2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 :: Classifieds

Chevy Colorado ZR2 overland build

I recently listened to an episode of the Budget Overland podcast, and during their “voicemail” segment, a listener discussed their modified rig’s abysmal gas mileage and how it limited their travels in the hope it would educate others. As a European, I’ve grown up with fuel prices that would shock most Americans, and right now, diesel at my local garage is exactly $10 per gallon. Needless to say, economy matters, and I, for one, have been underwhelmed by the economy of most mid-size offerings and pleasantly surprised by many of the latest full-size trucks (with Overland Journal’s GMC AT4 1500 Duramax Overland Build seeing an impressive 23 mpg combined). However, there are some exceptions within the mid-size segment, and the Colorado ZR2 Duramax diesel is one of them. In fact, while the official figures state a combined 19 mpg, many real-world testimonials have stated that the stock vehicle’s highway mileage can be as much as 30+ mpg. Combine excellent economy with a well-equipped interior and front and rear lockers, and it’s hard to find fault with the Chevy. Today’s ZR2 has covered just 44,000 miles, features premium modifications, and is topped with a Leer camper shell. 

Chevy Colorado ZR2 interior

From the Seller:

This is an amazing truck. All of the standard ZR2 off-road goodies are there, and the 4WD and diff lockers work great and make the Colorado unstoppable. Every service has been done on time. I have a folder of receipts for every dealership/service visit for the next owner.

Colorado overladning drawer system

2018 Chevrolet ZR2 Diesel Colorado

The ZR2 is fitted with a 2.8-liter Duramax diesel that produces 186 horsepower, 369 pound-feet of torque, and returns a combined 19 mpg. It’s worth noting that today’s build has been uprated with a SPADE tuner. An economical engine is paired with impressive go-anywhere ability, thanks to 4WD, a 2-speed transfer case, 2-inch lift, front and rear lockers, skid plates, and intelligent onboard systems such as hill descent control. Inside, the Chevy showcases a well-equipped interior with driver comforts that include:

  • Cruise control
  • Powered and heated leather seats 
  • Infotainment system with navigation and an 8-inch screen 
  • Rearview camera 
  • Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors 

Chevy Colorado ZR2 heated leather seats

Distinguishing Features

  • Method wheels with Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires 
  • Decked drawer system
  • Leer camper shell with Yakima bars
  • Peak front coilovers, rear add-a-leaf, diff drop, tie rod ends, and control arms 
  • AEV 33-inch tire clearance kit 
  • Wilco tire hitch to carry a full-size spare 
  • LineX coated exterior

Leer camper shell

This 2018 Chevrolet ZR2 Diesel Colorado is listed for $42,500 and is currently located in Scotts Valley, California. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.

A Chevy Colorado overland build

Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.

No money in the bank, but gas in the tank. Our resident Bikepacking Editor Jack Mac is an exploration photographer and writer living full-time in his 1986 Vanagon Syncro but spends most days at the garage pondering why he didn’t buy a Land Cruiser Troopy. If he’s not watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, he can be found mountaineering for Berghaus, sea kayaking for Prijon, or bikepacking for Surly Bikes. Jack most recently spent two years on various assignments in the Arctic Circle but is now back in the UK preparing for his upcoming expeditions—looking at Land Cruisers. Find him on his website, Instagram, or on Facebook under Bicycle Touring Apocalypse.