We’re still waiting on any signs that Chevrolet may have a full-size off-road pickup on the way. While we’d say the odds are good, noting the market’s love affair for pickups and anything off-road, nothing is official.
Meanwhile, Ford has applied a handful of updates to the 2019 F-150 Raptor, the automaker’s full-size off-road beast. Ford Authority reported last Thursday that new dampers, an automated trail crawling system and Recaro seats now grace the off-road pickup.
The dampers are the biggest news. Co-developed with FOX, the components are electronically adjustable and continuously adjust to the road condition in real time. The new dampers also still feature the same internal bypass technology as the ones they replace.
Off-roaders will also appreciate the trail crawling system. The system allows drivers to set a crawl speed while foregoing the pedals are steering while creeping through trails or up inclines. The technology also manages the engine and braking torque at each wheel. Don’t expect to go bajaing with the system, though; the trail crawling system will only work at speeds under 20 mph.
Over in Chevrolet’s corner, the 2018 Colorado ZR2 soldiers on as the brand’s off-road offering. Though, during driving impressions, we found the F-150 Raptor and Colorado ZR2 to be far apart in their goals. We’ll be waiting for a proper Silverado ZR2, Chevrolet.
Comments
Hopefully with the soon to be Ranger Raptor we at least see Chevy drop their new 2.7T into the Colorado ZR2 and tune it up to 350hp and 380lb-ft
I really like the F150 Raptor, but it is a tad bro-dozer. I believe there is a reason you can’t order a LTZ level Trail-Boss and we will see that in 2020.
There is one thing GM dominates the market in and that’s suspension and chasis dynamics. A Silverado ZR2 will be epic, while the Raptor as much as I like it is a hot mess
The Raptor is also huge. If the Colorado had more power it would be a force to reckon with.
A Colorado ZR2 with turbo v6, bigger tires and better ground clearance, will be amazing for GM.
Agreed 33″ tires would solve both. As for engine, I really think the new 2.7T would be the best choice if tuned up a bit. It was designed for trucks in mind, it’s not a car engine with turbos, which is what the two Cadillac twin turbo and EcoBoost engines are. The torque delivery from the 2.7 is solid and they can easily get a reliable 350hp 380-400lbft from it. And keep weight down.
Lets face it, GM is never making a raptor level silverado, and if they try to make a “offroad” silverado it’s probably going to be one of their causual pussy packs ( meaning its offroad packages are weak compared to the raptors, not in general, chevy makes awesome trail packages)
Also it seems like chevy is making the colorado the offroad star especially with that bison zr2 coming out.
Weird.
I’m still waiting on a Ford Ranger Raptor and a 200+ mile range Ford EV.