When you think of the world’s most capable off-road trucks, the new Ram 1500 TRX and Ford Raptor immediately come to mind. There’s no doubt about it—these full-size pickups are at the very top of the segment for a myriad of reasons.
While Chevrolet doesn’t yet have a full-size competitor to pit against them, rumors of a high-performance Silverado ZRX with a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine are likely to change that very soon. With the ZRX still in the planning stages, the bowtie brand offers another model that delivers unmatched performance and endless fun off-road.
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the most capable off-road midsize pickup ever developed. For only a fraction of the cost of the Ram 1500 TRX (starting at $71,690) and Ford Raptor (starting at $55,150), you can experience the thrill of off-road nirvana in the ZR2.
The ZR2 differs from the rest of the Colorado lineup with a host of exclusive heavy-duty components and off-road equipment built to withstand the most challenging trails imaginable.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Off-Road Equipment
One of these components is the ZR2’s segment-exclusive Multimatic DSSV shocks. Unlike conventional dampers that work by forcing a piston through a chamber filled with pressurized hydraulic fluid, the Multimatic shocks in the ZR2 replace the piston with a pair of spool valves.
General Motors previously reached out to engineers at Multimatic to design the dampers for the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28—widely regarded to be one of the best handling sports cars ever developed. With spool valve technology, the ZR2’s dampers are both velocity and position-sensitive. They’re soft and compliant for highway travel and firm up and absorb big hits when catapulting over harsh bumps off-road.
The ZR2 also utilizes both driver-selectable electronic locking front and rear differentials—something none of its competitors offer. With the differential locked, the ZR2 can make both tires on the same axle rotate as if on a common shaft. This is especially helpful when terracing up steep terrain and only one wheel has traction.
The locking front differential can only be engaged in 4WD Low at speeds below 25 mph. While it will likely only be used in extreme situations, it will prove to be invaluable when turning back along a steep trail is no longer an option.
The ZR2 provides an additional 44mm of ground clearance over the rest of the Colorado lineup with its factory-installed lift kit. Skid plates and rock sliders are also fitted underneath to protect sensitive equipment underneath from rocks and other unforeseen obstacles.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Powertrain Options
The 2021 Colorado ZR2 is available with two powertrain options—a 3.6L V6 and 2.8L Duramax turbo diesel.
The 3.6L V6 provides a best-in-class 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. It’s certainly the quicker of the two powertrains, but the refinement, capability and efficiency of the 2.8L Duramax is hard to ignore. With its class-leading 369 lb-ft of torque, the ZR2 can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
A V6-equipped ZR2 delivers an EPA estimated 16-mpg city and 18-mpg highway. Efficiency increases significantly with the Duramax engine to an estimated 18-mpg city and 22-mpg highway.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Pricing
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 with the 3.6L V6 starts at $44,395 after destination and delivery. If you want the Duramax-powered ZR2, add $3500 to the starting MSRP for a total of $47,895.
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