When it comes to off-road dominance, Chevy’s ZR2 Bison lineup—developed in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV)—is hard to beat. But if you are in the market for a trail-ready beast, which size fits you best?
We took a 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison and a 2023 Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison out into the snow to see how they stack up. Whether you are looking for a nimble trail runner or a family-hauling V8 powerhouse, here is the breakdown to help you decide which truck is the better buy.
The Contender: 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison
The mid-size segment has been heating up, and the 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison comes swinging with some serious factory upgrades.
The Pros: Ready to Rock
Visually, the Colorado arguably takes the win for aggression. Chevy equipped this truck with 35-inch tires right from the factory, giving it a massive stance that the Silverado actually lacks. Combined with the AEV beadlock wheels and huge fender flares, you don't have to worry about mud overspray or clearance issues.
Key Features:
-
Exterior: Stamped AEV steel front and rear bumpers, hollowed-out flow-tie Chevy logo, and an aggressive hood insert.
-
Suspension: Multimatic DSSV shocks (game changers for ride quality).
-
Protection: High-clearance rock guard running boards and full AEV skid plating.
-
Bed Utility: Includes a bed-mounted spare tire carrier (necessary for the 35s) and a built-in Kicker sound system in the tailgate.
The Cons: Power and Space
While it looks incredible, there are two main drawbacks. First is the engine. The only option is a 4-cylinder turbo. While capable, it lacks the "cool factor" and raw grunt of a V8, which feels like a missed opportunity for such a rugged truck.
Second is the interior space. If you are 6-feet tall, the cockpit feels tight. The rear seat is compact with a manual sliding window, making it difficult to fit a family comfortably.
Price Check:
-
MSRP (New): ~$64,500
-
Used Market Value: ~$46,400 (with ~5,700 miles)
The Heavyweight: 2023 Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison
Stepping up to the full-size truck, the 2023 Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison offers a different kind of experience—one focused on power, luxury, and utility.
The Pros: V8 Power and Comfort
Under the hood, you get the legendary 6.2L V8 engine. It sounds great, pulls hard, and offers that traditional truck feel that the Colorado’s 4-cylinder misses.
The interior is where the Silverado truly shines. It is loaded with technology that the Colorado lacks, including:
-
Tech Package: Heads-Up Display (HUD) and Rearview Camera Mirror.
-
Comfort: Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a power sliding rear window.
-
Space: Massive crew cab with plenty of room for car seats, family, and gear.
It also features the Multi-Pro tailgate and a significantly higher towing capacity (estimated 10,000 lbs vs. the Colorado’s ~5-6,000 lbs), making it the more versatile "do-it-all" vehicle.
The Cons: Stance and Tires
Surprisingly, the Silverado doesn't come with 35s. It rides on 275/70R18 tires, which look a bit small inside the wheel wells compared to the Colorado. To get that true aggressive Bison look, you would likely need to upgrade the tires immediately.
Price Check:
-
MSRP (New): ~$83,000 - $85,000
-
Used Market Value: ~$57,500 (with ~28,000 miles)
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you are strictly looking for a trail toy that looks aggressive straight off the lot, the Colorado ZR2 Bison is a fantastic piece of engineering. The factory 35s and smaller wheelbase make it a weapon off-road.
However, if you need a daily driver that can haul the whole family and a trailer, the Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison is the winner. The 6.2L V8 is superior, the interior space is a deal-breaker for families, and on the used market, the price gap narrows to about $10,000.
The Bottom Line:
-
Buy the Colorado if: You want a nimble off-roader and don't need rear-seat space.
-
Buy the Silverado if: You have a family, need to tow, and want the rumble of a V8.
Which Bison would you put in your driveway?
Watch the Full Comparison Review
Check out the video below to see these two trucks side-by-side in the snow and get a full tour of the interiors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgYlZv_mWP0