Developed by GM Defense to meet stringent U.S. Army requirements, the nine-passenger Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) allows for advanced tactical mobility and rapid deployment across a wide range of military initiatives. Highly adaptable and capable, the drab green ISV is a testament to our nation’s military prowess and maneuverability.

Unobtainable for the ordinary civilian, this battle-ready lightweight tactical vehicle hides a secret: it’s “just” a militarized Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. In fact, GM Defense claims the ISV “features 90 percent Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) parts, including components from Chevrolet Performance that strengthen the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.” That means fleet parts are easily obtainable worldwide through GM Defense’s access to GM’s global supply chain.

The ISV is powered by the 2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-four backed by a six-speed automatic transmission—the same LWN diesel engine that used to power the civilian Colorado. Chevy Colorado ZR2 chassis parts underpin the ISV: Dana M190 front axle, Dana M220 rear axle, electronic locking front and rear differentials, Colorado ZR2 Chevrolet Performance Multimatic Long Travel Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers, and a GM AutoTrac two-speed transfer case. Whereas the consumer Colorado is designed for passenger comfort via an enclosed cab, the ISV features a lightweight, open design (more like a UTV) that allows for rapid ingress and egress. Whereas the civilian Colorado is made to stay the night, the ISV quickens the pace.

GM Defense produces a variety of modular kits to support a wide range of specialized uses. These kits facilitate things like stretchers, stowage bags, infrared lights, and guns. In addition to the modular kits, there are several variants of the ISV—the Infantry Cargo Vehicle (ICV) and Infantry Utility Vehicle (IUV). Whereas the ISV is a nine-passenger (2/3/2/2/ configuration) troop carrier, the ICV is a two-seater with a large rear cargo bed, and the IUV is a four- to five-seater with a medium-sized rear cargo bed.

The ISV weighs 4,930 pounds (curb weight). It’s 207.1 inches long, 81.75 inches wide, and 84.2 inches high. Whereas the civilian Colorado’s mission can be foiled by a washed-out trail section, the ISV efficiently reaches its mission in a variety of epic ways, including air: low-velocity air drop (C-17, C-130 and A-400M), internal load (CH/MH-47 Chinook and CH-53E/K Super/King Stallion), and sling-load (UH-60 Blackhawk). Once on the ground, the ISV has a payload rating of 3,200 pounds.

Unfortunately, there is no diesel option for the consumer 2025 Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon. They’re all powered by the 2.7-liter TurboMax inline-four with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Colorado trims include WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. Canyon trims include Elevation, AT4, and Denali.

If the Colorado is good enough for the Army, it’s probably good enough for daily duties.