The mid-size pickup truck market is heating up. New and refreshed models give the poqwer of choice to consumers looking for a more efficient and fun-focused truck that wants to play and work – sometimes at the same time.
The Chevrolet Colorado has evolved into a very competitive pickup truck. The size is perfect for off-road running, as well as reporting for duty when it calls for it.
We did not just get a 2025 Colorado. We got one that delivers some serious off-road credibility – the ZR2 with the Bison package. A pickup truck that gets down and dirty without any compromise.
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado’s Crew Cab starts with more upright front clip with a cascade-like grille. The short bed ties into the cab nicely. In all, the Colorado is a strong looking truck for its class.
Our ZR2 tester adds more toughness to the Colorado, with 35-inch all-terrain tires and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. With a 12.2-inch ground clearance, it offers a sharper angle of approach and departure. The step-up into the cab is not bad for everyone, and there is a tubular bar with some grip to get in. 
In addition, our tester came with another upgrade from Chevrolet’s partnership with American Expedition Vehicles creating the ZR2 Bison. With the Bison, you get upgrades in the bumpers, fender flares, and skid plate protection underneath the truck using Boron steel.
Inside, you get a n 11-inch digital instrument cluster integrated into the dashboard. Next to it is an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with a variety of connectivity and interactivity, including Google Built-in. There is a mix of tactile switchgear, including a straightforward transmission shifter, along with the lighting and 4WD knobs. 
Some Bison touches can be seen in the cabin, which offers leather seating for 4-5 people. Front seat room is good, though finding a comfortable and workable driving position does take some time\. Rear seat room in the Crew cab is adequate for average-sized adults and/or children.
Powering our 2025 Colorado ZR2 Bison is the 310-horsepower 2.7-liter turbocharged TurboMax four-cylinder engine. It also puts down 430 pound-feet of torque. It is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power through a four-wheel drive system and a two-speed transfer case. It delivers a maximum payload of 1,151 pounds and a tow rating of up to 6,000 pounds for the ZR2.
You certainly feel that torque both on and off the highway. Acceleration is good, and it cruises just fine. It is when you get off road is where you feel the low-end grunt, as it tackles the dirt with authority. In terms of fuel economy, the EPA states that it should achieve av average of 16 MPG.
With this off-road-ready pickup truck, you get a very soft ride. The suspension system offered a ride that helped smooth out the worst pieces of tarmac on the road, as well as the roughest spots off of it. We also found that handling and cornering was actually quite good in the Colorado ZR2 Bison. The ride and handling mix were achieved through the excellent Multimatic DSSV Damping System.
We also found that the Chevrolet Colorado has a tight steering radius and a solid steering feel. On-center feel was fine, but we were certainly challenged by the combination of the off-road tires and some highway surfaces to maintain stability. The brakes delivered solid stops with a great pedal feel. Panic braking stops were the best among all pickup trucks overall. 
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado lineup is offered in five trim levels available in a Crew Cab configuration only. Pricing starts from $31,900. Our ZR2 Bison tester came with the sticker price of $63,845.
The Chevrolet Colorado is in a segment that is growing, thanks to new competitors. They include the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator for midsized pickup supremacy. The Gladiator is the closest vehicle to compete directly with the Colorado ZR2, Rager Raptor, Frontier Pro-4X, Tacoma TRD Pro and Trailhunter in terms of off-road prowess.
Chevrolet continues to make a great mid-size pickup truck that is solid for you to do more than you expect it to. One thing is for sure, choosing the ZR2 and adding the Bison package will make it the most fun you’ll ever have in one.
