The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 sits at the top of the Colorado range for specialized off-road hardware. A three-inch factory lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers and selectable front and rear locking differentials give it a clear equipment advantage over the regular trims. Meanwhile, leather-appointed front seats, ventilation and a large touchscreen keep the cabin well equipped.
Here is a detailed look at its engine, towing, fuel economy, safety systems, interior and CAD pricing. The matching Automotive Car Reviews video appears below.
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Colorado models available
The 2026 lineup includes WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71 and ZR2. Chevrolet offers the Colorado with a Crew Cab and short cargo box. The ZR2 has four-wheel drive and five seats, with front bucket seats and a rear bench. It is a midsize pickup; the Silverado ZR2 is a separate, larger truck.
The Trail Boss offers a lower-priced route to a lifted Colorado, while the Z71 combines additional comfort equipment with off-road features. However, the ZR2 adds its own suspension and differential hardware. The optional ZR2 Bison Edition extends the ZR2’s equipment further, and should not be treated as standard on every ZR2.
2026 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 engine specifications

The standard TurboMax is a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. It produces 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 430 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. Chevrolet pairs it with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 3.42 rear axle ratio in the selected ZR2 build.
There is no V6 or diesel choice in this 2026 ZR2 configuration. In addition, the transmission includes Tow/Haul mode and grade-braking functions. The engine’s stop/start function has a disable button. Published fuel ratings use regular gasoline.
Suspension and off-road equipment

The standard ZR2 Off-Road Package includes Multimatic DSSV dampers and a three-inch factory-installed lift. Chevrolet also provides a taller, wider stance, distinctive front and rear bodywork and fender flares. Driver-selectable full-locking front and rear differentials distinguish this trim from a truck with only an automatic rear locker.
A two-speed Autotrac transfer case provides low-range four-wheel drive. Hill Descent Control, rocker protectors and red front recovery hooks also come standard. These systems have specific operating instructions; consult the owner’s manual for their use.
The standard wheels are 17-inch aluminum with Graphite and Oxide Gold finishes. They carry LT285/70R17 mud-terrain tires, described by Chevrolet as 33-inch outside diameter. Meanwhile, the optional Bison package changes the equipment mix, so confirm the tires, protection and carrying limits of the exact truck.
Towing capacity, payload and bed features

The selected 2026 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 builder configuration lists maximum trailering of 6,000 lb. Do not apply a higher Colorado-wide maximum to this trim. The usable towing limit also depends on the truck’s equipment, loaded weight and trailer setup.
Standard trailering equipment includes a two-inch receiver, electrical connections and an integrated trailer brake controller. Hitch Guidance, Hitch View and the in-vehicle Trailering App also come standard. The app provides tools such as a checklist, light-test sequence, trailer mileage tracking and maintenance reminders.
Before loading the truck, check its actual door-jamb payload label. Occupants, cargo, accessories and trailer tongue weight all use part of that allowance. An option-heavy truck can have a different available payload from the builder’s general figure. Therefore, a towing number alone does not describe every safe combination of passengers and trailer.
The cargo box includes a spray-on bedliner and a bed-mounted 120-volt outlet. In addition, the StowFlex tailgate provides a storage feature within the tailgate. EZ-Lift and Lower assistance reduces the effort needed to move it, while remote locking supports convenience. Chevrolet also lists optional bed utility and cargo packages.
Fuel economy
Natural Resources Canada rates the 2026 Colorado ZR2 4WD at 14.1 L/100 km city, 13.8 highway and 14.0 combined. These regular-gasoline figures apply to the ZR2 entry, rather than the regular Colorado 4WD rating.
The ZR2 Bison has a separate rating of 14.8 city, 15.1 highway and 14.9 combined. Thus, adding the Bison equipment changes the relevant fuel comparison. Weather, speed, towing, tire condition and cargo weight can also change actual consumption.
Interior, seating and comfort

The ZR2’s Jet Black/Artemis interior includes perforated leather-appointed front seats. Chevrolet lists an eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and driver memory. However, the standard front passenger seat has four-way manual adjustment. Do not assume that both seats have the same adjustment system.
Heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel come standard. Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents and rear heating and air-conditioning ducts also support cabin comfort. In addition, remote start lets the owner activate the truck before entering.
The steering column adjusts manually for tilt and reach. A manual sliding rear window and an auto-dimming interior mirror are part of the listed equipment. Meanwhile, the rear bench uses a 60/40 split, allowing one or both seat cushions to fold upward for different passenger and storage arrangements.
The centre console provides covered storage and cupholders. USB connections serve both rows, and a 120-volt outlet sits at the rear of the console. Check dealer-installed accessories and package selections if a particular storage or power feature matters to the purchase.
Infotainment and optional Bose audio

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 includes an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in and an 11-inch configurable driver display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support compatible phones. Furthermore, wireless phone charging is standard in the selected ZR2’s equipment list.
A six-speaker audio system is standard. The optional $1,780 Technology Package adds a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system with an external amplifier. The same package also includes HD Surround Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Pedestrian Alert.
Google services, Wi-Fi and other connected functions depend on their connection and subscription terms. Likewise, a trial for a service such as SiriusXM should not be treated as a permanent free subscription. The larger screen and available camera views do not remove the need to check the vehicle’s surroundings.
Safety and driver-assistance features
Standard Chevrolet Safety Assist includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, a Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and IntelliBeam automatic high beams.
The standard list also includes Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist with Trailering, Rear Park Assist and an HD Rear Vision Camera. In addition, six airbags, electronic stability control, traction control and a tire-pressure monitoring system provide the main supporting safety equipment.
Teen Driver, Rear Seat Reminder and rear child security locks also appear in the equipment list. However, Rear Seat Reminder does not detect a child or an item; it reminds the driver to check the back seat under its stated activation conditions.
Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Pedestrian Alert and HD Surround Vision require the optional Technology Package. Ordinary cruise control is standard. Driver-assistance systems have visibility, weather and operating limits, and the driver remains responsible for the vehicle.
CAD pricing and packages
Chevrolet’s Ontario builder lists the ZR2 at a Standard Vehicle Price of $60,799. Freight of $2,700, the $100 air-conditioning charge, $699 dealer fees, $22 OMVIC and $22.50 tire handling bring the displayed MSRP total to $64,342.50 before sales tax. This is the selected Summit White build without extra packages.
For comparison, the builder’s rounded starting figures for four-wheel-drive models are approximately $47,043 for WT, $51,343 for LT, $52,343 for Trail Boss and $57,343 for Z71, with the displayed Ontario fees. Therefore, compare prices on the same fee and tax basis, rather than mixing a base vehicle price with an all-in figure.
The $1,780 Technology Package is a useful equipment comparison because it combines cameras, adaptive cruise and Bose audio. Other listed options include the $1,615 Flex Utility Package, $2,430 Off Road Lighting Package and $2,475 Utility Wall Package. The Recovery Package lists at $4,485.
Chevrolet lists the ZR2 Bison Edition at $11,880. Its equipment includes a bed-mounted vertical spare-tire carrier and AEV hot-stamped boron-steel protection. Package dependencies, accessories and other selections can change the total. Request an itemized quote for the actual truck; offers and availability can change.
Competition and alternatives
The GMC Canyon AT4X is a closely related alternative with similar core off-road hardware and a different equipment and interior presentation. Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro are other midsize off-road-focused competitors. Compare their exact engines, suspension systems, cab equipment, towing ratings and prices.
Within the Colorado lineup, the Trail Boss and Z71 may suit buyers who do not need the ZR2’s full suspension and locking-differential equipment. The ZR2’s main appeal is its combined hardware and cabin specification. However, its 6,000-lb towing reference and dedicated fuel rating should remain part of the comparison.
Explore our other truck reviews to compare equipment and specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Colorado ZR2 have a diesel engine?
No. The 2026 ZR2 configuration uses the 2.7-litre TurboMax gasoline four-cylinder with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic.
Can Colorado ZR2 tow 7,700 lb?
The selected ZR2 configuration lists 6,000 lb of maximum trailering. The higher Colorado range maximum should not be substituted for this trim’s rating.
Are both Colorado ZR2 front seats power-adjustable?
No. The specification covered here has an eight-way power driver’s seat and a four-way manually adjustable front-passenger seat. Both front seats include heating and ventilation.