Brawl in the Badlands: 5 Ways the ZR2 and Raptor Throw Down Off-Road

Here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we know what matters when it comes to off-road trucks: strength, capability, and dependability. And when you’re heading into the backcountry or winding through Missouri’s rough trails, only one midsize truck proves time and time again that it’s built for the challenge—the 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2.

The Ford Ranger Raptor might try to keep up, but when the terrain gets tough, Chevy consistently rises above. Here’s a breakdown of five key areas where the Colorado ZR2 leaves the competition behind.

1. ZR2 Pulls Ahead in Towing Confidence

Off-road performance is important—but so is the ability to bring your gear with you. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 confidently hauls up to 6,000 pounds, and even with the ZR2 Bison package, you’re still getting up to 5,500 pounds of towing muscle. The Ford Ranger Raptor maxes out at 5,510 pounds.

So whether you’re pulling a small camper, a trailer full of ATVs, or your fishing boat for a weekend getaway, the ZR2 gives you the confidence to tow more—without hesitation.

2. Power Is More Than a Number

Yes, the Ranger Raptor has more peak horsepower with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, but the Colorado ZR2’s 2.7-liter turbo-four delivers 430 lb-ft of torque—the exact same as the Raptor. And torque is what really counts when you’re climbing rocks, trudging through mud, or muscling your way up steep inclines.

The ZR2’s powertrain is balanced, smooth, and tuned specifically for real-world off-road control—not just flash. Ford’s high-output setup may shine in wide-open spaces, but on the tight, technical trails Missouri drivers face, Chevy’s precision-tuned setup gets the job done better.

3. ZR2 Bison: Built for More Than Just Looks

The ZR2 Bison package, developed in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), takes the Colorado even further into extreme-terrain territory. With AEV steel skid plates, beadlock-capable wheels, heavy-duty bumpers, 35-inch tires, and a bed-mounted spare, the ZR2 Bison is equipped for trails that other trucks fear to tread.

Ford’s Ranger Raptor comes with some factory off-road equipment, but it doesn’t match the refinement or rugged quality found in Chevy’s Bison setup. It’s not just about looking the part—it’s about delivering when it matters most, and the ZR2 delivers every time.

4. Suspension Designed for Real-World Trails

The Multimatic DSSV dampers on the Colorado ZR2 are widely regarded as some of the best in the business. Combined with a solid rear axle and leaf springs, the ZR2 offers unmatched control and stability on rocky, uneven terrain. When equipped with the Bison package, it achieves 12.2 inches of ground clearance—more than enough to conquer just about anything you’ll find in the Ozarks.

Meanwhile, the Ranger Raptor is tuned more for speed across open ground, with Fox shocks designed for desert racing. But when it comes to technical driving, rock crawling, and maneuvering through tight trails, the ZR2 simply has the edge.

5. Built for Missouri Adventures

Whether you're trekking through Mark Twain National Forest or navigating backroads near the lake, the ZR2 is tuned for the kind of driving Missouri truck owners actually do. With its balanced dimensions, superior trail capability, and thoughtful engineering, the ZR2 isn’t just a midsize truck—it’s a purpose-built machine for serious off-roaders who value control, durability, and smart design.

The Raptor may shout louder, but the ZR2 backs up its toughness with real-world performance, making it the smarter, more capable option in just about every meaningful category.

Final Take: ZR2 Leads, Raptor Follows

In this matchup, there’s really no question who comes out on top. The 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 brings a smarter build, more trail capability, better towing strength, and more practical off-road upgrades than the Ford Ranger Raptor. Chevy engineered the ZR2 to dominate not just on paper, but out where it counts—in the dirt, mud, rocks, and trails of Missouri and beyond.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Stop by the Mid Missouri Powerhouse today and see firsthand why the ZR2 doesn’t just compete, it conquers.

Built for the Bold: The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Packs Power, Tech, and Off-Road Grit

Midsize trucks are becoming the go-to choice for drivers who want the perfect balance of power, versatility, and everyday practicality—without the oversized footprint of a full-size pickup. The latest Chevy Colorado, especially in its rugged ZR2 Bison trim, takes that formula to the next level. Built for adventure yet practical enough for daily driving, this truck is turning heads and making drivers rethink what they need in their next ride here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse.

While the standard turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine offers a balanced mix of power and efficiency, the real highlight is the Bison’s off-road enhancements. Equipped with advanced hardware and technology, this truck is built to tackle challenging terrain with confidence. Whether you're navigating rocky trails, muddy paths, or steep inclines, the Bison provides the traction, stability, and durability needed for off-the-grid adventures.

Power and Performance

Under the hood, the Colorado features a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which in its base form produces 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the more powerful TurboMax engine unlocks 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provides solid performance for a midsize truck, along with an automatic transfer case that allows seamless switching between 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low, and an all-wheel-drive mode for on-road conditions.

When properly configured, the Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds. However, the ZR2 Bison’s additional off-road components, including 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Mud Terrain tires, reduce towing capacity to approximately 5,500 pounds. Despite the added weight, the Bison retains a respectable level of acceleration and overall performance. The off-road-tuned suspension absorbs impacts effortlessly, making even the roughest terrain feel more manageable.

Built for Off-Road Adventures

The Colorado ZR2 Bison comes equipped with serious off-road upgrades, setting it apart as one of the most capable midsize trucks available. Features include Multimatic DSSV dampers, hydraulic bump stops, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and AEV steel bumpers. Additionally, the truck is fitted with AEV skid plates protecting critical components, including the front and rear differentials, fuel tank, and rocker panels.

To accommodate the larger tires, the front axle has been repositioned, and a full-size spare is mounted in the truck bed. While this enhances off-road readiness, it does obstruct rear visibility, making a digital rearview mirror a potential enhancement Chevrolet could consider in future models. Ground clearance is impressive at 12.2 inches, giving the truck the ability to clear obstacles without hesitation.

The truck also features selectable drive modes, including Baja mode, which adjusts throttle response and shift mapping for high-speed desert running. Rock Crawl mode fine-tunes the truck’s traction control and low-speed power delivery to help it climb over boulders with precision. These tailored settings ensure the Bison is equipped for virtually any off-road challenge.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Colorado ZR2 Bison balances ruggedness with modern technology. A fully digital 11-inch gauge cluster and an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen provide an intuitive user experience. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in Google and Alexa voice integration.

The cabin is designed with practicality in mind, featuring a well-organized layout with a mix of physical buttons and touchscreen controls. While the perforated leather seats offer heating and ventilation, they lean toward the firmer side, requiring some adjustment for an optimal seating position. Rear passenger space is somewhat limited, a common trade-off in the midsize truck category. Storage is generous, with multiple compartments, including under-seat bins and a deep center console, making it easy to store essential gear.

Safety and Convenience

The Colorado ZR2 Bison includes a suite of advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. These systems enhance both on-road and off-road confidence, making the truck a well-rounded choice for adventure seekers. The high-resolution cameras also provide a front-facing trail view, allowing drivers to see obstacles before reaching them, a crucial feature when navigating unpredictable terrain.

A Midsize Truck with Serious Capability

The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison stands out as a purpose-built off-road machine with impressive technology and rugged enhancements. Its combination of power, durability, and advanced off-road features makes it a strong contender in the midsize truck market, offering a compelling alternative to full-size options. 

Whether tackling rocky trails, deep mud, or steep mountain passes, the Bison is engineered for adventure, proving that midsize trucks can be just as tough and capable as their larger counterparts. 

See What Tough Really Feels Like – Test Drive the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Today!

Born for the Backcountry: Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Unleashed for the Dedicated Explorer

As we have so much exciting news this time of year here at Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we are checking out future model specs and features while our own personal wish lists are dancing in our heads! Like reindeer themselves making their way over chimneys at night, the off-road-ready Chevy Colorado ZR2 becomes even tougher when it’s dressed to the nines with the Desert Boss package. If this isn’t quite adequate for the most diehard of all-terrain lovers, the 2024 model digs even deeper with the new ZR2 Bison.

The redesigned ZR2 from 2023 is an excellent living and breathing version of a capable and terrain-slaying midsize truck, and the fantastic news ahead on the holiday hearth is that 2024 will bring a new version that rocks even harder! The ZR2 model is a bit taller than the Colorado and is fitted with very beefy wheels and underbody protection. Front and rear light bars, winches, off-road bumpers, safari bars, and numerous cargo management features fulfill the duty of not leaving anything to the imagination as to what this vehicle’s “reasons for living” are. 

Just a few decades ago it was very difficult to conceptualize just how much a class-leading assortment of cameras could help someone in the pursuit of off-road adventure. The ZR2 boasts a category-exclusive underbody camera, which lets you bear detailed witness to every brutal scrape, battle scar, and abrupt bump. The 2023 Chevy Colorado showed up mountainside with several powertrain options, but the sole choice now is the 310-horsepower turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder. It’s a higher-powered version that is specifically tuned for 430 lb-ft of torque and paired with the same 8-speed automatic that comes across the Colorado lineup. 

To be properly primed for the challenges of the jagged and unforgiving wild, the ZR2 sees additional upgrades across the suspension lineup, boasting a high-performance setup with a stable and wider stance, Multimatic dampers, and a useful 3-inch lift. The payload rating is superbly situated at 1,050 lbs and has a maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. The upgraded suspension is paired with Jounce Control dampers, which employ a piston inside the damper to provide resistance against hydraulic fluid and absorb excess energy. Ground clearance resides at 12.2 inches, and the all-important trail hound’s breakover angle resides at 26.9 degrees. 

Standard steel skid plates and rocker trim are the “Guardians of the Galaxy” as far as the underbody is concerned, assuring that the many ruts, ravines, and washout don’t dole out extreme damage. Don’t forget to check out the Desert Boss Special Edition package, which adds beadlock-capable wheels, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, very cool black exterior badging, a bed-mounted 40-inch off-road light bar, an off-road front bumper with a safari bar, and numerous other safety and comfort upgrades. 

As the trail maps are depicting your next dusty conquest and all the climbing gear is packed, the Flex Utility Package decks things out a higher notch with configurable bed rails and cargo tie-downs. The Recovery Package boasts the “getting unstuck” goodie of the winch, bed-mounted LED lighting, and a hard tonneau cover. The Motor Trend crew navigated a 3-foot near-vertical ledge, boulders the size of small sedans, and other massive obstacles that would completely destroy the average vehicle with the ZR2. On Johnson Valley’s infamous Chocolate Thunder Trail, they rendered their test drive as “valuable and up to the task, with excellent approach and departure angles for getting tires on top and over rocks.”

2023 Chevy Colorado’s Boulder-Bashing ZR2 Version set for Official Debut July 28

As the Fourth of July weekend has finally made its way to our busy and action-packed calendars here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, many of our loyal customers will have trucks on the mind as they attend family picnics and enjoy fireworks displays with their favorite friends. The ability to tow, haul, and overcome the numerous obstacles that test of trucks limit when it lurches off-road are just a few of the awesome traits that draw buyers to this fantastic line of powerful and capable Chevy trucks.

A brand-new teaser video shown on Car and Driver recently depicted the updated 2023 version of Chevy midsize pickup truck the Colorado ruthlessly commanding desert terrain just ahead of its official debut later this month. We anticipate the new truck they have a brand-new body and fully upgraded interior, with the underpinnings remaining mostly the same as last year's model. It is possible in the video to see that the Colorado’s front end appears to have a few changes and does not have the same chunky all-terrain tires and light bar behind the cab as the ZR2.

The incoming model is likely to have massive suspension upgrades including different shocks and a greater ride height for the demands of necessary off-road clearance. The current Colorado offers the 3 fierce and always-ready engine choices of a 2.5-liter inline-four, a 3.6-liter V6, or a turbodiesel 2.8-liter inline-four. We are guessing that the inline-four may be discontinued, and that the Silverado’s turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four may be added as an option. To remain as trusty and all-around versatile as possible, both four-wheel-drive and all-will drive will remain options. 

Due to its very handy size, the Colorado was the perfect fit for an off-road enthusiast featured in a podcast about Moab and other wilderness gems this past year: it had the capability to fit through very narrow terrain and crawl numerous challenging rocks in the Colorado River. It also fared incredibly well as it conquered the many challenges of Canyonlands National Park, and the many bumps and abrupt ruts of the cedar Mesa trail. The window shapes, side mirror placement cab shape, and wheel wells also don’t appear too much different, and this will perform just amazing with its 17-inch beadlock capable wheels. 

Out back, the next-generation Colorado ZR2 looks a bit like a scaled-down Silverado, especially the appearance of the taillights. There's an awesome Chevrolet stamp on the tailgate and is outlined in black, and unique fender flares that are snug and visually appealing. When the going gets appropriately rocky, you’re going to want the maneuverability and full-on aggro additive that the ZR2 version offers: Here in this territory, we have a great number of fire roads, ideal camping lakes, other fishing spots, and tough days on the job that will be that much easier with the cast-iron strength and robust reliability of this incoming Chevy outdoor lover’s dream come true!