For over a century, Chevy has maintained a reputation for toughness and dependability. Aside from providing vehicles that are meant to facilitate occupational obligations and the daily commute, they’ve also made a name for themselves when it comes to high performance and adventures that a select group of individuals live to experience. Among these tasks is the passionate lifestyle for journeys that take place off the pavement and exist on the less traveled path.
We commonly refer to this as off-roading, and for the enthusiasts who put their faith in Chevy, the Z71 badge needs little to no introduction. Reserved for select vehicles in the Chevy fleet, the Z71 specification refers to designs specifically formulated for adventures in the dirt, sand, mud, and other inhospitable terrains. Today, we’re shining a light on the offerings from Chevy that proudly display this badge and offer drivers the off-roading experience of a lifetime. If you like what you see here, you’ll want to get down to your local Chevy dealer and get behind the wheel as soon as possible.
The Chevy Tahoe Z71
In an age where the most popular SUVs take the form of subcompact and crossover models, the Tahoe remains a testimony of the older design methods that the vehicle was once known for. The second largest offering in the Chevy fleet, just below the Suburban, the Tahoe exemplifies the old thought process of “bigger is better.” A vehicle of this size usually packs a potent powertrain, and the Tahoe has three distinct offerings to choose from.
These consist of two V8s that produce 355 and 420 hp and a diesel-fueled engine that provides 460 lb-ft of torque. With over 120 available cu.ft. of storage space and seating for multiple individuals, the Tahoe is ready for any lengthy excursions you might be planning. With a Z71 trim, the Tahoe can now embark where other full-sized SUVs can’t. Air springs allow the driver to raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle, making it instantly adaptable to surfaces that have pavement and those that don’t with minimal effort.
Additional features such as all-terrain tires and underbody protection in the form of skid plates make any terrain seem domesticated. For those who are looking to bring technology to their off-roading experience, Adaptive Cruise Control and GM’s hands-free driving mode can be equipped to enhance any journey.
The Chevy Colorado Z71
If you turn back the pages of Chevy’s history, or you were following the bow-tie brand back in the 1990s, then you might be familiar with the Chevy S-10. Notable for competing against the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, it was one of Chevy’s most notable offerings at the time. Even the best things don’t last forever, and the S-10 passed the proverbial torch to the Chevy Colorado, which carries on the tradition of being the definitive example of big things emanating from small packages.
The Z71 edition of the Chevy Colorado is no exception to this practice. 310 hp and the ability to generate 391 lb-ft of torque are the results of a 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Sitting on 18-inch wheels and possessing almost nine inches of ground clearance, the Colorado is the diminutive dynamo that any off-roader can thoroughly enjoy. Hill Descent Control, a specially designed suspension to make any terrain manageable, and a towing capacity of 7,700 lbs means you’ll have no trouble bringing along some extras when you go for your next adventure.
The Chevy Traverse Z71
The newest vehicle to be given the Z71 badge, the Chevy Traverse manages to embody the large presence of the Tahoe and Suburban yet maintains the agile handling of the Equinox and Trailblazer. While off-road enthusiasts who favor Chevy models usually expect a potent powertrain to pull off impossible tasks, the newest edition of the Traverse seems to be the antithesis of this thought process.
While previous incarnations of the Traverse used a V6, that powertrain has been abandoned in favor of a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine that’s standard across all trim levels. For those who crave performance, fear not; 328 hp is more than enough to enjoy the time spent behind the wheel and off of the pavement. The Z71 trim of the Traverse will pack all of the expected extras needed for traversing the path less traveled, such as off-road suspension, a twin-clutch 4WD drivetrain, and a set of all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. While not as storage-heavy as the Tahoe, 98 cu.ft. of available storage space makes carrying extras and provisions a distinct possibility.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 (With the Z71 Off-Road and Protection Package)
Even those with limited knowledge of Chevy and its offerings are certainly familiar with the Silverado 1500. As the flagship product of the bow-tie brand, the Silverado has been turning heads and exceeding expectations since it made its debut for the 1999 model year. Many drivers have opted to utilize the Silverado for the worksite as well as their adventures. The Z71 off-road package is an available add-on that can transform this reliable workhorse into a potent off-road performer. It’s the small items that Chevy includes that produce the best results.
These include all-terrain tires paired with specially designed shocks to make any adventure one where the obstacles will instantly become a non-issue. The suspension is specifically adjusted to handle the rigors of off-roading, and the inclusion of skid plates and a heavy-duty air filter are there to protect the truck’s underbody and ensure that the dust and debris stay outside the cabin. If you’re looking to maximize the off-road capabilities of the Silverado, you might want to consider the Silverado ZR2, designed for off-roading from the ground up. A ZR2 trim can also be found on the Silverado 2500 HD & 3500 HD and the Colorado, making off-roading more accessible and enjoyable than any other brand.
The Perfect Trifecta: You, the Trail, and a Z71 Vehicle
If you’re someone who favors adventures taking place far removed from the confines of civilization, then the right vehicle makes all of the difference in the world. When one takes the time to look at the options on the marketplace, one might notice that off-road options are limited and usually come in the form of one model with very little variety. The same can’t be said about the different Z71 options from Chevy. Rather than make one model the be-all-end-all off-roading option, Chevy grants this distinction to a number of their vehicles, each one unique in their separate attributes.
If you’re a family-oriented consumer who needs extra storage and seating for that rite of passage known as the family road trip, both the Traverse and Tahoe offer an off-road-ready option to allow your family to journey wherever they would like to. If you’re in need of a reliable workhorse for the job site and on the weekends you intend to play as hard as you work, then the Colorado Z71 or the Z71 add-on package for the Silverado 1500 will allow you to accomplish both of these feats. No matter what you might be looking for, there’s a Chevy Z71 that’s perfectly suited for you.
