Off-Road Muscle Meets Family Utility In 2025 Models
About this episode
The episode dives into detailed reviews of the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the 2025 Kia Sorrento X-Pro SX Prestige. The Colorado ZR2 is highlighted for its off-road capabilities, featuring a robust design with functional styling elements, a powerful turbo engine, and advanced tech like a surround view camera. The Kia Sorrento impresses with its spacious three-row layout, luxurious interior, and strong performance from its turbo engine. Both vehicles cater to different needs, showcasing the blend of utility and modern features in today's market.
As we head to the end of the year, with new 2026 models out or on the way, many buyers are looking for end of year deals. We are doing a review of some of our reviews of popular models, just in case....
A trail tamer or a family hauler—what truly fits your life right now? We put two 2025 standouts under the microscope: Chevrolet’s Colorado ZR2, a factory-built off-road machine with real armor and beadlock-capable wheels, and Kia’s Sorento SX Prestige with the X Pro package, a smart three-row SUV tuned for comfort, tech, and daily ease. Along the way, we unpack the details that matter beyond the brochure: how the ZR2’s underbody camera and rocker protection change your confidence on rocky terrain, why the lifted suspension improves clearance but complicates step-in height, and how the TurboMax four-cylinder’s 430 pound-feet moves the truck even when it sounds busy.
Shift to the Sorento and the vibe changes. Dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays streamline navigation and driver info, while a digital rearview mirror widens your view in traffic. Heated and ventilated seats in both the front and second-row captain’s chairs elevate comfort, and rear door sunshades beat tint when you don’t want darkness at night. On the road, 17-inch wheels with taller sidewalls calm bumps and cut harshness in a way low-profile tires rarely can. With up to 4,500 pounds of towing in the 2.5-liter turbo AWD setup, the Sorento handles small trailers and weekend projects without drama, and city maneuverability stays stress-free.
We also get practical about numbers. The Colorado’s ZR2 pricing reflects serious hardware and a 7,700-pound tow rating when equipped, all in a package that still fits a standard garage. The Sorento’s value story spans from accessible base models to a feature-rich SX Prestige around the high $40Ks as tested, competing in a crowded segment with a flexible third row that doesn’t feel oversized. By the end, you’ll know whether your miles call for rock gardens and skid plates or a calm commute with room for kids and cargo.
If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s shopping, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Which one would you park in your garage and why? We’d love to hear your take.
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2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
"we're going to talk about the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 four-wheel drive crew cab. Now this is the Colorado..."
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a new version of a small pickup truck that is built for off-road driving. It has special features that help it handle rough trails and tough conditions.
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a variant of the Colorado pickup truck designed for off-road performance. It features enhancements for rugged terrain, making it suitable for adventurous driving.
third generation
"this is the part of the third generation that was introduced in 2023..."
The third generation means this is the latest version of the Chevrolet Colorado truck. Each new generation usually has improvements and new features compared to older models.
The third generation of the Chevrolet Colorado refers to the latest design and features introduced in 2023. Each generation typically brings significant updates in technology, design, and performance.
LED lighting
"the LED lighting with the headlamps and the fog lamps and that's all part of the common what you're going to find in most new vehicles..."
LED lighting is a type of car light that uses special tiny lights called diodes. They last longer and use less energy than regular lights, making them popular in new cars.
LED lighting refers to the use of light-emitting diodes in vehicle lighting systems, which are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional halogen bulbs. They provide better visibility and can enhance the vehicle's design.
skid plates
"it's got tow hooks skid plates in the front in the rear and for the gas tank..."
Skid plates are strong metal pieces that protect the bottom of a car from getting hurt when driving on rough surfaces like rocks or dirt.
Skid plates are protective plates installed on the underside of a vehicle to shield vital components from damage when driving over rough terrain. They are especially important for off-road vehicles.
tow hooks
"the front bumper is made for off-road work and got tow hooks skid plates..."
Tow hooks are strong hooks on a car that help pull it out if it gets stuck. They're important for off-road driving.
Tow hooks are strong metal hooks attached to a vehicle, designed to pull or be pulled by another vehicle. They are essential for off-road vehicles that may need assistance in difficult terrain.
rocker panel protection
"it's got rocker panel protection on it and it that by the way looks kind of like a step plate but it's not..."
Rocker panel protection is extra material on the sides of a car that keeps it safe from rocks and dirt when driving off-road.
Rocker panel protection refers to additional materials or structures added to the sides of a vehicle to prevent damage from rocks and debris during off-road driving. It helps maintain the vehicle's integrity and appearance.
power folding side mirrors
"now it does have heated power folding side mirrors to make things a little bit more pleasant..."
Power folding side mirrors are mirrors on the sides of a car that can fold in automatically with a button. This helps protect them when parking in tight spots.
Power folding side mirrors are mirrors that can be electronically folded in towards the vehicle, usually to prevent damage in tight spaces. This feature is convenient for parking and enhances the vehicle's aerodynamics.
beadlock capable wheels
"...runs on 17 inch wheels now these are beadlock capable wheels and part of this again is geared towards the off-road so you got more tire wall there to work with instead of having some of these little short run flats beadlock capable right..."
Beadlock capable wheels help keep tires securely attached to the wheel, especially when driving on rough terrain. They allow you to lower the air pressure in your tires for better grip without the risk of the tire coming off the wheel.
Beadlock capable wheels are designed to allow the tire to be locked onto the wheel rim, preventing it from coming off during extreme off-road conditions. This is particularly useful for off-road enthusiasts who need to run lower tire pressures for better traction without risking tire dismounts.
off-road
"...part of this again is geared towards the off-road so you got more tire wall there to work with instead of having some of these little short run flats..."
Off-road means driving on surfaces that aren't paved, like dirt or sand. Vehicles designed for off-road use can handle rough conditions better than regular cars.
Off-road refers to driving on unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, sand, or rocks, which often requires specialized vehicles and equipment to handle the challenging terrain.
infotainment system
"...now this is where you're going to find your nav your convenience controls your infotainment..."
An infotainment system is what you see on your car's screen that helps you with music, navigation, and connecting your phone.
An infotainment system is a combination of entertainment and information delivery systems in a vehicle, integrating features like navigation, audio, and connectivity with smartphones.
surround view camera system
"...it's also where you're going to find your surround view camera system now this again it's very much kind of becoming mainstream but in the off-road world that this vehicle is designed for..."
A surround view camera system uses several cameras around the car to show you everything around it. This helps you see better when parking or driving in tricky places, especially off-road.
A surround view camera system provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, using multiple cameras to eliminate blind spots and enhance parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. This technology is particularly useful in off-road situations where visibility is limited.
Android Auto
"...your infotainment your apple carplay android all those good things..."
Android Auto lets you connect your Android phone to your car, so you can use apps and get directions right on your car's screen.
Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google that allows Android users to connect their smartphones to their car's infotainment system, providing access to navigation, music, and other apps through the car's display.
Apple CarPlay
"...your infotainment your apple carplay android all those good things..."
Apple CarPlay lets you connect your iPhone to your car so you can use apps, get directions, and listen to music directly from your car's screen.
Apple CarPlay is a smart device integration system that allows iPhone users to connect their devices to their car's infotainment system, enabling access to apps, navigation, music, and more through the car's display.
2.7 liter turbo inline four-cylinder
"...we had a 2.7 liter turbo max inline four cylinder now this is 310 horsepower 430 pound feet of torque so it will move this vehicle..."
This is a type of engine that has four cylinders arranged in a line. It uses a turbocharger to boost power, which helps the vehicle go faster and tow heavier loads.
The 2.7 liter turbo inline four-cylinder is an engine configuration that combines a turbocharger with a four-cylinder engine, providing a balance of power and efficiency. In this case, it produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, making it suitable for various driving conditions.
tow rating
"...tow rating on this vehicle probably equipped at 7700 pounds the haul rating of 1685..."
This is the maximum weight that a vehicle can pull behind it, like a trailer. A higher number means the vehicle can tow heavier things.
Tow rating refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. In this case, the vehicle has a tow rating of 7,700 pounds, indicating its capability for hauling trailers or other heavy loads.
EPA fuel economy
"...EPA says in the city you should look for 16 miles to the gallon on the highway 16 and combined 16..."
This is a measure of how far a vehicle can go on a gallon of gas. The EPA gives these ratings to help you know how fuel-efficient a car is.
EPA fuel economy refers to the estimated miles per gallon (MPG) a vehicle can achieve, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency. This vehicle is rated for 16 MPG in the city and on the highway, which helps consumers understand its fuel efficiency.
lifted suspension
"that lifted suspension while it does make the off-roading world a lot better it also makes getting in and out of that vehicle a little bit tougher"
A lifted suspension means the vehicle is raised higher off the ground, which helps it drive better on rough roads and off-road.
A lifted suspension refers to an increase in the height of a vehicle's suspension system, allowing for greater ground clearance. This is often done to improve off-road capability.
MSRP
"the base trim price when you get up into that zr2 level is $49,600 so there's a pretty good size jump but there's several different trims in there that you can work with MSRP is tested for this vehicle $64,340"
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a vehicle. It's often used as a reference point when buying a car.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle. It's a starting point for negotiations when buying a car.
Toyota Tacomas
"if you're looking for something to compare it to the Toyota Tacomas"
The Toyota Tacoma is a type of truck that is good for driving off-road and is known for being tough and reliable. Many people use it for work and outdoor activities.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its off-road capability and durability. It's popular among those who need a versatile vehicle for both work and recreation.
Ford Ranger
"the Ford Ranger is around $33,800 now if you're looking over into the more the SUV, CUV, truck line..."
The Ford Ranger is a type of truck that is smaller than full-size trucks but still useful for carrying things and going off-road.
The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck known for its versatility and off-road capability. It's popular among those who need a practical vehicle for both work and leisure.
Honda Ridge Line
"more the SUV, CUV, truck line like a Honda Ridgeline $40,150 is where you're going to start looking..."
The Honda Ridgeline is a truck that also feels like an SUV, making it good for both carrying stuff and driving comfortably.
The Honda Ridgeline is a unique pickup truck that combines the features of a truck and an SUV. It is known for its comfortable ride and innovative features.
Chevrolet El Camino
"...hat's where you're not through it kind of like an El Camino but it still falls in a Ranchero yes but it fall..."
The Chevrolet El Camino is a special kind of vehicle that looks like a car but has a truck bed in the back for carrying things. It's popular among people who like both cars and trucks.
The Chevrolet El Camino is a unique vehicle that combines the features of a car and a pickup truck, often referred to as a 'car-truck.' It has a cult following due to its distinctive design and versatility, making it a topic of interest among automotive enthusiasts.
Ford Ranchero
"...kind of like an El Camino but it still falls in a Ranchero yes but it falls into that same category of vehi..."
trim levels
"this vehicle comes in five base trim levels LX, S, EX, SX and then the SX Prestige at the top of the line..."
Trim levels are different versions of a car that offer different features and prices, so you can pick the one that suits you best.
Trim levels refer to different versions of a vehicle that come with varying features, options, and pricing, allowing buyers to choose based on their preferences.
Kia Telluride
"it is smaller than the three-row telluride but it's larger than the two-rowed Sportage now"
The Kia Telluride is a larger SUV that can fit more passengers and cargo. It's designed for families and has many features to make driving easier and more comfortable.
The Kia Telluride is a three-row SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It has gained popularity for its balance of style, comfort, and technology.
Kia Sportage
"it is smaller than the three-row telluride but it's larger than the two-rowed Sportage now"
The Kia Sportage is a smaller SUV compared to the Telluride, making it a good choice for those who want something more compact. It still has plenty of features for comfort and convenience.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers a two-row seating configuration. It's known for its modern design and a range of tech features.
LED projector headlamps
"up front you're going to find typical modern cars LED projector headlamps I got tail lights that are"
LED projector headlamps are special headlights that use LED lights to shine brighter and further down the road. They help you see better at night and in bad weather.
LED projector headlamps are advanced lighting systems that provide better illumination and visibility compared to traditional halogen lights. They focus light more effectively, reducing glare for oncoming drivers.
power folding heated side mirrors
"you got power folding heated side mirrors with LED turn signal"
Power folding heated side mirrors can move in and out by themselves and warm up to keep them clear in winter. This makes parking easier and helps you see better in cold weather.
Power folding heated side mirrors are a convenience feature that allows the mirrors to fold in automatically and heat up to prevent fogging or icing. This is especially useful in tight parking situations and cold weather.
panoramic sunroof
"you're also going to find that you've got the panoramic sunroof with the power sunshade which comes in real handy"
A panoramic sunroof is a big glass roof that lets in a lot of light and makes the inside of the car feel more open. It can also be opened to let in fresh air.
A panoramic sunroof is a large glass roof that extends over both the front and rear seats, allowing more natural light into the cabin. It often enhances the feeling of space and openness inside the vehicle.
power smart liftgate
"we had this power smart lift gate to make things easier to get packages in it"
A power smart liftgate is a back door that opens automatically when you press a button or get close with your car key. It helps you put things in the trunk without using your hands.
A power smart liftgate is an automatic rear hatch that opens with the push of a button or when it detects the key fob nearby. This feature makes it easier to load and unload items from the trunk, especially when your hands are full.
17 inch black matte alloy wheels
"the SX Pro is rolling on some 17 inch black matte alloy wheels 20 inch wheels are standard but we were on the 17s"
17 inch black matte alloy wheels are special wheels that are lighter than regular ones and look stylish. They help the car perform better and give it a cool appearance.
17 inch black matte alloy wheels are lightweight wheels made from a mixture of metals, designed to enhance performance and aesthetics. The matte finish gives a sleek, modern look to the vehicle.
captain's chairs
"...seats are captain's chairs and they are also heated and ventilated now up front we're going to find..."
Captain's chairs are special seats in cars that are like individual chairs instead of a long bench. They are usually more comfortable and have extra features like armrests.
Captain's chairs are individual seats typically found in the second row of SUVs and minivans. They provide more comfort and space compared to a traditional bench seat, often with features like armrests and adjustable settings.
panoramic displays
"...we got the dual 12.3 inch panoramic displays two different displays but they're parked together..."
Panoramic displays are big screens in cars that show lots of information at once, like maps and music, making it easier to see everything you need.
Panoramic displays are large, wide screens that provide a more immersive view of information and entertainment in a vehicle. They often combine multiple functions into a single interface for ease of use.
Kia Sorento
"...ll fill up this vehicle under the hood of the Kia Sorento we're going to find that we've got a 2.5 liter t..."
The Kia Sorento is a larger car called an SUV that can fit more people and cargo than a regular car. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of modern technology inside.
The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV that offers a balance of comfort, technology, and versatility, making it suitable for both families and individuals. With various engine options and a spacious interior, it has gained popularity for its value and features.
Honda Crv
"...re's a lot of things to choose from in there the Honda CRV starts at $30,100 the Toyota RAV4 comes in at $2..."
Toyota RAV4
"... there the Honda CRV starts at $30,100 the Toyota RAV4 comes in at $29,250 for starters and the Subaru ..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a type of car called an SUV, which is bigger than a regular car and great for families or carrying lots of stuff. It's known for being dependable and having plenty of space inside.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and strong resale value. It has been a popular choice among families and outdoor enthusiasts since its introduction, making it a significant player in the SUV market.
Subaru Ascent
"... comes in at $29,250 for starters and the Subaru Ascent is up at $38,910 so if you're looking for somethi..."
The Subaru Ascent is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and their things, making it great for families. It also has special features to help keep you safe while driving.
The Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV designed for families, offering all-wheel drive and ample cargo space. It emphasizes safety and versatility, making it a strong contender in the family SUV segment.
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