Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Boss is the Truck We’ve Wanted

BOLD RIDE

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Posted by George Kennedy 

                               

 

Despite the fact that the mid-size pickup market has stagnated, and overseas markets taunt us with their sophisticated welterweight trucks, I hold out hope that the American mid-size truck market can be jump-started. And boy, trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Trail Boss are a sure-fire way to spark interest in mid-size American pickups.

 

We have a few hangups on the Colorado. In an effort to keep the price down, certain corners were cut, and the truck has a really uncomfortable seating position, not to mention the way the engine and transmission were tuned to pump up fuel economy numbers at the expense of meaningful acceleration. But taking one look at the Trail Boss, and our concerns wash away, and we’re left with an overwhelming desire to pack a tent, and hit the woods.

The Z71 Trail Boss starts with the Colorado extended cab Z71 Off-Road, arguably one of the most attractive configurations of the midsize Chevy pickup. From there, it adds a host of off-road inspired bits.

 

The black-finished 17-inched wheels are wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler DuraTec tires (thought I’d prefer a set of BF Goodrich All-Terrains), fender flares, and the best part—that fantastically 1980s-inspired nerf bar, complete with LED lights.

More trucks need that bar setup in the back, and it is the item that seals the deal with this truck. The package is available with the 3.6-liter V6, and new 2.8-liter diesel engine. It is also available with the smaller 2.5-liter gas engine…but why? Pricing for this option package has not been announced.