2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison: An Upsize Moment for The Much-Loved Beast on Wheels

We can attest here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse that the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison should not be dismissed as simply an ordinary ZR2 with a hurried extra dress-up from the expert AEV crew! This off-road-ready treatment worked amazingly well for the Bison’s first generation and resulted in the creation of a wildly popular and capable namesake. It also opened the door for a few more foundational changes that the Car and Driver crew got to set out and enjoy during a spirited 3-day trek across the demanding Nevada desert. 

They first made a few select adjustments to optimize the truck, as a front axle was shifted forward relative to the cab to accommodate larger tires, and the signature Multimatic DSSV shocks were situated outboard of the leaf springs. These quick few alterations paved the way for a more extreme and capable Bison, and the trusty package was then made complete with massive 35-inch tires to replace the existing 33-inch rubber pairs. The fender liners needed a complete resculpting, and the suspension was adequately jacked up another valuable half-inch. 

The lift and extra inch of tire radius increased ground clearance from 10.7 inches to a more capable 12.2 inches, with the insides now prevented from harmful rubbing. The 2024 ZR2 Bison is also fitted with brand-new fender flares that give it an 80.1-inch width that leaves things with a meaner stance and nicely “impatient” stature. The hydraulic jounce bumpers at all four corners are very useful as a lightning-rod grade additive to the Bison, which provides the foundation for a more dedicated form of compression damping. 

As the crew began in the open California desert, the Bison immediately proved that it was worth every inch of trouble and upgrade time. As they forged forward into a tricky bmx-style whoop section, the truck gobbled them up effortlessly. The hydraulic jounce bumpers were able to effectively soak up larger hits with a progressive stance, and the landings from the berms were precise and immediately well-planted. The 35-inch tires easily rolled overhauls that smaller tires would have quickly lodged up on, and the standard front and rear lockers were not quite yet needed for an effective assault. 

If the group had needed to re-adjust things on a dime and air down the 17-inch AEV beadlock-capable wheels, it wouldn’t have been a problem. After more time spent in the treacherous rocks, the Off-Road mode was perfect for smooth creeping and didn’t present an overly sensitive throttle trait to control the brakes. The Baja mode proved itself to be a group favorite after hitting the open trails, and the relaxed stability control program that aligns with it can be disengaged if needed with a few quick clicks on the touchscreen. 

It's no surprise that Jalopnik editor Elizabeth Blackstock claimed that the ZR2 Bison was “one vehicle that can take my abuse and still make me feel like a driver who can traverse a mountain without issue.” She commented that the new design immediately served up a more comfortable and planted sensation, and this was worth its weight in gold along with its nimble and smaller size. The Terrain mode limits speed to 50 mph and can even dictate a sudden activation of the brakes if needed. For anyone from a very seasoned off-roader to someone just starting out, the 2024 ZR2 Bison allows for one to keep their bearings while enjoying the benefits of “being poised in all-out armor!”

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 Bison Off-Roading Experience

As trucks have become more and more popular in the last few years at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, more than half of proud Silverado HD owners frequently ditch the pavement to experience off-roading adventures. Chevy has been working on a ZR2 version of its heavy-duty trucks for 2023, and no awesome terrain-conquering detail has been left untapped. It’s ready for the many challenging boulders, divots, drops, and ruts that trails offer courtesy of 25-inch Goodyear Wrangler MT tires, new front suspension arms, a locking rear differential, and amazingly effective Multimatic spool-valve shock absorbers. 

This is one hefty rig that shows up primed and ready for action with not a shard of weakness and maintains segment-leading tow ratings with its standard 6.6-liter Gasoline V8 or the optional 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8. To ensure that all bases were covered as far as the rough and tumble competition, it was necessary to join forces with American Expedition Vehicles to build a competent truck that was thoroughly ready for taking on terrain ranging from desperado dirt running to all-out boulder smashing. 

As a very sweet above-and-beyond option for the 2024 Silverado 2500 HD ZR2, this upgrade equips you with winch compatible very rugged AEV steel bumpers, hefty integrated recovery points for the front and rear, 18-inch AEV alloy wheels, and amazing boron-steel skid plates protecting the valuables underneath such as the transfer case. The KBB.com auto review team was dispatched with the Bizon to Johnson Valley, California, and during the first leg of the trip, they appreciated the incredibly quiet quality of comfort and very relaxed driving demeanor. With dirt roads immediately up on the agenda, the spool-valve Multimatic dampers did a great job of keeping the 8,450-lb truck from bouncing around too much on the challenging washboard stretches the crew encountered. 

A rocky and very sandy climb was next on the list, which the large Bison clamored up without any trace of breaking a sweat. They did rely heavily on the forward-facing camera, which enabled them to position the Bison directly where they needed it to be as they crept along and were faring greatly with the well-allocated 957 lb-ft of torque. On the way down things got a bit tougher, and the crew found themselves situating their XXL Goodyears directly on a few rocks instead of conveniently traversing around them. The final challenge was a short climb that was littered with dangerous rocks, and the troupe was relieved when they at least did not need spotters to conquer the challenge. 

The Bison’s 11.8 inches of ground clearance had massively saved the day in this instance, and the group had driven right up and over individual rocks and then had to set the Bison down gently while exercising very precise brake modulation. With a bit of patience and a hardcore focus on the line they wanted to tow, they were able to claim victory without any scraping carnage to the awesome truck’s sweet red paint job. This truck is bound to appeal to those who need a very luxurious workhouse for hauling and towing, who will be comforted by the fact that they can weather anything “insanity-grade” hazard navigating drops in their way! 

2023 Chevy Tahoe RST Dominates Daily-Drive Segment With Performance-Enhancing Extras

Performance-minded packages are all the rage with drivers who have already decided they prefer a ride on the commanding and larger side! The 2023 Chevy Tahoe RST Performance 4WD is an exhilarating and confident version of our favorite body-on-frame SUV here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse. It’s outfitted with pursuit-grade handling and grip components and eases onto the front lines with some mild engine tuning to beef up power. The Drive’s auto review team explored some recreational and off-the-beaten-path driving with the Tahoe, and claimed they walked away with an appreciative smile.

The Rally Sport (RS) badge is a sweet appearance package that blacks out a few select exterior components to offer a sportier look. Expert car reviewer Peter Nelson claimed that this welcome addition most definitely cranks things up to a sinister and stealth demeanor, with the black offering an excellent choice of contrast for the Radiant Red paint dip. Peter is 6’3” and he even felt a bit on the smaller side once inside, while enjoying the ability to slide in without immediately bumping his head.

The cabin struck him as uniquely plush right away, with very comfortable seats along with heated and ventilated seating. He had all the legroom that any sprawled-out journey could require and enjoyed the convenience of folding the rear seats down to a flat floor to bring the cargo room up to 123 feet. He was thrilled to haul his very large road bike down to scenic Orange County for some PCH-tackling open-air enjoyment. He was excited about not needing to detach or re-adjust any of the bike’s components, as he could just roll it easily on in and out for transport.

When it came to interior materials, the Tahoe was outfitted with upscale buttons and switches, with the transmission controls making a striking first impression. The instrument cluster is completely digital, while also simple to read and navigate. Chevy Safety Assist proved to be a great tool during peter's first journey, which includes forward collision alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. Behind this very massive stance lives the very supreme 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8, cranking out 433 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque. 

This is a 13-horsepower gain over the standard RST, as well as the result of a much more advanced intake system and performance exhaust. You’ll be able to reach 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds and cover the quarter mile in just 14.2 seconds. Exhaust notes are the “stuff that fans are made instantly from”, and the Tahoe RST makes good in this department with a decibel or two more than the conventional model while on a leisurely spin. Punching the throttle with force gives the Tahoe a menacing and fitting single-cam growl, which is ideal for any seasoned V8 purist who doesn’t want to repeatedly disturb the neighborhood peace.

The police-grade equipment stiffens up the springs, retunes the dampers, and makes other improvements to the chassis. There are cop-spec 275/55/20 Firestone Firehawk Pursuit tires mounted on all fours, adding to a noticeable jiggle during each ride that offers a unique sense of rigidity. Body roll was quite reasonably kept in check, and the RST was able to confidently take on the unpaved roads of the Santa Ana Mountains’ Santiago Peak with ease. Other very cool additions that the RST package serves up are a power tilt, telescoping, heated steering wheel, and heavy-duty Brembo front brakes. 

2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 AEV Bison: Built for the Wild

At up to 2,000 pounds, the bison is North America’s largest land animal and remains a symbol of how massive and strong a mammal can be. As we take a close look at the Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 AEV Bison here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, it’s pretty easy to say all of the same descriptive and complementary things. The Bison treatment is now an option on this fuller-sized pickup, with both this and the Colorado situating our brand nicely in the extreme off-road genre that is also populated with the Ram TR and Ford Raptor.

The Autoblog reporting staff took on the duty of driving a ZR2 Bison on extended drives in Washington and Michigan recently and had plenty of great things to say about its capability and dependability. The ZR2 trim begins with the very awesome 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Things just get better and burlier from there, with Multimatic DSSV dampers, lifted suspension, 33-inch Goodyear Wranglers, and front and rear electronic-locking differentials. 

Another very sweet yet surly addition is the pair of powder-coated winch-ready bumpers. The very thorough AEV crew then threw a massive dash of spice into the already-amazing recipe with press-hardened steel shields to the differentials, transfer case, and fuel tank. There’s also a nice pair of steel rock rails and black 18-inch wheels that appropriately set the tone for full-on slaying the wild. The Bison does not quite scream as loudly for attention as the Raptor or TRX, but still simply looks great while tapping its foot waiting for you in the parking lot. 

It may seem like a small detail, but the Carhartt all-weather mats in the AEV Bison served their purpose well after an entire week of trucking up and down the trails of Olympic National Park. Gritty sand and mud were spending quite some time getting caked into the mats, as the gang set in with a vacuum and still didn’t pick up that much when it was time to get clean. The Bison’s ride height is actually quite practical when it comes to rush-hour traffic, as you can spot vehicles coming to a standstill during a traffic jam quickly while having a sense of what’s next on the horizon.

Another instance in the wild where the DSSV dampers did an excellent job was driving in Michigan’s upper peninsula, where speed bumps were not a problem at all, and off-road sand mounds were conquered without even a flinch. While conquering the challenging backroads of the Quinault Rain Forest loop, the truck handled steep slopes and drop-offs with ease and felt constantly rooted in just the right sense without the nimble steering qualities one would expect from a performance sedan. 

Sandy, steep, and mud-washed are all-terrain categories that require a rig that isn’t going to suddenly balk at a bit of protruding tundra or other stray debris. This group had opted for a Bison that was loaded with a few awesome extra performance and comfort treats, beginning with the Tech Package, and heading on up the chain with a hard tonneau cover, Multiflex tailgate, and Glacier Blue Metallic Paint. Every single commodity on the planet is now going up in price, and considering the attractive design, excellent materials, and useful technology that this Bison can claim, the price didn't strike this group as offensive in the least.

The experts who are so very used to putting capable trucks through rigorous punishment at The Drive.com took one of these fully loaded beauties to Rush Springs Ranch. In our neck of the woods here at the Powerhouse, the crew quickly found a mud pit about 100 feet long. They plunged right in and never struggled for an instant for grip, and successfully forged through water that was creeping up to the bottom of the doors. The turn-down exhaust pipes came in handy during a descent into a dry creek bed, as there was not a lick of damage after inadvertently stuffing the front end into gravel.