What Is the Best Off-Road Package for the 2024 Chevy Colorado?

There’s a lot to love about the Chevrolet Colorado, but what is the best off-road package for the 2024 Chevy Colorado? Let’s explore.

Exciting Upgrades for the Coming Year

Like all of America’s most popular trucks, the upgrades to the Chevrolet Colorado made in the early aughts focused on street performance. These last few years have changed all that. Now, the Colorado has a well-deserved reputation for off-road performance, as well.

The Colorado ZR2 Sets a High Bar

First introduced in 2017, Chevy engineers designed the ZR2 in conjunction with Markham to extend the brand’s off-road capabilities. Unlike the base model Chevrolet Colorado, built to be a reliable workhorse on- and off-road, the ZR2 is an adventure machine.

The first generation of Colorado ZR2s was already more than off-road capable. These trucks could climb rocks, get through deep mud, and hold their own on tight trails. The automaker didn’t rest on its laurels with the ZR2, though.

In 2023, Chevy revamped the ZR2 to further enhance its off-road abilities. The Colorado received a wheelbase extension of 80 mm, longer control arms, two power-locking differentials, a two-speed transfer case, and so much more.

Meet the ZR2 Bison

The ZR2 was already a masterfully designed off-road adventure machine. That didn’t stop Chevy’s design team from pushing the limits even further.

The ZR2 Bison gets all the same upgrades as the 2023 ZR2. They share dedicated off-road drive models, 17” wheels to accommodate more aggressive tires and an extra 3.6 cm of ground clearance over the standard Chevrolet Colorado.

For serious off-road enthusiasts, the Colorado ZR2 Bison packs even more of a punch. This higher-spec variation on the already more than capable ZR2 adds jounce-control dampers from Multimatic, winch-ready bumpers, added skid plates, and wider wheels.

Major Changes Create More Power

Last year’s ZR2 came with a choice of two powertrains. Drivers could get a 3.8L V6 with 308HP and 275 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission or a 2.8L 4-cyl turbo-diesel model, which put out 181HP and 369 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic.

This year, drivers only have one option. The new ZR2 Bison features a high-output 2.7L turbo four that puts out more power than either of last year’s engine choices.

The impressive engine puts out 310 HP and 430 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it can power any off-road adventure.

A Perfect Truck for Any Off-Road Driver

Some off-road-ready pickups are best reserved for veteran drivers. The Colorado ZR2 Bison is so easy to drive it allows even those with little off-road experience to tackle challenging trails.

Added features like underbody and overhead cameras make it easy to negotiate tight spots. The electronic management and locking differentials are so helpful that using them almost feels like cheating.

This off-road package packs some serious punch, so drivers shouldn’t be surprised that it also elevates the truck’s price tag. That said, off-road enthusiasts will find it’s worth the extra investment.