The Chevy Colorado ZR2 is already a serious off-road contender, with a lifted suspension, widened track, electric locking differentials front and rear, and trick Multimatic DSSV dampers that offer composed road manners and huge flex off-road.
But in the world of 4x4s, there’s never such a thing as “enough.” Which leads us to this: The Colorado ZR2 Bison, built with help from American Expedition Vehicles.
The Bison brings a handful of sensible off-road mods to the ZR2, the sort of things you’d do to prepare your brand-new truck for its first foray off the pavement. Five skidplates made of ultra-tough hot-stamped Boron steel protect the oil pan, transfer case, fuel tank, and front and rear differentials. Stamped steel bumpers at the front and rear add toughness and protect against errant impacts with rocks; the front bumper is ready for you to mount up an aftermarket winch, while the rear bumper has burly recovery points in case you need a winching.
The Bison brings a handful of sensible off-road mods to the ZR2, the sort of things you’d do to prepare your brand-new truck for its first foray off the pavement. Five skidplates made of ultra-tough hot-stamped Boron steel protect the oil pan, transfer case, fuel tank, and front and rear differentials. Stamped steel bumpers at the front and rear add toughness and protect against errant impacts with rocks; the front bumper is ready for you to mount up an aftermarket winch, while the rear bumper has burly recovery points in case you need a winching.
Oh, and let’s not forget that AEV snorkel. It’s technically not part of the Bison package—probably since installing it involves cutting a pretty good-size hole in your Colorado’s passenger-side fender. If you want it, you’ll have to spend $459 at AEV and get it separately. But we think that, combined with the Bison’s visual and functional changes, it looks pretty rad.
Chevy says the ZR2 Bison will go on sale in January 2019, as a crew cab or extended cab, available with either the 3.6-liter gasoline V6 or the optional 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel four.