Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $54,580
Seating Capacity: 2 (2 in rear if legroom isn’t important)
Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; traction control system; a back up camera; LED daytime running lights; a stability control system; a rollover mitigation system; a trailer sway system; and a tire pressure monitoring system
Standard Equipment (ZR2 Bison): 17-inch wheels;4x4; locking tailgate; two-tier loading; tie-down locations in the bed; remote keyless entry system; remote vehicle start; embroidered headrests; a tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a single zone automated a/c system; a siding rear windows (manual); rear seat under seat storage; a folding rear bench seat; heated front seats; front and rear floor liners; heated steering wheel; built-in Wi-Fi; wireless smartphone charging; four USB data ports; an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system; a modified rear axle with 3.42 ratio; front and rear electric locking differential; cast iron control arms for exceptional strength; an aggressive design grille; a multi-matic dynamic suspension; suspension lifted 2-inches higher; fuel tank skid plates; transfer case skid plate; and a rear differential skid plate
Options On Test Vehicle: a Bose 7-speaker premium sound system and Duramax turbo diesel
Other Trim Levels:
W/T
LT
ZR2
ZR7
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM radio
Apple CarPlay & Android: Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.8-liter turbo, 4-cylinder/186-hp
Recommended Fuel: Diesel
Standard 4-Cylinder Fuel Mileage: 18-city/22-hwy
What’s New: A key fob operated tailgate lock control and a tire fill alert system are the all-new features available for the 2020 model year.
Why: Chevy's midsize Colorado is offered as a 4x2 or a 4x4 in a variety of trims: WT, LT, Z71 and ZR2. The brand's popular midsize truck is available in an extended cab and crew cab with either a short box or a long box. The truck is an alternative to the larger fullsize truck.
The Colorado can be powered by three engines: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder and a 2.8-liter turbo diesel.
For our review, we landed our hands on the ZR2 Bison Crew Cab trim. The souped-up, off road truck was outfitted with a quiet-sounding 2.8-liter Duramax turbo diesel. The diesel, which is the most fuel-efficient truck in the segment, wildly increases the maximum towing power of this Chevy from 7,000-lbs to 7,700-lbs, when compared to a 6-cylinder gasoline model.
Also the diesel’s torque is 369-lb, ft in comparison to 275-lb, ft when compared to the 6-cylinder gasoline. And the diesel engine in the Chevy tows more than its non General Motors rivals. We say non General Motors rivals being that GMC offers a version of this vehicle with the Canyon.
The ZR2 Bison is the first off-road partnership between AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) and Chevy. What distinguishes this truck is that the vehicle is designed with 17-inch wheels, front winch provisions and rear recovery points, stamped steel and rear bumpers and five hot-stamped Boron steel skid plates. Chevy claims this special edition midsize truck can conquer the most challenging trails. Being that we didn’t take the vehicle off-road, we weren’t able to put this vehicle through the test.
Moreover, Chevy’s popular midsize truck is available with an easy-to-use infotainment system, wireless charging and in-vehicle Wi-Fi system.
But: In the Crew Cab we reviewed, the cabin space was as snug as a fitted sweater. If you’re an adult or a growing teenager attempting to sit in the rear cabin with legs, either resort to the front row or possibly the bed.
The Duramax diesel adds $3,500 to the sticker price. With the ZR2 package, the combined gas mileage increased from a mere 17 MPG with the 6-cylinder gasoline model to only 19 combined MPG with the diesel model. According to the fueleconomy.gov, the total driving range on the ZR2 model is 399 on a full tank of diesel, whereas on the 6-cylinder gasoline model only garnered 357 miles on a full tank.
Moreover, don't expect such safety aids as a blind spot monitor and a lane change assist system. Those safety features managed to steer clear of this off roader.
Lastly, the pricing of the midsize trucks bump-up and in many cases exceeds the fullsize trucks. In some instances, buyers can opt for larger pre-owned trucks. In fact, a 6-cylinder model with the 4x4 ZR2 trim, the MSRP starts at $45,000. That type of pricing is steep and again bumps up against fullsize truck pricing.
Verdict: After the Japanese makes from Toyota and Nissan were the lone rangers in this segment for years, that is no more. In fact, the midsize truck segment has expanded, as the fullsize truck has become the new luxury flagship car, as more car-like features are added to trucks, pushing the prices close to six figures.
With that being the case, the midsize truck has served as a sweet spot and a bridging point for those who can’t and/or not willing to make the stretch to get into a fullsize truck. While the Bison is a specialized 4x4, most buyers in this segment aren’t buying trucks for that reason. Honda offers a lifestyle version of a truck. And Hyundai has plans on joining this segment in the very near future with their version of a non off-roading lifestyle truck, too.
Competition: Ford
Ranger; GMC Canyon; Toyota Tacoma; and Nissan Frontier
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