Feedback on 2024/25 Colorado ZR2

[Tahoe1305]

My 26 year old Tahoes life is coming to an end around the 300k mile mark. That coupled with a retirement and possibly a mid life crisis I want my first ever new vehicle.

I’m a bit of a mess on what I want. But the only steadfast rule is equal off road capability and gas mileage of my 2000 Tahoe (it’s got a 2” lift and 33” tires and has never failed me off road).

So I’m on the wait list for a GX550 overtrail expecting about 9 months left. But the more I research the more I question that. It’s going to run $72k minimum.

I test drove the new Tacoma and liked it. We looked at the new Tundra and appreciated the rear seat. The 4Runners are selling above MSRP still and not sure I want to mess with the cost and wait there. I’m biased towards Toyota a bit for reliability…..but coming from a 26 year old Chevy weighs on my mind a bit too given they aren’t built like they used to be.

We drove a Colorado ZR2 this weekend. And I think it’s our favorite thus far. Back a tad bigger than Tacoma, and looks sporty. Everything I read it appears to be an off road beast.

I keep cars around ideally, and given that this will potentially be my kids car in a decade (thus ruling out a ranger raptor and a few other reasons). I plan to keep the Tahoe as well, but not as my daily driver. I’ve never owned a truck and my buddies say I need to try one…this may be my chance.

I live in CO and find myself in snow, and off road more than average I’d say. A few days a month as a good estimate.

Any direct feedback from owners of the latest generation Colorado ZR2 or recent generations? Open to the Tacoma/toyota discussion as well. Not super worried about the $5-10k in depreciation it may hold (ZR2s actually seem to do better than most chevys locally btw).

Thanks.

 

[HuntInWild88]

Idk about the Colorado. But I have a 2024 1500 with the 3.0 Zr2 Bison edition and love it!! The Zr2 handles much better than just the standard suspension.

 

[WRO]

They are nice new, but don’t age well.

 

[Hondo64d]

My 26 year old Tahoes life is coming to an end around the 300k mile mark. That coupled with a retirement and possibly a mid life crisis I want my first ever new vehicle.

I’m a bit of a mess on what I want. But the only steadfast rule is equal off road capability and gas mileage of my 2000 Tahoe (it’s got a 2” lift and 33” tires and has never failed me off road).

So I’m on the wait list for a GX550 overtrail expecting about 9 months left. But the more I research the more I question that. It’s going to run $72k minimum.

I test drove the new Tacoma and liked it. We looked at the new Tundra and appreciated the rear seat. The 4Runners are selling above MSRP still and not sure I want to mess with the cost and wait there. I’m biased towards Toyota a bit for reliability…..but coming from a 26 year old Chevy weighs on my mind a bit too given they aren’t built like they used to be.

We drove a Colorado ZR2 this weekend. And I think it’s our favorite thus far. Back a tad bigger than Tacoma, and looks sporty. Everything I read it appears to be an off road beast.

I keep cars around ideally, and given that this will potentially be my kids car in a decade (thus ruling out a ranger raptor and a few other reasons). I plan to keep the Tahoe as well, but not as my daily driver. I’ve never owned a truck and my buddies say I need to try one…this may be my chance.

I live in CO and find myself in snow, and off road more than average I’d say. A few days a month as a good estimate.

Any direct feedback from owners of the latest generation Colorado ZR2 or recent generations? Open to the Tacoma/toyota discussion as well. Not super worried about the $5-10k in depreciation it may hold (ZR2s actually seem to do better than most chevys locally btw).

Thanks.

My son bought a ZR2 and it seems to be a great truck, but my wife bought a Ranger Raptor and it is simply amazing…

John

 

[CorbLand]

Its been a couple years since I did research on smaller pickups but the Colorados big know issue was mainly with the transmission. I dont know if they got it fixed or not.

 

[180ls1]

I’ve never owned a truck and my buddies say I need to try one…this may be my chance.

I don't think a mid size truck will be that much more handy than a full size SUV.

I love my GX by the way. Best vehicle I've ever owned albeit 22 years old now.

 

[CHSD]

I know 2 guys that bought them brand new. Both had problems with the computers in them. One guy had it sitting at the dealer for 2 months after he drove it a month. Other guy had it there for 3 weeks.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I know 2 guys that bought them brand new. Both had problems with the computers in them. One guy had it sitting at the dealer for 2 months after he drove it a month. Other guy had it there for 3 weeks.

I read about the tech issues. Seems like less in 2025. Do you know if they were last years models or current? Thx.

 

[CHSD]

I read about the tech issues. Seems like less in 2025. Do you know if they were last years models or current? Thx.

I believe both had the 2024.

 

[resident vs nonresident]

I picked up 2024 Trail Boss (so your ZR2 will be that much more capable) right before hunting season (I’m also in CO) and I was blown away how well it did off road, engine is a beast. Few minor shortfall in features I wish I had will be in your ZR2 so that’s non issue for you.
only thing I wish it did better in is MPG (pretty poor averaging 19mpg but I’m also heavy footed )
I was between Tacoma and Colorado. Similarly spec’s price diff was only about $5k. But there are discounts to be had on Colorado that aren’t on Tacomas. When comparing OTD price it was nearly $10K diff so I got Colorado
Adding: originally I didn’t think I’d want Tech package but it just ended up being on this truck and wow 360* degree camera views are awesome and I was glad to have had them on some super tight roads during 2nd rifle hunt. This spot had a 5-6mile stretch that took 1hr to cover

 

[Tahoe1305]

I picked up 2024 Trail Boss (so your ZR2 will be that much more capable) right before hunting season (I’m also in CO) and I was blown away how well it did off road, engine is a beast. Few minor shortfall in features I wish I had will be in your ZR2 so that’s non issue for you.
only thing I wish it did better in is MPG (pretty poor averaging 19mpg but I’m also heavy footed )
I was between Tacoma and Colorado. Similarly spec’s price diff was only about $5k. But there are discounts to be had on Colorado that aren’t on Tacomas. When comparing OTD price it was nearly $10K diff so I got Colorado

Yeah from trail boss to TRD off road for sure. Will be very close I think to same price of $50k on ZR2 and TRD off road. That said the front locker, auto 4wd, a smidge more rear seat room, 33” tires, and modest off road protection are winning me over on the Chevy.

If I can manage 19mpg with it I’ll be happy!

 

[resident vs nonresident]

Yeah from trail boss to TRD off road for sure. Will be very close I think to same price of $50k on ZR2 and TRD off road. That said the front locker, auto 4wd, a smidge more rear seat room, 33” tires, and modest off road protection are winning me over on the Chevy.

If I can manage 19mpg with it I’ll be happy!

Exactly I was comparing TRD offroad vs TrailBoss. And for TrdOffroad price u can get ZR2. It was more capability than I need or wanted to spend on dedicated hunting rig so stuck with Trail Boss
I went out of state to get my deal
If u decide on Colorado PM I can tell you about my deal in more details

 

[Tahoe1305]

Exactly I was comparing TRD offroad vs TrailBoss. And for TrdOffroad price u can get ZR2. It was more capability than I need or wanted to spend on dedicated hunting rig so stuck with Trail Boss
I went out of state to get my deal
If u decide on Colorado PM I can tell you about my deal in more details

That’s awesome. There’s a used 2023 trail boss locally with 20k for $39k….its tempting.

 

[chemist]

Probably will be an unpopular opinion but buy a car instead of a truck and keep the Tahoe for when you need the size and off-road capability.

You save a shit load on gas and maintenance costs, as well as purchase price, and they tend to be (in my opinion) are easier to drive.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Probably will be an unpopular opinion but buy a car instead of a truck and keep the Tahoe for when you need the size and off-road capability.

You save a shit load on gas and maintenance costs, as well as purchase price, and they tend to be (in my opinion) are easier to drive.

Yup fair. I’ve had some “island beaters” a few times in my life. I’m guessing I’ll pick one up too for a commuter. I definitely don’t need this rig, something I’m treating myself to. Trying to not go too crazy (with the GX550 30% more $$). I like getting back in the woods. The Tahoe is awesome, but I’ve locked a brake caliber up, somehow unthreaded an inner tie rod, and blown up a radiator in the last 24 months. I love it, but ain’t trying to get stuck out either!

 

[resident vs nonresident]

That’s awesome. There’s a used 2023 trail boss locally with 20k for $39k….its tempting.

I got fully loaded ‘24 (only things I didn’t get is the spray in bedliner and more aggressive AT tire option) for only few hundred more. ‘New. There are deals to be made out there if you’re not in a rush and willing to travel a little

 

[tony]

Been looking at these as well.
I think all these trucks have Transmisson issues. My 21 ranger has known issues as well. so far mine has been fine.