Michael Satterfield
When it comes to off-road trucks, few strike a balance between rugged capability and modern comfort, as well as the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition. Developed with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), this midsize truck is engineered for the adventurer at heart—whether you’re a weekend off-roader, an overlanding enthusiast, or a rancher who demands a tough, go-anywhere machine.
While it may not be the most practical choice for the everyday commuter due to its off-road-focused nature, $65,000 price tag, and fuel economy of around 16 MPG, it makes up for it by being one of the most capable trucks in its class when the pavement ends.
Built for Adventure: Colorado ZR2 Bison Design and Aesthetics
The Colorado ZR2 Bison looks every bit as aggressive as it performs. AEV has outfitted this truck with heavy-duty steel bumpers, unique badging, and underbody skid plates, ensuring it’s ready for whatever terrain you throw at it.
For those who spend their weekends exploring remote trails or need a truck tough enough to navigate rocky ranchland, the 12.2 inches of ground clearance and 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Mud Terrain tires mean there’s almost no terrain this truck can’t handle.
Interior: Rugged Meets Refined
Just because it’s built for rough terrain doesn’t mean you have to rough it inside. The cabin of the Colorado ZR2 Bison blends durability with comfort. Premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system make long drives—whether on the highway or deep in the backcountry—more enjoyable.
For ranchers spending long days in the field or overlanders covering hundreds of miles at a time, this truck provides a comfortable, tech-filled interior without sacrificing toughness.
Power and Performance: Built to Work Hard and Play Hard
Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, more than enough power for towing trailers, climbing steep hills, or blasting through muddy trails.
The Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers—a signature feature of Chevrolet’s performance off-road trucks—keep the ride surprisingly smooth, even when the terrain gets unpredictable. This means ranchers can traverse rough pastures without jarring their cargo, and overlanders can cover long distances without punishing their passengers.
For those who take their trucks off the beaten path, the front and rear locking differentials, hydraulic jounce control dampers, and reinforced underbody protection make this truck a beast on technical trails, rocky paths, and deep mud.
For those who live for the great outdoors, the Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition is a dream come true. With its bed-mounted spare tire, winch-ready front bumper, and ample cargo capacity, it’s well-equipped for weekend camping trips, cross-country overland adventures, or hauling feed and supplies across rugged terrain.
While the lack of running boards and high ride height can make getting in and out a challenge—especially for shorter drivers—this tradeoff is worth it for those who prioritize durability and ground clearance.
Ranchers will also appreciate the truck’s ability to handle tough work. Whether it’s moving through fields, towing equipment, or handling unpredictable terrain, the ZR2 Bison is built to take the abuse of everyday ranch life.
The Downsides: Not for the City-Dweller
As impressive as the Colorado ZR2 Bison is, it’s not the most practical truck for urban driving. While it is small by today’s truck standards, getting in and out of the lifted truck in tight parking spots requires the flexibility and strength of a gymnast. Also, the 16 MPG fuel economy isn’t great, and while the off-road suspension and massive tires look amazing and are fantastic for rough terrain, they aren’t ideal for highway commutes.
Additionally, the bed-mounted spare tire—while useful for serious off-roaders—cuts into cargo space and reduces rear visibility, something to consider if you need a truck for hauling large loads.
Final Verdict: Should you buy a Colorado ZR2 Bison?
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition isn’t for everyone. It’s not a fuel-efficient daily driver, and it’s overkill if all you’re doing is running errands around town. However, for weekend warriors, off-road explorers, overlanding enthusiasts, and ranchers who need an incredibly capable truck, this is one of the best midsize trucks money can buy.
With AEV’s legendary off-road upgrades, Chevy’s rock-solid engineering, and a perfect mix of power, durability, and comfort, the ZR2 Bison is built for those who live life beyond the pavement. If your idea of a perfect weekend includes rock crawling, deep mud, or backcountry camping, or if your work demands a truck that can handle the toughest terrain, the ZR2 Bison is the truck for you.
