2026 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: Kirkland Buyers Guide
Quick Answer: 2026 Colorado ZR2
The ZR2 is the top of the standard Colorado ladder at $50,700 MSRP, before the $2,095 destination charge, and it's 4WD only. Chevrolet builds it with a 3-inch factory lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, front and rear underbody rock rails, and five selectable drive modes including Baja Mode, plus ZR2 grille and bed badging and hood graphics. The engine is the same 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder as every Colorado (310 horsepower, 430 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic). The EPA rates it at 17 mpg city, 17 highway and 17 combined, which reflects the big tires and off-road equipment.
Everything the other trims don't have
Most of what makes the ZR2 special is standard, not a list of packages you add up on a build sheet. The suspension is a 3-inch factory lift with Multimatic DSSV dampers, the tires are 33-inch mud-terrain units, and the underside is protected by rock rails at the front and rear. Five drive modes include Baja Mode, a setting designed for fast, loose terrain. The hood graphics and ZR2 badging make it easy to spot from a block away. It sits $6,100 above the Z71 at base prices, and much of that gap is hardware you won't find on a lower trim.
Honest question: do you need it?
For a lot of Eastside drivers the answer is no, and that's fine. The ZR2 is a truck for people who regularly drive rough forest roads, chase remote trailheads in the Cascades, or just want the most capable Colorado Chevrolet makes. Those 33-inch mud-terrain tires are noisier on the highway than street tires and lower the fuel economy to 17 mpg combined, so a daily commute on I-405 will feel the trade-off. If the weekend plans don't involve places where the lift and dampers matter, a Trail Boss or Z71 covers the ground for less. If they do, the ZR2 is the reason the lineup exists.
What owners say
A Google reviewer who bought a Colorado ZR2 at Lee Johnson Chevrolet for a family member said the salesperson "answered all our questions with knowledge, and provided excellent customer service," and added, "Super content with our purchase." (Angel R., Google review, October 2024.)
One note on the Bison
Chevrolet also sells a separate, higher-priced ZR2 Bison edition above the base ZR2. This guide covers the standard ZR2 and its $50,700 MSRP only, so if the Bison is on your list, ask the Lee Johnson Chevrolet sales team to price it separately.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Colorado ZR2 come standard with a lift and mud-terrain tires?
Yes. The 3-inch factory lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers and 33-inch mud-terrain tires are all standard on the ZR2, not options.
What gas mileage does the ZR2 get?
The EPA rates it at 17 mpg city, 17 highway and 17 combined, lower than the other trims because of the larger tires and the off-road equipment. It runs on regular unleaded.
What is Baja Mode?
It's one of the ZR2's five selectable drive modes, a setting intended for faster driving on loose, rough surfaces. The Z71, for comparison, offers four modes.
How much does a 2026 Colorado ZR2 cost?
The starting MSRP is $50,700, plus the $2,095 destination charge, Washington sales tax, licensing and any dealer fees. The pricing and leasing guide shows how the Kirkland tax is calculated.
Is the ZR2 better than the Z71 for daily driving?
It's the more specialized truck. The Z71 is easier on fuel and on the budget, while the ZR2 gives up some economy and quiet for capability. Test drive both back to back to feel the difference.
The bottom line
The ZR2 is the Colorado for people who want the full off-road package from the factory. Read the Z71 guide to compare it with the next step down, then see what's available through the new Colorado inventory page at Lee Johnson Chevrolet in Kirkland.
MSRP figures exclude the $2,095 destination charge, taxes, licensing and any dealer fees or installed options; the dealer sets the actual selling price. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates that vary by configuration; see the Owner's Manual or Lee Johnson Chevrolet for vehicle-specific ratings and towing capability. Equipment and availability can change with production timing, so confirm current specifications with the dealer. Customer quotes are excerpts from public Google reviews of Lee Johnson Chevrolet in Kirkland, Washington.