AEV Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Rated By Robb Report as “Adventure Truck That's Downright Civilized”

Robert Ross of the Robb Report began his article about our fantastic ZR2 Bison by remembering that when a youngster first gets their hands on their first toy truck, the stage is set for a fascination that never really goes away! As anyone like all of us here at Jim Butler Chevy of StLouis can agree, that fascination and love for trucks or high-performance supercars can quite easily stick with you for a lifetime.

The Colorado series pickups are the living definition of “midsize trucks with full-size capacity”, and the ZR2 boasts a high-riding heavy-duty off-road suspension, four-wheel drive, and optional 2.8-liter Duramax inline-4 Turbo-Diesel engine. Robb enjoyed driving it for the most part for its being a no-compromise adventure truck that is still maneuverable in civilian traffic and can complete daily errands with ease. AEV is no stranger to Detroit, as they have for some time supplied off-road components and bodywork to major OEMs like Jeep and Dodge, as well as being a major player in making off-road performance parts.

The work with on the ZR2 Bison is the first time AEV has had a partnership with Chevy, and the end result is a truck that has overland travel as its mission, and technical terrain as its “preferred diet”. This group's test truck was fully equipped with a Warn winch integrated behind the front bumper, which makes any off-road location a bit easier to navigate. Their truck carried additional skid plate protection, and had extra covers for the center section, transmission, and rear differential.

Also included were AEV HighMark fender flares, there to assure ample clearance for the 35-inch tall BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires. The added 4.10 axle gear ratio provides excellent acceleration, and while behind the wheel of the Bison one feels that you can tackle any surface or slope. Since so many off-road destinations were now off-limits the group was not able to go deep into the desert as they planned, but after a few dirt-road adventures they still found it apparent the Bison could take just about anything in stride while providing a surprisingly civilized and compliant ride on the freeway due to the outstanding GM performance suspension.

Inside the cabin of the ZR2, one feels as though little comfort has been sacrificed to enjoy the capabilities of it to tackle anything rugged. The last bit of praise that Robb had for the Bison was the Bose sound system: he enjoyed the “military” symphony in G major loudly which seemed fitting to him as he claimed the look and feel of this amazing machine would do any military vehicle proud!