By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-17
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 is the factory performance off-road variant of the Colorado mid-size truck: front and rear electronic locking differentials, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and a raised, flared stance with meaningfully more wheel travel than the standard Colorado. The ZR2 was designed with off-road performance as the primary goal while maintaining daily usability. The OEM tires reflect this: all-terrain fitments capable enough for serious trails but livable on the highway.
Factory Tire Setup on the Colorado ZR2
The second-gen Colorado ZR2 (2017-2022) shipped with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires in 265/65R17, a load-rated all-terrain compound designed for the truck's trail and highway mix. The current-gen ZR2 (2023+) ships on 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires in 285/70R17, and the ZR2 Bison, developed in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), steps up to 35-inch Territory MTs in 315/70R17, reflecting its more aggressive off-road intent.
The Territory MT is a step up from the older DuraTrac in off-road capability: a bigger footprint, more aggressive tread pattern, and better mud evacuation. Owners generally find it quieter on pavement than the DuraTrac but weaker in snow and ice. Both are appropriate off-road choices; the right one depends on your primary use case.
On second-gen trucks the ZR2 flared fenders allow 265-width tires to be run without rubbing; the current-gen truck clears its factory 285s. Going wider than stock requires verifying clearance during full suspension compression — the Multimatic dampers have very long travel and at full compression wider tires can contact the fenders.
Best Replacement Tires for the Colorado ZR2
For drivers who want to stay close to the factory intent, the BF Goodrich KO2 in your truck's OE size (265/65R17 on 2017-2022 trucks, LT285/70R17 on 2023+) is the benchmark alternative to the Goodyear OEM fitment. It provides stronger sidewall protection than the OEM tire, excellent mud traction with the aggressive self-cleaning tread, and 3PMSF winter rating.
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W in 265/65R17 is a compelling value option. It matches the KO2 in most off-road metrics, carries 3PMSF winter rating, and costs noticeably less. A good choice for Colorado ZR2 owners who want KO2-adjacent capability without KO2 pricing.
For owners who push the ZR2 into more technical terrain (rock crawling, sustained mud, deep trail use), the Toyo Open Country M/T or Nitto Trail Grappler M/T in 265/65R17 (or slightly upsized with a small lift) is the step up. Highway noise and wear increase significantly with this transition from A/T to M/T.
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Upsizing Tires on the Colorado ZR2
A stock second-gen ZR2 can run 265/70R17 (the next standard size up from its OEM 265/65) without modification on most builds — the small sidewall height increase is typically accommodated by the factory flares and lift. Verify with clearance testing under full suspension compression before committing.
Going to 285-width or larger on a second-gen ZR2 generally requires body lift, flare trimming, or aftermarket flares; the current-gen truck runs 285s from the factory, and GM itself trimmed the fenders to fit the Bison's 315s. The Multimatic suspension's long travel means more clearance headroom than a standard suspension but also more potential for contact at the extremes of travel.
Frequently asked
What tires come on the Chevy Colorado ZR2?
2017-2022 ZR2: Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac in 265/65R17. 2023+ ZR2: 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT in 285/70R17. The current ZR2 Bison (AEV package) steps up to 35-inch Territory MTs in 315/70R17. All are off-road-capable tires; the Bison's larger fitment is a step up in off-road aggression.
What is the best tire upgrade for the Chevy Colorado ZR2?
The BF Goodrich KO2 in your truck's OE size is the most popular ZR2 upgrade: stronger sidewalls, better mud traction, and 3PMSF winter rating over the OEM Goodyear DuraTrac. The Falken Wildpeak AT3W in the same size delivers similar performance at lower cost. For more aggressive off-road use, the Toyo Open Country M/T is the M/T upgrade path.
Can I fit 33-inch tires on a stock Colorado ZR2?
On a second-gen (2017-2022) ZR2, 265/70R17 tires (approximately 31.6 inches tall) can typically fit without modification, while true 33-inch tires like 285/70R17 usually need some clearance work. The current-gen (2023+) ZR2 ships on 33-inch 285/70R17s from the factory. The long suspension travel of the Multimatic system means you must test at full compression, not just in the driveway.
How often should I replace Colorado ZR2 tires?
A/T tires on a ZR2 used for a mix of off-road and highway typically last 35,000 to 50,000 miles with regular rotation. Rotation is especially important on the ZR2 given the locking differential — any tire size mismatch from uneven wear can cause mechanical stress in the differential under load. Rotate every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
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Last updated 2026-07-17. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.