Chevy’s Colorado Z71 Crew Cab – ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

Chevy’s Colorado Z71 Crew Cab

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

My handful of loyal readers know I am more of a sports car than a pickup guy, so when I walk out to my driveway and think, “That’s a good-looking truck,” the thing must be downright comely.

After a week zipping around town and a weekend reconnoitering unpaved chunks of the Ouachita Mountains in Chevy’s nicely equipped 4WD Z71 crew cab ($46,080), it is easy to see why Colorado sales surged 35% in the second quarter and took a big bite out of the segment leader, the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma.

This year is shaping up to be historically significant. One reason is that it is the only time in history when Ford, GM, and Toyota all unveiled clean-sheet redesigns of midsize pickups. Colorado and its elegant twin, the GMC Canyon, were first to the showroom and picked up Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year honors.

That was in January. The Tacoma was unavailable, and strike-related shortages held up the 2024 Ford Ranger. Since then, major publications like Motor Trend, Car and Driver, and Edmunds have made side-by-side comparisons. None emerged a clear winner, though there is a consensus that the two GM trucks are the more livable daily drivers.

To be honest, most reviewers and Consumer Reports rank the Honda Ridgeline as head and shoulders above the rest of the midsize market, but it is not “trucky” enough for many Texas buyers, so we will just leave that notion on the driveway.

Yours truly will weigh in on the other three after evaluating the new Ranger and Tacoma in the next month or so. In the meantime, it is safe to say Blonde Bride and I found much to commend in the Colorado. Certainly, height-challenged Blue-eyed Beauty did not appreciate a lack of running boards on a lifted off-roader, but we both appreciated the truck’s cabin comfort and above-average ride and handling.

The Colorado impressed when it negotiated poorly maintained roads without truck jitteriness and delivered better than 20 mpg in combined, heavy-footed driving. The Colorado is a solid value proposition considering that a similarly equipped and capable full-size pickup would easily cost $20,000 more.

It strikes a compelling balance between rugged capability and everyday comfort. Let us dissect its appeal across various buyer profiles:

• Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Z71 boasts a standard 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine churning out 237 horsepower (310 horsepower on higher trims) and 258 lb-ft of torque. This, coupled with a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, tackles challenging terrain with aplomb. The AWD seamlessly distributes power between axles, enhancing traction on loose surfaces. Additionally, the Z71 features an off-road suspension with increased ground clearance and skid plates for additional protection.
• Comfort Seekers: The Crew Cab configuration offers ample legroom and headroom for five adults, ensuring a pleasant journey for the whole crew. The cabin boasts a surprisingly quiet ride, thanks partly to generous acoustic insulation. While some reviewers on Edmunds.com found the seats lacking in plushness, others on Car and Driver praised the overall comfort.
• Performance-oriented Drivers: The turbocharged engine delivers a satisfying punch, particularly in the higher-output variants. While not a powerhouse, it provides enough muscle for spirited highway cruising and confident towing (up to 7,700 lbs.). Motor Trend reviewers lauded the responsive powertrain, while Edmunds acknowledged the capable handling for a body-on-frame truck.
• Practical Users: The Colorado Z71 Crew Cab offers a 61.2-inch bed, providing ample space for hauling gear for weekend getaways or DIY projects. The versatile truck can seamlessly transition from hauling camping equipment for a family adventure to accommodating a week’s worth of groceries.
• Value Seekers: Starting at around $38,000, the Z71 offers a competitive price compared to rivals like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road ($40,000) and the Ford Ranger XLT ($36,000). However, base Colorado trims, which start around $31,000 and come with lower horsepower, may not appeal to performance-oriented buyers.

Cabin, Cargo, and Safety

The interior design is functional and straightforward, with user-friendly controls and available features like a large touchscreen infotainment system. Material quality is decent on higher trims, but some reviewers on Consumer Reports felt it could be more upscale.

The predicted reliability is good, according to CR, with minimal known maintenance issues. Chevrolet offers a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Safety

The Z71 comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it does not have lane-keeping assist, something both its competitors perform exceptionally well.

Higher trims offer additional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet released official safety ratings for the 2024 Colorado, but past models received good scores.

Review Aggregates:

• Edmunds.com praises the responsive power train and comfortable on-road manners but notes the lack of a diesel engine option.
• Car and Driver: Highlights Colorado’s off-road capability and vastly improved interior compared to the previous generation.
• Motor Trend: Commends the truck’s handling and powertrain but suggests rivals offer more upscale interiors.
• Consumer Reports: Awaits official safety ratings but predicts good reliability based on past models.

Bottom line

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Crew Cab is a compelling option for various buyers. Its blend of off-road prowess, comfortable cabin, and competitive pricing make it a strong contender in the midsize truck segment.

While a handful of materials might feel less premium, and the base engine may not inspire performance enthusiasts, the complete package offers a capable and well-rounded truck for the adventurous soul.

And it is good-looking, to boot. And that, of course, is a cowboy boot.