 lbs is impressive behind only turbo and super charged trucks. Don't worry though it won't be long before GM gives you a Raptor/TRX version of this ZR2 and will probably call it the "Bison" edition.
I wish they went all out too. However, I really do like the silverado ZR2. I just wish they put it in the 450-500 HP range. Doesn't need to be crazy and over the top but to give it a little get up and go, especially since it was designed in desert racing, would have been really nice
Just to confirm, when Dad says equalizing hitch, he is saying weight distribution hitch? Great overall review! Hmm, one comment I question. You called this truck affordable vs Tremor and others. Competitive priced, yes. 75k-100k+ USD trucks are not affordable trucks but they are competitive which their peers. A 40-50k work truck might still be a lot for a truck, but arguably it's something closer to affordable. Luxury-Hero trucks are not affordable trucks in my book.
I'm absolutely loving my Silverado ZR2. I haven't had a chance to take it into the wilderness to stretch its off road legs, but I'm constantly surprised how easy it is to live with, even in a congested city like Vancouver. In the locker debate; I say if you're unsure, go lockers. You'll possibly avoid digging yourself into whatever you're going through and getting stuck up to your frame. But if you got the confidence to go no lockers, more power to you.
@@sethperry6210 I’m running it on premium (which cost a smidge over $200 to fill the tank). And if I’m being honest, I haven’t really had much time to get out and drive it, other than from here to there, (as I work from home) and have barely used a 1/4 tank. I’m planning on a road trip to northern Saskatchewan from the lower mainland and I’ll find out the hard way what the damage will be.
Love the ZR2 as well as the Tremor, etc. Only problem is, I only buy pickups with standard length 6.5' bed and extended cab/double cab and all these specialty trims can only be had in crew cabs and tiny 5' beds. A shame. That leaves me to buy the cab/bed configuration that I want and modify to have the same features as these cool, factory packages.
Totally Agree, I use a truck for work during the week and then as a weekend warrior. anything less than a 6.5 bed is useless. And the trailboss is only offered in crewcab now so adding the 6.5 bed makes it a limousine
@@terrencejones9817 Chevy offered a double cab Trail Boss for 2021. So far, they are not for 2022 LTD or 2022 model. They likely will, but not currently on the Build sheet online. I just think it's unfortunate that so many manufacturers don't off their coolest setups in double cab/extended cab configuration. Heck, even their top of the line trims often are not. For example, you can't get a High Country in double cab configuration. Same in the 2500/3500. Double cab only goes up to LTZ trim level; no High Country.
@@MrChadx1 GM builds what people buy. Double cabs don't sell very well. GMs short bed is now 5'10" vs Fords 5'5" . At nearly 6 feet you can fit a lot of stuff into the GM bed. I've got one myself, I don't find it to be a problem.
@@terrencejones9817 It's understandable that GM and other brands have to make a business decision on what models to make available in what trims/packages. For the typical pickup owner, maybe the extra cab room is a higher priority than the extra bed room. I might be have a skewed view because I'm fairly involved in the overlanding community where everyone values bed capacity more than back seat capacity. From the simplest form of adding a pickup topper and building out a sleep surface in the pickup bed (where 6'7" works so much better than 5'10") on up to those of use that carry a light weight, pop-up, slide-in camper. The shorter the cab, the more room in the bed and the further forward of the rear axle is the center of gravity for your payload. A 1,200 lb camper sitting 1' further back on a crewcab than on a double cab makes a big difference in how a heavy load is carried. Plus, crew cab bodies weight more so their payload is less than a similarly equipped double cab, and for those that carry heavy payload or tow heavy and have heavy tongue weight, the extra payload capacity of a doublecab is a plus. Again, I get that manufacturers have to draw the line somewhere. I'm just saying that for me, and a lot of buyers, a crewcab shortbed is too much of a compromise in real world use compared to a doublecab standard bed. So much of a compromise that we won't buy a crew cab shortbed and so don't have access to a lot of the desirable trims/packages that we really want (Trail Boss, Tremor, etc.).
