Chevrolet Colorado trim comparison
2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 vs ZR2
The Colorado Z71 starts at $40,200 while the ZR2 is $46,800. That $6,600 gap buys 3 meaningful differences.
$6,600 more is ~$116/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
The Z71 is the cleaner stopping point if keeping roughly $116/month in your budget matters. The ZR2 earns the extra money only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $116/month more over 60 months, or roughly $6,960 extra all-in once interest is included.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The Z71 and ZR2 are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and Crew Cab cabin and bed dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $6,600 for 2 measurable differences, which works out to about $3,300 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 3 specification differences, 4 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Z71 | ZR2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $40,200 | $46,800 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.7L I4 Turbo | 2.7L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 17 | 17 |
| Highway MPG | 19 | 17 |
| Combined MPG | 18 | 17 |
| Fuel Tank | 21.4 gal | 21.4 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,640 lbs | 4,940 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 131.4" | 131.4" |
| Length | 213.0" | 213.0" |
| Width | 76.3" | 78.1" |
| Height | 79.6" | 81.8" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/100k | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 vs ZR2 Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Chevrolet Colorado lineup, the Chevrolet brand hub, the Midsize Trucks, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Colorado ZR2 cost than the Z71?
The ZR2 starts at $46,800 compared to $40,200 for the Z71 (both Crew Cab 4WD). That is a $6,600 difference, or approximately $116/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 and ZR2 have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.7L I4 Turbo producing 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2024 Colorado Z71 and ZR2 have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with 4WD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2024 Colorado Z71 or ZR2 safer?
Both share the same Chevrolet Colorado platform with an overall 4-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado come with?
All 2024 Chevrolet Colorado trims, including both the Z71 and ZR2, come with Chevrolet's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Which 2024 Chevrolet Colorado trim gets better fuel economy, the Z71 or the ZR2?
The Z71 is the more efficient of the two at 18 combined MPG, versus 17 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Colorado ZR2 Worth $6,600 More?
Same engine, drivetrain, $6,600 more. The Colorado ZR2 adds minor equipment upgrades over the Z71, but the core driving experience is identical.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Colorado Z71 gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $138 per year or $690 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
The Colorado Z71 and ZR2 share the same engine, drivetrain, and transmission. The $6,600 difference comes down to 2 feature and equipment changes, not mechanical differences.
Bottom Line
The Colorado ZR2 costs $6,600 more than the Z71 (about $116/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 2 meaningful changes at $3,300 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Chevrolet Colorado Z71
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Z71 best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the ZR2 when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Chevrolet or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.