Skip to main content

Chevrolet Debuts the Off-Roading ZR2 Bison to Tackle Trails and Competitors

Colorado ZR2 Bison: Ready for Off-The-Grid Adventures | Chevrolet

For as long as we can remember, it’s been a battle between Ford and Jeep for who reigns supreme in the off-road segment. Ford’s Raptor and Jeep’s Wrangler have never seen real competition as they’ve both become beyond capable in their respective segment. Now, however, Chevrolet wants to play and has introduced a higher-spec Colorado ZR2 dubbed trhe Bison.

Recommended Videos

Built atop Chevy’s already impressive Colorado ZR2 off-roader, the Bison takes the next step in the truck’s off-road capability. The truck is a result of a collaboration between Chevy and American Expedition Vehicles, or AEV, which has gifted the ZR2 Bison with nearly everything you’d want a true “go anywhere” off-roader to have.

The Bison’s new kit includes five separate skid plates which now encase the engine’s oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case, and both front and rear differentials. These plates are stamped out of Boron steel for extra impact resistance. At both front and rear, there are twin steel bumpers that are able to be outfitted with winches, and come standard with fog lights and recovery tow hooks.

No off-roader, however, would be complete without a new set of ready-to-rock wheels and tires. To accommodate the 17-inch aluminum wheels shod with 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires, all four corners also see widened fender flares as well. What hasn’t changed is the ZR2’s standard and absolutely ridiculous race-bred Multimatic DSSV shocks which allow for the Colorado to take whatever beating you can dole out.

The Colorado ZR2 Bison will also be available with an optional snorkel through AEV, while owners can spec either diesel or gasoline engines from Chevrolet itself. You’ll also be able to select from either Crew or Extended cab design and will be available to customers starting early next year. That being said, Chevrolet hasn’t released the Bison’s pricing just yet, but given the Colorado ZR2’s starting price of $42,500, it won’t likely be cheaper for a more capable machine.

“We’ve been following Colorado since its introduction, and the ZR2 really captured our attention,” says Dave Harriton, founder, and president of AEV. “As this is the first Chevrolet vehicle we’ve given the AEV treatment to, we wanted to do something special with the industry’s first use of hot-stamped Boron steel. We also expect that Colorado drivers will love the added ruggedness of our front and rear bumpers on ZR2 Bison.”

Who’s ready to hit the trails?

Topics
Jonathon Klein
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jonathon is a former contributor to The Manual. Please reach out to The Manual editorial staff with any questions or comments…
A trip to a Formula 1 Grand Prix may be the ultimate aspirational vacation
It's every bit as extravagant as you expect, but it doesn't have to be unaffordable
FI image

Formula 1 is often seen as the pinnacle of motorsport, so naturally, a Grand Prix weekend is a must-attend for every motorhead. It may actually be the ultimate aspirational vacation. But what does spending a few days at a world-famous track actually entail? Are different levels of experience available? And is it possible to do so on a budget?

Drawing on personal experience, we’re going to take a deep dive into an F1 race weekend and let you know what you can expect. We’ll also go through ways you can see a little more while spending a bit less, and even throw something in for any non-race fans you may drag along.
A lucky few will have some on-track experiences

Read more
F1 Australian Grand Prix starting grid: Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen to lead off
Not a shocker: McLaren and Red Bull qualify for the first three starting spots
McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Driving in sweltering hot weather conditions during Saturday's F1 2025 Qualifying event, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri won the first and second starting positions for Sunday's F1 2025 Australian Grand Prix. Red Bull's four-time World Champion Max Verstappen has the third spot on the starting grid.

McLaren reportedly has the fastest cars to begin the 2025 F1 schedule, and Norris has been the favorite to win the race. Norris and Piastri are both Grand Prix winners, and no one is shocked or even mildly surprised that the two McLaren drivers will be in the front row when the red lights go out to start the race in Melbourne.

Read more
F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025 results: Norris wins, rookies spin out in the rain
Rookies and pros both had trouble staying on the track
McLaren CEO Zak Brown and F1 driver Lando Norris in front of pit garage after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after winning Constructors' Championship.

If you like drama in racing, the 2025 F1 Australian Grand Prix didn't disappoint. Intermittent rain caused havoc on the track, and six drivers didn't complete the 57 laps, including four of this year's full-season rookies.

McLaren driver Lando Norris, the pre-race favorite, started and finished in first position. However, several other drivers, including new-to-Ferrari driver seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, were in the lead at times during the race.

Read more