Sometimes the most interesting vehicles aren’t the loudest ones. They don’t arrive with fireworks, celebrity endorsements, or dramatic launch events. They simply show up, do their job exceptionally well, and wait patiently for the others to follow suit. That’s exactly what happened with the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.
When it debuted, the midsize pickup truck world was just picking up speed again, and the idea of a factory-built, hardcore off-road midsize truck still felt niche. Chevrolet didn’t try to shout over the competition. Instead, it focused on engineering, hardware, and real-world capability. The result was a truck that didn’t chase the trend but quietly made its own mark. Eight years on, the ZR2 still feels relevant. Not because it was flashy or luxurious, but because it prioritized suspension, traction, and durability over gimmicks. That approach has aged remarkably well, especially as the segment has since exploded with off-road pretenders and genuine contenders alike.
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Was No Ordinary Mid-Size Pickup
What Was Different Compared To The Standard Colorado?
The transformation from standard Colorado to ZR2 wasn’t subtle once you looked closely. Chevrolet widened the truck’s track, giving it a broader stance that immediately improved stability on uneven ground. This wasn’t just for looks. The extra width helped the Colorado ZR2 feel planted when crawling over rocks or leaning into off-camber trails.
Ground clearance was increased, and both approach and departure angles were improved, making it easier to tackle steep climbs and sharp drop-offs without scraping vital components. The suspension geometry itself was revised, allowing for better control when the terrain turned unpredictable. Underneath, skid plates protected the essentials, and the chassis felt purpose-built rather than lightly modified. The ZR2 wasn’t trying to be a do-it-all lifestyle truck, but was designed with dirt, gravel, and rock in mind.
It Certainly Looked The Part
The ZR2’s appearance was a direct result of its function. Wider fender flares housed chunky all-terrain tires, while the truck’s slightly squat stance gave it a ready-for-action posture. It didn’t rely on excessive chrome or aggressive graphics to make its point, and small details told the story instead. Red tow hooks hinted at recovery duties, the hood scoop added a subtle performance edge, and the ZR2 badges were present but restrained, reinforcing the idea that this truck didn’t need to brag.
Inside, the cabin was pretty straightforward, too. Durable materials, supportive seats, and clear controls made it feel like a place designed for long days in the mud. It was comfortable, but without the feeling that you needed to protect everything inside, which suited the truck’s personality perfectly.
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The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Came With A Loaded Kit From The Factory
Factory-Fitted Multimatic DSSV Shocks Were The Real Magic Trick
The heart of the ZR2’s capability lay in its suspension, specifically the Multimatic DSSV shocks. This was serious hardware, borrowed from racing and adapted for off-road use. Unlike conventional shocks, DSSV units use precision-machined spool valves to control damping with incredible consistency.
On the trail, the difference was immediate. Small bumps were absorbed cleanly, while bigger hits didn’t unsettle the truck or cause it to bounce out of control. Even after hours of hard driving, the shocks maintained their composure, resisting heat fade and keeping the truck predictable. This setup allowed the ZR2 to feel confident at low speeds and surprisingly stable at higher ones. It blurred the line between rock crawler and desert runner.
It Was An Off-Road Champ With Both Front And Rear Electronic Locking Differentials
Another standout feature was the inclusion of electronic locking differentials on both the front and rear axles. At the time, this was a bold move, especially in the midsize segment, where such hardware was usually reserved for larger, more expensive trucks. With the push of a button, drivers could lock the diffs and ensure power was distributed evenly across both wheels on an axle. This made a huge difference on loose climbs, deep ruts, and technical rock sections where traction is everything. The system was easy to use and worked seamlessly with the truck’s other off-road aids. Even drivers new to serious trail work could feel confident, knowing the ZR2 had the mechanical grip to back them up.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Features:
- Wider track width gave the ZR2 extra stability on trails without making it feel bulky on the road.
- Bison-ready bones made it strong enough to support the later ZR2 Bison without major changes.
- Reinforced frame sections were built to handle off-road punishment, not just towing duty.
- Off-road traction tuning allowed controlled wheel slip instead of cutting power at the wrong moment.
- A rock-slider-friendly layout was designed to accept proper sliders without messy aftermarket compromises.
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The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Was Offered With Both Gasoline And Diesel Engines
The Diesel Was Made For The Mud
The Colorado ZR2 didn’t lock buyers into a single powertrain philosophy, and that flexibility was part of its charm. The 2.8-liter Duramax inline-four diesel gave the truck a laid-back, almost unbothered demeanor. It leaned heavily on torque rather than speed, which suited slow, technical off-road driving perfectly.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Specs
|
Engine Type |
3.6-liter, 24-valve Gasoline V6 |
2.8-liter, Duramax, 16-valve, turb0-diesel, V4 |
|
Horsepower |
308 HP |
186 HP |
|
Torque |
275 LB-FT |
369 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
The ZR2 could crawl over rocks and ease through tricky sections without constant throttle corrections, making difficult terrain feel more controlled and less stressful. On longer adventures, the diesel’s fuel efficiency also paid dividends, especially for overlanding trips where range matters as much as capability.
The Gasoline Rewarded Aggression
For those who preferred a more traditional feel, Chevrolet also offered a 3.6-liter gasoline V6. It brought a livelier personality to the ZR2, with stronger acceleration and a willingness to rev. While it didn’t have the diesel’s low-rpm muscle, the V6 felt quicker on paved roads and more responsive when merging or passing. Off-road, it rewarded a slightly more aggressive driving style, pairing well with the ZR2’s advanced suspension and locking differentials. Neither engine was objectively better. They simply catered to different drivers. And that choice made the ZR2 feel thoughtfully designed rather than one-size-fits-all.
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A Complete Package That Could Do It All
2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Used Price: ~$21,513
What truly set the 2017 Colorado ZR2 apart was how complete it felt. Every major component worked in harmony, from the suspension and lockers to the engine choices and chassis tuning. You could drive it daily without feeling punished, then point it toward serious trails on the weekend without worrying about limitations. It struck a rare balance between usability and capability.
Eight years later, the ZR2 stands as proof that thoughtful engineering ages better than flashy features. Chevrolet didn’t chase headlines with this truck, but it built something honest, capable, and frankly, brilliant. And that’s exactly why the 2017 Colorado ZR2 still deserves its place in off-road conversations today.