Colorado

Make
Chevrolet
Segment
Sports Car
  • Built in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV)
  • Multimatic DSSV dampers with front and rear jounce control dampers
  • Locking front and rear differentials
  • 17-inch beadlock capable wheels with 35-inch mud-terrain tires
  • 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (310 hp/430 lb-ft)

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado just got tougher thanks to a new collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles. Chevy will again offer a ZR2 Bison model with AEV off-road enhancements for the new Colorado that debuted last year. The ZR2 is Chevy's most off-road-ready trim level, and AEV takes that to the next level with the Bison package. The list of off-road goodies includes Multimatic DSSV dampers as well as front and rear jounce control dampers, a winch-capable front bumper, locking front and rear differentials, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels with 35-inch mud-terrain tires, and boron steel skid plates.

Those massive tires contribute to what Chevy claims are the "best-in-class" approach (38.2 degrees), departure (26 degrees), and breakover angles (26.9 degrees). Ground clearance is also best-in-class at 12.2 inches. That means the Colorado ZR2 Bison should have no trouble leaving the Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro stuck on the trail.

The Ranger and Tacoma do have the Colorado outmatched on pure power, though. AEV doesn't upgrade the engine for the Bison, meaning it uses the same high-out 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque going out through an eight-speed automatic.

AEV visually distinguishes the Bison from a standard ZR2 with unique bumpers, fender flares, a "Flowtie" Chevy badge, a racing-inspired spare tire carrier, spray-in bedliner, and Bison badging. The interior gets AEV badges on the front headrests and the all-weather floor mats. As with other Colorado trims, the ZR2 Bison comes with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto (both wireless).

Chevy says the Colorado ZR2 Bison was extensively tested by Chad Hall, champion off-road racer, in competition and on the grueling Rubicon Trail, Jeep's home turf. No pricing information was given for the Bison package, but we know the 2024 Colorado ZR2 is already quite pricey, starting at $48,295. We don't know how much the Tacoma will cost, but the Bison will likely be priced near the Raptor, which starts at $55,365.

The Bison was a hot commodity in the previous generation, quickly selling out and forcing AEV to increase production. It's unclear if this new model will also be a limited production, but it should have no trouble finding eager customers.