Redline Reviews gives the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison a positive 61/100 OctaneScore, praising it as an unexpected surprise with a lot to like in its package. The truck excels in performance with a potent 2.7L turbocharged engine delivering 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque across seven drive modes, and offers strong value with features like DSSV dampers and J-rebound control included standard (typically a $2,800 cost on competitors). However, significant drawbacks include poor fuel economy at just 15-17 mpg across city and highway, the lack of standard 360-camera functionality despite its $1,300 cost, and various quality-of-life frustrations like missing liftgate pop-open on the key fob and asymmetrical one-touch window controls. This truck is built for serious off-road enthusiasts willing to accept poor fuel economy and sacrifice some modern convenience features for aggressive styling and capable performance.

Auto Buyers Guide gave the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison an impressive 91/100 score, with strong enthusiasm for its off-road capabilities. The truck excels in design with steel front/rear bumpers, rock sliders, and boron steel skid plates for comprehensive protection, while its advanced driving tech—including terrain mode's auto-braking system that handles 20-degree descents without driver input and a useful front camera system—enhances capability in extreme conditions. The main trade-off is value, as the Bison package adds over $11,000 to an already $50,000 ZR2, and the truck sacrifices 500 pounds of towing capacity (5,500 lbs) compared to the regular ZR2. This vehicle is built for serious off-road enthusiasts who prioritize rugged protection, advanced terrain tech, and capability over maximum towing capacity and affordability.

Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado a positive 77/100 rating, praising it as a solid midsize truck option with strong value and technology features. The Colorado excels in cabin tech with an 11-inch infotainment screen featuring Google Maps integration and Apple CarPlay, plus best-in-class towing at 7,700 pounds—all at a lower price point than comparable GMC Canyons. However, the narrower bed design cannot accommodate standard 4x8 plywood sheets, fuel economy is only average for the segment, and surprisingly the Trail Boss trim uses incandescent rather than LED headlights despite its higher price. The Colorado is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking competitive performance and technology without premium pricing, though those prioritizing maximum cargo versatility should consider full-size alternatives.

Edmunds gave the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 a positive 60/100 score, praising its redesigned appearance, intuitive cabin technology with wireless Apple CarPlay and Google integration, and practical livability features like the damped tailgate and easy truck bed access. The Z71 trim delivers strong value with solid off-road capabilities, though the turbocharged 2.7L engine's braking distance of 136 feet falls short of stellar standards, and fuel economy remains stagnant at 21.5 mpg compared to the previous generation. Buyers seeking a better-looking mid-size truck with modern conveniences and off-road features should consider it, but those prioritizing fuel efficiency should look elsewhere.

Redline Reviews gives the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado TrailBoss a mixed rating of 58/100, praising its exceptional performance—the 2.7L turbocharged engine delivers 310 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, the best in the midsize truck class—and strong fuel economy at 17/21 MPG with 370 miles of range. The truck also impresses on livability with 10 inches of ground clearance, a crew cab with full-size doors, and a 1,600-pound payload capacity, plus modern tech including an 11-inch display with Android-based infotainment. However, cost-cutting measures undermine the experience: cheap halogen headlights instead of LED, unpainted fascia elements, and an interior dominated by hard plastic throughout that feels bargain-basement for a vehicle over $40,000, while the lower trim lacks keyless entry and adaptive cruise control. The Colorado TrailBoss is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize engine performance and practicality over cabin refinement and don't need full-size truck capability.

Doug DeMuro gave the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 a highly positive review with an OctaneScore of 88/100, praising it as "the coolest midsize truck on the market." The truck excels in performance with its 310-hp turbo engine, electronic locking differentials, and Multimatic suspension delivering nearly 11 inches of ground clearance, while its driving technology stands out with ten camera angles including an underbody camera for off-roading visibility and a tailgate that doubles as a cooler with an integrated ruler. The main caveat is value—at $60,000 for the Desert Boss trim, DeMuro notes the price is steep for a midsize truck and may tempt buyers toward used Raptors or Silverados, though the vehicle justifies the cost through serious off-road capability paired with daily-driving comfort. This truck is ideal for buyers who want a midsize off-roader that's genuinely capable in harsh terrain without sacrificing everyday practicality.

Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado TrailBoss an 80/100 rating, praising it as a well-rounded mid-size truck that excels in design, off-road capability, and value—with a class-leading towing capacity of 310 horsepower and 391 lb-feet of torque, an aggressive new front fascia, and off-road features like Baja terrain mode and air down capability, all priced competitively at just over $41,000. The truck's 11-inch Google Maps-integrated infotainment system is responsive and the spacious crew cab offers 45.2 inches of legroom, though fuel economy emerges as a significant weakness, dropping to just 11-13 mpg when towing a 4,000 lb load at highway speeds compared to a 19 mpg combined rating. This is the truck for buyers seeking a capable dual-purpose vehicle that balances towing, off-roading, and daily livability without the premium pricing of competitors like the Toyota Tacoma.