The Chevy Colorado ZR2 earns its reputation with hardware rather than marketing - the same Multimatic DSSV damper technology used in race trucks, electronic front and rear locking differentials, and a suspension specifically engineered for high-speed desert running and technical rock crawling. For Bergen County off-road drivers in Paramus, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Fair Lawn who want a midsize truck that handles real trail conditions, the ZR2 makes a compelling case that doesn’t require full-size truck pricing.
Bottom Line: The Chevy Colorado ZR2 is the most capable factory midsize off-road truck available - Multimatic DSSV dampers, electronic front and rear lockers, and optional Bison package armor make it competitive with purpose-built trail vehicles at a lower price point than the full-size competition.
- Multimatic DSSV dampers: the same technology used in Chevy’s Baja 1000 race trucks - genuine racing hardware in a production vehicle
- Electronic front and rear lockers: mechanically lock differentials for maximum traction in low-grip conditions
- Ground clearance: 8.9 inches standard, with specific approach and departure angles for technical terrain
- ZR2 Bison edition: adds Autotec skid plates, rock sliders, and front bumper protection for extreme trail use
Multimatic DSSV: Why the ZR2 Suspension Is Different
Multimatic DSSV stands for Diagonal Spool Valve - a damper technology that Multimatic developed for endurance racing and adapted for the Colorado ZR2 production truck. Standard dampers control fluid flow through fixed orifices that react to the same input in the same way regardless of speed or direction. DSSV dampers use a complex valve assembly that responds differently to compression and rebound, and changes behavior as speed increases.
The practical result: the ZR2 handles high-speed whoops (repeating bumps at highway speeds) more smoothly than any other factory midsize truck, while also providing precise wheel control at low crawling speeds on rocky terrain. This dual capability - high-speed and low-speed off-road performance - is what separates DSSV from conventional performance shocks.
Bergen County drivers who primarily use highways 17, 4, and 208 daily and take the ZR2 to upstate New York or Pennsylvania trails on weekends will notice the suspension quality on the highway as much as on the trail - it rides better than competing performance trucks because the dampers are calibrated for both uses.
Electronic Lockers: Front, Rear, and When You Use Them
Electronic locking differentials lock the axle mechanically - forcing both wheels to turn at the same speed regardless of surface grip. This eliminates the normal behavior where a spinning wheel in low traction loses all torque. On a rock shelf, a side-hill, or a muddy rut, a locked differential keeps power flowing to both wheels even when one is completely in the air.
The ZR2 provides both front and rear electronic lockers as standard equipment - not an optional upgrade. Most midsize off-road trucks offer only a rear locker; front lockers are significantly more capable on technical terrain and are what separate the ZR2 from the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Ford Ranger Raptor in extreme conditions.
When not to use lockers: locked differentials on pavement cause binding and tire scrub, and they should be disengaged when returning to paved roads in Bergen County. The system is designed for off-road use only and the dashboard warning system will alert drivers if speed increases beyond the safe locked-differential threshold.
ZR2 vs. Tacoma TRD Pro vs. Ranger Raptor: What Separates Them
The Colorado ZR2 competes directly with the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Ford Ranger Raptor in the performance midsize truck segment. Each truck has distinct capability advantages:
ZR2 advantages: Multimatic DSSV dampers (superior to Fox shocks on TRD Pro and Raptor at technical terrain speeds), both electronic front and rear lockers (TRD Pro and base Ranger Raptor offer only rear locker), and the ZR2 Bison option for full underbody armor.
Tacoma TRD Pro advantages: Solid front axle isn’t relevant here (Tacoma uses IFS), but its KDSS rear locker system and proven long-term trail reliability are meaningful for high-mileage trail use in northern New Jersey and upstate New York.
Ranger Raptor advantages: 392 HP 3.0L EcoBoost V6, longer wheelbase for better high-speed stability, and 33.5-inch factory tires for more ground clearance than the base ZR2.
For Bergen County drivers choosing between these three trucks, the ZR2 wins on technical terrain capability; the Raptor wins on high-speed desert running; the TRD Pro wins on long-term reliability reputation. See NHTSA safety ratings for current model year crash test and recall data across all three trucks.
ZR2 Bison: When You Want Maximum Protection
The ZR2 Bison edition is the factory-armored version of an already capable truck. Autotec front, rear, and side step skid plates protect the fuel tank, transfer case, and front differential. Rock sliders protect the rocker panels from side-impact on ledges and rocks. The front bumper is replaced with a high-clearance steel unit that dramatically improves approach angle.
For Bergen County buyers who make regular trips to technical trail systems in Pennsylvania’s Appalachian region, the Pocono Mountains, or the Catskills, the Bison package is worth the additional cost. For Paramus and Hackensack drivers who primarily use the ZR2 on gravel roads and moderate trails, the standard ZR2 provides adequate protection.
"The ZR2 consistently surprises Bergen County buyers who expect a truck that's only for extreme use - the DSSV suspension makes it genuinely comfortable on Route 17 and 208 every day, and then you engage the lockers on a trail in the Catskills and it handles terrain that would stop most other midsize trucks. It's the best of both worlds."
Mike Tandurella - General Manager, Paramus Chevrolet
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevy Colorado ZR2 good as a daily driver? Yes - the Multimatic DSSV suspension delivers a comfortable highway ride that competes with non-performance trucks. Bergen County commuters report comfortable daily driving on Routes 17, 4, and the Garden State Parkway without the rough ride that some performance trucks deliver.
How does ZR2 ground clearance compare to the Ford Ranger Raptor? The ZR2 offers 8.9 inches of ground clearance on standard 31-inch tires. The Ranger Raptor has approximately 11.6 inches with its 33.5-inch tires - the larger tires account for most of that difference. Adding larger tires to the ZR2 via aftermarket modifications can close the gap.
Is the ZR2 Bison worth the premium over standard ZR2? For regular technical trail use in rocky terrain, yes - the Autotec skid plates provide meaningful protection against undercarriage damage. For drivers who stick to established gravel roads and moderate trails, the standard ZR2’s protection level is adequate.
What’s the ZR2’s towing capacity? The Chevy Colorado ZR2 is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. This handles boat trailers, ATVs, and small equipment trailers - adequate for most Bergen County recreational use.
Browse current Colorado ZR2 inventory at Paramus Chevrolet and ask about current Chevy offers for Bergen County drivers.