We recently had a very special trade-in hit the lot at Markardt Motors: a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition. This isn't just any mid-size truck; with only 5,700 miles on the odometer, it’s practically brand new.
While we have handled plenty of standard Colorados, this is our first go-around with the hardcore ZR2 Bison. To be completely honest, after walking around it and seeing what it offers, I believe this is currently the coolest, best-looking small pickup truck on the market. Chevy did an incredible job with this build.
Here is a breakdown of what makes the AEV Bison package so special, the massive improvements to the interior, and the one thing we wish Chevy had done differently.
The AEV Bison Difference: Built for Abuse
The ZR2 is already a capable off-roader, but the Bison Edition takes it to another level thanks to the partnership with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). This isn't just an appearance package; it’s functional armor.
Exterior Highlights:
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AEV Steel Armor: The truck features heavy-duty, stamped steel front and rear bumpers with the Bison logo integrated right in. Underneath, you’ll find AEV-stamped steel skid plates protecting vital components like the differential and engine.
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Factory 35s: This is a huge selling point. The truck comes straight from the factory equipped with massive 35-inch tires mounted on AEV-specific beadlock-style wheels.
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Stance and Suspension: It sits on a factory lift (roughly 2 to 2.5 inches over standard) with wider fender flares. Crucially, it utilizes the renowned Multimatic DSSV dampers. These shocks make a world of difference, providing incredible off-road capability while maintaining a surprisingly smooth on-road ride.
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Rock Sliders: The truck is fitted with functional rock guard running boards. Are they "shin bangers" when getting groceries? Yes. Do they look incredible and protect the truck on the trail? Absolutely.
This specific trade-in also came with some serious bonus gear, including an expensive, heavy-duty DiamondBack bed cover and the KICKER audio system built directly into the tailgate—a very cool party trick.
Inside the Refreshed Cabin
If you haven't been in a Colorado since the 2022 refresh, the interior is unrecognizable in the best way possible. The old, dated layout is gone, replaced by a modern cockpit featuring a massive infotainment screen, a new digital gauge cluster, and updated materials like a "brushed camo" textured trim.
Interior Features:
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Comforts: Heated leather steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a sunroof (a rare find in older models).
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AEV Touches: The Bison package adds exclusive AEV stitching to the headrests and branded all-weather floor mats.
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The Reality of Mid-Size: While the front is comfortable, the back seat remains tight. It does include rear air vents and a manual sliding rear window, but ingress and egress for adults in the back is a squeeze.
The Elephant Under the Hood
Despite how amazing this truck looks and performs off-road, there is one aspect that feels like a missed opportunity.
Chevy equipped this beast with their high-output 2.7L four-cylinder turbo engine. It is a perfectly fine engine; it’s torquey, it drives well, and it has power. But in a truck this aggressive—a ZR2 Bison—it lacks the "cool factor." Enthusiasts were hoping for something more exciting, perhaps a small diesel or even a 5.3L V8. The four-banger gets the job done, but it doesn't inspire excitement the way the rest of the truck does.
The Value Proposition
The original MSRP on this nearly new 2024 model was roughly $64,500. We just sold it to a buyer driving down from Maine for around $46,200. That is an incredible amount of savings for a truck with less than 6,000 miles on it.
This truck proves that the mid-size segment is hotter than ever, and the Colorado ZR2 Bison is leading the pack in looks and capability.
Watch the full walkaround and review of this 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison here: