The 2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2 might just be the performance bargain of the decade. That may seem a little asinine to say when talking about a midsize truck with a starting price of $40,995, but here me out. The closest competition is the Tacoma TRD Pro, which starts at $42,960 with the automatic transmission. The Colorado is far better equipped as well thanks to class exclusive features like dual electronic-locking diffs and fancy Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVTM) dampers. It’s also the only truck in the segment with an available diesel engine.

When you start adding up the equipment on the ZR2 like the be-mounted spare tire, modified bumpers, cast-iron control arms, plethora of skid plates, wider track and modified gearing, the Colorado ZR2 steps out of it’s own league. This truck is not a competitor to Toyota’s TRD Pro, rather it’s equipped to challenge machines like the Ford Raptor and Ram Rebel. It may not carry the massive horsepower numbers of those trucks, but in most other respects, it is able to compete. The Raptor starts at $50k and the Ram Rebel starts at $45k. Even then, the Rebel doesn’t have the same level of off-road equipment.

For “normal” people, it should be noted that this particular Colorado comes standard with 4G LTE, 8-inch touchscreen stereo, tow package, heated front seats, and wireless phone charging.

So yes, $41,000 is a lot for a mid-size truck, but if you want to drive off the lot and straight up a mountain, the new 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is practically a bargain.

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