F-150 Raptor

Make
Ford
Segment
Sports Car

Last year, Chevrolet revealed its toughest and most capable Silverado yet in the form of the ZR2. Effectively the closest thing that Chevy had to the Ford F-150 Raptor, we still felt that the Blue Oval had the edge. Now, there is an even more hardcore ZR2 Bison for 2023. Developed in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), it's claimed to be the "ultimate half-ton truck for backcountry adventures." To be priced at a jaw-dropping $78,490 when it goes into production early in 2023, has Chevy delivered a pickup that can finally conquer the benchmark Raptor or not? We'll take a deep dive into the specs of these respective trucks in an attempt to answer just that.

Exterior Design: Rough And Ready

Standing tall on chunky rubber, both of these pickups make quite an entrance. The Ford F-150 Raptor is now a familiar sight with its evolutionary design, but the Raptor-specific touches like the FORD lettering on the grille, power dome hood, wide front fenders, and 35- or 37-inch tires give it the gravitas expected of one of the best off-roading pickups ever.

In the ZR2 Bison, there is possibly even more pent-up aggression in its face. Boomerang-style daytime running lamps flank an extremely imposing grille with a body-color bar. It rides on 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, so the Raptor has the edge here. AEV-stamped steel bumpers, a front bumper that's compatible with a winch accessory, and steel rocker panel protection are some of the Bison-specific upgrades. Unique to the Bison is a black matte finish for the standard Multi-Flex tailgate.

Both trucks fit the rugged brief to a tee in terms of their aesthetics.

Interior Design: No Longer Spartan Machines

Spacious and high-tech cabins show how far large pickups have come over the last few years. In the Ford, there is a large 12-inch productivity screen and a 12-inch touchscreen interface running the fast SYNC 4 software. Aluminum paddle shifters, a 12 o'clock marker on the steering wheel, and Raptor-branded seats with leather upholstery set apart the Raptor from lesser F-150 models. There are also sporty orange accents to contrast with the predominantly dark environment.

Not long ago, the Silverado lineup's interior underwent its own transformation. It now looks a lot classier, the tech is better, and the quality has risen. To highlight the AEV connection, the AEV badge is found on the front headrests and all-weather floor liners of the ZR2 Bison. The Bison should inherit the regular ZR2's 13.4-inch touchscreen interface with Google built-in and a digital driver's display. Unique two-tone upholstery gives the interior an airer feel than the Ford's, but that's a matter of personal taste.

Both pickups will come with a solid suite of driver-assist technologies and creature comforts like climate control and heated front seats.

Performance And Off-Roading: Two Sides Of The Same Coin

This is the make-or-break category for the new Silverado ZR2 Bison, as the F-150 Raptor's credentials are well-proven. The Raptor still comes with a powerful 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that makes 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, it'll hit 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds and the maximum towing capacity is 8,200 pounds.

Despite costing a lot more in base spec, Chevy retained the ZR2's 6.2-liter V8 for the ZR2 Bison. The trusty V8 delivers 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, so is soundly outgunned by the Raptor in terms of power and torque. That said, the normal ZR2 can tow more at up to 8,900 lbs and sounds wonderful.

Ford went all-out to create a desert-running beast in the Raptor. It has Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks, an electronic-locking rear differential with a 4.10 rear axle, and more wheel travel on the rear suspension than any other Raptor before it.

The ZR2 Bison comes with stamped steel bumpers, a factory-tuned off-road suspension, locking front/rear differentials, and complete underbody protection.

Chevy says that the press-hardened steel used for the Bison's underbody skid plates is over three times stronger than cold-stamped high-strength steel and is great at resisting damage. Like the normal ZR2, the ZR2 Bison inherits Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers.

But what does all of that translate to? Well, Chevy estimates that the ZR2 Bison's approach/departure angles are now 32.5/23.4 degrees, respectively; both better than the normal ZR2. The Raptor betters these numbers with approach/departure angles of 33.1/24.9 degrees, but only if you opt for the optional 37-inch tires. With standard 35-inch tires, the Raptor's approach/departure angles are 31/23.9 degrees. Chevy estimates 11.2 inches of ground clearance, but Ford claims up to 13.1 inches when the Raptor is on 37-inch tires. Again, the numbers are in the Ford's favor, although the Chevy's narrower body will be preferable along tighter trails.

These two are both prime off-roaders, but of a different sort than one another. The Raptor is a desert runner, while the ZR2 Bison is a rock-climber. Both have overlap, but the winner here comes down to your needs.

Pricing And Verdict: A Dead Heat? Or Is There More To It?

At the time of writing, the 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor costs $70,555, whereas the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison will go for a steep $78,490. However, with the larger 37-inch tires that give the Ford a more decisive edge in certain off-roading scenarios, it'll cost $80,560.

In terms of aesthetics, interior tech, and available driver aids, there isn't much to separate these two. But despite being cheaper, the Ford's twin-turbo V6 is more powerful and torquier, it's got a more advanced suspension, and it offers greater ground clearance. For buyers who simply must have a sonorous V8, the Chevy is an easy choice and it can tow more. If you want a V8 Raptor, the Raptor R is priced way out ahead at almost $110,000. The Bison's tougher underbody protection will also give adventurous customers peace of mind when tackling the toughest obstacles.

If it's a desert-running monster you're after above all else, the Raptor takes it. But for a dual-role truck that lives both on- and off-road, there isn't a clear-cut winner. Both vehicles provide far more capability than the majority of owners are likely to use.