It has never been easier to find a pickup that can conquer the Baja, the dunes, or the trails. All-terrain pickups with beds are available, including the Ford F-150 Raptor or its 700-horsepower Raptor R version. The Ram TRX is also a monster. There are many trim levels available on popular trucks, which prioritize off-road capabilities. There are several trim levels available, including the Tacoma TRD Pro and Ram 1500 Rebel editions. Ford Ranger and Maverick Tremor versions, Nissan Frontier Pro-4X, and ZR2 versions for the Silverado, Colorado, and Silverado.
With the 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison, the Chevrolet Colorado will be even more capable on the trails. The Bison is set to improve on the already capable 2023 Colorado ZR2. Chevy has not revealed many details but it did show a prototype wrapped in a wrap that showed the ZR2 Bison as the ultimate midsize all-terrain pickup when it launches.
2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Review
The 2023 Colorado ZR2 was shown to journalists. (Hey Chevy, where is our invitation? Chevy engineers unveiled a camouflaged ZR2 Bison prototype. Car and Driver stated that the prototype’s shock absorbers were covered with a sticker that said “Bison”. This is sufficient proof that the prototype shown in the video below is the Bison.
Interior
If this is the case, then it will be a good sign for the future model. The Bison seemed to ride two inches higher than a standard ZR2, with the added height being due to the truck riding huge 35-inch tires. The large all-terrain rubber was wrapped around beadlock wheels. For the uninitiated, this is a way to keep a tire on a wheel when tire pressures for off-road trips are reduced. Ford Ranger Raptor, which will be the main competitor of the ZR2 Bison, also has wheels that are capable of being fitted with beadlocks.
The Bison also had Mutimatic DSSV shock absorbers, which suggests that it will have a custom suspension tune. The publication also noted that the prototype appeared to have more suspension travel than the 9.9-inch front travel and the 11.6-inch rear travel offered by the standard ZR2. The potential Bison also had hydraulic bump stops on the front and back, which suggests it was designed to withstand the shocks and compression when, for example, conquering dunes.
The interior of the Bison was not different from that of the Colorado, which has just been redesigned. We imagine this will change when the ZR2 is actually on sale. The car and Driver noted that there was nothing noteworthy in the brief look under the hood. However, the ZR2 turbocharged engine’s output could be increased by other means.
Engine
The 2023 Colorado is the first model of its third generation. It features a larger body, redesigned exterior, an updated interior, and a new powertrain. The ZR2 has the best performance with its turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and torque of 430-pound feet. The 2023 Colorado can tow a maximum of 6,000 lbs with its high-output turbo.
ZR2 is also the best all-terrain vehicle until the Bison comes along. The ZR2 is equipped with a high-performance suspension that includes a 3-inch lift and Multimatic DSSV shocks. It also has a wider track in front than the standard Colorado model. The ZR2 also has a range of drive modes, including a low-speed option for rock crawling and a Baja setting for high-speed runs. It is also equipped with an underbody cam to better tame trails.
We will need to wait until Chevy releases its official specifications to find out more about the ZR2 Bison. However, we know that it will be a direct competitor when it arrives. Ford Ranger Raptor is the smaller brother to the F-150 Raptor and will also be arriving in the U.S. with the 2024 model.
Ford has not yet released exact specifications for the U.S. model of the Ranger Raptor. However, we can expect it to have the same features as the overseas version. These include a two-speed transmission, all-terrain driving modes, a beefier suspension, 2.5-inch internal bypass dampers, and other off-road goodies. The Ranger Raptor is likely to have the same power as the Bronco Raptor. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 offers 418 horsepower, 440 pound-feet of torque, and other off-road goodies.
2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Verdict
There’s still a lot to learn about the ZR2 Bison or Ranger Raptor. But, no matter what their final specs are, now is a great time to buy if you want a mid-size pickup that can do it all. Or at least, next year.