The Chevrolet Colorado III Crew Cab Short Box ZR2 2.7 Turbo, introduced in 2023, represents the latest iteration of Chevrolet’s mid-size pickup truck. This variant specifically caters to the off-road enthusiast, building upon the foundation of the redesigned third-generation Colorado. Positioned as the high-performance, trail-ready trim, the ZR2 distinguishes itself from lower trims like the Work Truck (WT) and LT with its enhanced suspension, aggressive styling, and more powerful engine option. It slots above the LT and Trail Boss trims, offering a more capable and premium experience than those models, but remains below the fully-loaded High Country trim in terms of luxury appointments.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Colorado |
| Generation | Colorado III Crew Cab Short Box |
| Type (Engine) | ZR2 2.7 Turbo (310 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.8 kg/Hp, 129 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 242.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 310 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 583 Nm @ 3000 rpm, 430 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm |
| Engine Model/Code | L3B |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.25 mm / 3.63 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 102 mm / 4.02 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l / 6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt |
| Coolant | 11 l / 11.62 US qt | 9.68 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 2403 kg / 5297.71 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 2812 kg / 6199.4 lbs. |
| Max load | 409 kg / 901.69 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1186 l / 41.88 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 81.4 l / 21.5 US gal | 17.91 UK gal |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2722 kg / 6000.98 lbs. |
| Length | 5402 mm / 212.68 in. |
| Width | 1903 mm / 74.92 in. |
| Width including mirrors | 2144 mm / 84.41 in. |
| Height | 2078 mm / 81.81 in. |
| Wheelbase | 3337 mm / 131.38 in. |
| Front track | 1684 mm / 66.3 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1684 mm / 66.3 in. |
| Front overhang | 864 mm / 34.02 in. |
| Rear overhang | 1201 mm / 47.28 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 272 mm / 10.71 in. |
| Approach angle | 38.3° |
| Departure angle | 25.1° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 24.6° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front engaged via clutch. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Hydra-Matic |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Disc, 340 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 337 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 285/70 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The ZR2 is powered by the 2.7-liter L3B turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is part of Chevrolet’s second-generation turbo engine family, featuring direct injection and variable valve timing (VVT). The L3B produces 310 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 430 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler work together to provide increased air density for improved combustion and power output. The engine also incorporates cylinder deactivation technology, allowing it to operate on fewer cylinders during light-load conditions to improve fuel efficiency. The engine is mated to an 8-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, specifically tuned for the ZR2’s off-road focus. This transmission provides smooth shifting and a wide gear ratio spread for both on-road cruising and low-speed rock crawling.
Driving Characteristics
The ZR2’s driving experience is markedly different from other Colorado trims. The combination of the turbocharged engine and the 8-speed automatic delivers strong acceleration and readily available torque. While not a sports truck, the ZR2 offers responsive performance for everyday driving and confident passing power. The automatic transmission is well-programmed, providing smooth shifts and holding gears appropriately during spirited driving. Off-road, the ZR2 truly shines. The Multimatic DSSV dampers, unique to the ZR2, provide exceptional damping control, absorbing bumps and maintaining tire contact even on extremely rough terrain. The lower gearing and locking differentials further enhance its off-road capability, allowing it to tackle challenging obstacles with ease. Compared to the base 2.7L engine or the diesel option, the turbo engine provides a more immediate and powerful response, though it may sacrifice some fuel economy in certain driving conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The ZR2 comes standard with a comprehensive list of features geared towards off-road performance and comfort. Standard interior features include cloth and leatherette seating, an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium Bose audio system. Exterior features include a unique front grille, skid plates, off-road tires, and a high-clearance front bumper. Optional extras include a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a bed liner, and various accessory packages for enhanced off-road capability. The ZR2’s interior is designed to be durable and functional, with easy-to-clean surfaces and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The ZR2’s chassis is significantly upgraded compared to other Colorado trims. The most notable feature is the Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) dampers, which provide exceptional damping control and allow for increased suspension travel. The front suspension utilizes coil springs, while the rear suspension employs leaf springs. The ZR2 also features a wider track width for improved stability. The braking system consists of disc brakes on all four wheels, with 340mm rotors up front and 337mm rotors in the rear. The ZR2 is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic stability control for enhanced safety.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 has been widely praised by automotive critics for its exceptional off-road capability and comfortable on-road manners. It has consistently been ranked among the top mid-size pickup trucks for off-road performance. Compared to other trims in the Colorado lineup, the ZR2 offers a more focused and capable experience for off-road enthusiasts. While the base WT and LT trims prioritize affordability and practicality, and the High Country focuses on luxury, the ZR2 strikes a balance between capability and comfort. Fuel economy is comparable to other turbocharged engines in the segment, though it may be slightly lower than the diesel option. Reliability has been generally good, with few reported issues specific to the ZR2 trim.
Legacy
The 2.7L Turbo engine paired with the 8-speed automatic in the Colorado ZR2 represents a significant step forward in mid-size truck performance and capability. The Multimatic DSSV dampers have set a new standard for off-road suspension technology in this segment. As the Colorado III continues its production run, the ZR2 is expected to remain a popular choice for buyers seeking a capable and versatile pickup truck. The long-term reliability of the L3B engine and Hydra-Matic transmission remains to be fully assessed, but early indications suggest that they are durable and dependable powertrains. On the used car market, the ZR2 is likely to hold its value well due to its unique features and strong reputation.
