Comparing the Chevy Colorado Trail Boss and Z71

The first small trucks, primarily introduced in the 1970s, didn’t leave a big impression on pickup drivers at the time. They featured tight two-door cabs and tiny four-cylinder engines that often produced less than 100 horsepower. Plus, they were all made in Japan. Branded models like Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge were actually built by Isuzu, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, respectively. They gained a bit more acceptance when GM and Ford started producing their own American-designed and made models, but they were still often dismissed as “not a real truck.” 

Today, trucks like the Colorado are larger, have four-door cabs, and deliver significantly more power. In fact, the 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque in the models discussed in this blog far surpass the power available on any of the full-size Silverado models during the time of the early small trucks, including the 7.4-liter V8 that produced 230 hp and 385 lb-ft in 1990. They are clearly “real trucks” today, and McFarland Chevrolet compares two models in the middle of the Colorado lineup, the Trail Boss and the Z71. 

They both fall between the LT and ZR2. Both the Trail Boss and Z71 are equipped with the Turbo Max version of the 2.7-liter turbocharged engine that delivers the figures mentioned earlier. They both come with standard 4WD and feature a Crew Cab/short bed setup. They can tow up to 7,700 pounds, share the same Gross Combined Weight Rating of 13,250 pounds, and have similar payload capacities, with the Trail Boss at 1,570 pounds and the Z71 at 1,590 pounds.  

Where they differ is that the Trail Boss offers a bit more off-road capability, while the Z71 provides more standard creature comforts. For instance, the Trail Boss has a ground clearance of 9.5 inches compared to 8.9 inches for the Z71, resulting in approach, break-over, and departure angles of 30.5/21.0/22.4 degrees for the Trail Boss, versus 29.1/19.5/22.3 for the Z71. The Trail Boss is also equipped with an off-road-tuned suspension and has a broader stance.   

The Z71, while still not a slouch off the pavement, sacrifices some off-road capability for a few more refinements. From the exterior, there are body-color bumpers and a bit more brightwork up front and on the wheels. It lacks the Trail Boss’s fender cladding (for the wider track) but adds body-color door handles, a black B-pillar for a cleaner side window look, and LED lighting for both the daytime running lights and taillights, along with LED fog lights.  

Inside the Z71, you’ll find standard 8-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat, heated front seats, leatherette trim with contrast stitching on all seats, a telescoping steering wheel, remote start, and keyless entry and start. The vehicle also features an auto-dimming rearview mirror and wireless phone charging. Several of these options are available on the Trail Boss, but the Z71 additionally offers optional features not available on the Trail Boss, such as a power sunroof and Bose® premium audio system.   

The Z71’s greater overall content adds approximately $4,000 to the starting price. Additionally, you can obtain everything from both models and more by upgrading to the ZR2, although the price increase is nearly $ 10,000 from the Trail Boss, at $51,295.  

Aside from the Z71’s wireless phone charger, both models share the same infotainment technology, with the 11.3-inch center touchscreen operated by Google Built-in, which offers wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. They also provide the same safety features, including:  

• Automatic Emergency Braking  

• Forward Collision Alert 

• Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking 

• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning 

• Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailering 

• Rear Cross Traffic Braking 

These Colorado models have come a long way from the compact trucks of decades past. They are definitely “real trucks” and target truck buyers who have done their research and determined that these trucks meet their needs, and going bigger isn’t a worthwhile expense. 

McFarland Chevrolet currently has a wide selection of Colorado models in its inventory and invites you to discover how well these trucks meet your needs.