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How did the stock Colorado ZR2 perform on the muddy trail?
MotorTrend took its yearlong-review Colorado ZR2 to Forbidden Zone Campground near Wellsville, Ohio, after recent rain left the ground wet and soggy. The outing included rolling dirt roads, creek beds, rocky climbs, ruts, and a steep waterfall obstacle with slick rock, mud, and a spring-fed creek. The crew aired down the truck’s stock Goodyear tires before heading out.
Tight trails suited the truck’s size
The ZR2’s smaller footprint helped on narrow, tree-lined trails. MotorTrend reported that it fit through spaces where larger vehicles needed multi-point turns or rubbed against ditches. That maneuverability was a clear advantage in this particular outing.
Deep ruts exposed a clearance limit
Compared with the lifted Jeeps on the trip, the stock Colorado struggled more in deep ruts. The crew crept over deeper crevices to avoid grounding the underside. It did not simply sail through every obstacle: the ruts were the outing’s clearest challenge.
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What helped the ZR2 climb the slick ledge?
At one obstacle, the crew used the forward-facing camera, low range, and Terrain mode. Terrain mode’s one-pedal behavior helped the truck make an initial slow crawl. Later, with all four tires spinning on slick rock, the drivers changed their setup: MotorTrend says they turned off stability and traction control, locked both differentials, selected Baja mode for quicker throttle response, and used a brake-torque, two-pedal launch.
Those are details of the crew’s approach to that specific ledge, not general instructions for tackling mud or rock. Conditions, vehicle setup, and safe operating choices vary; follow the owner’s manual and use sound judgment on the trail.
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- 1/27 Scale Collectible Model Pickup Truck
- This is a 7.75"L x 2.75"W x 2.75"H Diecast Metal model with some plastic parts
- Freewheeling And Openable Doors
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What equipment does the standard 2024 ZR2 have?
Chevrolet’s 2024 specifications list the standard ZR2 with a 2.7L Turbo High-Output four-cylinder rated at 310 hp and GM-estimated 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Its four-wheel-drive system includes a two-speed transfer case and power-locking front and rear differentials. The factory off-road equipment also includes Multimatic DSSV dampers and LT285/70R17 mud-terrain tires with a 33-inch outside diameter.
Chevrolet lists 10.7 inches of ground clearance and a 6,000-pound maximum trailering rating for the standard ZR2. The trailering figure is a maximum, not a guarantee for every truck or load: passengers, cargo, options, and accessories can reduce capacity. Check the owner’s manual and the vehicle label for the applicable limits. Chevrolet’s 2024 Colorado ZR2 specifications provide the model figures.
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- 2017 Colorado ZR2 Pickup Truck - 37517 Showcasts Model Vehicle
- 1/27 Scale Collectible Model Pickup Truck
- This is a 7.75"L x 2.75"W x 2.75"H Diecast Metal model with some plastic parts
- Freewheeling And Openable Doors
- 1 Car, No Box
How is the ZR2 different from the ZR2 Bison?
The Bison is a separate 2024 trim, not the truck MotorTrend took on this outing. Chevrolet lists it with AEV bumpers and flares, additional underbody protection, Multimatic Jounce Control Dampers, 35-inch tires, and 12.2 inches of ground clearance. MotorTrend identified its test truck as a stock ZR2; the reviewer noted that the Bison’s steel bumpers would have added confidence on some obstacles.
| Specification | 2024 Colorado ZR2 | 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison |
|---|---|---|
| Tire outside diameter | 33 inches | 35 inches |
| Ground clearance | 10.7 inches | 12.2 inches |
| Protection and equipment | Standard ZR2 off-road equipment | Added AEV bumpers and flares, underbody protection, and Multimatic Jounce Control Dampers |
| Maximum trailering rating | 6,000 pounds | 5,500 pounds |
These are Chevrolet’s listed 2024 model specifications; actual trailering capacity depends on the vehicle’s configuration and load. The larger tires and extra clearance distinguish the Bison, but its lower maximum trailering figure is an important trade-off to note.
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- 1/24 scale measuring 8.5 x 3 x 3 inches
- Made of Diecast Metal with plastic parts and rubber tires
- Openable front doors and lift gate
- Pre-built model, not a Remote Car, not a building kit
What did the post-trip inspection find?
The outing was not damage-free. Technicians recorded a scratched wheel, rubbed paint on the transfer-case skidplate, and marks on the rock rails. The service recap also listed new wiper blades, cabin and engine air filters, and a tire rotation; MotorTrend reported a $410.94 service bill in its 2025 account.
MotorTrend also noted uneven rear brake-pad wear. The reviewers suspected mud or rocks may have lodged in the brake assembly, but that cause was not confirmed as a diagnosis. MotorTrend’s account of the Ohio trail outing and inspection describes the observed results.
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