2022 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss vs. Colorado ZR2

The 2022 Chevy Colorado is bringing snow-capped holiday cheer this season, and many of our customers are eagerly awaiting the details on new additions and capabilities that solidified our favorite truck’s appeal! The new Trail Boss Package adds boosted capability to the already tried-and-true Colorado LT and Z71 trim levels, and GM Authority wanted to show everyone how the Trail Boss ranks against the ZR2 for towing and other necessary goods. 

The Trail Boss trim with towing bragging rights is the LT Crew Cab Short Box with the 3.6-liter LGZ V6, which maxes out at 1,536 lbs towing capacity. The Colorado ZR2 with the same configuration boasts a payload of 1,250 lbs, and the Bison model can pull 1,100 lbs. Don’t worry too much about how the Bison finished in the pecking order. It’s a hunter’s or fisherman’s dream truck and embodies the go-anywhere spirit that adventurers are looking for.

The Extended Cab Long Box body style with the LG V6 provides the largest payload numbers for the ZR2, maxing out at 1,350 lbs. The Duramax turbodiesel 2.8-Liter LWN I-4 engine boasts a 7,700-lb rating, while the Colorado ZR2’s maximum is 5,000 pounds in every configuration.

The Colorado Trail Boss sports an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. The Trail Boss gives you the ultimate mix of off-road capability and winning towing power. The ZR2’s Multimatic DSSV dampers make a sacrifice in the name of offering the viable allure of extreme off-road capability.

With a diverse selection of strong engines, amazing handling, and greatly-improved interior quality, the 2022 Trail Boss is the exciting model that Car and Driver called “compelling and consistently game-changing.” All trims now have restyled front ends, along with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Don’t forget to feast your eyes on the range-topping High Country model: it can be optioned with the game-changing technology and hands-free driving of Super Cruise, along with leather upholstery and incredibly eye-catching open-pore wood trim. 

Prepped for the Trail: Details of 2022 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss Released

The upcoming dealer-installed Trail Boss package for the 2022 Chevy Colorado equips you for journeys to the most exciting destinations: the ones furthest outside the city limits! You'll be crushing any obstacle in your path, courtesy of a 1-inch front leveling kit, front and mid-vehicle skid plates, black 17-inch aluminum wheels, black Colorado and Bow Tie emblems, and red front tow hooks.

Adding the Trail Boss package to a Z71-trim Colorado also brings Goodyear Duratrac tires and an automatic locking rear differential. The engine selections are top-notch for this capable and mid-sized segment, including the base 2.5-L gasoline I-4, 6L gasoline V-6, and 2.8-L Duramax I-4 diesel.

When it comes to trucks, there's tons to love about diesel. The 2022 Colorado will sport a 2.8-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and 6-speed automatic transmission. Cargo won't pose any problems during the haul with a max payload of 1,550 pounds and 7,700 pounds of towing ability. The deletion of the air dam allows Trail Boss buyers to get a glance of the package's added front and middle skid plates, and the transfer case guard on the Z71. 

A Trail Boss package was previously offered five years ago, but went on the back burner when the ZR2 hit the public. The current-model Colorado also comes equipped with a rearview camera and Teen Driver system as standard safety features, with the ability to select from lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and rear parking sensors. During NHTSA testing, the Colorado also earned an admirable 4-star safety rating overall. 

You'll love the perfect middle between the Z71 and ZR2 this package provides. Customer reviews are the best way to gauge how successful a release is, and one reviewer from Milwaukee claimed the 2021 Colorado“is a stronger-than-ever workhorse that rides as smooth and quiet as the best luxury cars available!”

Autoblog Offers up 2021 Chevy Colorado Preview + Entry-Level Trim Talk

It was back in October when the 2021 Chevy Colorado off-road ZR2 model saw its reveal, and everyone who had waited patiently got a glimpse of its aggressive front end a bit reminiscent of the Camaro SS. At that time many of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis were left wondering about the rest of the lineup, and what form and features to expect. Last week the staff on duty at Autoblog ran a feature that provided more information about the LT and Z71 trim levels.

As you can see here, these versions of the Colorado have front fascias that are a bit more restrained, but still more aggressive than the outgoing 2020 model. The grille is now larger with the lower section flaring outward, a bit reminiscent of what you see on the Chevy Blazer. The crossbar has a very distinguishable split in the middle, and the grille insert sports more detailed mesh. The bumper has more creases and detailing, and evokes a bit more of an off-road vibe than before. The center part of the air dam under the bumper now rises upward for a better approach angle, and the entire air dam is easier to remove, which is a big help for off-road activity.

 

Most of the rest of the truck looks like the outgoing Colorado, as this was a mid-cycle refresh instead of complete revamping. The tailgate has the Chevy logo stamped in the back as it appears on the new Chevy Silverado. Proud production of the model will begin at the end of this month at the factory in Missouri, and the fine details on pricing still have not been officially announced. Along with red tow hooks, the ZR2 and Z71 now gain a Sand Dune metallic paint color, and we'd have to agree that the ZR2 trim is really where the action-packed thrills and add-ons become a reality!

It includes exotic spool-valve shocks, electronic locking diffs on both axles, and one of the wilder front ends ever spotted on a modern truck. The crew cab has a bigger back seat and cool look and practicality of the bed-mounted spare-tire carrier. With the Trailering Equipment package, the base Colorado with the 4-cylinder engine can lug 3500 pounds, and we are all excited about the fact that Trailer-sway control- which applies the truck and trailer brakes if the system senses sway – now comes standard on all Colorados.

As far as tire offerings, there are the brand-new 17-inch x 8-inch Ultra Silver Metallic steel wheels, as well as the 17-inch x 8-inch Bright machined aluminum wheels. For the new model, the addition of the Chrome Appearance Package on LT models includes a chrome grille, outside heated power-adjustable, manual-folding mirrors with chrome caps, chrome door handles, chrome rear bumper, and chrome beltline molding.

2021 Chevy Colorado Billed By Kelley Blue Book as “Best in its Class for Towing, Accounts for Every Budget”

The staff on duty at Kelly Blue Book have always been known for clear, competent, and concise reviews on the latest of everything auto related. This past week they took on the test-drive duty for our prized 2021 Chevy Colorado and loved right off the bat how it is the most customizable of the midsize truck segment. They also gave it an exceedingly high level of praise for the refreshed exterior styling, and very comfortable ride and handling.

New features for this model year are a refreshed front fascia, revised badging, paint colors, and wheel options, and the availability of the Chrome Appearance package now on the LT trim. Here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis you can choose from the smaller 5-foot 2-inch bed, or the larger 6-ft 2-inch version. It comes in 2- and 4-wheel drive, and the KBB staff claims that the Colorado checks off more boxes than most when it comes to overall form and function. They were so impressed by the Colorado's overall capability that Kelley Blue Book named it the midsize Pickup Truck Best Buy of 2020.

 

It was a mix of being the visually most impressive and having the most options when it boils right down to the all-important engine choice. The diesel engine offers up the absolute best-in-class towing capacity for the Chevy brand, and you can configure the truck in more ways than any other in the genre, including stiff competitors such as the Jeep Gladiator, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger. While on the highway, the Kelley Blue Book test drive staff said that the steering feels surprisingly snug, and not like a typical truck. They simply did not experience the bounce and vibration that you usually can't avoid on the interstate with a vehicle capable of hauling and towing so much.

The 2.8-liter Duramax diesel is an exceptionally good choice for hauling a trailer and for buyers on the hunt for great mileage stats. The 2021 Chevy Colorado also continues to offer truck buyers the cream of the crop with serious off-road equipment, additional skid plates under the most valuable components, and very high-tech Multimatic shocks. The 2021 LT sees an upgraded Infotainment 3 system, and 8-inch touchscreen display. The ZR2 gets a new front fascia that looks more aggressive than ever while retaining the traditional frame and trademark rugged exterior.

We can relate to the sentiment the testing crew has here that rings true: “The ZR2 looks ready to go rock-crawling over the weekend and then get your properly to the office on Monday”. The team also praised the fact that every budget feels accounted for when it comes to this model: the base Work Truck trim is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine brandishing a 5,500-pound towing capacity on the rear-drive model. There is the option to add features such as a spray-in bedliner, fog lights, and cargo-bed storage rails, as well as a low-speed transfer case. Very helpful for long truck beds, Chevy offers rear-parking assist along with the rear-view camera, providing alerts for any foreign objects at the rear of the truck.

2020 ZR2 Bison Deemed as “Stevens Pass Snowfall Conqueror” by Herald-Net

Typical customers here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis have been just like customers across the rest of the nation: 100% crazy for trucks! The 2020 Colorado mid-size pickup is available in a variety of configurations, with choice of extended-cab or crew versions, 3 different bed lengths, 3 engine choices, and the Work Truck, LT, Z71, and ZR2 trim levels. The ZR2 is the quintessential off-road model, and the Bison version is equipped with several awesome assets that give it an edge for the most extreme of conditions.

Mary Lowry of Everett, Washington's Herald-Net publication test drove the ZR2 when her area of Snohomish County was experiencing heavy snow and took the truck to a forest service road near Stevens Pass to put its off-road chops to the test. She was driving the 4WD short-box crew cab model, also equipped with the 2.8-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine and standard six-speed automatic transmission. This proper and off-road-ready setup cranks out 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and boasts a hefty 7,700 lb towing ability.

The Bison performance special edition is the first time that Chevy has collaborated with Michigan-based AEV, which is widely known as the premier entity for off-road additions. The Bison model features a flow-through Chevy lettered grille bar, AEV front and rear bumper, fog lamps, wheel moldings, front and rear floor liners, embroidered headrests, AEV 17-inch wheels, boron steel skid plates for the fuel tank, rear differential, and transfer case. There's even an AEV air snorkel, that can supply filtered air to the engine when plowing through extreme dust.

Mary also highlighted the great comfort factor that she enjoyed by means of a six-way power driver seat, heated front seats with power lumbar adjustment, a rear folding bench seat, heated tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, wireless device charging, 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay capability, and OnStar services with available Wi-Fi. New for 2020 are key fob operated tailgate lock control and Tire Fill Alert, a real lifesaver during winter months when you don't want pressure to fluctuate dangerously.

Even with all of the extra additives on board to assure that the Bison is the ruler of all off-road domains, the highway ride was still surprisingly smooth, minus a bit of the instability and grippiness that Mary expected from the ZR2. “The fun begins when the pavement ends” when you're at the wheel of the Bison, and the skid plates and rock sliders are some of the most important components when it comes to the protection of the vital elements of the truck that are the first to suffer when pushed to the limit. We guarantee that pushing said limits has never been more fun, and any snow-covered pass standing in your way will be conquered with ease!

2021 Chevy Colorado's Refresh Billed as “Tough-Looking and Eager to Explore” by Motor Trend

As all of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis prepare for the fall season and think about the different kinds of terrain that can be conquered with an off-road-ready truck, our thoughts drift towards some of the best terrain ever portrayed on the big screen. One instant classic that crossed our minds during the discussion was “No Country for Old Men”. This was a movie that did a superb job of showing us the Texas and Arizona wilderness, where the cactus and red rock are plentiful and the need for durable skid plates is mammoth.

The folks on staff at Motor Trend took an up-close look in their weekly feature at the 2021 Chevy Colorado, immediately deeming it as tough-looking and bound to be wildly popular. The changes for the 2021 year have a heavy focus on appearance, and a more aggressive look makes the Colorado seem a bit more at home when situated next to bigger Chevy trucks. LT, WT, and Z71 trims see updated front fascia with new logos, layout, and skid plate. The first two are recipients of the Chevy bowtie badge finished in gold, while the off-road-oriented Z71 will be brandishing a black bowtie.

All 2021 Colorados will get a new tailgate featuring embossed Chevrolet lettering, similar to what is seen on the Silverado 1500 and Silverado 2500 HD. The top the line and trail-ready Colorado ZR2 sees and a wider and more open grille as well as skid plates and red tow hooks. It will see the same DSSV dampers from Multimatic that have been billed by many as “phenomenal” as well as the Dune Metallic beige exterior paint option.

There is a competition-ready version of the new Colorado built and on its way to take on the 2019 Laughlin Desert Classic, a world-renowned race that takes place in the sands of southern Nevada. This race consists of desert terrain combined with a short course atmosphere and provides the ultimate rhythm sections that are the biggest tests to the suspension one could fathom. It is a race that has truly reflected what a perpetual state of growth and killer marketing looks like and always provided plenty of dust kicked up, raw adventure, and extreme desert challenge.

Rally Editions and trim levels that provide an urban flair are well-accepted within the current truck climate but we have to admit that we have always had a weakness for off-road models, and the coming 2021 Colorado will be sure to be the favorite of hardcore sand-drift enthusiasts nationwide. We encourage you to check out locations to display your off-road truck's ability such as Persimmon Loup: with a few creek crossings and gnarly elevation factor, it consistently ranks as one of the best in the area!

2021 Chevy Colorado With Facelift Caught Off-Guard by GM Authority Photo Crew

During the dog days of Summer, GM Authority was the first to serve up the red-hot story that the Chevy Colorado was not due for a mid-cycle refresh. Instead, the 2021 model year will see an update to its front fascia, and you can see in the photos here as a prototype is caught testing in plain sight. Just as was expected, the front end is covered with a zebra-stripe and checkered camo, but it's easy to make out the changes to the nose.

The truck pictured in these shots appears to be of the Work Truck trim, sporting the optional 16-inch RS1 Ultra Silver Metallic Cast aluminum wheels. When stacked up against the current model, the biggest change appears to be the actual pattern of the black upper grille insert as well as a redesigned lower fascia, that now has a new cutout situated at the lower end of the bumper cover. After this facelift, an all-new Colorado and Canyon is set to arrive for the 2023 model year, riding on an updated version of the GM 31XX platform that resides underneath the current model.

This updated fascia is expected to land during the second half of the 2020 calendar year for the 2021 model year. Die-hard truck fans here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis have so many reasons to love the Colorado, the truck that undercuts the full-size a bit to be versatile and even off-road ready. As we were looking over other GM Authority news regarding our favorite line, we also came across this awesome video of the Colorado ZR2 Diesel taking on Utah's Little Moab. It is evident here just how the large amount of suspension travel that the ZR2 package helps out the Red-Hot truck in a pinch. It can carry on without any problems where others would be stuck dead in their tracks.

As we look at the current model and wait in anticipation for future Colorado variants to arrive to the lot, one of the other cool happenings over this last year was the new supercharger kit Lingenfelter announced for the ZR2. It offers a major power increase for the 3.6-Liter V6 LGZ engine, taking it from the stock 308 horsepower to 416 horsepower, courtesy of an Edelbrock supercharger hard at work. Hauling, towing, and taking care of all other duties on your to-do list is what trucks are best known for, and the Colorado has all the defined chops to quickly become your favorite!

Colorado ZR2's Off-Road Memphis Melee: Partnership with AEV Results in Pure Gold

Window Cliffs, Signal Point Trail, and the Montgomery Bell State Park North Trail are all spots that our customers at Chuck Hutton tell us are ideal for off-roading and hiking, and the Colorado ZR2 was already an awesome truck, but was just begging to be better. We knew that when Chevy finally took the liberty of collaborating with AEV, a vehicle that was now more off-road ready then ever before was going to roar to life. By being consistently tough and innovative, the Chevy namesake has gained more than a quarter of all midsize truck sales in just under four years of its marketplace existence. During years past, the Colorado line introduced an all-new V-6 gas engine with 8-speed transmission combo, as well as the ZR2 “segment of one” off-road model. To heftily protect the most important of undercarriage elements during the drive over jagged and rough terrain, the Bison now features five different skid plates that house the fuel tank, engine oil pan, transfer case, as well as front and rear locking differentials.

                                                                                                

Custom made by AEV, these plates are made up of very durable hot-stamped Boron steel. This is the main ingredient used in shielding the truck from various obstacles it can encounter during off-road jaunts. Offering a fully stocked suite of off-road equipment, the ability to maneuver like a truly midsize truck, and the driving range of a high-performing diesel engine, the ZR2 is on deck to provide excellent off-road capability in any scenario. Dampers patented by Multimatic DSSV as well as front and rear locking differentials are two other qualities that make this one of the best vehicles able to conquer the areas of Missouri that don't see much sedan traffic.

The experts at AEV have been closely following the Colorado since its blazing introduction, and full-on knew ahead of time that the first use of the hot-stamped Baron steel would be a groundbreaking truck model in many ways. Many drivers who already were singing praises about the Colorado will take to the rugged vibe and appearance that the front and rear bumpers on the ZR2 add, and there is a multitude of extra equipment here on deck to entice those with wanderlust. Cast-iron control arms and an Autotrac control case are two elements of the extra equipment that is integral in getting the ZR2 completely ready to rumble off-road, as well as the modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio, front and rear tracks widened by 3.5 inches, and a factory suspension that touts a two-inch lift over a Colorado Z71.

Getting off of frequently traveled roads in a truck is a bonding time with yourself that can't be one-upped: kicking up dirt and traveling on Memphis-area trails to get peace of mind will be a pastime that you are going to look forward to all week! The 2.8-L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and is capable of 186 horsepower, as well as 369 lb-ft of torque. There is also the option to choose a crew or extended cab configuration, and to purchase an available third-party accessory snorkel for the ZR2 Bison directly from AEV. It acts as the perfect tool to help with air filtration during the handling of the roughest of trails you may embark on, ultimately providing a higher level of performance. We hope that you find time to see us here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis soon, and check out the features and off-road domination of the brand new truck that Cnet called ideal for “just you and your pals, living off the grid for days or even weeks at a time.”