Dec 20, 2024
A silver 2024 Chevy Colorado Z71 is shown from the rear at an angle.

There are off-road wannabes, and then there are true off-roaders, the vehicles that perform optimally, no matter if there’s sand, rocks, mud, or ice situated beneath their all-terrain tires. You may be wondering if off-road-oriented models, like the Colorado Z71, are able to keep up with the best of the best adventurers in the business. Are these models truly able to traverse treacherous terrain, or is it all just for show? At Service Chevrolet, we know that the Chevy Colorado is an outstanding midsize pickup truck that’s recognized for its impeccable versatility and ability to perform well in a multitude of different situations—off-roading included. So, how off-road capable is the 2024 Colorado Z71? Let’s find out.

Drive Modes to Elevate the Experience

The Colorado Z71 is equipped with four selectable drive modes to cater to virtually any type of environment you happen to be trekking through. You’re able to prioritize traction and control when the ground beneath you becomes gritty with Off-Road Mode, allowing you to coast through snow, mud, and gravel with ultimate agility. When the terrain becomes steep, you can rely on Terrain Mode to help you through it, applying the brakes for you so that you can climb mountainous trails and rock-crawl with precision.

You’ll also find a dedicated Tow/Haul Mode, which allows you to harness incredible performance and control while you’re pulling a heavy camper or trailer out into the woods for a weekend off the grid. Finally, Normal Mode is ideal for the daily ride, blending performance and efficiency to make your time on the highway heading to work a more comfortable experience. There’s a mode for every type of terrain out there, so if you find yourself dealing with a particular unruly patch of land, you can count on the Colorado Z71 to get you through it with certainty.

A silver 2024 Chevy Colorado Z71 is shown from the side.

Durable Features to Stand Up to the Elements

In order to go off-road with the greats, you need a vehicle that’s equipped with features that can take on challenging environments. The Chevy Colorado is a durable pickup truck in and of itself, so arming it with Z71 capabilities just kicks it up a notch. The Z71 trim showcases an assertive and athletic build with ruggedness seeping out of every crevice. It comes standard with 18-inch dark aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires to crunch over the terrain without hesitation. LED headlamps, taillamps, and fog lamps not only look commanding and captivating, but they also help you find your way through particularly dense parts of the forest and help you maneuver in dimly lit environments.

You’ll also find red recovery hooks to help you out of tricky situations on the trails, as well as a durable bed that’s ready for any type of gear you happen to be bringing with you on your epic adventure. With available best-in-class tie-downs to secure your cargo and class-leading bed and tailgate functionality, the Colorado is capable of handling any gear you need to revitalize your weekend adventures in the wilderness.

Plenty of Engine Power

You can drive a durable truck, but that’s just the beginning if you want to run with the big boys on the trails. The Colorado Z71 is also armed with a powerful engine that’s ready to amplify the thrills on the trails, accommodate large loads, and perform among the best in the woods. It comes standard with the 2.7L TurboMax turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This exciting engine makes an impressive 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque to intensify the journey in every way.

With the TurboMax engine powering your adventure forward, you’re able to harness exceptional performance with heightened torque and a level of durability you can’t find in rivals. With stronger components inside, you can expect this powertrain to deliver an awe-inspiring ride, no matter where your expedition takes you. Plus, with the ability to tow up to 7,700 lbs—a class-leading accolade—the Colorado Z71 is able to bring all your must-have tools and toys to the trails with you, like ATVs, bikes, campers, and more, allowing you to make the most of your time in nature.

Off-Road Tailored Tech

When you’re looking to tow something heavy out to the campsite, you’ll want to be sure that your vehicle can not only handle it but also offer you features to make this task easier. For 2024, the Colorado Z71 is available with the Advanced Trailering Package. This adds a host of features to your Colorado that are designed to make trailering a breeze. From hitch assistance to a dedicated trailering app, you can expect even more tools to make this often-challenging part of your adventure easier than ever.

You can also enjoy an off-road performance display in Z71 models, allowing you to remain in tune with how your adventure is shaping up. Get a grip on how your truck is handling the elements, as well as pitch and roll angles and other helpful details as you traverse the trails with confidence. When you want to improve how you perform off-road, you’ll want to be able to keep track of this important information so that you can conquer any situation with assurance.

The interior of a 2025 Chevy Colorado Z71 is shown from the passenger seat.

An Exciting Cabin Atmosphere

You want a vehicle that is durable and can stand up to the various challenges that await on the trails; however, if your vehicle doesn’t provide you with the cabin quality you need, cleaning up can be a hassle. After all, has anyone ever stayed clean as they kicked up mud on their way to meet their fellow adventure mates? We didn’t think so. Thankfully, the Colorado Z71 showcases a durable yet exciting cabin ambiance with easy-to-clean appointments and plenty of places to stow all your must-have exploration gear.

With a Jet Black color scheme with Adrenaline Red accents, you’ll be enveloped in a sense of excitement as you rumble down the trails. Plus, with durable Evotex seating materials, cleaning up afterward is no big deal. You’ll also find plenty of storage solutions on board to stow away emergency gear, camping equipment, and anything else you may need during your adventure. With a 60/40 split-folding rear bench with storage, you’re able to accommodate even larger gear while also having a place for the small stuff underneath, making the Colorado Z71’s cabin perfectly appointed for the adventure ahead.

Ready for Your Off-Road Excursions

So, is the Colorado Z71 equipped to handle your time off-road? It sure is—in more ways than one. It’s not only incredibly durable, with features to help you out of a jam in the woods, but it’s also exceptionally powerful and ready to handle anything that you need to bring with you to intensify your time off the grid. Plus, with an exhilarating interior ambiance, feeling the spirit of adventure is easy on board this popular off-road-ready model. You’re even able to take advantage of enhanced trailering tech to bring your trailer or camper off-road with you with absolute control, making the Colorado Z71 a versatile and capable member of your off-road crew.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the campsite or you regularly rumble down the area trails on the weekends, the Colorado Z71 can keep up with whatever your excursions toss your way. It’s loaded with rugged features, plenty of power, and a build quality that’s ready for anything. Plus, with Chevy’s reliability driving it forward, you won’t have to worry about whether or not your truck will provide you with a ride you can count on. With Chevrolet, this is a guarantee. All that’s left to ask yourself is—where to go next?