What is the top-of-the-line Colorado?
The top-of-the-line Colorado is the ZR2, with the ZR2 Bison edition serving as an even more rugged, limited-run variant for off-road enthusiasts.
In the current Chevrolet Colorado lineup, the ZR2 is positioned as the flagship model focused on serious off-road capability, while other trims cover value, daily usability, and work-doing versatility. The ZR2 Bison has been offered as a special edition that adds even more off-road hardware and styling in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). This article explains what makes the top trim special, how it compares with other Colorado trims, and what buyers should know about availability and features across model years.
Top trim and the special edition
Before digging into specifics, it helps to understand the hierarchy and what the ZR2 line brings to the table. The ZR2 is Chevrolet’s most capable Colorado, designed for high-clearance, rock- and dirt-focused driving, while the ZR2 Bison adds further enhancements for extreme off-road use.
- Colorado ZR2 — The flagship off-road trim with upgraded suspension, protective underbody components, and advanced off-road routing and traction aids.
- Colorado ZR2 Bison — A limited, special-edition variant developed with AEV that emphasizes approach/departure angles, reinforced bodywork, and additional off-road equipment.
- Other trims — Include mid-range and work-oriented models that prioritize daily driving comfort, payload, and value.
In practice, the ZR2 and its Bison variant represent the pinnacle of Colorado capability, with off-road hardware and styling that set them apart from the rest of the lineup.
What makes the ZR2 the flagship
The ZR2’s appeal rests on purpose-built off-road engineering and distinctive styling that signal readiness for rugged terrain. Key elements commonly associated with the top trim include robust suspension tuning, underbody protection, upgraded tires, a reinforced front end, and differential options tailored for off-road traction and durability.
- Dedicated off-road suspension and chassis tuning
- Reinforced underbody protection and skid plates
- Upgraded tires and exterior styling cues to enhance capability
- Electronic or hydraulic locking differentials for improved traction off pavement
- Available ZR2 Bison edition with even tougher components and styling upgrades
These features collectively create a Colorado that is explicitly built for off-road performance, differentiating the ZR2 from base and mid-level trims.
Engines, transmissions, and technology
Engine and drivetrain options for the Colorado have varied across model years, with the ZR2 line typically representing the more capable powertrains. The top trim often showcases the most robust engine and off-road-ready hardware available in the Colorado lineup, while other trims provide balanced performance for everyday use. Availability of specific engines, transmissions, and tech packages can differ by year and market, so prospective buyers should verify current specs with a dealer for the exact model year they’re considering.
Typical powertrain highlights (varies by year)
- Turbocharged four-cylinder engines with emphasis on torque for off-road use
- Diesel options offered in some generations or markets for highway efficiency and towing capability
- Automatic transmissions paired with selectable drive modes and terrain settings
Overall, the ZR2 line emphasizes off-road capability, with the precise engine and transmission pairing tuned to maximize traction, control, and durability on challenging terrain.
Pricing, availability, and what to expect
Pricing and availability for the Colorado’s top trims can vary by model year, region, and optional packages. The ZR2 and especially the ZR2 Bison edition typically command a higher price than mid‑range trims due to their specialized hardware and limited production. Prospective buyers should check with local Chevrolet dealers for current inventory, options, and MSRP ranges for the exact year they’re interested in.
Summary
The Chevrolet Colorado’s top-of-the-line model is the ZR2, designed for serious off-road performance. The ZR2 Bison edition represents an even more rugged, limited-run variant for enthusiasts seeking maximum capability. While the exact specifications can vary by model year, the ZR2 lineup consistently emphasizes off-road suspension, protective underbody hardware, and traction-enhancing features that distinguish the flagship from its peers. For potential buyers, the key takeaway is that the ZR2 (and the rare Bison edition) is the mountain-bike-to-trailhead choice of the Colorado family—delivering the most capable mix of hardware, styling, and off-road potential available from Chevrolet in this segment.
What is the difference between the LT and Z71 Colorado?
The Z71 package pairs luxury and off-road performance. Like the Trail Boss is essentially an off-road variant of the WT trim, the Z71 is essentially an off-road version of the LT, offering more standard features and an off-road-tuned suspension.
Is ZR2 or Z71 better?
The ZR2 is a more premium version of the Z71, so it has many of the same elements but upgrades in a few areas. On top of this, the Z71 and the ZR2 can haul up to 1,550 lbs and tow up to 7,700 lbs.
What is the highest trim Chevy Colorado?
Chevy Colorado ZR2
The range-topping Chevy Colorado ZR2 offers the most performance, comfort, and high-tech features of the lineup, with impressive features such as: 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine capable of up to 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque.
Is ZR2 the highest trim?
The Chevy Silverado ZR2 is the top off-road trim, with its off-road suspension and locking differentials for maximum performance on the trails.
