Off Road Ready: The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71

by TGR Staff - Photos by Lucas Kepner 06/17/2024

The Chevrolet Colorado has long been one of our favorite small trucks, and the 2024 Colorado Z71, with its rugged yet refined exterior and comfortable interior, might be our favorite version yet. The front fascia features a bold grille and sleek LED headlights that provide excellent visibility. The Z71 trim includes unique styling elements such as blacked-out badges and off-road wheels, giving it a distinctive look compared to lower trims. 

Inside, the Colorado Z71 combines comfort with advanced technology. The cabin, only available as a crew cab, features heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The interior is spacious for front passengers but somewhat cramped in the rear, making it more suitable for children or short trips.

Off Road Ready: The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Z71

The dashboard is dominated by an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, which provides access to Google Maps, Assistant, and other apps. This system is paired with a customizable digital gauge cluster, ensuring that all essential information is easily accessible​.

Under the hood, the Colorado Z71 is powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing robust performance both on and off the road.

Off Road Ready: The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Z71

The powertrain allows the Colorado Z71 to tow up to 7,700 pounds, making it capable of handling trailers, boats, and other heavy loads. The truck’s acceleration is smooth, though the engine can sound a bit rough, resembling a diesel at times. The steering is well-weighted, offering good feedback and stability, which is particularly important for off-road driving.

The Z71 is designed with off-road enthusiasts in mind. It comes equipped with all-terrain tires, a limited-slip differential, and 8.9 inches of ground clearance. These features make it capable of handling rough terrains with ease, although it does not have the extreme off-road enhancements found in the ZR2 variant. One standout feature is the StowFlex tailgate, which includes a hidden storage compartment, ideal for tools or wet items. The bed itself is a five-footer with tie-downs and a spray-on bedliner, enhancing its durability and practicality.

Off Road Ready: The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Z71

The 2025 Colorado Z71 includes a suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies. Standard equipment includes automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. Optional features include adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience in various driving conditions. The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Z71's starting price is around $42,000. This places it competitively within the midsize truck segment, offering a good balance of features, performance, and capability for the price. 

Off Road Ready: The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Z71

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 is an impressive midsize truck that excels in both daily driving and off-road adventures. Its powerful engine, advanced technology, and practical features make it a versatile choice for those seeking a capable and stylish pickup. While it may have some minor drawbacks, such as limited rear seat space and a rough-sounding engine, its overall package makes it a strong contender in its class. If you’re looking for a midsize truck that balances everyday usability with rugged performance, the Colorado Z71 is definitely worth considering.