The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison exists at the intersection of two market trends: the rising demand for serious factory off-road trucks and the explosion of overlanding as a recreational pursuit. It is built by Colorado ZR2 with American Expedition Vehicles adding the Bison package - reinforced bumpers, skid plates, and suspension-level body protection that factory trucks rarely include.
The result is a midsize truck that arrives from the factory in a state of capability that most buyers of off-road trucks spend significant aftermarket money trying to achieve.
What the Bison Package Actually Adds
AEV's contribution begins with front and rear steel bumpers with approach and departure angle improvements over the standard ZR2. The front skid plate package extends below the engine and transmission. A two-inch body lift gives the Bison additional clearance without altering the suspension geometry. The spare tire is upgraded to match the 33-inch all-terrain tires. These additions matter practically - approach and departure angles improve meaningfully over the standard ZR2, and the steel protection can absorb rock impacts that would damage unprotected components.
The ZR2's underlying capability comes from Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and raised suspension with a two-inch lift over the standard Colorado. The DSSV dampers are the same technology used in Trophy Truck racing and allow the ZR2 to manage terrain at speed in ways that conventional dampers cannot.
The 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers translate to genuine pulling ability and enough low-rpm torque for controlled technical trail driving where throttle modulation matters more than peak power.
Real-World Off-Road Capability
The Colorado ZR2 Bison performs on rated trails in ways that few trucks of any size can match without modification. The combination of locking differentials, DSSV dampers, and AEV's approach angle improvements allow it to navigate terrain that stops conventional pickups. On the Rubicon Trail - the benchmark for serious off-road vehicles - the ZR2 Bison handles most stock obstacles without modification.
Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is lower than the standard Colorado's capability and notably lower than full-size trucks. The ZR2 Bison is not optimized for towing, and buyers who need regular trailer capability should evaluate that limitation honestly.
On-road behavior is more refined than the hardware suggests. The DSSV dampers provide good body control on pavement, the ride is firm but not punishing for a truck with off-road tires, and highway noise from the 33-inch all-terrains is present but not fatiguing.
Summary
What it is: A factory midsize off-road truck combining Chevrolet's ZR2 capability package with American Expedition Vehicles' Bison protection upgrades.
Best for: Overlanders and off-road enthusiasts who want serious capability without aftermarket modification and need a truck that also functions as a daily driver.
Biggest cost/risk factor: Limited towing capacity, premium pricing, and fuel economy around 17-18 mpg in mixed driving.
When to act: If you regularly access rated off-road terrain and don't need more than 5,000 pounds of towing - this is the factory truck the segment has needed.
AutosAdvisor is not a licensed dealer or financial advisor. Review reflects editorial testing.
