Chevy’s midsize pickup isn’t simply holding its personal – it’s thriving. In a market dominated by greater, flashier vehicles, that’s no small feat. Whereas full-size vehicles have a tendency to take in the highlight, the Colorado has steadily carved out a following by getting plenty of the basics proper.
Final 12 months alone, Chevrolet moved 98,012 items of the Colorado, a powerful 37.9 % improve over 2023. Not dangerous for a platform that hasn’t had a full overhaul in years. So how does a mid-size truck keep related lengthy sufficient to outsell the Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger mixed? Recent trims just like the one pictured right here definitely assist.
That is the Bison, probably the most succesful and well-equipped member of the Colorado lineup. It takes every thing the ZR2 already provides and layers on much more package aimed squarely at severe off-roaders. Go for the usual ZR2 and also you’ll get a raise package, rock sliders, and some different key upgrades we’ll get into shortly. However to get the complete setup you see right here, you’ll want so as to add the Bison package deal on high.
QUICK FACTS
SWIPE
The result’s a truck that definitely seems to be like it may possibly go nearly wherever. To seek out out if that was actually true, although, we spent a full week with one and didn’t preserve it on the pavement. As a substitute, we spent a number of days taking this truck in locations some homeowners won’t ever dare: deep off-road, the place the one means out is thru.
Styling
Photographs Stephen Rivers for Carscoops
Take one look on the Bison and it’s clear that we’re not coping with an on a regular basis work truck. It’s stuffed with bulges, flares, vents, and extra. Having examined a number of vehicles this 12 months, together with the Ram RHO, I can attest that this factor turns as many, if no more, heads than the remainder.
Below the aggressive-looking hood is similar 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder you’ll discover in each different Colorado. Which means it makes 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft ( Nm) of torque.
Is it a letdown that this ‘final Colorado’ makes the identical energy as the bottom ‘Work Truck’ trim? Sure. Nonetheless, it strikes simply nice as is with the assistance of an eight-speed computerized gearbox and customary four-wheel drive on this guise.
That stated, it’s additionally price noting that the Colorado, no matter trim, is simply accessible with a crew cab and a brief mattress. Positive, that limits simply how a lot truck stuff one can do with it, however Chevrolet clearly thinks it’s what consumers need, in any other case, it might’ve stored different choices round.
Regardless of that, the remainder of the stats on paper are strong. The Colorado ZR2 Bison can tow as a lot as my 2010 Ford Flex, 5,500 kilos, and has a 1,160-lb payload capability.
Inside
Packaging is a humorous factor within the truck world. As I write this, I’ve a heavy-duty truck within the storage for testing. It has much less cabin house than the Colorado, the place I discovered no situation with headroom, legroom, knee room, or some other sort of room. The Bison doesn’t surrender something in its inside for its additional functionality externally.
In reality, because the flagship model, it’s stuffed with ins and outs that truck lovers will admire. The steering wheel is easy and easy. The switchgear feels and appears low-cost, but it surely will get the job achieved. The middle management stack is essentially problem-free because it options a number of bodily knobs and switches for straightforward use.
They embrace each the local weather settings together with a number of additional features like differential lockers, lane-keep help, and even a button that controls all of the home windows directly. An extra AUX change is sitting there, prewired for no matter additional gear one would possibly need to add after buy. The drive-mode knob takes slightly getting used to because it spins to vary mode but additionally has buttons to modify between 2WD, 4WD Excessive, and 4WD Low.
Photographs Stephen Rivers for Carscoops
That stated, it’s a good-looking cabin with what look like very sturdy and enticing textures. The most important gripe is the continued use of piano black plastic that collected mud so rapidly that we couldn’t keep away from it entering into the images you’ll see right here. The seats are supportive and cozy, although a contact extra lateral bolstering could be nice.
The rear seats are very fundamental, however they do include comparable upholstery schemes and distinction stitching. Occupants get entry to energy ports and local weather vents. Beneath the seats, you’ll discover the jack together with some extra space for storing.
The infotainment system options Google Constructed-In, which makes those that already use Android very completely happy. The system is quick, stuffed with nice options like real-time pitch and roll measurements, trailer controls, and Amazon Alexa. It and the digital gauge cluster are simple to navigate and supply slightly little bit of polish to this in any other case rugged pickup.
Drive Impressions
The Colorado ZR2 Bison is as a lot of a driver’s pickup as you’ll discover within the off-road phase. On pavement, the place the overwhelming majority of consumers will spend their time, it doesn’t really feel out of its ingredient. The engine is greater than potent sufficient to rise up to freeway speeds and move each time prodded. It’s comparatively nimble, it offers good steering suggestions, and doesn’t dip and roll like so lots of its predecessors.
The DSSV Multimatic suspension right here contains each position-sensitive dampers and jounce dampers. That implies that they react not simply to the terrain however cushion your entire car ought to one discover the restrict of journey. They’re shockingly good in nearly each situation one may think about. Zipping round a car parking zone, they assist the Colorado nook flat and keep its line.
Driving at a very good clip off-road, one can change to Baja mode, and the truck will do an extremely convincing imitation of a trophy truck, absorbing sharp bumps with aplomb. Flip that drive-mode knob to Off-Street or Terrain, and your entire suspension turns into able to issues a contortionist could be impressed by.
Photographs Stephen Rivers for Carscoops
Have a look, for instance, at simply how a lot journey we acquired out of the Bison whereas climbing up a steep, uneven part of path. Regardless of an enormous rut and many slippery gravel, this beast of burden trundled by means of it effortlessly. On one other pitch with even steeper terrain and extra mud than gravel, the Bison didn’t a lot as spin a tire regardless of having its enormous 35-inch tires caked in mud.
This actually is among the most succesful pickups on sale proper now, and it manages that with only a four-cylinder engine and sizing that has no connection to compensating for different shortcomings. In fact, it’s not good.
That engine is definitely greater than highly effective sufficient and is able to reaching higher gas economic system than the beforehand accessible V6. Regardless of that, it’s dreadful to hearken to day in and time out. I don’t keep in mind the final time I examined a automobile that obtained so many unsolicited, less-than-positive feedback from family and friends about its exhaust notice. Would a V6 have sounded higher? Who is aware of, however this factor drones at occasions, sounds unusual at startup, and is in any other case nowhere close to as inspiring as its exterior design suggests.
Talking of gas economic system, the Bison is versatile right here. Over 166.4 miles, we achieved 14.7 mpg, which sounds tough in comparison with its 16 mpg claims, however remember the fact that a lot of our time behind the wheel was off-road. That stated, a shorter 10.9-mile journey noticed it obtain 19 mpg, so it’s attainable to get respectable mileage in the precise circumstances.
The Greatest Downside Of The Bison
Visibility is a serious situation we have to focus on. From the motive force’s seat, every thing is okay. The mirrors present strong blind-spot protection when set to the SAE-standardized configuration. The problem is particular to the Bison, although, as a result of it mechanically comes with a 35-inch spare tire mounted on the motive force’s facet of the mattress going through the cabin.
That makes rearward visibility really feel like an entire afterthought. I’m not saying it blocks 15-20 % of 1’s view. We’re speaking roughly 60 % of rearward visibility is simply gone. In reality, issues acquired worse as a result of after I first observed this situation, I assumed, “No worries, let me simply flip on the digital rearview mirror, in spite of everything… that is the last word utilization case for such a factor.”
I used to be stunned to appreciate that the Colorado ZR2 Bison doesn’t get a digital rearview mirror however as a substitute has the identical old-school sort you’d get in a 1990 Chevrolet Lumina. Considering that this should merely be an unintentional oversight, I jumped onto the Colorado configurator and, to my shock, couldn’t discover the choice so as to add a digital rearview mirror.
At this level, I reached out to Chevrolet. Positive sufficient, it’s not possible to outfit what’s, already on this spec, a $66,000 truck, with a digital rearview mirror although there’s a characteristic that blocks one’s view of the issues behind you. Onward I suppose, rattling no matter could be within the rearview mirror if a large tire wasn’t there.
It’s price noting that it’s completely believable to take away the tire and simply put it again on everytime you determine to go off-roading however then you definately don’t have a spare in any respect when, let’s say, you get a nail in a tire whereas cruising your native Bass Professional Store.
Competitors
The mid-size truck phase has by no means been nearly as good as it’s proper now. The Chevrolet Colorado is only one of many accessible jewels on this bag. We’ve examined the GMC Canyon when it first got here out and preferred it too. The Nissan Frontier may be the weakest truck within the bunch, but it surely’s charmingly fundamental, and that’s precisely what some consumers want. It’s comparatively cheap in comparison with the remainder of the market and provides totally different cabs and beds, too.
The Toyota Tacoma is notable as a result of it provides not one however two off-road-focused trims within the TRD Professional and Trailhunter, with the previous specializing in hardcore off-roading and the latter on overlanding. They’re each nice – an They’re additionally each very costly, with beginning costs north of $66,000.
On the finish of the day, every of the accessible choices feels prefer it has its personal area of interest. The Frontier is an old-school truck accessible for lower than many of the options. The Tacoma has an enormous unfold of obtainable trims and capabilities. The GMC Canyon is the luxury model of the Colorado, and the Bison is Chevrolet mixing slightly little bit of old-school simplicity with new-school tech.
None of them are dangerous, and all have area of interest followers for good cause. The Ford Ranger Raptor may be the perfect of the bunch, although. Whereas I haven’t gotten behind the wheel but, our very personal Brad Anderson has and says it’s an absolute hoot to drive. The numbers look nice, too, because it provides plenty of energy and efficiency with a base worth of simply $57,765. Do not forget that determine.
Pricing And Which One To Purchase
Earlier than shifting on to last ideas, we now have to speak about pricing as a result of it’s an enormous piece of this truck. The ZR2 package deal begins at $51,295, and that’ll get you the Multimatic dampers, a 3-inch raise, fender flares, the Move tie, and the off-road fascia. It additionally mechanically contains 33-inch mud-terrain tires, rock sliders, 17-inch wheels, the drive-mode selector, and the 310 horsepower engine.
Upping one’s option to the Bison package deal tacks on an extra $11,700 for a complete worth of $62,995. Notably, one will get rather a lot for that money, together with 35-inch tires, beadlock-capable wheels, Multimatic jounce management dampers, the bed-mounted spare-tire service, and the entire AEV stuff. Is {that a} worth I’d personally pay? No, and right here’s why. The usual ZR2 is already wildly succesful and has most of what one wants in the event that they plan to off-road this truck.
As well as, Chevrolet deserves plenty of credit score right here for permitting consumers so as to add in plenty of options as in the event that they’re ordering off an à la carte menu. I’d get the ZR2 after which add tech bronze restoration hooks for $150, underbody cameras for $500, the tech package deal for $1,450, and the Multimatic jounce management dampers for $2,675.
No, this construct doesn’t embrace 35-inch tires, but it surely provides cameras that you just gained’t get on the Bison, can tow 500 kilos extra, and prices simply $56,070. At that worth, it undercuts Toyota’s Tacoma Trailhunter and TRD Professional considerably with out shedding a lot in the best way of precise efficiency. It additionally occurs to eschew hybrid componentry for individuals who want to keep away from it.
Closing Ideas
The Colorado ZR2 Bison is a genuinely enjoyable truck. It’s wildly succesful, it seems to be superior, and it’s the precise dimension for somebody who’s going to make use of it as a each day driver. On the identical time, it’s very costly when in comparison with its major competitors, the Ford Ranger Raptor. Even the trimmed-down à la carte model we simply mentioned provides virtually no financial savings over Ford’s wildest mid-size truck.
Then again, when in comparison with vehicles from Toyota, Nissan, and even GMC, the Colorado ZR2 is a greater truck general. Positive, the Bison will set you again virtually as a lot as a Trailhunter or TRD Professional, however the level is that brand-faithful consumers now have a plethora of choices. Of all of the vehicles I’ve examined thus far this 12 months, the Bison is the one I want I may preserve.