In the modern age of off-roading, it’s about more than having the biggest engine, strongest transmission, and toughest axles. Just like automotive technology has upgraded the on-road experience, it can also enhance off-road excursions. The right technology can help you find your way on a trail, change the vehicle settings for more traction, improve your safety at the wheel, and offer other features so you can get more from the land.
A commitment to off-road technology is a big part of why the Chevy Colorado has become one of North America’s most popular midsize pickups. GM is at the forefront of advancing technology, and for more than 20 years, the Chevy Colorado has served as its off-road canvas. In particular, the Colorado Z71, Trail Boss, and ZR2 have positioned themselves as off-road kings—to the point the Chevy Colorado was named the 2024 MotorTrend Truck of the Year and Edmunds Top Rated Truck.
How does technology take these mechanically sound trucks to the highest off-road heights? This guide examines the highlights of the Chevy Colorado tech loadout and how it impacts performance, infotainment, and everything else that goes into a successful outing so you have the best picture in mind before you seek out a Chevy Colorado for sale at your local dealer.
Selectable Drive Modes for All Terrains
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a truck setup. Settings that are great on dry pavement will have you slip-sliding in the rain; an excellent towing setup may not be ideal for overlanding. You don’t have to spend hours reconfiguring your machine with the Chevy Colorado. Each mode has at least four drive modes you can select using the center console knob next to the shift lever, instantly changing the electronic control module (ECM) settings. Here’s a brief overview of each:
- Normal Mode: The default startup mode with conservative settings ideal for everyday on-road driving.
- Off-Road Mode: Updates numerous settings and functions for better performance on unimproved surfaces, including shift points, anti-lock brakes, steering, traction control, 4WD, and pedal response. The rear differential is also permanently locked in this mode.
- Terrain Mode: Enables one-pedal driving, adds even more brake aggressiveness, changes the throttle progression, and automatically holds the truck in place on an incline, making it better for rock crawling and other extreme conditions.
- Tow/Haul Mode: Modifies the function of various features to make your truck more stable when towing.
In addition, certain models of the Chevy Colorado include a fifth mode called “Baja,” which makes the truck more responsive at high speeds and reduces stopping distance on soft terrain such as sand, gravel, hard dirt, or other firmly-packed substrates. Just by turning a knob, you’ll be ready for whatever lies ahead.
Cameras Galore to Monitor Your Surroundings
Awareness is a big deal in any driving situation, especially when venturing into the unknown. While you should always be on the alert, it’s hard to see everything with just two eyes. A few well-placed cameras act as extra sets of eyes to warn about tree stumps, large rocks, wild animals, and other obstacles.
Suffice it to say the Chevy Colorado has more than a few onboard cameras. Up to ten exterior camera views are available, including front and rear underbody views (available on the Z71 and ZR2) to give you a full field of vision beneath the truck. You’ll know exactly what you’re about to drive over—and if you misjudge whether you can clear an object, these cameras give you an out to stop before contact is made. The Chevy Colorado is the only midsize pickup in North America offering these underbody views.
Other camera tech options include a front grille view, five available parking views, and hitch/surround views for towing. The rear parking camera is in high definition as part of the Chevy Safety Assist package (more on this shortly) for a crystal-clear reverse view. There is also a dual-function rearview camera mirror to widen your field of vision, so you know if something or someone is coming.
Chevy Safety Assist for Protection Everywhere
By its nature, off-roading has inherent safety risks. I’m in the camp that says even the most macho off-roaders should still take advantage of any safety features they can. After all, you want to keep exploring for many years. The good news is this: the Chevy Assist Package that protects you on main roads also does a lot for you off the road. Here’s how this driver assistance technology suite can benefit Chevy Colorado owners when they’re not navigating city traffic:
- Automatic Emergency Braking will help you stop if a deer runs into your path or you slide off near a tree.
- Forward Collision Alert will let you know if a potential impact is imminent should you get distracted on a busy trail. It can function as a flashing red windshield LED for added visibility.
- Daytime Running Lamps help you be seen by other off-roaders and animals to reduce the chances of an accident.
- Blind Spot Monitoring keeps you aware of what’s behind and beside you every second you drive.
- IntelliBeam High-Beam headlights give you maximum clarity off-road while adjusting to traffic when you get back on-road.
- OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services act as a lifeline in case you run into trouble you can’t get out of.
Plenty of tech is available to aid your on-road driving as well, including Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. You’ll have many helping hands ready wherever you decide to roll.
Impressive Infotainment to Enjoy the Journey
I know that in off-roading, there are plenty of times it’s best to unplug and soak in nature. But I also know when the time calls for some advanced infotainment tech, it’s good to have on hand. The Chevy Colorado has some of the best infotainment in its class, and much of it can be used to improve the off-road experience. Every model has an 11.3-inch color LCD touchscreen and an 11-inch driver information center to see all the necessary data. This includes Googe Built-In with access to Google Maps to navigate to your favorite adventure spot.
The infotainment setup also includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to connect your smartphone for tunes or additional mapping work. Two USB charging and data ports keep your devices from drying, and the Z71 and ZR2 also have rear charging ports for your passengers. The Colorado is SiriusXM-ready, so you can still enjoy an adventurous soundtrack to your excursions even when you’re out of cellular or terrestrial radio range. Available features include a premium Bose speaker system to hear your music in concert hall quality and a wireless charging pad to go cord-free.
Great Technology on a Great Truck
This tech would only do so much without a good foundation — but the Chevy Colorado’s off-road foundation is ironclad. Its off-road trims come with a 2.7L turbo-charged engine that smashes ahead with 310 hp and up to 430 lb-ft of torque. The Z71 and Trail Boss have 18-inch wheels, rugged all-terrain tires, and a two-speed transfer case; the Trail Boss lifts the chassis by two inches for clearance and widens it for better stability. In the ZR2, you’re treated to three inches of lift, 33-inch mud terrain tires, Multimatic DSSV shock dampers, an aluminum skid plate, and other components to lay waste to any trail.
Add features like a long 62-inch bed with a class-leading 17 tie-downs, up to a 7,700-lb towing capacity, excellent front and rear legroom, and concealed StowFlex tailgate storage, and you have one remarkable off-road truck. The tech is the ultimate topping you can use to go farther, be safer, and have more fun.
