Exactly! I can care less if anyone looks at my truck and says yeah it’s new but only mid class or base mod. As long as it does what I need it to do and I am happy with that. That’s the way to go these days new base mod or mid range vehicle low note and a fat savings account lol. Spend that extra on family time and memories.
Some people don’t have unlimited amounts of cash to spend on a vehicle. The smart ones will buy the best vehicle they can for the amount of cash they have. Good for you Andre on only buying what you need and not blowing your budget.
@hiwayhighway9925 not everyone has the money to build those bad ass Rigs man. I certainly as hell can't so i put a bit of money into my truck and make it do what i want it to do and take me where ever i want.
@hiwayhighway9925 what the razors an can ams? Cause if that's what you're referring to then no there really not much cheaper than a truck buddy. 25 to what 60k maybe more. So that's really equivalent to the price of a truck.
They should really make a selectable rear locker standard with the trail boss. It competes with the FX4 ranger and TRD Off-road Tacoma both of which have selectable rear lockers.
G80 is the better street differential for sure locking up and providing more traction under heavy acceleration than a selectable that's not activated nor speed limited but.... Like you said...off road... pre locking your diff is so much better for traction than a slip/grip automatic locker.
@@petermello55 it’s a sharp and capable truck and at relatively decent price considering everything else but I would definitely miss my locker in my ranger.
I generally am a Ford guy but that new ZR2 is a great looking unit and the capability out of the box is great. Also the screen features and information is something I really love. Great Job Chevy Team and Andre I see why you got one from your Powerboost truck. However that G80 rear diff has got to go lol.
@@awesomeness369 I am super excited for the Ranger Raptor as well but competition breeds excellence and I think Toyota and Chevy have pushed Ford to even offer the Raptor stateside. Also to note...No one should be blindly biased to just one Manufacturer. That ZR2 is a good looking truck whoo whee lol. They need to teach a thing or two to Ford about edgy strong front ends versus that round thing that Ford does to the Ranger.
@@ProjectAjaxas a current ranger owner I REALLY wish they had come out with the new Ranger before the maverick. Now every time I see videos or pictures of the new ranger all I see is that stupid maverick front end. If they had done it the other way around then I would be looking at the maverick and think it looked like a ranger. I agree, the Colorado is sharp!
6000 is better than the last gen. Not too long ago 6000 lbs was great for a mid size truck. There’s still a lot of every day things you can tow with a 6k lb rating.
I have had a 17 ZR2 since new, and have only really needed my front locker 3-4 times. I off-road regularly. Often I use it where I would have just used skinny pedal in the past. In slick unleveled terrain, that can be a big deal. I often go out with a buddy who has a canyon. He’s gotten it everywhere I went, just sometimes I make it look easier.
Andre use both feet. Put your foot on the brake bring the revs up a bit then use the brake to set your speed while climbing the rocks. If you take your foot off the gas then jump on the brake and roll back the G80 will unlock. That’s why you were spinning the tires so much. 2 Feet while in the rough stuff. It works great and gives you max control.
Hanging in with my '17 Titan as it reaches its last leg and ive been following you guys for years! Thanks for the videos yall do. It helps show real world use at their peak and to what it can really do. Stuck between the Trail Boss and Pro-4X.
You really can't go wrong with any trim of the new Gen 3 Colorados! So get what is best for you and your family situation. GM made amazing trucks. Thanks for showing me what my truck is capable of - this video and the Press Video of the ZR2s are great demonstrations of the capabilities of them. I wish I could bring my Desert Boss out to those trails - One day - I will!!! Y'all truly live in a fantastic part of the country!!! Keep the Videos coming!!!!
Also for Andre’s particular case. Is he really going rock crawling in his own truck very often? Probably only a few times. Mostly he’s going to be in company or press trucks. For the rest of us, how often are we going to be on a trail this extreme, probably never. It just seems like an extremely niche case where the ZR2 is worth it over the Z71 or TB.
Yeah I agree mostly as well, I seldom have to use my rear locker in my FX4 on 35s. It's nice to have for sure but 99% of the time I dont use the capability I have already. Now my SxS, I push that to the limit every time I ride it.
@@ProjectAjax In the summer I use my rear-locker about once a week, but rarely use 4WD. It's the opposite in winter. Maybe I'm also extrapolating from a somewhat less niche use-case, but I'd pay for those. It's all the cameras and extra skid plates that seem unnecessary to me.
@@jeffk464 A, are you really going to take your overlanding rig on a rock crawl? Even if you do, the ZR2 is worse because the weight capacities for all the stuff those people haul around is dramatically reduced relative to the Z71 or TB. B, I'm convinced that the only people that actually go overlanding are the people who make videos about it on RU-vid.
@@rightwingsafetysquad9872 I've always been into camping, backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing. I'm pretty sure, yes I'll do it, but you bring up a point if I was going to do crazy rock crawling I would get a Wrangler, not a pickup.
Just picked up my ZR2 three days ago, same color. Looks far better in person. If you are towing/hauling more often then the Trail Boss will be the better choice. That 1,700lbs difference is a lot. I'm planning on getting a Jon boat so towing won't be a problem. You can buy the rock sliders and always add a lift kit for better clearance.
The ZR2 has longer control arms. It isn't just a lift. Its more suspension travel. Which keeps all 4 wheels planted for longer. The vast majority of IFS lift kits do not provide additional suspension travel. Its only stuff the very expensive stuff (I'm talking kits that cost $10K+ in total) that actually increase suspension travel like the ZR2's configuration does over a Trail Boss. The same story for a Ranger Raptor... it has real deal longer control arms. And that's why the ZR2 and Raptor have 10" of front suspension travel. Compare that to the Tacoma TRD Pro. The TRD Pro does not have extended control arms and therefore it only has about 8.5" of suspension.
Time to trade for the ZR2. That G80, lack of cameras and cruise control on yours are some pretty solid reasons to do it. Sounds like it would still work for your family trips and towing.
Thats insane optioning out cruise control in 2024. I think Chevy has made some really poor packaging choices here. At this point the upcoming Ranger and Tacoma are fer better options
You do seem to get a lot of goodies for the extra $11,000 . Plus you get almost 33" tires instead of 31" I think its worth it, but depends on someones budget.
@@j.martin4476 I'm glad to have more options, it lowers the price across the board. Frankly I like all three, wish the Nissan pro 4X came with 33" to make it more competitive. Ranger Raptor comes with a front locker and the tacoma is going to have push button dis-connectable front sway bar. Both of these are pretty big deals.
The Trail Boss is as much truck or more than most people will ever need considering most truck owners don't do any truck things in their truck. I've now seen the new Colorado in just about every color and this truck is gorgeous in all of them. Looks wise Chevy hit a home run. Mechanical is TBT.
The trail boss does everything I need it to at an affordable price, that's why I put a deposit down on a ZR2 arriving in a few weeks. If I spec out a vehicle exactly how I like it, I know that I will get attached and keep it for a very long time. Comparing the TB, Z71 and ZR2 I could already tell that if I got anything but the ZR2 I would want to start doing modifications to it, at which point I'd have spent more than the ZR2 cost to begin with. Also after maintaining a high mileage Jeep for the last 3 years I'm very much looking forward to having a vehicle completly under warranty again. With how expensive new vehicles are to start with these days, I decided the little bit extra spent was worth it spread over the 10+ years I expect to keep this truck!
This is what got me to get the ZR2 over the TB/Z71. After specking out add-ons and planned upgrades later, the prices would be roughly the same, if not more than the ZR2. Now, with the ZR2, I won't really need to add anything.
Yeah, if you spec out a trail boss with the bigger tires, skid plates, H/O engine, a couple of the packages you’re at 42-43. That’s only like a 5k price difference, which isn’t enough to turn down multimatics, full lockers, skid plates, sliders, reinforced chassis, wheels/tires etc. zr2 is a great buy.
The 360 cameras were a must when I optioned my trail boss. Going bare bones was the mistake Andre made. The TB is awesome, it just needed to have a few of the options as standard. I think I paid 42.3 or so, but I got the 360 cams, parking sensors and adaptive cruise. Tossed on a set of rock sliders from a last gen zr2 for a couple hundred. I just need to good skid plate solution and I'm set. I'd love to have a zr2, but the price difference wasn't worth it to me. The better towing is great cause I actually work with my truck. The only thing I really wish I has was the lockers. The g80 works, but the zr2 lockers are so much better.
@Mark-ly4lq kinda surprisingly, Ive had 0 issues aside from android auto being flakey off and on, which is how most android auto vehicles I've dealt with have been. 7k miles and going strong
Your skid plate check.. reminded me of when TFL used to score ORI vehicles. What ever happened to that? I would say, it is possible that the areas on this vehicle that don't have skids might be beefier metal that might be just as strong as where the plates were. OR it is because GM wants something to be damaged if the driver is being to aggressive so they can get $ for repairs.
My wife and I had a 21 Colorado ZR2 and it was a great looking truck and definitely could get through the elements…Wanted to get the new 23 ZR2 but I couldn’t wait so we settled for a black Z71 23 Colorado and love all the features and creature comforts it has. Very fun truck to drive. Would have bought a red Trail Boss but it was missing too many features. Love the look of the Trail Boss but we are definitely happy with the Z71 package
The sad fact of affairs is that this truck is roughly the same size of a full size truck from about 30 years ago. The equipment and technology is waaaayyy more advanced too. As far as price is concerned, you have several factors to thank for that. Number one is inflation, next is dealership markup that seems too common these days and lastly, all the EPA regs that ultimately drives up the cost of vehicles in general to meet their insane CAFE standards.
Ordered my ZR2 (glacier blue) in April. Still don’t have it but supposedly it was built last week. I was under the impression that the ZR2 desert boss towed 6000 but the regular ZR2 towed a little more than that
This new gen looks so much better and more capable than the last gen. Now, here's to hoping we get a 400HP and/or hybrid engine option somewhere down the line.
I’ve been told as advice to never buy a first gen. Whil I do agree it looks more intimidating than the 22 There’s no question that the 22 Colorado’s including the ZR2 will outlast the 23 models.
If the rear locker is what you want, there are way better and cheaper options than a jeep in ‘23. 60k+ for a new rubicon???? Trying to be a G Wagon knock off. No.
@@pewpewtactical5288 I should have specified; I bought a left over 2022 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and it was discounted $5k so I paid $34k and it's loaded.
I have the Trail Boss and I have the skid plates, I have the camera and I added 17" wheels and 33 " tires with adaptive cruise control all for a lot less the ZR2.
Honestly, for almost everyone, the Trailboss will do just fine. Once you learn how to drive with the G80 it isn't bad. Having owned vehicles with both G80’s, electronic lockers, and air lockers, I can say from my experience and this is my opinion… Trail Boss is the more practical truck and is more utilitarian than the ZR2 (unless off-roading is your main purpose of the rig) To each their own, of course. Andre, you made the correct decision. Towing, hauling, upgrading the tune, and putting some rock sliders on your TB (probably find better built than factory for the same price)
I wouldn't upgrade to the Bison just for a few skid plates. The aftermarket will be able to provide some. ZR2 vs Ranger Raptor...wow! Sort of like TRX vs. Raptor R...epic!
Andre, yes, be humble, be honest. You goofed with the Trail Boss. Take the loss, put down the extra money, and get the ZR2. It will improve your quality of life, and it will be better for making videos. You're not getting any younger. Time to get what you really want. You've earned it.
Andre, you can get a front camera with a screen for not much money (a hundred bucks) and it will do the same thing you're wishing you had on your Trail Boss.
I love my 2020 zr2 colorado. Thing has handled everything I've thrown at it. Just need to work on giving it more ground clearance. Nice to see someone doing a review on a new one.
Sounds like your reasoning for not getting the ZR2 works for you due to the family activities you do with your family that are priority. So yeah you made the right decision. One question though... how tall are you? Because you look really cramp inside the truck! That was the first thing I noticed when you switched to the inside camera. I was like whoa that dude needs a full size truck!😜
@JQ3GT I believe he is 6’2”. It also depends on the proportion of legs to upper body. I am 6’ but has longer legs than average 6’ people. My legs belong to a 6’3” person so it can get cramped feeling quick.
The daily mpg heavily favors the TB. If I was buying a play truck only, the ZR2 would be the choice. For everyday life I’d spec out a moderate to fully loaded TB. Only thing that I’d look for aftermarket is an E locker, although I’ve learned to drive with the G80…. When it locks up, don’t let off the gas and let it unlock….
If the ZR2 just barely touched, can’t wait for the Bison review, gonna walk up and over the obstacles. TFL should get a Bison to compare to the upcoming Tacoma and Ranger Raptor to see what out of the box truck has what it takes.
I would be happy with the Trailboss. The thing about GM that puts me off is their nickel and dime approach that they have adopted. Rear lockers should be standard on an off road biased vehicle like the Trailboss line, not having cruise control as standard equipment (come on GM, that’s ridiculous) and having 4 wheel drive trucks without a 2 speed transfer case (also ridiculous).
Absolutely, map pocket is an extra which is the pocket behind the drivers seat talk about nickle and dime haha... When I clicked on it to add in the builder it pops up some BS about global supply chain issues for the map pocket really lol!!! another huge turn off as well!!!
Payload FTW... I was looking at a Ram 1500 Sport and a Laramie. The Laramie did have a few nicer features, and a longer bed. The payload was 600lbs (1700 vs 1100lbs) more in the sport, even with the shorter bed, so that's what I ended up getting.
Now that the Hi-output engine is standard, GM should make the upgrade free to those who got the mid-power engine. You were kind of screwed on that one. With the $11000 you saved you just have to get a rear locker and rock sliders and additional skid plates if you think you need them. The shocks may not be worth it to you. And you still would have lot of money left over if you wanted to go to fancy coil-overs anyway if you think you'd need that.
You should have gotten the 3.0 Diesel Trailboss full size especially if your towing your ski boat. We all know your Colorado is short term anyways prob 1-2 years for a nice write off.
For towing capabilities and payload, it sounds like you made the right choice. I am surprised it isn't more capable off-road with a name like Trail Boss. Having a rear locker would have made the difference.
Ultimately it comes down to how you're going to use it. Is it nice to have the lockers, rock sliders, extra cameras, etc.? Yes. But if you're only going to be using the lockers and off-road equipment 1% of the time, is it really worth the extra $11K? As Andre said, you lose towing and payload capacity. For him, maybe he's going to need that extra towing/payload much more often than lockers/cameras/rock sliders. Plus saving money is always a plus. It'd be really cool if GM could offer an optional rear electronic locker for the Trail Boss though. I think at $41K, that Trail Boss is a great deal. Hard to pass that one up. For me, I still think I would've went with the ZR2, as I don't need that extra towing capacity, I don't have extra people I'm hauling around, and I just like having the lockers and extra items. Everybody has different needs in their vehicle though. At well into the $50s though, that ZR2 is starting to encroach on full size truck territory.
@ 16:23 and @ 18:46, if you were driving the upcoming 2024 Bison model with the larger 35" tires and 12" of clearance you would have made that no problem and just about most other obstacles out there too. Great video, really highlights the capability differences between a Trail Boss model and even a normal ZR2. The biggest set back for me to commit to the new Bison is the mpg especially when compared to a 24 Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid, it's just more practical but clearly not as capable.
Andre there is always a more expensive truck that has more goodies. Did you plan on doing heavy off roading? If so then you can still custom your 23' Colorado Trail Boss to be much more off road capable, with upgraded shocks, bigger tires, bigger lift, more skid plates. And you can do this over time as money comes in compared to either writing one huge check, (more likely getting one huge loan), and then still adding on top of that with aftermarket stuff. My guess is you either one don't plan on doing extreme off roading, two or you want a mild off roader that you can daily drive and throw some kids in mildly comfortably, or 3 you can't afford/don't want to spend much more than $45K on a truck. I know because I can but I don't want to spend more than $45K on a truck.
48k is the starting msrp on the zr2 btw. Could have had it over your over priced trail boss for not much more and gotten way more features and standard features.
For most people, the ZR2 just doesn’t make sense. It’s like $10K more off the lot and it ends up being worth just as much as the Trail Boss after 60K miles. Most people will never use their Trail Boss or ZR2 in a serious off road setting. The G80 plus almost 10 inches of clearance is more than enough for basic to moderate trail use. If a locking diff cost even 1K more on the sticker, I doubt even 30% of buyers would option it. From a business standpoint, it doesn’t make sense to offer it and lose money from people paying a major premium for “real” off-road equipment. My biggest gripe with the Trail Boss is how weird its packages are. Having 360 cams and no cruise control is wild to me.
I think you could get everything you need to make the trail boss as capable as this truck and save a boatload of money over the $11,000. A 2" lift means it won't affect the on road performance that much. The camera setup is easier than you think and the side steps/skid plates. You're probably going to spend $3 to 5 K but you will have the extra height you need and all the capabilities of a far more expensive truck
Very good point. There will still be the pros and cons of the suspension. Which suspension fits his(or anyone's) needs best? One thing will still remain a Trail Boss pro for Andre's stated needs: towing and payload. IOW, the suspension.
@@SirNecro That is irrelevant. Each model's frame has different reinforcing and strengthening based in its function. Offroad trucks need reinforced frames for rigidity and strength, or they twist and buckle. Do you think the F150 base model frame has the same strength as the F150 Raptor?... No.. The Raptor frame is reinforced to handle the stress of offroad use and jumps... Same with the ZR2. You can watch videos where they show how they are reinforced. There is no reason to not know that, these days.
If I had that money and no problem of budget, I would have bought the ZR2, but of course, it's your decision. In my life I have had to do a lot of compromises, and sometimes I regretted for the choice I made. If you're happy with your track, then that was the right choice. Anyway, despite of the price, my favorite truck is the Ford Raptor R. Thanks for the video.
$17 000 can buy your own air lockers, on board compressor, rock sliders, skid plates and better shocks. You can do the upgrades when you want. I bet good Bilstein or Fox sbocks alone can be a huge upgrade. Having your own compressor will.allow you to air up/down as you wish.
Most people would harp about not having Cruise Control. But, I would be more upset with GM's stupid design decision to not include a physical Headlight Switch on these pickups...
Not a big deal. With the 2 ways to access, it's not an issue. The quick access is a touch touch process and quicker than the knob. And it doesn't force you to look down from the road. The overwhelming majority never needs to use the knob or chance the automatic setting. Breathe. It's OK.
Those rock sliders would have to come off the truck in the winter for sure, those would trap a lot of snow, ice and salt right up against the rockers. Other then that I would spend the extra on the ZR2 especially if I lived out there in CO. Here in MN we have almost nothing for fun trails
I tow a small camper and haul camping gear. I value the additional payload and tow capacity of the Trail Boss. The ZR2 is sweet, but the Trail Boss has plenty of off-road capability for me and more capacity in the areas I value and need. Oh, and the price difference! Trail Boss for me!!!
Good video, honest review! As always, it is the pros and cons vs what you actually need (written by one who owns a 21 Ridgeline). One of those trade offs being cost. The ZR2 is, of course, better off road, but at the cost of payload and towing. However, what about on road ride? Is one superior to the other for on road ride? Absorbing pot holes and rough roads?
@BillyBobTup The ZR2 Multimatic shocks are incredible. Best shocks I ever had. I had the previous gen ZR2 and no other shocks (factory or aftermarket) comes even close. Buttery smooth both on and off-road and doesn’t need any switch or change in settings. It does it’s adjustment on its own.
Trail Boss next year gets the bigger screen and same tune as the zr2. I would wait, but got lucky getting a ZR2 allocation at a smaller Chevy dealer. Should be here next month and can't wait.
@b1m3x8 Ya I test drove a regular AT4 and loved it. I figured if I bought that I would have bought new tires, spray on bed liner, 1 inch lift kit and skid plates. When I priced it out it would have cost more then a ZR2.
Oh cmon Andre...you dont need a ZR2. If you wanted one you would have bought one. Besides you have plenty of other vehicles to test and go offroad with. You dont actually need a ZR2 unless you plan on going off road on a regular basis or building an Overlanding rig which is a great base to start with from the factory. The Trail boss is perfect for what you bought it for...a family hauler, camping, towing, home improvement. Maybe add some running boards for the kids or some bed gadgets like tall yakima aero cross bars, tonneau cover, or bed extender and call it done. If i had a trail boss i would swap out the tires with 265/70/18, half inch narrower and taller than 275/65/18s.
Excellent example of the limitations of the G80 vs a real locker in a basically back-to-back test. Maybe when I get my ZR2 next year we can go wheeling. I'm a total noob at this, but it looks like a fun trail!
I was between this and a GT2 RSR, but I decided to go for the Nissan Altima because it comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen on the base model.
I would say for you, you did make a mistake not getting the ZR2. As much as you off-road you need the lockers and extra lift. The Trail Boss is way cool, I have one on order but I will mainly drive for work. Its a company work truck too so I don't need this one. $11k is not much more for what you are getting. You should trade it now. Heck you don't even have cruise control. LOL I got mine with as many options as they offered on it.
I now have owned two newer Colorados. A 21 wt box 4door and now 22 zr2. I do not and will not regret the zr2. We live inland socal so there's plenty of rec. We offroad and camp more then ever. I've already begun overlanding build. So no towing or payload worries. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
The biggest thing that woild prevent me from looking at the trail boss is the fact you cant option it with heated seats. Go to the GMC and the at4 (not at4x) can not only be optioned with heated seats but also ventilated.
Andre, great video. I love your shirt! I also love how your graphic artist paid homage to my friend, Shepard’s artwork (the hand and the shading) tell your artist that I’m sending a screenshot to Shepard and that he will love it too.
You bought one of the more affordable trims and could have bought the ZR2?.. It's like saying you just moved into a small starter home and forgot to include AC (cruise control, lol) and are now asking if you made a mistake not getting the gated mcmansion... What???
I think it’s closer than 20k difference they are marking the Colorados up now and especially a ZR2, I also payed 41k but I got cruise control, damped tail gate with stow in t gate, towing package, sprayed in liner, all weather f mats, 430# torque calibration
@TFLOffroad Andrev Smirnov Get the ZR2 and add skid plates. Problem solved. If I were buying a Colorado, I’d get the ZR2 with skid plates and without any other extras.
The tech package that added the Surround Vision and Cruise Control to the Trail Boss was a $950 option. A little pricey, but I really like it. I think the aftermarket is going to take off on these, I get a ton of comments on mine.
I have owned a 2023 Colorado Z71 for about a month. All options except for moonroof, and the sticker was $48k. Love the truck. I have the HO engine option.
I ordered a ZR2 way back in February thinking I could wait until it arrived. But a couple of months ago I found myself needing a truck and the dealer couldn't give me an idea how much longer I'd have to wait. So I ended up buying a Trail Boss they had in stock. It was about as loaded a Trail Boss as you could get, so the price difference was smaller than for you. And I did really like it. But then a month later the dealer called me and told me my ZR2 was in. I didn't think I would trade, but I went and drove the ZR2 and ended up trading after all. While I really liked my Trail Boss, I definitely prefer the ZR2. The two areas that for me I prefer the Trail Boss for though are the Trail Boss got better gas mileage, and it is easier to get in to the bed of the truck . The towing difference is not an issue for me at present, but may be in the future. And the payload between my two trucks is only about 100 pounds in favor of the ZR2. Which would go away if you add the rock sliders I'd think. Both are really good trucks though.
Andre you have a great truck, to each his own when choosing a truck...for the price you can upgrade your rear differential to a Y.G.A. DURA-GRIP this is a limited slip differential, wheels are locked together when driving in a straight line and will unlock when turning, my G80 went south, installed my own unit to save money...unit runs about 500 someone to install it around 300-500 so a huge upgrade for under 1000
Yeah get a bison for 10k more for 1.5 skid plates and bigger tires. Oh and don’t forget the stupid bed rail. The ZR2 is the best bang for the buck. I would have gotten one had they been more available. I probably still wouldn’t have been happy going from full-size Sierra to a smaller truck tho. Trail boss is a complete waste of money imo. All it is is a trim package not a capability package.
Hello Andre, once again a great video from you. Very well compared, everything important is discussed and presented in an entertaining way. The Trailboss is the right choice for you. The ZR2 (Bison) would be my dream truck. Warm greetings from Germany.
