Does the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Make Off-Roading Too Easy?

The Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition is one of the most off-road capable vehicles you can buy. With its prodigious power, rugged off-road hardware, and clever off-road technology, one could ask if it actually makes off-roading too easy. ‘Probably not,’ thinks Chevrolet of Spring Valley. It is a big country, and there are always bigger challenges out there, but let’s find out how the ZR2 Bison Edition’s capabilities could tackle them all.

As the name implies, the Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition starts with the already very capable Colorado ZR2. The “Bison” addition includes an abundance of serious off-road hardware from the dedicated off-road aftermarket supplier American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). Together, the two open up the ability to take on a whole new set of off-road challenges.

A Solid Base

The tidy dimensions of the Colorado make it noticeably more nimble on the trail than a full-size truck. It is powered by the most potent version of the 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 family of engines known as the TurboMax. This engine churns out 310 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 430 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm, which provides plenty of power for this size vehicle both on and off the road. The 4×4 system is fitted with power-locking differentials at both the front and rear. A major ZR2 feature is its Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) Multimatic suspension damper system. Multimatic supplies versions of this damper technology for manufacturers like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and AMG. A damper’s traditional piston and shims are replaced by dual spool valves, which are known for their adept fluid control in hydraulic systems. In this version of the design, they do a critically acclaimed job of handling the abuse of off-road tasks even as they provide a surprisingly accommodating on-road ride. 

The Bison Difference

The first thing you notice about the Bison are the huge 35-inch mud/terrain tires on 17-inch beadlock capable AEV wheels, giving the truck a tire-to-wheel ratio akin to most Hot Wheel cars. The already high-riding ZR2 is raised further to reach a best-in-class 12.2-inch ground clearance. AEV adds its own heavy-duty front bumper, which is designed to increase the approach angle to 38.2 degrees and is ready to accommodate a winch. AEV’s rear bumper is also stronger and helps bring the departure angle to 26.0 degrees. No bumpers are involved, but the breakover angle is 26.9 degrees. If anything does contact the ground, it will likely be the AEV-supplied boron steel skid plates and rocker protectors. 

High Tech for a No-Tech Environment

Now that you have this very tough and capable truck, it is the on-board technology that will give you the confidence to take things to another level. In addition to a drivetrain control for RWD, 4WD Hi, and 4WD Low, there is an Auto setting that lets the Bison Edition select for you. Do you always have a passenger you trust as a good spotter? With the ZR2 Bison Edition, you don’t need one. The underbody camera system enables you to do the spotting for yourself from inside the cabin, giving you a direct view of the terrain ahead of both the front and rear tires so you can directly see the rocks or logs you want to hit with your tires or avoid altogether. The drive modes of Off-Road, Terrain, and Baja optimize engine, transmission, and 4×4 system behavior depending on the need at the moment, from slow rock crawling (Terrain) to moving fast over sand or relatively unobstructed trails (Baja). 

OK, It’s Not Cheap

The ZR2 has a starting MSRP of $46,800. The AEV Bison Edition Package, which includes additional features beyond what was mentioned, adds $11,700 for a total of $60,450. You will also likely want a few other available goodies such as a winch, tow ropes, a Sport Bar with additional lighting, or some additional items to lock down items in the bed. That will still likely bring you under the cost of similarly focused full-size trucks and net you one of the best street-legal factory off-road vehicles for any amount of money. 

The Colorado Bison Edition ZR2 is a unique vehicle that is not always included in the Chevrolet of Spring Valley inventory. Contact one of our sales professionals who can likely locate one so you can find ever greater off-road challenges.