2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison's Off-Road Domination Proclaimed by Portland Tribune

The midsized pickup truck segment is one that offers a lot of competition: The quality of add-ons such as skid plates are of dire importance, as they are shielding such sensitive areas of the truck. As you are preparing to dash across boulders and plow through streams, you need to select an off-road model that has above average capability, and truly possesses the protection level to make it a trail contender. Here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse we steer many customers in the direction of the Colorado ZR2 Bison and were proud to see a great review of it this past week in the Portland Tribune.

The basic Colorado is designed for both work and being a daily driver, and comes with a 4-cylinder, 3.6-liter V6 rated at 308 horsepower or 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel with 369 lb-ft of torque. These are all paired to an automatic transmission, with choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive. Within the 4X4 system is an automatic mode that simulates all-wheel-drive, ideal for getting through the powder and slush that winter brings. It was two years ago that the ZR2 was offered for the first time, brandishing a strengthened suspension with upgraded control arms, steering gear, and hubs.

It's a full two inches taller than the standard Colorado 4 X 4, with front and rear locking differentials for when the road ahead presents difficult passing potential. There are also Multimatic shock absorbers on all four wheels, using variable valving that offers up the toughness required for serious off-road navigation and still giving a smooth asphalt ride. For the 2019 model, the Bison package was added, and capabilities drastically altered. There are now five new skidplates underneath, heavy steel front and rear bumpers with a winch and recovery points, and wheels designed for off-road punishment.

There's even an optional snorkel air intake if the agenda leads to incredibly deep water, and we assure you, it's real and functional! All of these features including waterproof floor liners helped elevate the Bison above its competition to declare the Off-Road Truck of the Year award from Popular Mechanics. Once inside, the Bison bears a heavy dose of similarity to the ZR2. There are the necessary controls for the locking differentials, but the rest of the interior has not strayed much from the standard Chevy feel. In writer Jeff Zurschmeide's opinion here, the Bison is the ultimate off-road truck, leading the pack by leaps and bounds with its ability, go-anywhere prowess, and potential!