2026 Chevy Colorado ZR2
The Chevrolet Colorado has been part of Chevy’s pickup truck lineup since 2003, replacing the S10 and later moving into the midsize truck segment in its second generation. The current third-generation Colorado has been on sale since 2023, and for 2026, Chevrolet introduces subtle updates while retaining the formula that made the ZR2 one of the most capable off-road midsize pickups on sale.
This review focuses on the , positioned 2026 Chevy Colorado ZR2just below the extreme ZR2 Bison, but offering nearly the same capability at a noticeably lower price.
2026 Chevy Colorado Lineup and Pricing Overview
The 2026 Chevy Colorado is offered in six trim levels, all powered by the same turbocharged engine.
Entry-level Work Truck starts around $33,000
Top-end ZR2 Bison goes up to $61,000
Colorado ZR2 sits just below the Bison at around $50,000
The ZR2 reviewed here had a final sticker price of $56,570 including destination, with optional packages and accessories.
Engine and Powertrain Details
All 2026 Colorado variants use Chevy’s 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder engine, and the ZR2 benefits fully from this setup.
Key engine specifications:
Engine: 2.7L turbocharged inline four
Power output: 310 horsepower
Torque: 430 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive with full and part-time four-wheel drive
Estimated 0 to 60 mph: Mid to high 6-second range
Combined fuel economy: Around 17 mpg
Recommended fuel: Premium
Despite being a four-cylinder, the engine delivers strong low-end torque and feels closer to a larger displacement motor in daily driving.
Exterior Design and Off-Road Hardware
In Radiant Red Tintcoat, the 2026 Colorado ZR2 has a premium yet aggressive appearance that immediately signals its off-road intent.
Exterior highlights include:
33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory Mud Terrain tires (32.7 inches actual)
ZR2-specific 17-inch wheels with six-lug pattern
Multimatic DSSV shocks and dampers on all four corners
Steel underbody skid plates
Red recovery hooks
Rock rails instead of running boards
LED fog lights and LED projector headlamps
Black headlamp housings with red ZR2 accents
Forward-facing camera for 360-degree view
Aggressive ZR2-specific hood design
The stance, wheel gap, and ground clearance give it a look similar to the Ranger Raptor, while undercutting it significantly on price.
Dimensions, Wheels, and Braking
Tire size: 285/70 R17
Front brakes: Large calipers, among the best in the midsize truck segment
Rear brakes: Smaller single-piston calipers
Full-size spare tire included
Braking performance is a strong point, offering consistent pedal feel and confidence on both road and trail.
Bed, Tailgate, and Utility Features
The Colorado ZR2 focuses heavily on real-world usability.
Bed and tailgate features:
Damped tailgate
Lockable storage compartment inside the tailgate
Spray-in bedliner
Built-in ruler
Two hooks in each bed corner
Chevy-branded bed stamping
120V, 400W AC outlet
Trailer hitch with integrated backup camera
While it lacks GM’s MultiPro tailgate, the lockable storage adds useful, weather-resistant space.
Interior Quality and Front Seat Comfort
Inside, the 2026 Colorado ZR2 balances ruggedness with a surprisingly premium feel.
Front cabin highlights:
Artemis leather seats with perforation
Heated and ventilated front seats
Power-adjustable seats with lumbar support
Two-position memory for the driver
Soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels
Bose premium audio system
Dual-pane front windows for noise reduction
Heated steering wheel
Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
Some hard plastics remain, but they are placed in areas that do not detract from daily comfort.
Infotainment and Digital Displays
The ZR2 features dual 11-inch screens, powered by Google’s latest infotainment system.
Key tech features include:
Fully digital instrument cluster
Google-based infotainment with fast response
Full-screen navigation display
Off-road specific gauge layouts
Transmission and coolant temperature readouts
G-force and performance data
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless phone charging
The system is intuitive and among the best in the segment.
Off-Road Controls and Drive Modes
This is where the ZR2 truly separates itself.
Available drive modes:
Normal
Tow/Haul
Off-Road
Terrain
Baja
Off-road hardware includes:
Locking front and rear differentials
Four-wheel drive Auto, 2H, 4H, and 4L
Performance shift logic in Baja mode
Auxiliary switches
Advanced traction management
Baja mode acts like a sport mode, sharpening shifts and throttle response while reducing stability control intervention.
Rear Seat Space and Practicality
Rear seat space is respectable for a midsize pickup.
Knee room: Around 2 inches behind a 6-foot driver
Headroom: About 1 inch
Rear air vents
USB-A and USB-C ports
Seatback storage pockets
Additional cup holders and phone slots
While there are no grab handles at the rear door opening, a roof-mounted handle helps with entry and exit.
Ride Quality and Driving Experience
On the road, the Colorado ZR2 feels far more refined than expected for a truck with 33-inch mud-terrain tires.
Excellent bump absorption from DSSV shocks
Minimal road and tire noise at highway speeds
Strong and consistent braking feel
Stable steering with predictable response
Turbo lag is present but minimal and manageable
Even at highway speeds, wind and tire noise are well controlled thanks to the dual-pane glass.
Is the 2026 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Worth Buying?
At around $50,000 to $55,000, the 2026 Colorado ZR2 offers a rare mix of luxury, comfort, and serious off-road capability.
When compared to rivals like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, which often sells well above $65,000, the ZR2 delivers similar or better off-road performance at a significantly lower price.
Key reasons to consider the Colorado ZR2:
Outstanding off-road hardware straight from the factory
Strong turbocharged engine with massive torque
Comfortable and tech-loaded interior
Excellent value compared to competitors
Daily drivability without sacrificing trail performance
For buyers looking for a capable midsize off-road truck without stepping into full-size pricing, the 2026 Chevy Colorado ZR2 stands out as one of the best options available today.
