In the world of enthusiast pickup trucks, the landscape has experienced a shift from street performance-oriented models in the early 2000s to a renewed focus on off-road capabilities. This resurgence in factory-built desert runners and trail conquerors has garnered the attention and enthusiasm of buyers. Notably, major automakers such as Ford, Chevy, GMC, Ram, Jeep, Toyota, and Nissan have all entered the arena, offering trucks designed to tackle challenging terrains while maintaining ride quality – a welcome departure from the traditional trade-offs associated with off-road prowess.
Chevrolet, in particular, has unveiled a formidable lineup of ZR2 Bisons, designed to tackle diverse terrains without compromising on comfort or ride quality. The 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison is a prime example of this no-compromises approach to off-roading. Chevrolet recently provided an opportunity to experience the capabilities of this truck firsthand in Johnson Valley, California, showcasing what a true off-road champion can achieve.
The 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison Off-Road Marvel
If you haven’t acquainted yourself with the 2024 Colorado ZR2, it’s high time you do. We embarked on a multi-day, off-road adventure covering hundreds of rugged miles in the current Colorado ZR2 earlier this year, and the experience left an indelible impression. Just as the standard Colorado ZR2 demonstrated its prowess in conquering steep trails and conquering high-speed desert terrains while maintaining serene, stable composure on the highway, the Colorado ZR2 Bison takes things up a notch.
The Colorado ZR2 Bison builds upon the already formidable foundation of the ZR2, boasting an array of standard equipment that includes 33-inch tires, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and front and rear power locking differentials. However, it doesn’t stop there. The Bison variant raises the ZR2’s suspension slightly to accommodate 35-inch mud-terrain tires. This additional height bestows upon the Colorado ZR2 Bison the coveted title of best-in-class ground clearance at an impressive 12.2 inches, while also enhancing its departure angle and break-over angles to 26 and 26.9 degrees, respectively.
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What truly sets the Bison package apart is the robust armor developed in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). Boron-steel skid plates act as stalwart defenders, shielding critical components like the radiator, steering rack, fuel tank, rear axle pinion, transmission, and transfer case from the perils of rocks and trail debris. The Bison package further includes steel bumpers, with the front bumper primed for winch integration. Complementing the protective ensemble is the sturdy tubular rocker protection, a standard feature on every Colorado ZR2 Bison.
However, the pièce de résistance that distinguishes the ZR2 Bison from its peers is the inclusion of Multimatic hydraulic jounce control dampers, strategically positioned as bump stops at all four corners of the suspension. This engineering marvel elevates the ZR2 Bison’s off-road capabilities to astonishing heights.
Racing-Derived Suspension: The Key to Chevrolet’s Off-Roading Bison
Chevrolet’s Bison, a formidable off-roading machine, shares more than just its name with the desert racing trucks championed by Chad Hall Racing. This high-performance beast boasts the same core suspension system, frame, 310-horsepower 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and two-speed transfer case.
What sets this truck apart are the race-proven components, particularly the jounce control bumpers, which play a pivotal role in enhancing the driver’s confidence when tackling high-speed whoops. These specially designed dampers work diligently to transform harsh and jarring impacts into manageable bumps, making even the most challenging terrains navigable. During testing, the Bison proved its mettle over a series of whoops, effortlessly gliding over them when approached at the right speed and offering a gentle reminder of its limits when pushed too hard, preventing potentially harsh rear axle bottom-outs.
The Chevy ZR2 Bison’s Rock-Crawling Prowess
Chevrolet led us to one of Johnson Valley’s renowned rock-crawling trails, the daunting Chocolate Thunder, to showcase how the ZR2 Bison’s robust features, including its 35-inch tires and sturdy steel armor, empower it to navigate treacherous terrain with ease. This trail’s dynamic nature, marked by constantly shifting, suitcase-sized rocks, poses a formidable challenge even to the most capable stock 4×4 vehicles.
Guided by a skilled spotter, our convoy of Colorado ZR2 Bison vehicles effortlessly ascended the trail, surmounting rocks, ledges, and obstacles with poise. Negotiating the tight, technical sections of the trail required a few adjustments to find the optimal line, but the ZR2 Bison’s tubular rocker rails, enhanced clearance from the 35-inch tires, and dependable locker-equipped traction ensured a smooth passage. While the standard ZR2 might have tackled this trail, the Bison made it appear effortlessly conquerable.
Off-Road Excitement: Baja Mode in the ZR2 Bison
The true thrill of the ZR2 Bison, akin to its standard ZR2 counterpart, unfolds when you venture into high-speed desert terrain, navigating dirt, sand, and gravel with unparalleled excitement. Engaging Baja mode via the center console driving mode selector adds an extra layer of exhilaration to your off-road experience. In Baja mode, traction control is dialed back, offering the freedom to indulge in controlled tail-wagging maneuvers. Simultaneously, the vehicle remains vigilant, monitoring wheel speed sensors, steering inputs, and braking responses, ready to intervene if necessary.
What truly sets this mode apart is its remarkable performance in two-wheel-drive configuration, allowing you to effortlessly initiate and sustain exhilarating drifts. Enthusiasts are bound to discover that dirt trails on BLM land offer a cost-effective alternative to track time, with the added benefit of preserving tire longevity compared to the punishing wear on asphalt. If this trend catches on, Chevrolet dealerships may find themselves accepting LS-swapped S13s as trade-ins from amateur drift aficionados.
Our time spent with the ZR2 Bison was brief, but it left a lasting impression. The truck’s enhanced capability didn’t come at the expense of on-road comfort, a testament to Chevy’s engineering prowess. Its smaller size positions it as Chevrolet’s premier rock-crawler, offering a win-win proposition for adventure seekers. However, the truck’s altered stance and taller tires mean it has to contend with increased air resistance, potentially affecting its highway fuel economy. Unfortunately, we were unable to assess this aspect during our limited time with the vehicle. Pricing details are yet to be finalized, but the unique jounce bumpers featured in the Colorado could position this Bison package as the most premium offering in the ZR2 lineup, which includes the Silverado and Silverado HD. While exact pricing awaits confirmation, it wouldn’t be surprising to see these trucks start at nearly $60,000, and their popularity is poised to soar.
Specifications of 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison
- Powertrain: A 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger and double overhead camshafts, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter.
- Output: That engine is pretty powerful! It can produce 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. That means it can accelerate quickly and pull a lot of weight.
- Layout: Four-wheel-drive, four-door, five-passenger mid-size pickup truck
- Weight: 5,265 pounds
- EPA Fuel Economy: EPA fuel economy figures are pending.
- Competition: Ford Ranger Raptor
