It is in our nature to want to understand the unknown, to explore what has yet to be explored. That nagging desire to seek out adventure is in all of us, whether we embrace it or not. Perhaps that is why so many vehicles are pandering to the wanderer, the go-getter, and the thrill seeker. You will likely find several trucks for sale that fit that description, many of them Chevy models. Chevrolet often leads the pack in performance, offering trucks that satiate the adventurer in all of us.
But what exactly prepares a vehicle to boldly leave the pavement for more challenging terrain? Is it the grit of its engine or the gear range of its transmission? Maybe it’s the caliber of its dampers or the cast of its chassis? In actuality, it’s all that and more, with each component working together in a symphony of mechanics and mastery. The result is a vehicle that can go the distance, taking you along for the ride.
A Look at the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison
As one of the most off-road capable midsize trucks in its class, the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison was designed with a no-holds-barred attitude. The brain-child of Chevy and American Expedition Vehicles, the ZR2 Bison is well-equipped to hit the road with a vengeance – or better yet, the off-road. When the turbocharged 2.7L engine begins to hum, you’ll know it’s time to push all 430 lb-ft of torque to the tarmac. The engine pumps out 310 hp, manned by an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth riding. Along with five skid plates, the Bison is equipped with American Expedition Vehicle brand heavy-duty bumpers to provide ample shielding from the rough outdoors. Large, meaty tires, the largest in its class, adorn beadlock-capable wheels.
With the latest Colorado ZR2 Bison roaming the fields, a segment first comes in the form of jounce control dampers. These advanced bump stops are added to the Bison’s front and rear, contributing to a smoother ride than ever before. By absorbing the impact by preventing full compression of the suspension, the Bison gracefully takes on off-road obstacles and exhibits improved towing and hauling. The stretched-out chassis design and road-worthy lift, a 4.5-inch factory-installed lift, I should add, put the Bison in an off-road segment of its own.
But Wait, There Is Another ZR2 Bison Model
The Colorado isn’t the only Chevy to offer a Bison spin-off. The Silverado recently added a Bison to its line-up, the first one ever. Although the Colorado tends to be aimed at those activities that require a nimble touch, such as challenging terrain, the Silverado offers a heavy-handed approach. With more brute strength, the Silverado is built to excel at trailering, towing, and hauling. However, with the recently added Bison, the Silverado is bridging the gap and showing it can handle the rough and tumble terrain of the great outdoors.
The Silverado ZR2 Bison proudly wears a body suit of steel in the form of Boron steel bash plates that protect the more sensitive components. The transfer case and rear differential are just some of the body parts protected from this reinforced steel. Added rocker protection juts from the sides, providing skid protection to the Silverado’s beautiful paneling. Even the front bumper is ready for action with strong, heavy-duty steel. The added body protection supports the Silverado’s choir of performance components and drive modes. With one-pedal drive, rock climbing is a snap, and with so much outer protection, you don’t have to worry about scratching your ute.
The Chevy Colorado Trail Boss Is Ready for Adventure
The Colorado Trail Boss might not be as decked out as the ZR2 Bison, but it is no second-place truck, offering plenty of features that put it in its own first-place spot. The Trail Boss can take on adventure off-road but has no problems taking on life at home. The turbocharged 2.7L engine at the heart of the Trail Boss produces 310 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, giving you the strength you need to tackle any environment.
A 2-inch factory-installed lift, along with 18-inch wheels adorned with all-terrain tires, gives the Trail Boss sufficient clearance for traversing trails and other off-road terrain. This is made even easier with selectable drive modes that change how the vehicle reacts to outside conditions. Plus, the Trail Boss comes standard with StabiliTrak, a smart traction control system that is ideal for less-than-ideal situations. With four-wheel drive as an option and several trailering features, the Trail Boss is so much more than a weekend truck.
The Chevy Silverado High Country Offers Strength, Performance, and Cutting-Edge Tech
You don’t have to be a lean, mean, off-roading machine to be considered a performance-heavy hitter, and the Silverado High Country is proof. Sporting a powerful yet efficient 5.3L V8 engine, the High Country cranks out 355 hp worth of power and 383 lb-ft of torque. The end result is over 11,000 lbs of towing capability, along with some impressive hauling numbers. Supporting the High Country’s strength is a line-up of trailering and towing tech. A camera system provides multiple views of the area around the truck, including a Hitch View with Hitch Guidance. There is even a Bed View Camera that helps you keep an eye on cargo in the bed.
When towing is on the menu, use the In-Vehicle Trailering App. This nifty feature allows you to check the status of your trailer from inside the vehicle. Receive maintenance reminders, check tire pressure, and so much more without getting out of the cab. Trailer tech may not be your first thought when considering a truck’s performance, but without the assistance of so many neat gadgets and tech, the High Country wouldn’t be the refined piece of machinery we know and love.
The Monstrous Chevy Silverado HD Also Has Its Own ZR2 Bison Model
If we were voting for a supreme leader to lead all trucks, it would most likely be the Silverado HD ZR2. The first of its kind, and certainly not the last, the HD ZR2 is one truly intimidating beast of a truck. Oh, and did I mention there is also a Bison version? The Silverado HD ZR2 is rated to tow up to 18,500 lbs when properly equipped! This is all thanks to the stunningly perfect Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine, a powerhouse of torque and horsepower. A payload cap sits around 3,397 lbs, making it perfect for tackling the toughest jobs. It wouldn’t be a ZR2 without some off-roading prowess, which is why the HD ZR2 is given a 1.5-inch suspension bump and some glistening skid plates. Large mud terrain tires and advanced dampers help the ZR2 ride the waves without feeling them in the cabin.
Whether You’re Looking for Strength or Off-Road Prowess, Chevy Has You Covered
Most automotive manufacturers offer some sort of performance-style vehicle, be it off-road or on track. Chevy, however, goes all-in, offering a full buffet of performance delectables. You can’t throw a rock – which I do not recommend- without hitting a truck equipped for towing, hauling, trailering, or off-roading. For those needing a truck but also craving to explore the unknown and venturing off the pavement, Chevy’s ZR2 truck models perfectly balance the exceptional strength and off-road versatility you’re looking for.
