How fast is a Colorado ZR2?
The Colorado ZR2 typically accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly six seconds and can reach a top speed around 110 mph under normal driving conditions. Exact figures vary by model year, tire choice, payload, and drive mode. This article breaks down what drives that speed and how it performs in real-world conditions.
Beyond raw numbers, the ZR2 is engineered for off-road prowess as well as on-road pace. Its performance package blends a turbocharged engine, a capable eight-speed automatic, and specialized suspension with locking differentials to deliver traction where pavement ends while still offering confident acceleration on highways and back roads.
Engine and Powertrain
The Colorado ZR2 relies on a turbocharged inline-four engine paired with a modern eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The key figures and hardware that influence speed are summarized below:
- Engine: 2.7L turbocharged inline-4, producing about 310 horsepower and roughly 430 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic helps optimize punch off the line and mid-range acceleration.
- Drivetrain: part-time/full-time four-wheel drive with a transfer case; electronic locking differentials are available on ZR2 for improved traction.
- Suspension: high-performance Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) shocks front and rear to balance on-road manners with off-road stability.
In short, the ZR2’s powertrain is tuned to deliver strong mid-range torque and steady on-road acceleration while supporting aggressive off-road capability when terrain demands it.
Performance in Practice
Journalists and owners routinely note how the ZR2 behaves in everyday driving, as well as during off-road sorties. The numbers below reflect typical ranges reported for recent model years and configurations:
- 0–60 mph: generally in the low-to-mid 6-second range (around 6.0 seconds, with variations due to tires, payload, and drive mode).
- Top speed: electronically limited to about 110 mph; actual top speed can vary with wheel/tire size and gearing.
- Braking: 60–0 mph stopping distances commonly fall around the 125–135 feet mark, depending on brake condition and tires.
Real-world results emphasize that off-road tires, roof racks, and heavier payloads can temper straight-line sprint times, while manual adjustments to drive modes (such as rock crawling or terrain modes) can trade some top-end speed for traction and control on rough terrain.
Off-Road Versus On-Road Speed
On pavement, the ZR2’s 2.7L turbo and eight-speed auto deliver confident highway merging and passing power, but the same setup shifts when the vehicle is loaded with gear or driven in rugged terrain. Off-road, the vehicle prioritizes traction, stability, and control over outright speed, with locking differentials and specialized suspension tuning helping it maintain momentum over obstacles rather than chasing top-end speed.
What Buyers Should Know About Speed and Capability
Speed figures are a useful guide, but the ZR2’s true appeal lies in a balance of acceleration, off-road capability, and handling in varied conditions. If you expect canyon runs or highway merging with occasional rock-crawling, the ZR2’s combination of turbo power, locking differentials, and DSSV shocks is designed to deliver both confidence and pace relative to its midsize-truck peers.
- Model year and trim differences can shift numbers by a few tenths of a second in 0–60 and by several mph in top speed.
- Tire choice, payload, and fuel grade can noticeably affect acceleration and braking distances.
- Off-road modes and electronic aids can optimize traction but may reduce straight-line speed in favor of control.
In practice, the Colorado ZR2 is built to be quick enough for everyday driving while providing substantial off-road capability, rather than serving as a pure speed machine.
Summary
The Colorado ZR2 delivers a compelling blend of brisk acceleration and rugged off-road capability. With a 2.7L turbo producing about 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and advanced suspension, it typically achieves around 6 seconds to 60 mph and a top speed near 110 mph under typical conditions. Real-world performance depends on tires, payload, driving mode, and terrain, but the ZR2’s strength lies in traction, stability, and capability as much as outright speed.
