No, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Jeep Wrangler aren’t direct rivals, but they play in a similar segment. Consumers looking for off-road capability, but everyday drivability have few options, and the Jeep’s SUV and Chevy’s pickup come pretty close.
Now, Jeep has revealed the first images of the 2018 Wrangler in Unlimited and Rubicon trimmings and it will pose a serious challenge to the Colorado ZR2. Foremost, it will be more than capable and has a long-standing history of off-road prowess. It will also boast numerous updates such as a fold-down windshield and a power-sliding retractable top. Jeep will even offer a diesel engine in the near future.
The Colorado ZR2 soldiers on unchanged from its debut year, though we may see new Chevrolet Performance parts soon after the brand revealed the Colorado ZR2 Race Development Truck. If we do, it could take the Colorado ZR2 into more of a desert running sector, rather than maneuverable rock-crawler. The Wrangler is a go-to choice for slow and steady off-road outings and hardly emphasizes pre-running.
Eventually, Chevrolet will have a direct rival for the Colorado ZR2, however. Jeep isn’t shy about its forthcoming pickup truck, which may wear the “Scrambler” name, and Ford likely has plans for a Ranger Raptor as well. The Colorado reinvigorated the mid-size truck segment when it debuted, but its rivals will close in—especially on the off-road front.
Comments
As for more after market power, It has all ready started ! There is an article in the December issue of DieselPower Magazine . The system is from SDP company owner Scott Helpenstell , He pulled 260 hp and 503.62 LB-FT at the wheels on the standard factory connecting rods . I am not going to tell you anymore of the info. Y’all need to read the article !
This is apples to oranges.
One is a truck one is a Jeep. Yes they play in the same sand box but to to different buyers.
Jeep owners are Jeep owners because it is a Jeep thing
Colorado owners are truck owners
The real threat is the off road Ranger that is coming.
Note yes there is a Jeep truck coming but if you look at the history the Jeep truck have done ok but never as well as a full on truck. They have been compromised by their styling on the truck front but bless on the overhang on the Jerp front.
Repost this when the new Ford arrives.
How many times has the Jeep trucks come and gone on the market?
Chevrolet should have used Shock and Awe with a ZR2 5.3 liter V/8 @ SEMA. This would have really made the Ford guys shaking/wondering. It’s always a good thing to think out of the box. Just one mans opinion.
Opinion and reality are two different things.
While a great idea the reality is not likely.
The ZR2 is only about 10% of production as it is. The price can be at or near $50K with a Diesel already. Add a V8 that sells at low volume and it will not make money and what you spend would be better off making it a better truck for all models in the next refresh.
The Colorado is difficult to sell over $40K.
Now a Silverado ZR2 like truck would be cheaper to build more profitable and easier to make a business case on and we should have that one as it is already seen in development.
As it is the ZR is already 308 HP and 1,000 pounds less than the full size trucks. The coming Ranger may only be a Turbo 4 with just a shade more power that could be easily countered by the Camaro 3.6 as a bolt in option.
Ford is also reported to only be doing a Crew Short bed. No long bed and now extended cab.
Ford will have a nice truck from a half hearted effort.
I sorry on my top comment, I left out what vehicle i was referring to ! It is the Colorado with 2.8 diesel motor .
The Torque was a give away.