There are high hopes for the 2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2. So high, in fact, that the automaker didn’t mind if we jumped the truck repeatedly over a short-run trophy course.
Would you consider doing the same with a bone stock Colorado? Perhaps, but we’d suggest a healthy cache of bumpers first.
MORE: Read and watch our first drive review of the 2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2
Here are five ways Chevy turned the pedestrian off-roading Colorado into a mountain-conquering ZR2 capable of trophy-truck runs and rock crawling, in equal turns:
2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 First Drive
High and wide
Chevy made the ZR2 taller and wider to handle the uprated shocks and 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler rubbers. By lifting the suspension 2 inches and adding 3.5 inches to the track, Chevrolet improved the ZR2’s ground clearance over a standard Colorado by more than half an inch for dominance on the trail.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 First Drive
Shock therapy
The Colorado ZR2’s aces are hidden behind those big Goodyear tires. Multimatic’s Dynamic Spool Suspensions Valve Position Sensitive Damping springs are filled with enough engineering to recreate the pyramids, and the results of that hard work are nothing short of miraculous. The DSSV dampers use three spools to better dissipate heat and control compression and rebound rates for on- and off-road driving. Control when you need it, calm when you don’t.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 First Drive
The mode is mean
Despite lacking any serious powertrain improvements, the ZR2’s dedicated “Off-road” modes help keep the it ready and willing on the trail. The switch, which is located within the four-wheel-drive select knob, quickens throttle response, slows down upshifts in the transmission, and changes the traction control program for the most off-road traction and confidence.
DON'T MISS: Multimatic had to invent the shocks for the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 First Drive
Fat tire
The big, bulky 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires do wonders for the ZR2 off road—and on it. Plant just one corner and the Goodyear’s blocky treads grip and drag the rest of the truck up with it. Surprisingly, the same blocky pattern manages to stay quiet on the highway without much drone coming through into the cab. Tall sidewalls may feel squishy to some on long highway jaunts, but that’s a small compromise for so much capability without much fuss otherwise.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 First Drive
Bumper to bumper
Chevy 86’d the front air dam on the ZR2, which means that that the mid-size truck has better approach and departure angles than the stock Colorado, which simply wasn’t ready for the trail. The ZR2’s 30-degree approach and 23.5-degree departure angle helped it conquer the Rubicon trail in just over three days while barely breaking a sweat.
