The 2019 Z71 Trail Runner begins with the Colorado Z71 off-road package and adds the underbody...

The 2019 Z71 Trail Runner begins with the Colorado Z71 off-road package and adds the underbody protection of the Colorado ZR2. Changes include stamped aluminum front and mid skid plates, functional rocker protection, and Goodyear Duratrac tires.

Photo courtesy of General Motors.

November marks the four-year anniversary of the return of the Chevrolet Colorado midsize truck. Introduced as a 2015 model, the Colorado recorded its first full month of sales in October 2014. Since then, U.S. customers have bought more than 428,792 Colorados.

To celebrate, Chevrolet is expanding the Colorado range with two new special editions, the off-road Z71 Trail Runner and street-focused RST that offer options to match customer interests on the trails and on the street.

"The success of Colorado helped reignite the midsize truck segment, which increased 27% from 2015 to 2017," said Sandor Piszar, director of marketing for Chevrolet Trucks.

Upon its introduction as a 2015 model, Colorado brought three powertrain options, an EPA-estimated 27 mpg highway, and 7,000 pounds of towing capability, as well as introduced features such as the built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot with available 4G LTE data.

Since then, Colorado has made updates every calendar-year, including:

  • 2015: First available diesel engine offered in the segment (excluding other GM brands). 
  • 2016: All-new V-6 gasoline engine and 8-speed transmission.
  • 2017: ZR2 model with wider track, lifted suspension from the factory, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and class-exclusive standard front and rear electronic locking differentials.
  • 2018: ZR2 Bison performance variant developed in partnership with AEV that will reach dealers in early 2019.
  • 2019: Two new special editions added to the lineup: RST and Z71 Trail Runner.

Both new special editions feature the flow-through “CHEVROLET” lettered grille first introduced on the Colorado ZR2 Bison. The grille is also available as an accessory for an MSRP of $395, not including installation or tax.

The Colorado RST builds on the RST models offered on Tahoe, Suburban, and the all-new Silverado. For Colorado, the RST is based on the LT trim and adds monochromatic exterior offset with black beltline and body side moldings. It also adds a black tailgate bowtie, Colorado, and RST badges. The RST is also the first Colorado to offer 20-inch wheels, finished in low-gloss black.

The street-focused 2019 RST is based on the LT trim and adds monochromatic exterior offset with...

The street-focused 2019 RST is based on the LT trim and adds monochromatic exterior offset with black beltline and body side moldings. It also adds a black tailgate bowtie, Colorado and RST badges. The RST is also the first Colorado to offer 20-inch wheels – finished in low-gloss black.

Photo courtesy of General Motors.

The Z71 Trail Runner begins with the Colorado Z71 off-road package and adds the Colorado ZR2’s underbody protection. Changes include stamped aluminum front and mid skid plates, functional rocker protection and Goodyear Duratrac tires.

With the Z71 Trail Runner, the Colorado lineup now offers four levels of off-road capability:

  • Colorado Z71: Z71 Off-Road Suspension, automatic locking rear differential and unique 17-inch painted wheels and all-terrain tires.
  • New Colorado Z71 Trail Runner: Adds additional off-road protection to the Z71 trim with the Colorado ZR2’s front and mid skid plates, rocker protection, and 17-inch Goodyear Duratrac tires standard.
  • Colorado ZR2: Compared to a standard Colorado, the ZR2 features a factory-installed 3.5-inch wider track and a suspension lifted by 2 inches. Class-exclusive features include front and rear electronic locking differentials and Multimatic DSSV Dampers. The ZR2 also features front and mid skid plates, rocker protection, and front and rear bumpers modified for better off-road clearance.
  • Colorado ZR2 Bison: The ZR2 Bison adds even more extreme off-road capability with five hot-stamped Boron steel skid plates and stamped steel front and rear bumpers with front winch provisions and rear recovery points.

Originally posted on Work Truck Online

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