2026 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: Marion Buyers Guide

The most off-road hardware Chevrolet builds into this truck

ZR2's 3-inch factory lift and Multimatic DSSV dampers are a genuine step up from Trail Boss's 2-inch lift — these are the same class of remote-reservoir dampers used on serious desert-racing trucks, tuned for the Colorado. Front and rear electronic locking differentials come standard, not optional, and the 33-inch mud-terrain tires that ship on every ZR2 are the reason it's the only Colorado trim with its own EPA rating rather than sharing a generic "4WD" figure with other trims. Five drive modes, including a dedicated Baja mode built for sustained high-speed off-road driving, round out the hardware list.

What the fuel economy trade-off actually costs

Every other 4WD Colorado trim is rated either 17/22/19 (standard all-terrain tires) or 17/20/18 (optional mud-terrain tires). ZR2's standard 33-inch mud-terrain tires bring that down to 17/17/17 combined — a real number to weigh against how much of that off-road capability actually gets used. For a buyer who wants ZR2's specific hardware and plans to use it, that's simply the cost of admission; for a buyer who wants the look more than the capability, Z71 or Trail Boss deliver a meaningfully better highway number.

4WD only, standard trailering

ZR2 is 4WD only, same as Trail Boss and Z71, and carries the Advanced Trailering Package standard — 7,700-lb max tow, no separate purchase required. Combined with the locking differentials and Baja mode, it's the Colorado built for owners who genuinely plan to use the Pisgah District's forest roads and similar terrain regularly, not just occasionally.

What buyers say about the dealership

ZR2 is the kind of purchase where trust in the dealership matters as much as the truck itself, and one review captures that across two generations of the same family: "My Dad had bought a truck from this place way back in 1991 and had talked many times over the years how much he liked dealing with them... Cameron right away offered my Mom the opportunity to test drive one and see which model she would rather have. He went and got keys for 4 different vehicles so my Mom could see them all and he went above and beyond to answer any questions either of my parents had... I want to add this was Cameron's first sale and he did amazing... I would like to say that Alan the finance guy was outstanding." Cameron doesn't currently appear on the dealership's published staff directory, which may reflect turnover since a newer team member's first sale was posted; Allen Pruett, referenced as "Alan," is confirmed on staff as Pre-Owned and F&I Manager.

Frequently asked questions

What makes ZR2 different from Z71?

ZR2 adds a 3" lift with Multimatic DSSV dampers, front-and-rear locking differentials, standard 33" mud-terrain tires, and a fifth drive mode (Baja) that Z71 doesn't offer. It prices $6,100 above Z71.

Why is ZR2's fuel economy lower than other Colorado trims?

Its 33-inch mud-terrain tires are standard equipment rather than optional, and they're less efficient than the all-terrain or street tires on other trims. ZR2 is EPA-rated 17/17/17, versus 17/22/19 or 17/20/18 on other 4WD trims.

Is ZR2 available in 2WD?

No — ZR2 is 4WD only, consistent with Trail Boss and Z71.

Does ZR2 come with locking differentials front and rear?

Yes, standard — both front and rear electronic locking differentials, which is more than Trail Boss (rear only) or Z71 offer.

What's Baja mode?

One of ZR2's five selectable drive modes, tuned for sustained high-speed off-road driving. It's specific to ZR2 and not offered on Trail Boss or Z71.

The bottom line

ZR2 is the Colorado built for buyers who genuinely intend to use locking differentials, a 3-inch lift, and Baja mode — not just look like they might. For that specific buyer around Marion, the fuel-economy trade-off is a fair price for real, standard off-road hardware.