ZR2 for me. I duck hunt and we get into some gnarly ruts and mud. Need that front locker. I wish one could order just the AEV front bumper and winch without having to upgrade to the Bison pkg.
so i would probably have to go with the ZR2 i like both but the trail boss doesn't come with a few features i want like the heated and why can't they do the heated seats like they do in the full-size truck either the whole seat or just the back most of time i want the heat on my back seats. i test drove a GMC canyon AT4 and really liked that.
Ordered my ZR2 in November. Looking like its going to be a long wait. Guess it will give me more time to save my down payment. 😁😁. Definitely best looking truck in the Midsize truck segment.
The best thing about a truck is it's high off the ground with ground clearance that's the point of a truck if you don't want a truck then buy a car if you want to be close to the ground.
Trailboss needs an LT trim like in the half tons. I get LED head and fogs lamps. Heated steering wheel, heated seats ,. LED bed lights. A Trailboss Colorado 5k more would be great considering it tows more than thr ZR2
I really like the Colorado zr2. Trail boss, I have said it before, but I think it needs mentioning that being an off-road capable vehicle it should have both led headlights and fog lights with led lighting in bed. I think the company cheeped out on not having led headlights and not installing any fog lights.
I considered both (and the Taco) and went with the 2023 ZR2 and thoroughly enjoy it. Excellent fit/finish, NO issues. I grew up with GM V8s and I would choose the 2.7LI4T ANY day; this thing is a beast. With my winter tires (Bridgestone Blizzaks --the best!) I'm averaging >20mpg city. As for bed lighting, agree this should come w/ more, so had the dealer install LEDs in the bed. Would I spring for the BISON pkg? Probably not as the ZR2 is incredibly capable off road.
It will. I had the first gen Zr2 Colorado. The multimatic shocks were amazing for on road performance. Best shocks ever and I had various shocks in different brand trucks.
Hands down ZR2! Sorry but I was really shocked how cheap the Trail Boss felt, the steering wheel felt really bad and was no fun at all. I actually ordered the ZR2 :)
Tim, nice comparison and I also prefer the ZR2. Any thoughts on a video discussing the replacement cost of the multimatic suspension for ZR2s or others like for the Raptor? A quick search looked like possible replacement for multimatic at 75k miles for $5,500
How reliable is the powertrain on these trucks turning out to be? I need a truck around July Or August timeframe and I was thinking about a Taco, but am open to GM. I currently have a Ridgeline, and it hasn’t been troublefree.
I've only heard things, but the powertrain has been in the Silverado and some Cadillacs for about 5 years now and has been just fine. Time will tell when those vehicles hit 10+ years old, but it is overbuilt like a diesel so that likely means it can go awhile. By now you would be hearing the rumblings of issues of these engines similar to the shutter issue of the first gen 8 speed transmission that GM has.
Probably trail boss. Back and forth to work. Hunting and fishing. Driving in snow in winter. Would it work with 2 younger kids forward facing? How much you think that trail boss would be in a couple years used?
GM should have made two types of Colorados for the more volume sellers. Instead of the Z71, they should have made the RST and Trailboss. These should have had the same nice interiors, but the RST is the road going model and the Trailboss was the more affordable off road version. The Z71 package could have been an option for the RST. The problem with the Trailboss is the work truck interior with the sparce options. I am sure people would like to have a fully loaded out interior in a Trailboss but not have to pay ZR2 level pricing.
They need to make a trim above the Z71 that would combine the nicer appointments of that trim with the more off road kit of the Trailboss. Heck the Silverado has two versions of the Trailboss. Why can't the Colorado?
Historically, I have not been a Colorado/Canyon fan. Absolutely, love the style and function of the new generation! Still not sure if I would buy one (at of 2024). Is it reliable??? I am a camper (tow a small 2900 lb camper and haul camping gear). The Trailboss offers all the off-road capability that I need and has MORE payload than the ZR2. Thus, I would choose the TrailBoss. However, I would probably go Canyon Elevation carefully optioned for my needs/wants. Great video, as usual!
Is your hesitation based on experience? Just curious. I’ve had a ‘17 for 7 years and have been very pleased with it. I’ve been just as impressed with it as my wife’s Highlander. Been offroad plenty. Pull trailers regularly. It’s a champ. Wouldn’t hesitate to buy another.
@@jasonmoore6448 I have never owned any pickup truck other than learning to drive on a 1968 J10 Jeep Gladiator in the late 1970s and inheriting my sister’s 1967 Chevy C10 about 20 years ago. However, I want a pickup truck to support our camping habit. We tow a small camper and haul camping gear with our midsize SUV. I had a couple of buddies that owned older Chevy/GMC midsize pickup trucks. Neither were impressive, but that was years ago. I also value reliability. Historically, the GM twins are among the lowest rated trucks on the market, including the class action lawsuit on the previous gen 8 speed transmission. However, I absolutely love the look and function of the new GM twins. But, are they reliable? If so, I prefer it over any current midsize truck, but there are lots of good options. Thank you for sharing your experiences with your ‘17.
Here's the thing with these reviews and you're not alone. When you review a vehicle, state that this particular vehicle did not option something (eg. cargo bed light) not that it doesn't come with something. You can option a cargo bed led light with the Trail Boss. I see people show trucks and say eg. this truck doesn't come with a bedliner...yes it does, it just wasn't optioned!
The problem for me is i DON'T want dssv. Ive seen too many fail over the last 6 years or whatever thst the zr2 has been around..even on 30k mile pavement princess trucks. I want the lockers and nicer interior. But i dont want the headache of the dasv shocks. Id rather just have some bilsteina or fox shocks or something.
If money were no object, I’d have gotten a zr2 but at 25% more it was out of my budget and with none of the crazy financing options I didn’t want to take out a loan.
Hey Tim! I wish Chevy would have dropped the 5.3 or 6.2 V8 in the mid size Colorado. That would have been fun and sounded great too! The new 4 cylinder turbo only gets 16ish mpg. I would go Colorado ZR2 over the Trail Boss, but I’m not a fan of the engine. So, I would not purchase either.
The main thing wrong with the Trailboss is the halogen reflector headlights! GM needs to leave that old crap on the base model! It’s 2024, halogen headlights are nearly gone on cars and trucks now.
The Trailboss is a lifted LT. I would just spend money on it to improve it anyway. May as well put that money on a ZR2. It’s not that much more. The base Chevy Colorados interior is just an eyesore. A base ZR2 already get you so much more than a mid range equipped Trailboss.
Too bad they hang 32, 33, and on the Bison 35 inch tires and still run 3:43 economy gearing. 32s and 33s should be running 4:10s Bison with 35s should have 4:56s. This is a basic mod that off roaders do to their trucks before changing tire diameter. Or should do anyway. GM knows better they are just cheap.
What do I get for the extra money? Do I want those fancy dandy features, or do I want to save some money - keep it in the bank or buy aftermarket upgrades that I want for the same price? Personally, I don't care about heated seats and steering wheel, faux leather and stitching, dual zone climate in a small enclosed space, sun roof, etc. Those are nice, but meh in a truck. Do I really need it, or is it just flaunting status to people I don't care about. I do prefer the LED headlights, suspension option, and underbody skid plates, but are those really worth it to me to jump up a trim and spend thousands more? Or just go aftermarket.
Both of them are beautiful trucks; for my needs, I'd go ZR2. GM knocked it out of the park with these trucks!
ZR2 for me. I duck hunt and we get into some gnarly ruts and mud. Need that front locker. I wish one could order just the AEV front bumper and winch without having to upgrade to the Bison pkg.
I think you can --if not, you will have that option.
AEV, will have it at a later time for the other 4x4
I'd go TrailBoss. It's more work oriented and the shocks will be cheaper to replace.
so i would probably have to go with the ZR2 i like both but the trail boss doesn't come with a few features i want like the heated and why can't they do the heated seats like they do in the full-size truck either the whole seat or just the back most of time i want the heat on my back seats. i test drove a GMC canyon AT4 and really liked that.
Ordered my ZR2 in November. Looking like its going to be a long wait. Guess it will give me more time to save my down payment. 😁😁.
Definitely best looking truck in the Midsize truck segment.
I ordered my and got it delivered just before the UAW strike. I would buy the ZR2 again, and again, and again.
@@docholliday6285 I can't wait to get mine!! Ordered the Blue Glaciar Metallic color.
You're gonna love it. Got mine in Radiant Red tintcoat
I bought the blue 2023 ZR2. 🔥
Both look great, I personally prefer the trail boss, I’m to old to go off roading, Thanks for the review
I have a 23 ZR2 so i guess you know which one i would pick👍
How’s your gas mileage? Thanks!
@@ToddTaylorTexasIt's a truck. Thanks!
ZR2 of course. Having the front and rear locker, the nicer interior is worth it for me. Also, bed lights are an option.
I just ordered my zr2. I loved the trail boss but I wanted the extra features the zr2 had
I would go ZR2 but I bought a GMC Canyon AT4 and Maxed out the options. Very Happy with it.
I’m very much enjoying my ZR2. For creature comforts and lockers it’s a no brainer. Can’t wait to get a bed rack and roof top tent on it.
I love the ZR2 but I’d never use all its capabilities so I’d go trailboss
The best thing about a truck is it's high off the ground with ground clearance that's the point of a truck if you don't want a truck then buy a car if you want to be close to the ground.
Trailboss needs an LT trim like in the half tons. I get LED head and fogs lamps. Heated steering wheel, heated seats ,. LED bed lights.
A Trailboss Colorado 5k more would be great considering it tows more than thr ZR2
You pretty much could just get a Z71 and lift it 2 inches, and I think you would be happy, or there might be aGMC that hits the mark for you.
I really like the Colorado zr2. Trail boss, I have said it before, but I think it needs mentioning that being an off-road capable vehicle it should have both led headlights and fog lights with led lighting in bed. I think the company cheeped out on not having led headlights and not installing any fog lights.
The cost diff will have me going trail boss forever
I considered both (and the Taco) and went with the 2023 ZR2 and thoroughly enjoy it. Excellent fit/finish, NO issues. I grew up with GM V8s and I would choose the 2.7LI4T ANY day; this thing is a beast. With my winter tires (Bridgestone Blizzaks --the best!) I'm averaging >20mpg city. As for bed lighting, agree this should come w/ more, so had the dealer install LEDs in the bed. Would I spring for the BISON pkg? Probably not as the ZR2 is incredibly capable off road.
Will the zr2 ride better for the day to day commute...not many mountains in Ohio.
It will. I had the first gen Zr2 Colorado. The multimatic shocks were amazing for on road performance. Best shocks ever and I had various shocks in different brand trucks.
The real question is ZR2 or ranger Raptor?
ZR2 is cheaper so there’s that.
@@Kreegrrr Where do you get a $20k price difference?
ZR2
Thanks for pointing out the steering wheel
Hands down ZR2! Sorry but I was really shocked how cheap the Trail Boss felt, the steering wheel felt really bad and was no fun at all. I actually ordered the ZR2 :)
Think you missed an edit at the front, Tim :)
Yup, I’ll fix it.
Tim, nice comparison and I also prefer the ZR2. Any thoughts on a video discussing the replacement cost of the multimatic suspension for ZR2s or others like for the Raptor? A quick search looked like possible replacement for multimatic at 75k miles for $5,500
How reliable is the powertrain on these trucks turning out to be? I need a truck around July Or August timeframe and I was thinking about a Taco, but am open to GM. I currently have a Ridgeline, and it hasn’t been troublefree.
I've only heard things, but the powertrain has been in the Silverado and some Cadillacs for about 5 years now and has been just fine. Time will tell when those vehicles hit 10+ years old, but it is overbuilt like a diesel so that likely means it can go awhile.
By now you would be hearing the rumblings of issues of these engines similar to the shutter issue of the first gen 8 speed transmission that GM has.
Probably trail boss. Back and forth to work. Hunting and fishing. Driving in snow in winter. Would it work with 2 younger kids forward facing? How much you think that trail boss would be in a couple years used?
Trailboss for me!
I have a 2023 ZR2 and have a ZR2 Bison on order. Nice little truck but the 2023 has some bugs, that’s the reason why I wanted to upgrade.
No bugs to date in my 2023
I'm ordering a bison how long does it take
Tail boss
Why do I not see the Z71 reviewed? I'm looking for a midsized truck focusing on payload and towing over absolute off road capabilities.
It wasn’t there.
GM should have made two types of Colorados for the more volume sellers. Instead of the Z71, they should have made the RST and Trailboss. These should have had the same nice interiors, but the RST is the road going model and the Trailboss was the more affordable off road version. The Z71 package could have been an option for the RST.
The problem with the Trailboss is the work truck interior with the sparce options. I am sure people would like to have a fully loaded out interior in a Trailboss but not have to pay ZR2 level pricing.
ZR2 is my pick!
Trail Boss. Save the money to use for a few add ons or accessories.
ZR2 hands down...you're getting skimmped on the Trail Boss, regardless if it's 10k cheaper.
They need to make a trim above the Z71 that would combine the nicer appointments of that trim with the more off road kit of the Trailboss. Heck the Silverado has two versions of the Trailboss. Why can't the Colorado?
I'll take both -
Historically, I have not been a Colorado/Canyon fan. Absolutely, love the style and function of the new generation! Still not sure if I would buy one (at of 2024). Is it reliable??? I am a camper (tow a small 2900 lb camper and haul camping gear). The Trailboss offers all the off-road capability that I need and has MORE payload than the ZR2. Thus, I would choose the TrailBoss. However, I would probably go Canyon Elevation carefully optioned for my needs/wants. Great video, as usual!
Is your hesitation based on experience? Just curious. I’ve had a ‘17 for 7 years and have been very pleased with it. I’ve been just as impressed with it as my wife’s Highlander. Been offroad plenty. Pull trailers regularly. It’s a champ. Wouldn’t hesitate to buy another.
@@jasonmoore6448 I have never owned any pickup truck other than learning to drive on a 1968 J10 Jeep Gladiator in the late 1970s and inheriting my sister’s 1967 Chevy C10 about 20 years ago. However, I want a pickup truck to support our camping habit. We tow a small camper and haul camping gear with our midsize SUV. I had a couple of buddies that owned older Chevy/GMC midsize pickup trucks. Neither were impressive, but that was years ago. I also value reliability. Historically, the GM twins are among the lowest rated trucks on the market, including the class action lawsuit on the previous gen 8 speed transmission. However, I absolutely love the look and function of the new GM twins. But, are they reliable? If so, I prefer it over any current midsize truck, but there are lots of good options. Thank you for sharing your experiences with your ‘17.
Trailboss just because towing more and better payload.
You can get a zr2 for 48-51k decently optioned and with lockers unlike a a trailboss and you get fog lights and cruise control. 😂
AT4. has the lift, has luxury, but doesnt drop the tow rating. zr2 only if i was actually going to trail ride it.
Went trail boss and adding what i want.
I may go Colorado zr2 for me.
$10k buys a lot of gas. Easy decision.
Here's the thing with these reviews and you're not alone. When you review a vehicle, state that this particular vehicle did not option something (eg. cargo bed light) not that it doesn't come with something. You can option a cargo bed led light with the Trail Boss. I see people show trucks and say eg. this truck doesn't come with a bedliner...yes it does, it just wasn't optioned!
That’s impossible at an auto show.
The problem for me is i DON'T want dssv. Ive seen too many fail over the last 6 years or whatever thst the zr2 has been around..even on 30k mile pavement princess trucks. I want the lockers and nicer interior. But i dont want the headache of the dasv shocks. Id rather just have some bilsteina or fox shocks or something.
If money were no object, I’d have gotten a zr2 but at 25% more it was out of my budget and with none of the crazy financing options I didn’t want to take out a loan.
Hey Tim! I wish Chevy would have dropped the 5.3 or 6.2 V8 in the mid size Colorado. That would have been fun and sounded great too! The new 4 cylinder turbo only gets 16ish mpg. I would go Colorado ZR2 over the Trail Boss, but I’m not a fan of the engine. So, I would not purchase either.
I agree about having midsize trucks with a optional 8 cylinder engine. Dodge at it back in the 90s and 2000s and those flew off the lots.
Z71 for me, but I drive full size. 😂
The main thing wrong with the Trailboss is the halogen reflector headlights! GM needs to leave that old crap on the base model! It’s 2024, halogen headlights are nearly gone on cars and trucks now.
when you was in heavy rain ? You would say that
Picking up my ZR2 in about a month.
Pick it up yet?
The only way I would buy this truck is if it were the ZR2.
Zr2 all day
The Trailboss is a lifted LT. I would just spend money on it to improve it anyway. May as well put that money on a ZR2. It’s not that much more. The base Chevy Colorados interior is just an eyesore. A base ZR2 already get you so much more than a mid range equipped Trailboss.
My friend just got rid of his Colorado due to nonstop electrical issues. It was new style he had it 6 mos.
Too bad they hang 32, 33, and on the Bison 35 inch tires and still run 3:43 economy gearing.
32s and 33s should be running 4:10s
Bison with 35s should have 4:56s.
This is a basic mod that off roaders do to their trucks before changing tire diameter. Or should do anyway.
GM knows better they are just cheap.
What do I get for the extra money? Do I want those fancy dandy features, or do I want to save some money - keep it in the bank or buy aftermarket upgrades that I want for the same price?
Personally, I don't care about heated seats and steering wheel, faux leather and stitching, dual zone climate in a small enclosed space, sun roof, etc. Those are nice, but meh in a truck. Do I really need it, or is it just flaunting status to people I don't care about.
I do prefer the LED headlights, suspension option, and underbody skid plates, but are those really worth it to me to jump up a trim and spend thousands more? Or just go aftermarket.
The whole ZR2 dashes completely different. It’s all digital… ZR2 is the way to go!
Anyone that thinks the trailboss looks better then the zr2 has rocks in there head.
This is what you should've bought..
No step on the ZR2 bumper because of sensors.
ZR 2
Neither. I choose Canyon. Love my 2023.
Trail Boss
Test drove a zr2 on 2 lane high ways the passing power feels like a dog
Nothing like struggling to pass or be stuck behind a 45 mpr car for 10 miles
We use silverado full-size trucks at work with the same engine as the zr2. I think it's quick for a 4 banger
The ZR2, has a 110 outlet in the bed, Trail Boss does not,
Red truck looks like its been in a wreck with those creases in the sheetmetal
Wish someone would yell at chevy about the headlights in the infotainment display instead of just a switch to turn on
Yell at Chevy? The people at this booth didn't make that decision and, trust me, Chevy has heard a lot of criticism over it.
ZR2
Both nice but I would pick neither. I would go with the new Toyota Tacoma because it still comes with a long bed option.
Bison
Superficial analysis. Try actually going off-road before doing a video like this. Rock rails are not to prevent dings. 🤷♂️
I'd take 1/2 the value in cash for a dow payment on a real truck.
Zr2😂😂😂
Tacoma is the highest selling midsized truck in America. Outsells Colorado and Canyon 3 to 1. No one wants the twin S-10s. 😅