Jun 14, 2024
A silver 2024 Chevy Colorado Z71 is shown driving to view a Chevy Colorado for sale

There’s a lot to love about the Chevy Colorado, from its remarkable standard engine to the bold design that ensures this midsize pickup never feels small. Last year, Chevy gave the Colorado a redesign with the launch of an all-new era for this remarkable truck; this year, they’re elevating that even further with more options for going off-road. The Colorado is one of our favorite trucks for hitting the trail since it beautifully combines a modest size with robust power that ensures it can go anywhere a path leads you during your next adventure.

As you start looking for a Chevy Colorado for sale that you can take off-road, you’ll quickly realize you have no shortage of options. Of the five trim levels available for the Colorado, three are designed to let you leave the road behind and enjoy yourself far from the restrictions of civilization. Not only that, but the 2024 Colorado features an all-new, first-ever ZR2 Bison model created in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), a leader in high-quality off-road parts and accessories. All of these incredible options can be difficult to navigate, so today, we’re going to take you through what’s available and see which Colorado is ready to help you go beyond the pavement.

Essential 2024 Chevy Colorado Features

Before we get into the details of the off-road options for the Colorado, let’s briefly go over some of the basics you should know. First, the standard engine in starting Colorado models is a four-cylinder 2.7L Turbo with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, but the ones we’ll look at give you improved performance. Every Colorado now comes with an 11.3-inch infotainment display inside with Google built-in, which is perfect for getting through your work week and enjoying your time off. You also get an 11-inch color Driver Information Center that you can configure to suit your preferences, ensuring that it’s easy to keep an eye on important information. Now, let’s have a look at the models designed to take you off-road.

A red 2024 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss is shown driving on a dirt road.

The Chevy Colorado Trail Boss

The first of the three off-road trims for the Colorado is the Trail Boss, which lives up to its name by letting you own almost any trail you put in front of it. In terms of performance, this one comes with the new TurboMax engine that delivers an impressive 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, ensuring you have plenty of muscle to tackle anything you need. It comes with Hill Descent Control to help provide smooth downhill driving without the need to overuse your brakes, along with a heavy-duty battery. Every Trail Boss model comes with four-wheel drive (4WD) and an automatic locking rear differential to help improve traction in all conditions.

You also get an Autotrac two-speed transfer case with controls that let you choose between two-wheel drive for highway driving, 4WD High for boosted traction in wet conditions, and 4WD Low for deep sand or mud to ensure maximum torque to all four wheels. Perhaps most impressive, the Trail Boss comes with a two-inch factory-installed lift for greater ground clearance, improved approach/departure angles, and a three-inch widened stance for a bolder look and enhanced overall handling. You get 18-inch wheels on this model wrapped in all-terrain tires; skid plates to protect the underside of this truck are available but not standard (though we would strongly suggest them). Inside, you’ll find a standard six-speaker sound system, cloth seating, and Remote Keyless Entry, so it’s easy to get in and get going.

The Chevy Colorado Z71

Next up, we have the Z71, which is a great choice if you’re looking to do some light off-roading rather than something particularly demanding. This model puts a premium on comfort and great overall features, but it can still handle some trails and is a fantastic choice for heading to your favorite campsite. The Z71 is only offered with 4WD, much like the Trail Boss, and comes with the same impressive TurboMax engine. It has the automatic locking rear differential and Autotrac two-speed transfer case, ensuring great traction in a wide range of conditions.

The biggest weakness here is that it lacks the two-inch lifted off-road suspension and wider track that you’ll get with the Trail Boss, though you can still get available skid plates and an Off-Road Lighting package with auxiliary off-road lights. Inside the Z71, you’ll find cloth/Evotex seating that’s incredibly comfortable and durable, making it great for daily driving and long trips. The available Jet Black/Adrenaline Red interior is a particular favorite of ours, and it turns the Colorado Z71 into a stylish beast that’s hard to beat.

The Chevy Colorado ZR2

If you’re looking for the peak expression of Chevy Colorado off-road performance, then the ZR2 is the way to go. It features a ZR2 Off-Road Package that includes a three-inch factory lift with high-performance suspension and DSSV Multimatic dampers that help keep you comfortable and protect your truck in the most intense and brutal terrain. An off-road front fascia, rear bumper, and fender flares further help to enhance ground clearance and angles, along with its wider, taller stance that’s perfect for the trail. You also get driver-selectable full-locking front and rear differentials, giving you incredible control of traction and performance to be in command in any situation.

The ZR2 model comes with off-road rocker protectors to protect the body of your truck and more great features for hitting the trail. Inside the ZR2, you’ll find cloth/Evotex seating with an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control, as well as heated front seats that are perfect for taking trips up into the mountains. You get Keyless Entry and Start plus Remote Start, making it easy to get going in the morning, along with Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control to keep you and your passengers comfortable. For some serious off-roading, this truck is hard to beat, though there’s a new option that gives the ZR2 a run for its money…

A blue 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is shown driving on sand.

Introducing the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison

All-new for the 2024 model year, Chevy now offers a ZR2 Bison model for the Colorado, which takes off-road performance to the next level. Made as part of a partnership with AEV, the ZR2 Bison has been designed to be the ultimate off-road beast and an incredible midsize truck. For starters, it has segment-exclusive Multimatic front and rear Jounce Control Dampers, which provide additional support and stability for the Colorado ZR2’s incredible suspension. You also get an AEV heavy-duty winch-capable front bumper, along with an AEV rear bumper and fender flares, and unique AEV badging inside and out.

Boron steel skid plates and rocker protectors help ensure best-in-class underbody protection for the ZR2 Bison, and you get AEV 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels wrapped in segment-exclusive 35-inch OD Mud/Terrain tires. This helps give the Colorado ZR2 Bison a stunning ground clearance of 12.2 inches, an approach angle of 38.2 degrees, a departure angle of 26 degrees, and a breakover angle of 26.9 degrees. It’s easy to see that this incredible machine goes beyond anything else, so if you want a midsize truck that can handle the most brutal and challenging trails in the country, this is the one for you.

Are You Ready to Leave the Road Behind?

Here at Edwards Chevrolet 280, we know that serious off-roading is not for everyone, but those who enjoy leaving the city behind and heading out into the wilderness can’t ask for a better truck than the Colorado. It’s one of the best midsize trucks on the road for general use, too, giving you an amazing pickup that you’ll enjoy driving year after year—whether running errands, getting to work in the morning, or navigating a rewarding trail on a Saturday. These amazing off-road models give you great options to meet any level of outdoor enjoyment, so no matter what you’re looking for from your truck, Chevy delivers.