2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Priced at $44,200, the 2021 Colorado ZR2 comes in only one trim. There are two engine options to choose from, the 3.6L V6 gasoline and the turbocharged 2.8L I-4 diesel engine. For more towing needs and better highway efficiency, the diesel variant is the right engine option. Otherwise, the gasoline version will be sufficient. The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 comes loaded with powerful offroad tech such as off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and an electronically locking front and rear differential. On the inside, it gets heated power-adjustable seats, a heated steering wheel, and an 8-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

"The 2021 Chevy Colorado offers more choices than a down ballot vote." - The Car Connection

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the top trim in the Colorado lineup and comes with subtle design changes over its standard trims. This truck is offered in a single configuration and is priced at $44,200. The Chevy ZR2 builds on the one-trim lower Z71's equipment with a standard V6 engine, unique exterior styling, and a few features to help it conquer the off-road terrain that it rolls on. On the inside as well, this pick-up receives significant upgrades making it a practical car on the inside.

The ZR2 has all the features that the Colorado Crew Cab offers as standard. It adds on to that with an off-road suspension with Multi-matic DSSV Damping system and an electronically locking front and rear differential. For enthusiasts, however, there is also the Bison package shown above for a price of $5,750 that adds AEV badged wheels, skid plates, and AEV badging on the interior. 

The 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 delivers a fuel economy of 16 MPG in the city, 18 MPG on the highway, and 19 MPG combined. The fuel capacity stands at 21 gallons, which converts into a range of 336 city miles and 378 highway miles. The cost of ownership for the 2021 Colorado ZR2 for maintenance and fuel comes up to 0.22 dollars/mile over a period of five years with an average running of 15,000 miles per year.

Although the Canyon shares the same engine that powers the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, it somehow manages to deliver better fuel efficiency. The Ranger has the highest fuel economy at 23 mpg combined. The Tacoma offers the second-best fuel economy, and the Colorado is the least economical among the four.

"Those familiar with the front seats of full-size trucks will feel right at home in the Colorado." -Car and Driver 

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 interiors are dull, with cheaper quality materials used. A lot of hard plastics covered in a matte finish are found all-around. However, the cabin is spacious with enough space for four passengers to sit comfortably. The front seats and rear bench seat get leather upholstery. These are firm but have decent comfort. The additional upright backrest on the rear bench does not make the Colorado ZR2 a suitable car for long hours in the cabin.

Getting into the rear seats is troublesome due to the narrow opening rear doors. The driving position is high, allowing for better visibility and comfort. Adjustable seats and adjustable steering can help fit drivers of most shapes and sizes. Everything in the cabin is designed aesthetically, and the all-black treatment suits the practical interior. Single-zone climate control is offered in the ZR2, but a dual-zone would have been preferred. The steering wheel gets audio, phone, and cruise controls.

Cabin space is good on the Ford and the Toyota, but it's excellent on the GM twins. The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 features an 8” touchscreen infotainment system that looks fresh and is easy to use. The screen is of high quality, with quick responses to touch inputs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Apart from the standard USB charging, a wireless charging pad is available as well. The 2021 Chevy ZR2 also comes with Wi-Fi hotspot and a 4G LTE connection for better connectivity, and you can connect seven devices simultaneously.

For music, the Chevy features a 6-speaker system that is loud and works decently as well. There is also an optional Bose sound system, but the standard system is better. A navigation system comes as optional in the form of the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System W/Connected navigation for a cost of $995, which includes the Bose system also. The infotainment also supports voice recognition. Some interior features on the 2021 Colorado ZR2 are:

• Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
• Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
• Single Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Heated steering
• Heated front seats
• Bluetooth
• Vehicle diagnostics with Chevrolet Connected Access
• Voice recognition

"Updated bumpers freshen the aging 2021 Chevrolet Colorado." -The Car Connection

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2's exterior is elegant. It looks muscular from the outside, giving it immense road presence which also suits its off-road character. For 2021, this pickup truck gets a few changes to its front. The mesh grille is now wider, and also sits lower than the 2020 model. The rectangular projector headlamps (no LEDs even in 2021!) sit well with the overall boxy profile of the ZR2. Along with black bumpers and off-road rocker protection, this Chevy also gets red recovery hooks.

Along the side, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 features body-colored mirrors with straight and neat lines flowing all along the side. Bulging out wheel arches with thick 17-inch alloy wheels give this pick-up truck a rugged look.  At the rear, it gets new Chevrolet badging in the center and the vertical taillights. Dimensionally, the Colorado ZR2 is 212.7 inches long and weighs 4715 lbs. For a 5.1 feet long truck, this Chevy is easier to maneuver than most.

The Toyota Tacoma has the best ground clearance of the lot, otherwise, it's the Chevy that is the larger truck proportionally. The 2021 Chevy ZR2 also offers the Bison Package ($5,750) which adds AEV-designed 17-inch wheels, bumpers, skid plate, oil pan, and other features with the AEV badging on them. With all this added, the Colorado ZR2 looks modern and fresh. Here are some of the exterior features of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab:

• Redesigned front grille
• Power tailgate
• Changes to badge style 
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED DRLs
• All-season tires
• Raised suspension

"The 2021 Chevy Colorado neither withstands nor prevents crashes very well." -TheCarConnection

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 uses a traditional body-on-frame body structure and uses the GMT 31XX platform developed in-house by GM. This rigid steel body has given the 2021 Colorado ZR2 a safety rating of 4-stars overall from the NHTSA with 3-stars in the rollover test. The IIHS rates the Colorado ZR2 'Good' in most tests, but rates it 'Marginal' in the small overlap front passenger-side test with a 'Poor' rating for the headlamps.

In terms of available standard features, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab is equipped with the basic features seen on most cars such as traction control, airbags, stability control, etc. There are no standard or optional driver assistance features; which are available on the rival trucks at least as an optional extra. Available other safety features include:

• Post-Collision Safety System
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Teen driver
• Airbags
• Engine immobilizer
• Child seat anchors
• Lane Departure Warning 
• Forward Collision Warning 

2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab vs. 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Crew Cab

Being corporate cousins, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 share a lot of mechanical parts and interior functions. The differences lie in the way the two trucks handle. Despite both being off-road ready, the AT4 is the better choice as a road truck, whereas the ZR2 is the truck to off-road with. The AT4 is more of a Z71 than a ZR2. The Chevy's engine is more refined. However, the GMC is $4,000 cheaper. All in all, it comes down to brand preference.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab vs. 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat Crew Cab

Both these Detriot manufactures show their take on off-road trucks with the Colorado ZR2 and the Ford Ranger Lariat. The Chevy is more of an off-road-focused truck, whereas the Ranger offers a more versatile approach. The ZR2's engine is refined, and the cabin is spacious. The Ranger has better performance and better safety tech. The optional Tremor Off-Road package ($4,290) makes it all off-road-ready like the ZR2. Either way, the Ranger offers a better value-for-money proposition and will suit most buyers.

 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Crew Cab vs. 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab

American or Japanese? The Colorado ZR2 beats the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro with its appealing looks, better performance, and higher fuel efficiency. The Tacoma challenges the Colorado ZR2 at its own game with its serious off-roading arsenal in the form of electronic aids and mechanical functions. Between these two, the Tacoma is the better off-roader, whereas the Colorado ZR2 is the more practical choice. The Chevy is around $3,000 cheaper, but the Tacoma will woo most off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 delivers consistent performance with its 308 hp 3.6L engine. Excellent driving dynamics and easy maneuverability, practicality, usability, and spacious interiors work well for the Colorado ZR2. However, the quality levels and the safety tech offered still lags behind the competition. But with its unique value-for-money quotient of $44,200, the 2021 Chevy ZR2 can be the preferred choice for most buyers.