- Bold Exterior Design and Strong Presence
- Exceptional Off-Road Capabilities
- Practical and Comfortable Interior
- Enjoyable Driving and Notable Stability
- The Biggest Drawback: Rear Visibility
- Comparison with Competitors
In the increasingly competitive midsize truck market, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison stands out as one of the most exciting options for off-road enthusiasts. This top-tier Colorado trim not only boasts a bold appearance but also delivers real capabilities that exceed expectations, with some considerations that serious users should note.
Bold Exterior Design and Strong Presence
At first glance, the ZR2 Bison is not just an everyday work truck. Its design is packed with sporty details such as bulging fenders, pronounced wheel arches, and air vents, giving it a striking road presence. The truck is powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 582 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. Although this engine is shared with lower trims, it provides solid performance on both paved and rough terrains.
Exceptional Off-Road Capabilities
The Bison trim comes equipped with a range of off-road-focused features, including advanced DSSV Multimatic suspension, wide fenders, massive 35-inch tires, side rock rails for protection, and skid plates. These enhancements enable the truck to tackle the toughest terrains with ease, demonstrating impressive performance on mud, gravel, and steep inclines without losing grip or getting stuck.
The suspension system intelligently adapts to changing surfaces, offering comfort and stability even in the harshest conditions. Drivers can select from multiple drive modes such as “Baja” for high-speed sand driving and “Off-Road” for rugged trails, providing great versatility.
Practical and Comfortable Interior
Inside, the cabin features a practical design focused on usability and durability. The interior space is notably roomy compared to some larger trucks, with comfortable and supportive seats. The dashboard includes physical buttons and switches for vehicle controls, alongside a modern infotainment screen with Google Built-In, offering features like vehicle tilt measurement and trailer control.
Despite the quality materials, some glossy plastics tend to attract dust quickly. The rear seats are simple but comfortable, with power outlets and air vents for passengers. Additional storage spaces are available under the seats.
Enjoyable Driving and Notable Stability
On paved roads, the Colorado ZR2 Bison delivers a stable driving experience thanks to its advanced suspension, with good acceleration and maneuverability. The engine is powerful enough to overtake other vehicles on highways, and the steering is precise, providing a confident feel. Off-road, the truck transforms into a true beast, capable of overcoming sharp obstacles and mud effortlessly.
The Biggest Drawback: Rear Visibility
Despite all these advantages, a significant downside is the rear visibility. The truck comes with a large spare tire mounted in the bed behind the cabin, blocking about 60% of the driver’s rear view. Surprisingly, Chevrolet does not offer a digital rearview mirror option to compensate for this obstruction, making tight maneuvers and reversing more challenging.
Comparison with Competitors
The Colorado ZR2 Bison competes with trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, Ford Ranger Raptor, and GMC Canyon. Although its starting price of $62,995 may seem high, it offers premium features and genuine off-road capabilities. Alternatively, buyers can opt for the base ZR2 trim and add options as needed, providing a lower price while retaining most capabilities.
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison is a midsize truck that blends bold design, impressive off-road capabilities, and premium features. Despite some drawbacks like limited rear visibility and a relatively high price, it remains an ideal choice for adventure seekers and those looking for a versatile truck without limits. If you want a truck that combines practical performance with a spirit of adventure, the ZR2 Bison could be the perfect option for you in 2025.
