The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is back: Here’s everything you need to know!
Chevy is bringing the Colorado ZR2 Bison back for the new generation of GM midsize trucks and with it some welcome modifications. Right off the bat you’ll notice the big new 315/70-R17 Goodyear Wrangler Territory MTs. While that sizing shakes out to a 34.4-inch tire, most people would call it a good-ol’ 35″.
To fit all that rubber, the engineers over at Chevrolet had to modify the fender flares on the Colorado ZR2 specifically for the Bison. The flares stick out further for the extra inch of track width compared to a standard ZR2. The Bison also sits half an inch higher overall. The Chevy team even went as far as to cut out material behind the front tires so that they wouldn’t rub the wheel arch while articulated.
The Bison is far more than just a tire package
Since the Colorado ZR2 Bison is the top dog off-road trim, it gets hydraulic bump stops in addition to the typical Multimatic DSSV shocks. Rock sliders are the same as those on the standard ZR2, but the bumpers are new. Both front and rear styling is unique to the Bison thanks to winch capable AEV bumpers. However, AEV worked on more than just the pretty parts. They also placed 5 of their boron steel skid plates underneath, up from just 3 aluminum skids on the regular ZR2.
AEV additionally provided a set of their beadlock-capable wheels, one of which makes its way to the bed. While the bed mounted spare does rob space, that’s the only place for it since it won’t fit underneath. If you’re buying a Colorado for its utility, you may want to go for something like Andre’s Trail Boss. Standard Colorado models have 7,700 pounds of towing capability. While the Colorado ZR2 Bison is only down to 5,900lbs compared to the ZR2’s 6,000lbs of towing, it also loses some bed space making it the least utilitarian trim in the lineup.
The Bison gets a lot, but no extra power (sadly)
Some folks hoped to see extra power in the Bison, but it’s the same 310-horsepower, 2.7 liter inline 4-cylinder as you get in the standard ZR2. Ford just revealed the 405-horsepower Ranger Raptor, while Toyota debuted the Tacoma TRD Pro with a hybrid setup putting out 465 lb-ft of torque. The Bison also gets basically the same interior as the ZR2 with a few extra AEV logos.
Chevrolet gave no word yet on pricing for the new Bison, but you can check out all the truck’s details below:
This article is also available on TFLoffroad.com.
