Why off-roaders will love the 2024 Chevrolet ZR2 Bison truck family

“This shouldn’t be possible.” That’s all I kept thinking while my sweaty hands gripped the wheel of the massive 2024 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison — which was pointed almost straight down a mountainside in the Mojave Desert. I had the same feeling — maybe to an even stronger degree — as I scaled a ravine full of boulders in the new Colorado ZR2 Bison moments later.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 Bison triumphantly sits on top of the mountain. Photo by Allison Bell.

When I first saw the trails I’d be tackling, I started to regret my choice to accept Chevy’s invitation to attend its off-road event for the ZR2 Bison lineup. After all, my off-roading experience was limited to riding as a passenger in the mountain trails above the Bountiful “B.” It was hardly comparable. 

Yet, despite my lack of know-how, as soon as I started driving in these Chevy trucks, those fears quickly melted away. Shop 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 models and Colorado ZR2 models

Doesn't the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison look handsome? I especially love the "flowtie." Photo by Allison Bell.

Chevrolet ZR2 truck lineup lives up to its off-road reputation

Anytime someone claims their trucks are some of the best off-roaders in the business, you have to put that to the test. I guess I’m a skeptic at heart, so my expectations weren’t extremely high going into this experience. I figured they’d be decent, but I didn’t bank on them taking my breath away. That was before I saw what they could do.

This was moments before I took the Silverado HD ZR2 Bison straight down the mountain. Zoom in to see the terror on my face. Photo by Jim Sharifi.

The Silverado HD ZR2 Bison was up first. This thing was a beast. I don’t think the name “Bison” does it justice — “Giant Rhino” would be more appropriate. The Chevy team wanted to show us how easily the Silverado HD ZR2 Bison could crawl down steep, rough terrain, and crawl it did. At one point, my hair was sticking straight in front of my face as we descended the mountain, but never once did we slip or get stuck. It just dutifully plodded onward over every obstacle until we were safely delivered to the bottom of the hill. Find 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 models

About to drive straight up the mountain in the Silverado HD ZR2 Bison. Photo by Allison Bell.

The Colorado ZR2 Bison trail proved much more technical, as it was mostly rocks and boulders and not really a trail at all. We relied on the guidance of our spotters to point us in the right direction at a veritable snail’s pace through the ravine. Anytime I winced at the sound of metal scraping rock, I was reassured that “this is what they’re made for!” The fact that I made it through that natural obstacle course with all four wheels still attached and the truck’s body intact is still a mystery and a miracle to me. See Colorado ZR2 models 

It really is a testament to the Colorado ZR2 Bison that I made it out to the other side! Photo by Allison Bell.

The Bison treatment takes it to a new level of thrills

You might be content with the regular ZR2 trim, but if you’re a serious off-road enthusiast, the Bison package is certainly worth considering. Chevy partnered with American Expedition Vehicles to create the Bison, which means you get the benefit of having high-quality, aftermarket gear that’s covered under the factory warranty. Here’s what the Bison package adds to your off-road driving experience:

• 35-inch tires. As of this writing, the Colorado ZR2 Bison is the only midsize truck to offer tires this big, which makes this a compelling choice for drivers who want more grip and traction on the trails. 

• Jounce control dampers. These are what cushion your bones over jarring jolts and bumps. Having put them to the test, I can certify that they’re effective. There was no need to reach for the ibuprofen after my desert excursion! 

• AEV bumpers and fender flares. Not only do they give the truck a more aggressive appearance, but they’re pretty darn durable, too. 

• Five skid plates. Skid plates act as the protective armor for the underbody of the truck. The Bison has five (the regular ZR2 has three), all made of Boron steel. It’s almost daring you to do your worst. 

• Power-locking front and rear differentials. We engaged this feature a couple of times to ensure that maximum power was sent to all wheels. That’s a handy feature to prevent getting stuck in the mud or sand. 

• More ground clearance. If you’re an experienced off-roader, you’ll appreciate the 1.5 inches of extra ground clearance in the Bison, and know what a difference 

It should say something that most of these add-ons came from direct consumer feedback. Chevrolet has worked hard to listen to its customers to deliver what they want. Maybe it’s not surprising, then, that Chevy reports that one in three of its buyers comes from a competing brand.

Spot those AEV bumpers and integrated tow hooks on the Silverado HD ZR2 Bison? Photo by Allison Bell.

They’re not so bad on the road, either

Though the ZR2 Bisons definitely pack a wallop on the rough terrain, Chevy designed these trucks to function as both an off-roader and a comfortable, stylish daily driver. Essentially, you get two trucks in one, which may explain why the price is slightly higher than others in their class.

A handsome lineup of 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 Bisons getting ready to tackle the desert. Photo by Allison Bell.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 Bison and Colorado ZR2 Bison price

Speaking of price, by Chevy’s own admission, these are not cheap trucks. The target buyer is predominately male, wealthy and young — I don’t exactly fit that description. Still, after driving the Colorado ZR2, the Colorado ZR2 Bison and the Silverado HD ZR2 Bison over two days, I can see the appeal. And I might still want one anyway.

At the time of this writing, Chevrolet had yet to release pricing information for the 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison, but Car and Driver estimates that it’ll cost about $7,500 more than the Colorado ZR2, which starts at $46,800. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 starts at $71,895;  the Bison package bumps that up to $80,335. Shop 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 models and Colorado ZR2 models

I was surprised by how comfortable I was riding in and driving the Colorado ZR2 Bison off the road. Photo by Allison Bell.

Some of the best off-road trucks out there

When I told my car-loving husband about my off-road experience in the Silverado HD ZR2 Bison and the Colorado ZR2 Bison, he got an all-too-familiar look in his eye. It was the same look that’s led to about 30 different cars gracing our driveway within the last decade. Really, all I had to do was mention the 35-inch tires and that was enough to make him drool. But he was also impressed with 1.5 inches of extra ground clearance, jounce control dampers, five skid plates and other hardcore off-road elements that make this truck stand out.

I honestly never thought another truck would come along to compete for his affection, but here we are with yet another dream vehicle to add to the list. Of course, if the Colorado ZR2 Bison winds up in our garage someday, I won’t complain.

Whether you’re a serious off-roader or you’re just looking for a comfortable, stylish pickup, keep the Chevy Silverado and Colorado ZR2 Bison on your options list. Find 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 models and Colorado ZR2 models

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.