The 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Leads the Herd
Hold on to your horses because the new Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison is stampeding this way. This capable midsize truck could buck the Ford Bronco and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro to the side. Check out what the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison can do.
What comes with the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison?
The 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison rides on 17-inch American Expedition Vehicle (AEV) beadlock-capable wheels wrapped in 35-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires. The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger only go up to 33-inch tires.
It features a 1.0-inch track increase, making it wider than the ZR2 model, and the fenders are trimmed at the factory to provide more space. AEV fender flares cap the extra bulk.
You’ll notice a bed-mounted spare tire rack in the back with a matching full-size spare. The spare is stored vertically as close to the back of the cab as possible. Also, five boron steel AEV skid plates protect the radiator, gas tank, differential, steering gear, and transmission.
AEV steel stamped bumpers are found in the front and rear. The front bumper is winch capable, and the rear bumper has two recovery hooks. Tube-style rock sliders protect the cab.
The Colorado ZR2 Bison features Multimatic DSSV dampers like the ZR2, but they have been retuned for three different positions based on the Bison’s travel.
They have a heavier front spring rate to accommodate the extra weight of the steel bumper and accessories. Also, Multimatic hydraulic jounce bumpers are at each corner, with a two-speed transfer case and electronic differentials.
How capable is the Colorado ZR2 Bison?
The 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison has a ground clearance of 12.2 inches, making it the tallest in the class. It has 10.0 inches of front suspension travel and 11.5 inches of rear travel. According to MotorTrend, it matches the Ford Ranger Raptor’s suspension travel.
However, the Colorado ZR2 Bison has the best-in-class break-over angle of 26.9 degrees. It has a 38.2-degree approach angle and a 26.0-degree departure angle.
The Bison is paired with a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It has a little less power than the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma but has enough muscle to climb over rocks and other obstacles.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 3:42 differential gear. It can tow up to 5,500 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,050 lbs.
It has a launch control feature that’s perfect for sand and loose terrain, a one-pedal off-road mode, and automatically deflates and reinflates your tires based on your settings.
Does the ZR2 Bison have good off-roading tech?
The 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is loaded with advanced tech, such as underbody cameras that provide up to 10 different views on the 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, including hitch views. The large digital guage cluster is also customizable.
Each truck features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Google connectivity for Google Maps and the Voice Assistant. You also get a wireless phone charging pad, sunroof, heated/ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control.
Standard safety features include automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and a 360-degree parking camera.
The Colorado ZR2 Bison is the biggest off-roader in its class, with the best of both worlds. It’s well suited for racing across the desert or climbing over rocks. We can’t wait to get behind the wheel, but pricing will probably begin above $60,000.
