colorado z71 vs zr2

I would test drive both but would probably go with the ZR2. Read reviews from off road magazines!

Two points. First, be aware the substantial drop in payload in the ZR2 compared to the Z71, from 670kg to 500kg. Second, you don't get a lot of extra ground clearance. Chevy advertises that you get 5cm "lift" on the ZR2, but that doesn't mean 5cm extra ground clearance, due to the low-hanging shocks. You only get about 1.5cm extra clearance. Finally, the ZR2 has a higher centre of gravity.

If you just drive gravel it will be mostly irrelevant. Any trim will handle it just fine unless it is a trucking route or minimum maintenance which both tend to be significantly rougher. (Washboards on trucking route, washouts on minimum maintenance). For me I live on a farm and we regularly travel across fields and pastures so the ZR2 is best for me with the softer long stroke suspension to handle the off-road terrain aswell as the locking differentials front and rear. Haven't found a truck that pulls through such nasty mud as the ZR2 all locked up!