Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Named First-Ever Overland Truck of the Year
2020-02-03
DETROIT – Overland Journal has named the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison its first Overland Truck of the Year. In their review, the editors praised the Bison as “one of the most exceptional overland trucks ever sold in North America.”
For the inaugural competition, Overland Journal evaluated six midsize pickups, including the Colorado ZR2 Bison, Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Honda Ridgeline. Editors drove these trucks thousands of miles on both roads and dirt trails, considering a range of criteria important for overlanding, including payload, durability, capability, efficiency and reliability ranking.
In his review, Overland Journal editor Scott Brady said:
“Our 2019 Overland Truck of the Year (midsize) goes to the Bison. Just a list of its features makes it the truck we always wanted, only better. It is available with a small-displacement turbo-diesel, front and rear locking differentials, a winch-ready steel front bumper, steel rear bumper with 1/4 panel protection, full-length rock sliders, and class-leading suspension. It checks all the boxes.”
Introduced as a 2019 model, the Colorado ZR2 Bison was designed in collaboration with Chevrolet and American Expedition Vehicles.
“From our very first meeting, Chevrolet and AEV agreed on a common goal: To build a truck capable of extreme off-road use and backed by a limited factory warranty,” said Darren Bohne, Chevrolet Colorado chief engineer. “As such, to be named the ultimate overland vehicle by the ultimate authority in overland travel is a huge honor for the entire team at Chevrolet and AEV.”
Off-road equipment on the Colorado ZR2 Bison includes:
- Five skid plates to help protect the engine oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case and front and rear locking differentials; designed by AEV, these skid plates are constructed of hard, durable hot-stamped boron steel
- AEV-designed stamped steel front and rear bumpers; the front bumper also features provisions for an aftermarket winch*
- Large fender flares and ZR2 Bison-specific 17×8-inch aluminum wheels
- Front and rear locking electronic differentials
- Revolutionary Multimatic DSSV™ dampers
- Cast-iron control arms for exceptional strength
- Factory-modified rear axle with a 3.42 ratio, front and rear tracks widened by 3.5 inches and a factory suspension lifted 2 inches over a Colorado Z71
- Available 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, capable of 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque
The Bison package is exclusively available on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and is built at General Motors’ Wentzville Assembly Center in Missouri of globally sourced parts.
*Installations or alterations to the original equipment vehicle (or chassis) as distributed by General Motors are not covered by the General Motors New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The special body company, assembler, equipment installer, or upfitter is solely responsible for warranties on the body or equipment and any alterations (or any effect of the alterations) to any of the parts, components, systems or assemblies installed by GM. General Motors is not responsible for the safety or quality of design, features, materials, or workmanship of any alterations by such employers.
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