The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a formidable off-road pickup truck, offering impressive capabilities straight from the factory. However, for those seeking even more extreme performance and enhanced protection, the ZR2 Bison emerges as the ultimate choice. This article delves into the specific differences between the Colorado ZR2 and the ZR2 Bison, providing a comprehensive comparison to help you determine which model best suits your off-road adventures.
The ZR2 Bison is essentially a ZR2 that has been further enhanced with components designed to improve its off-road capability and durability. This collaboration between Chevrolet and American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) elevates the ZR2 to a new level of backcountry prowess.
| Feature | Colorado ZR2 | Colorado ZR2 Bison |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Protection | Standard ZR2 Skid Plates (Engine/Oil Pan, Transfer Case) | AEV-Stamped Boron Steel Skid Plates: Engine/Oil Pan, Transfer Case, Fuel Tank, Rear Differential. These provide superior protection against rocks and other off-road hazards. |
| Front Bumper | Standard ZR2 Front Bumper | AEV Front Bumper (Optional): A heavy-duty steel bumper designed to improve approach angle and provide mounting points for winches and auxiliary lights. This bumper significantly enhances the ZR2 Bison's ability to tackle challenging terrain. |
| Rear Bumper | Standard ZR2 Rear Bumper | AEV Rear Bumper (Optional): A heavy-duty steel bumper with integrated recovery points. |
| Wheels | Standard ZR2 Wheels | AEV 17-inch Wheels: Unique, durable wheels designed to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. Often feature a specific offset to optimize tire clearance and stability. |
| Tires | Standard ZR2 Tires (Often Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac) | Aggressive Off-Road Tires: The Bison typically comes equipped with more aggressive tires than the standard ZR2, further enhancing its grip and traction on loose surfaces. |
| Suspension | Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) Dampers | Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) Dampers (tuned for additional weight) |
| Approach Angle | Approximately 30 Degrees | Increased Approach Angle: Improved due to the AEV front bumper, allowing the Bison to climb steeper obstacles. The exact angle depends on the specific bumper and tire configuration. |
| Departure Angle | Approximately 23.5 Degrees | Increased Departure Angle: Improved due to the AEV rear bumper (if equipped), allowing the Bison to exit obstacles more easily. The exact angle depends on the specific bumper and tire configuration. |
| Ground Clearance | 8.9 Inches | 8.9 Inches (Typically) - Tire size can affect this. |
| Badging/Appearance | ZR2 Badging | AEV Bison Badging: Unique exterior badging to distinguish it from the standard ZR2. This includes AEV logos and Bison-specific graphics. |
| Interior | Standard ZR2 Interior | AEV Headrests (Optional): Some Bison models may feature AEV-branded headrests. |
| Pricing | Lower than ZR2 Bison | Higher than ZR2 |
| Availability | More readily available | Limited availability, especially for specific model years. |
| Payload Capacity | Varies based on configuration, typically around 1200 lbs | Slightly lower due to added weight of skid plates and bumpers. |
| Winch Compatibility | Possible with aftermarket bumpers | Designed for Winch Compatibility: The AEV front bumper is specifically designed to accommodate a winch, providing a secure and integrated mounting solution. |
| Rock Sliders | Not standard | Optional Rock Sliders: AEV rock sliders can be added for additional protection of the rocker panels. |
Detailed Explanations
Exterior Protection: The most significant difference between the ZR2 and the ZR2 Bison lies in their exterior protection. While the standard ZR2 comes with skid plates for the engine/oil pan and transfer case, the ZR2 Bison boasts AEV-stamped boron steel skid plates that protect the engine/oil pan, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential. Boron steel is significantly stronger and more resistant to damage than the steel used in the standard ZR2 skid plates, providing superior protection against rocks and other off-road hazards. This is particularly crucial for serious off-roaders who frequently encounter challenging terrain.
Front Bumper: The standard ZR2 features a functional front bumper designed for off-road use. However, the ZR2 Bison offers an optional AEV front bumper made of heavy-duty steel. This bumper is designed to improve the approach angle, allowing the Bison to climb steeper obstacles without scraping the front end. Furthermore, the AEV front bumper provides mounting points for winches and auxiliary lights, enhancing the vehicle's capabilities for recovery and nighttime off-roading.
Rear Bumper: Similar to the front, the ZR2 Bison offers an optional AEV rear bumper. This heavy-duty steel bumper provides improved departure angle and integrated recovery points. This allows for safer and more effective vehicle extraction in difficult situations.
Wheels: The standard ZR2 wheels are designed to be durable and functional for off-road use. The ZR2 Bison, however, features unique AEV 17-inch wheels. These wheels are not only visually distinctive but also engineered for enhanced strength and durability. They often feature a specific offset that optimizes tire clearance and stability, further improving the Bison's off-road performance.
Tires: While the standard ZR2 often comes equipped with Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires (or similar), the ZR2 Bison typically features more aggressive off-road tires. These tires are designed with a more aggressive tread pattern, providing superior grip and traction on loose surfaces such as mud, sand, and rocks. This upgrade significantly enhances the Bison's ability to navigate challenging terrain.
Suspension: Both the ZR2 and the ZR2 Bison utilize the advanced Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) dampers. These dampers provide exceptional ride quality and control, both on and off-road. However, the DSSV dampers on the ZR2 Bison are specifically tuned to account for the additional weight of the AEV components, ensuring optimal performance and handling. This subtle adjustment ensures that the Bison maintains the ZR2's renowned suspension characteristics despite the added protection.
Approach Angle: Approach angle refers to the maximum angle a vehicle can climb without its front bumper hitting the ground. The standard ZR2 has a respectable approach angle. The ZR2 Bison, with its optional AEV front bumper, boasts an increased approach angle. This improvement allows the Bison to tackle steeper obstacles and navigate more challenging terrain without risking damage to the front end.
Departure Angle: Departure angle is the maximum angle a vehicle can descend without its rear bumper hitting the ground. Similar to approach angle, the ZR2 Bison, with its optional AEV rear bumper, enjoys an improved departure angle compared to the standard ZR2. This enhanced departure angle allows the Bison to exit obstacles more easily, reducing the risk of damage to the rear of the vehicle.
Ground Clearance: Ground clearance is the minimum distance between the lowest point of the vehicle and the ground. Both the ZR2 and the ZR2 Bison have the same ground clearance. However, it's important to note that tire size can affect ground clearance. Choosing larger tires can slightly increase ground clearance, but it can also affect gearing and overall performance.
Badging/Appearance: The ZR2 Bison is easily distinguishable from the standard ZR2 by its unique AEV Bison badging. This includes AEV logos and Bison-specific graphics, adding a touch of exclusivity and showcasing the vehicle's enhanced capabilities.
Interior: The interior of the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison are largely the same. Some Bison models may feature AEV-branded headrests, but this is not a standard feature. The focus of the Bison upgrades is primarily on off-road performance and protection, rather than interior enhancements.
Pricing: The ZR2 Bison commands a higher price tag than the standard ZR2. This is due to the cost of the AEV components and the limited production run of the Bison model.
Availability: The standard ZR2 is generally more readily available than the ZR2 Bison. The Bison, being a special edition model, has limited availability, especially for specific model years. This can make it more challenging to find a ZR2 Bison on the used market or to order a new one from the factory.
Payload Capacity: Due to the added weight of the skid plates, bumpers, and other AEV components, the ZR2 Bison typically has a slightly lower payload capacity compared to the standard ZR2. While the difference is not substantial, it's something to consider if you frequently haul heavy loads.
Winch Compatibility: While it is possible to install a winch on the standard ZR2 using aftermarket bumpers, the AEV front bumper on the ZR2 Bison is specifically designed for winch compatibility. This provides a secure and integrated mounting solution, making it easier and safer to install and use a winch for recovery purposes.
Rock Sliders: Rock sliders are not standard on the ZR2, however, AEV rock sliders can be added to the ZR2 Bison for additional protection of the rocker panels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the ZR2 and the ZR2 Bison? The ZR2 Bison offers enhanced off-road protection and capability thanks to AEV-designed components like boron steel skid plates and optional heavy-duty bumpers.
Are the suspension components different between the ZR2 and the ZR2 Bison? Both use Multimatic DSSV dampers, but the Bison's dampers are tuned to compensate for the added weight of the AEV components.
Does the ZR2 Bison have better ground clearance than the ZR2? Typically, the ground clearance is the same, but tire size can slightly affect it.
Is the ZR2 Bison worth the extra cost? If you frequently tackle challenging off-road terrain and require superior protection, the ZR2 Bison is a worthwhile investment.
Can I add AEV components to my standard ZR2? Yes, you can purchase and install AEV components on a standard ZR2, but the cost of purchasing them separately may be higher than buying a Bison outright.
Conclusion
The Colorado ZR2 is a capable off-road truck in its own right. However, the ZR2 Bison takes it a step further with its AEV-designed components, providing enhanced protection and capability for serious off-road enthusiasts. If you prioritize extreme off-road performance and durability, the ZR2 Bison is the clear choice. For those who enjoy occasional off-roading and prioritize value, the standard ZR2 remains a compelling option.