Many trucks that exist as diehard legends have brandished likenesses to some very amazing stories during their journeys. The Car and Driver crew took a good look at a historic event in a recent article about a miner in California who began digging a tunnel through a mountain in California’s unforgiving Mojave Desert. The time was 1902, and primitive elements made this an incredibly difficult task. It took him three long decades to complete the job, and his tunnel then appeared on a ledge just above the very scenic valley.
It is possible to embark down a dirt road to view this incredibly dedicated individual’s work, but it happens to be a treacherous journey full of silt and small obstacles. These conditions make all of us here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse realize that trucks such as the Chevy Colorado ZR2 are the ultimate weapon when it comes to navigating what initially appears as an area that cannot be conquered. Much like the mules that assisted this gritty icon during the job, the Colorado is very stubborn, sure-footed, and capable of weathering any storm. The 2023 model grew in wheelbase, ground clearance, and width dimensions, and the powertrain lineup became a bit more simplified.
Beginning to get situated with its existence in the mid-size category, each Colorado version now comes with a turbocharged 2.7 liter inline 4 cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The high-output version cranks out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, boasting enough power to tow around 6000 pounds and zip to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds. This is hands-down the best and most versatile off-road tackling beast in the industry, with a 3-inch lift and Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers aiding its ability to powerfully rule the wild.
Larger 33-inch tires on 17-inch wheels are a heavily armed antidote for the very rough stuff, and a completely redesigned front fascia works wonders on mastering the many challenges that are common with demanding terrain. Drive modes have made quicker responses and better performances much more accessible, and the ZR2’s “Baja” variety reigns as the true boss of holding gears longer while making for an easier slide. Inside these along with the locking front and rear differentials are simple to find, while the heated and ventilated front seats can offer segment-leading comfort even during the most inclement of conditions.
Motor Trend was thrilled immediately after they began their test drive of the ZR2, as it embodied “part racer and part shockingly refined commuter” without a hitch. We must agree that this is a vehicle that always remains unfazed no matter what is thrown at it, and for the fact that this truck stays incredibly true to its laurels and doesn’t drastically alter an already-superb recipe. Skid plates are a necessary element that can confidently protect all things good regarding the underside, and the ZR2 boasts the beefiest in existence. The Baja mode scored high points here as well, with its focused reduction of the electronic stability control intervention and its tendency to hold lower gears at a high rev point.
The masters of everything rugged at AEV outfitters lent their expert hands during the creation of the Bison Package, which adds unique wheels, even more durable Boron steel skid plates, stamped steel bumpers, and hydraulic bump stops to the package. The crew cab with a 6-foot 2-inch bed and 131.0-inch wheelbase produces many suspension configurations, and a 3.42:1 axle gear ratio assists with outright mastery of the challenging crawl.
