First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison — Overlanding Royalty, Factory-Built

The next-gen ZR2 Bison is here—and it's not just an evolution. It's a declaration.

Chevrolet's collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) returns with the 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison, a midsize pickup that confidently builds on the rugged reputation of its predecessor. When the last-gen Bison launched, it turned heads—and sold out fast. Now, with bigger tires, stronger bones, and more innovative tech, Chevy's newest Bison looks to dominate a growing off-road market.

And it might just be the most capable overlanding pickup you can buy straight from the factory.

What's New: A Factory Brawler With Brains

Yes, it still comes armored in AEV gear—beefy bumpers, underbody protection, and trail-ready wheels. But the 2024 ZR2 Bison brings bigger fists to the fight:

• 35-inch tires (a factory first for Colorado)
• Front and rear electronic locking differentials
• Multimatic DSSV dampers plus new Jounce Control units
• Underbody cameras—with washer jets
• 310 horsepower / 430 lb-ft of torque from GM's high-output 2.7L turbo four
• Baja Mode, Terrain Mode, and one-pedal crawl control

It's not just a rock-crawler anymore. With the same bones that power Chad Hall Racing's desert-running rigs, the Bison is proof that slow and steady can still win, but fast and dirty is always an option.

Driving Experience: Confidence at Every Angle

Let's talk feel. That turbocharged four-cylinder may not sound like a V8 on paper, but in practice? It pulls hard, especially in Baja mode. The throttle response is immediate, and the torque is ready at low RPMs—perfect for technical off-roading. And that exhaust note? It's surprisingly satisfying. Not overdone, but just enough to remind you you're not in a crossover.

Lockers front and rear let you turn gnarly obstacles into casual climbs. For anyone new to off-roading, this is where the Bison shines—it gives you pro-level traction tools with a simple push of a button. It's capable without compromise, straight from the dealer lot.

And that suspension? Multimatic continues to show why it's the gold standard. The Bison rides firm but never punishing. Over uneven terrain, the shocks absorb ruts and washouts without tossing passengers like rag dolls. On pavement, it feels composed—more daily-drivable than it has any right to be.

Off-Road Tech That Helps

Terrain Mode unlocks one-pedal driving, transforming how you crawl. It lets the driver ease up on the gas without bouncing between pedals, a blessing in sketchy terrain. There's also a manual low-gear override (1-3) on the shift knob—handy for controlling descents without fishing through touchscreen menus.

Underbody cameras are a real highlight, especially with the ability to clean them via the onboard washer system. You've got a front camera, two beneath, and robust AEV armor to protect what the eye can't see.

There's room for improvement, though. While mode switching is quick, the interface feels a bit dated—more "basic screensaver" than immersive HUD. It's functional, but not on the level of Hummer EV or Ford Raptor's animated displays.

Final Thoughts: Overland-Ready Right Off the Lot

I'll be honest—I wasn't always a Chevy truck believer. But the Colorado ZR2 Bison changed my mind. It's the right size. It feels purpose-built. And above all, it's ready. No lift kits, no custom fab work. Just buy it, point it at the wilderness, and go.

Yes, the price tag bites. You're venturing into entry-level luxury territory here. But with rivals like the Ranger Raptor and Tacoma TRD Pro knocking on the same financial door, the Bison stands tall. It isn't just playing catch-up anymore—it's a legitimate leader.

If you're shopping for a daily driver that can double as a weekend escape pod, this is one of the most well-rounded off-roaders on the market. You get factory reliability, serious off-road muscle, and a truck that's as comfortable conquering trails as it is commuting to work.

In a world full of plastic cladding and wannabe adventure trims, the Bison isn't pretending. It is the thing.