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!”