“Chevrolet and AEV have struck as the iron is hot, and the 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison is as complete a package as can be found.”
That’s what we concluded after we sampled the ultra-capable (and ultra desirable) 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison during a test drive last year. Overlanding and off-roading is all-the-rage right now, and there’s no denying that General Motors has delivered the right kind of product at exactly the right time with the Colorado ZR2 Bison.
Motor Trend recently had its turn to test the mid-size pickup and came away similarly impressed. After driving it in one of the most treacherous locations you can take any vehicle, the Mojave Desert, editors of the magazine concluded the truck “feels unstoppable.” While they noted its 8.9-inches of ground clearance “isn’t record setting,” they acknowledged that “with excellent approach, breakover, and departure angles, it’ll get you where you want to go.”
Motor Trend’s Colorado ZR2 Bison excursion wasn’t just some brief, afternoon jaunt, either. The truck, equipped with GM’s 3.6-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission, fought through 160-miles of scorching hot desert and, seemingly, showed no signs that it didn’t like such treatment. Backing up its ‘American Expedition Vehicles’ namesake, then.
The publication also claims it never even had to engage the differential locks during their off-road driving adventure and only put the truck in four low twice “out of an abundance of caution.”And this through “rocky hills, through sandy riverbeds, and over miles and miles of dirt two-track,” they said.
Source: Motor Trend
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Comments
I wish they had a bigger engine. I know 3 engine options is pretty great, but that 3.0TT with 405HP and 400lb-ft in a ZR2 and Denali. Then offer a High Country/Premiere and SS. Each has their own identity and target consumer.
Or even just the 2.7T in place of the 3.6 for the higher trim models. That massive torque bump and power delivery would be excellent.
Maybe the next gen
I have to think that the 2.7T will at least become optional if not standard in Colorado/Canyon. The 2.7T and little Duramax would be very solid offerings for the truck.
I have a 2016 Z71 Colorado with the 3.6 sitting at 72k miles and I love this truck. I get compliments weekly from strangers. All I’m waiting for is Chevy to give the ZR2 a little more power. My only issue with this truck is the lack of low end power.
The minute they do that I will drive to my brother’s dealership and upgrade.
I think the 3.6 seems pretty potent in the truck right now, too. I have no issue with it, never driven one, seems to perform very well but the 2.7T making full torque at 1500rpm would make the mid size haul serious ass. I have to assume GM is gearing up to do this soon because this gem of an engine will never have it’s full potential realized in the 1500’s. I’m a field operator and use my HD for everyday but would like to have a midsize in the mix for the lighter and muddier days. I’m holding out for a ZR2 2.7T myself.
The more I learn about the 2.7t and how they built it to be a truck engine from the ground up has sold me on it.
The 3.6 is a good engine. My only issue is a small issue at the end of the day. It has great passing speed and gives me no issues working in and out of traffic going 50+ . It’s just when you need to switch lanes (or pull out in front of someone) and need to accelerate quickly you feel the lack of power.
The power is there if you floor it to get the RPMs high enough but it is missing that plant your butt into the seat type force as it hauls away. I grew up driving Camaro’s and Silverado’s so I do appreciate the feeling of low end power. I love the low end of the babymax and the high end of the 3.6. This 2.7t seems to be the best of both worlds. So sign me up for a 2.7t ZR2!
The Bison is already over $50k. How many buyers do you think they will find with a TT at a substantial additional cost?
It would never cover the EPA testing and tooling to make it fit.
I get it I would like it too but I would not pay the cost.
The higher power is better left to a full size that could be priced to make good money.
Note the Bison was left on the ZR2 size tires due to cost restrictions and required testing. Yes bigger wheels fit with the Bison flares.
Had a long comment but it failed to post. First, I always respect your opinion. Maybe it’s because all I ever owned have been V8s and I love that low end power. If the baby max had a better high end I would be driving a ZR2 right now.
Would the the difference in cost of the 3.6 to the new Turbo 4 be a similar premium to upgrading to a Duramax? We are getting close to 50k but these are the elite trims.
The Ranger Raptor is coming and if the rumored power trains are true then I hope Chevy remains competitive and gives their Halo truck a great power option.
The truck with a 3.6 is you have to drive it different. The power comes in hard at 3000 rpm. Reving the engine hurts nothing because it is made to run there.
It is just a mind set. My 3.6 is faster than most Stock BBC engines of the 60’s. Many were high 14 second stock or more
Yes it has less feel but the power is there and you just need to adapt to it.
The turbo 4 I expect is coming as GM needs to place it in more vehicle than 10% of the full size trucks.
It will solve the low end torque issue if that is a need.
To be honest I hope they keep the 3.6 in the next gen but the Turbo could just replace it. They are of similar power and mpg. Emissions on the turbo should be better.
Part of the problem with the Raptor Ranger is price. I think Ford is waiting for updates to lower the price.. as is it would be pushing $60k while the FX4 is already over $45k now.
To be honest the ZR is the best deal around as you can drive one out of a dealer at $37k now and it is loaded. It will do anything the Bison does just lacking the extra skid plates. GM needs to continue to market the ZR more.
Completely agree ZR2s are a bargain for what they offer. I am going to wait to see if Chevy drops that turbo 4 in the ZR2.
I bought a 2016 Z71 and love it but when I saw 2017 had the ZR2 I almost kicked myself. I’m doing more research this go around and I won’t buy a year early
On the raptor, yeah it’s going to be pricey and Ford is probably trying to crack the code on how to get it under 50k.
But with rumors of a turbo 4 or an v6 Ecoboost I feel Chevy will have to offer more then a NA 3.6. Chevy has a winner here and it’s a fun segment to follow and it’s very competitive. I sincerely hope Chevy continues the push here and not just settle.
Still, best freaking truck I’ve ever owned
Paul I tried to order the ZR when they first came out but the dealers were not fair on pricing. I ended up with a Denali at a very good price. It was more of what I needed anyways, I really don’t off road much.
As for the 2.7 I really don’t expect it to get one till 2023 if it even gets this engine. The work needed to put it in would be at best for two years and with a GM saving money they may wait.
News on these trucks is about as available as C8 info.
Here is the two things GM faces. Pricing in this segment is tough. You get over $40k the sales drop fast. So this makes it difficult to throw everything at this truck and not getting the price to where sales just do not happen volumes they need.
Note the body panel under the Bison headlamp is a all new part and it cost several million dollars for the tooling. Now figure how many trucks it takes just to pay for he tooling.
The Bison would never have happened with out AEV. With them absorbing some of the cost and with GM helping on crash data it made the cost acceptable to both parties.
Ford on the F150 Raptor can just add to the price as people will pay $80k plus for a full size but with a mid size most buyers once they get over a price point just go full size.
Some like me buy for size but many buy for price and are the mainstream LT buyers at $30-35k
GM can toss in more features then it may begin to Handle like a Nissan or rust like a Taco. Much of the cost is in things you don’t always see.
As for the 4.3 I know it will never happen. The NHV is still horrid in these 90 degree blocks. The emissions and mpg is not better than the 3.6. I have had two 4.3 and will never have another. My co worker just traded his Sierra in for a V8 as he could not take the 4.3 experiment anymore.
The truth is they just need to refine the truck. These halo vehicles are cool but they are not profit centers. Ford and Chrysler has great marketing with theirs yet both are in poor shape financially and need partners to move ahead with development.
GM on the other hand is the on people are going to to partner with.
Yes it hurts not to have the cool cars but times in the auto industry is going to get tough and not all will survive this time. We may be left with only a few MFGs.
The tire industry went though this a while back and is why BFG tires come from Michelin and Firestone from Bridgestone. Same with a General from Continental.
once again great points and I search everyday looking for more info on the refresh and you’re right now it sucks the GM doesn’t always have the cool vehicles. I’m still upset I never got the Silverado Raptor killer.
I agree that you have to keep the price down but the ZR2 is not going to be the volume mover for them.
I was quoted 44k for a babymax ZR2 if the turbo 4 can meet that price I’m game and I feel the type of person who buys a ZR2 would appreciate a more power option. This is the halo trim.
I can’t wait till 2023 unfortunately as I’ll be at 100k In 18 months and I’ve heard horror stories on the 3.6 at that age.
I just don’t see anything wrong with giving the truck a 3rd option that offers low end torque and high end power. All of that is needed for the commuter at least for me
I’m hoping for some good news in 18 months or its babymax….unless a Silverado ZR2 comes out (a man can dream)
At this point we have the new full size truck. If a Raptor type truck appears it will be in the next couple years. I just did not see one for the out going truck for a year or two.
The ZR was expected to be 15% of production and it has met that easily. The Bison if I recall is just over 3k units. Those are good numbers for the price point.
I have found ZR gas models here at $37k to 39k. Very good prices.
I agree nothing wrong with 2.7 but I just don’t see them investing in the present truck for two years worth of sales at best.
I loved my 2.0 that had 315 FT LBS.
As for the 3.6 you need to consider this is not the same engine as the other 3.6.
A lot of work went into this one to address the two major issues the timing chains and carbon issues.
My hope is the 6 sticks around as I have driven the diesel and while it is nice it felt sluggish compared to my six. If I needed torque it would be fine but with what I do the six acceleration is more of what I need.
I just would like to see where all this is going or a hint.
The new rumors of the mid size suv could give us clues to the truck since it is reported for 2022? Well we will see. I figure if it happens it will show us the engine possibilities.
GM really has gone dark anymore. It used to be you could get hints from people there but today nothing even from the leakers,
Yeah, I have given up on the Raptor Fighter. When the Raptor was announced I was excited for Chevy’s counterpunch. Drove my dying Avalanche with hopes of trading it in for the awesome Silverado Raptor Killer once it was announced.
Then 1 day I have a “catastrophic” electrical failure and couldn’t wait any longer. So, I decided to try the smaller Colorado Z71. Could’ve been a trail boss but I wanted to see if mid size was for me. Its size is perfect and it meets all my needs all while making downtown driving way easier, especially parking garages. So, I’m sold on the segment and want the best now.
We all agree the 2nd gen Colorado is a huge success and is the best truck in the segment. Toyota and Ford are not just going to roll over. So, I think we want Chevy to continue to improve this great truck and lead the pack.
Chevy competition strategy does seem weird to me. When the Blazer was announced I thought it was to compete with the upcoming Bronco. I know my wife was excited at the idea of a modern old school type Blazer.
Chevy going dark does suck. Almost, like they don’t want people getting excited at one of there most fun and accepted models. Any info they could give would make the waiting easier.
Chevy going dark suc
Well in the big picture the Raptor was needed at Ford. The F150 has taken a hit profit wise as material cost have really gone up with Aluminum prices. The Raptor is helping recover the cost to a limited degree. GM with Mix Material chose wisely and that is how the industry is going. Might note the Rangers not Aluminum.
Not sure on the Blazer name thinking. The make K5 keeps popping up and better represents the body on frame model. To be honest I hate using old name often as people come with preconceived ideas good and bad.
GM going dark is for sure competitive reasons but I think also to protect stock prices. In the old days we never knew what was coming till the paper came down off the windows at the dealer.
I am not sure what to expect on the Bronco. I know it will have 4 doors but will they offer a 2 door. It will have a Turbo 4.
I bought for size as I have no need for a full size truck. The handling on the mid size seldom gets mentioned but it is great for a truck.
The Ranger will not make a dent till they add major rebates as they cost more than a comparable GM or Toyota. It will do fine with traditional Ford buyers though.
Toyota will have a new truck but it will be conservative, they have never made a big jump. Ford will add but they under shot the market as the Ranger could have led but it is 3 or 4 at best.
I am ok with a GM not doing much now because it has kept my 2017 on the leading edge longer. But I do hope they make a number of refinements in the next gen.
No one is going to pass Toyota up any time soon as they have a solid base buyers group. But they will keep chipping away and over time they can erode the Toyota numbers.
@Scott
How big of a tire will fit a Bison without trimming or big changes in the front end wheel wells and fenders? Is there a point to go to bigger wheels you mentioned than to tires?
With what you get on a Bison skid wise, the price seems fair.
AEV said if I recall correctly you can go 33 or 34 on the tires. There is a small piece of plastic on the fender bottom that needs trimmed.
I just moment tires. They referenced the wheels as they stated people often change the wheels anyways. But off sets can be changed so you don’t need idiotic spacers. You would want to keep to 17 inch for off roading.
Yes the price is not bad but you could add much of this to a ZR yourself for less. It is good for those who din’t Do their own work or don’t mind paying a little more.
AEV said it would fit 34’s with a leveling kit
Thanks Tex
Might be over 50, but every one of these that were scheduled to be built were all sold before one of them even hit the end of the line.
Wrote a check for 46k in August on a Bison sitting on dealer’s lot.
I’ve been disappointed in the SIlverado for years now. However, I have nothing but praise for the Colorado. This is what a Chevy truck should look like, Clean & Mean. Nice clean lines and handsome but tough looks. It’s what a Chevy tuck should be built like. You see Silverado’s rust away right before your eyes in the snowbelt, yet the Colorado’s for whatever reason still look great! They just don’t rust like their big brother for whatever reason. They also have E-coated frames instead of the cheap wax dip like the SIlverado. Great for rust protection and offroading. The seating position is so much nicer. The Silverado suffers from Camaro syndrome. You feel like your sitting low in a tub like a car. The windshield is laid so far back it feels like it’s closing in on you. Very claustrophobic. Not so with the Colorado, it still feels like your sitting up in a truck. And even though the interior needs to be redone, it’s still well laid out. The ZR2 is also a winner off road. The Trail Boss is a nice start but the ZR2 just seems like more of the real deal. I like that they build them all at home in the USA too. Chevy just nailed this one. I hope they don’t screw it up on the new model. The current model is just so good looking and well built!
I agree Matt. I love my Canyon.
GM does not have the need to blow up the model in the next gen. They just need to refine it and keep it on point in class.
I never had issue with power. It tows 7,000 pounds and will run 14’s in the 1/4 mile.
The biggest need is to move the 4×4 knob.
The truth is other than added skids and trim the ZR 2 is the same as the Bison. At the prices it is available for it is a pure bargain.
We disagree on power. Though when I’m upgrading in a year it won’t be a deal breaker, it’s just the reason why I won’t upgrade early.
What changes do you think they should do next? I love this truck and only want it to get better and build a following like the Taco or even Jeep people.
I am waiting till the next gen as this truck will not change much till then. Why buy what I already have?
The new truck will get much of what the full size has. The 360 camera, adaptive cruise, LED everything. I hope upgrades to the interior.
A sunroof would be nice as long as it does not compromise the structure. We have a really solid stiff cab now.
The 2.7 should arrive. I hope they keep the six but it could be at risk.
The biggest things are just improve their ergonomics, the quite, the feel of the interior, add more interior colors over black and gray.
A sport truck option would be nice. The ZQ8 sold very well.
The handling and brakes are the best in class. A ten speed transmission would solve the 8 speed issues some have had.
A factor rear sway bar should be available. I added one to mine and the handling just got better.
I agree. Refinement is the word. A sunroof would be a huge seller on these mid size trucks. And a nice refined modern interior. Though they’ve taken so much heat over the Silverado interior I’m betting they don’t drop the ball here. Buyers love this truck, critics love this truck, magazines love this truck. If they offered a composite bed along with these other things, I truly believe the next generation could close in on the Tacoma. I mention the bed because where I’m at with all the salt/brine in the winter, I know a few people now who have Tacoma’s because they were tired of bed rot on their other trucks. I’m even scared of them messing with the looks. These are so much like the 88-98 GMT400’s with classic clean looks and excellent build quality. Such a home run. Like a Rock indeed.
Everything falls apart and you worry about 4×4 knob? How about a transmission that doesn’t fail prematurely. Aren’t you on your second one already? You may need 3rd one before 100k miles. This is GM quality we are talking about.
Yes the transmission had an isolated issue that the dealer repaired right away and replaced the entire unit though the TSB said rebuild.
They gave me a new $55 k GMC to drive and nary an issue since.
Unlike my buddy with a Taco that broke in half with rust and Toyota said sorry about your luck. He now has a used Colorado and whisked has bought it in the first place.
Just go back under your bridge troll. Again why are you even on this site? You seldom have anything of value to offer.
What this truck need is the 4.3l V6 OHV instead of the 3.6l DOHC. Trq comes in at a lower rpm. Not sure why there is two different hp and trq ratings.
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra: 285 hp (213 kw) @ 5300 RPM SAE Certified
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra: 297 hp (221 kW) @ 5300 RPM SAE Certified – E85
Torque lb.-ft. (Nm)
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra: 305 lb.-ft (413 Nm) @ 3900 RPM SAE Certified
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra: 330 lb-ft (447 Nm) @ 3900 RPM SAE Certified – E85
I’m not sure why the 4.3 wasn’t used in the first place? Perhaps someone knows. What I do know is most people don’t know the new 4.3 isn’t the old 4.3 and literally everyone I know Loved the old 4.3. Chevy could have used marketing to their advantage here. Like the ‘next generation’ Small Block, it’s the next generation 4.3 V6. You heard it all the time back then, the 4.3 was a 350 with 2 cylinders lopped off and that’s why it was so reliable and rugged. Is not the new 4.3 similar to that on the LS format? Regardless, people loved the 4.3 in the S-10’s, Blazers, Astros, G-series vans and full size trucks. I’m not knocking the 3.6 but I think many view it as a car engine. The 4.3 was always viewed as a workhorse truck engine.
The 4.3L was not used because of cost. Typical GM.
The 4.3 would be cheaper to put in but there are some issues.
#1 it has some NHV issues the 3.6 does not have. 90 degree engines have poor harmonics compare to a 60 degree with a v6.
#2 the 3.6 is a little better mpg in the real world. Mine is doing 20.2 in city and 26 highway with a best of 28.5. None of my 4.3 engine ever came close to that with a lighter truck 2 WD and only 192 hp vs my 308 HP in my 3.6.
#3 the big one. The 3.6 is a much cleaner engine emissions wise. This alone would be enough for them to chose it.
I expect the 4.3 will vanish in the near future. Even the V8 at some point is going 32 valve as the GM engineer said emissions will drive them to it.
The 4.3 today is the best it has ever been but it is an old tired cost savings design nearing the end of the road.
“C4ce” I would disagree entirely. The 3.6 outperforms the 4.3 in emissions, fuel economy, drivability, and NVH. As others have stated, just the emissions alone would be enough for GM to use it over the 4.3. Even over the current revised 4.3l in the 2019 1500 series.
Furthermore, upon the new iteration coming in a couple years, the 2.7L I4 L3B motor in the silverado would be the best bet for a 3.6 replacement or upgrade. It would have more horsepower, significantly more torque, and a flat torque curve seeing 90% or more available at 1,500rpm onward. Couple that with the fact that the new chassis and body will likely incorporate weight savings techniques from the 2019 silverado and you’ll have a truck that far outperforms today’s current iteration, especially if it were coupled with the 10speed.
Nice to have informed people on the forum. Plus 1
Oh I love the 4 cylinder in the Silverado! What an impressive motor. That engine in the new Colorado with a 10 speed would be a match made in truck heaven.
I do love my 2015 Canyon SLE. Great size, comfortable, just all around a great truck !!
I too would love to see the 2.7T- 10 speed in this truck.
Mine has the 3.6 – 6 speed and from factory, shifted like $hit !! However with a tune it is a lot better, good.
The 3.6 has zero low end torque like has been said here coming in around 2200 RPM so the quick up shift was/is a killed in performance.
Also when you run the 3.6 around 3000 RPM to get the power, hopefully the gas station isn’t to far away.
Soo I too agree, leave the exterior alone like I think GM should do on a lot of their stuff and concentrate on refinement !!!
The 4×4 knob, quiet down the interior, nicer leather, all the safety and tech.
And for all you cost people. I too think it is an expensive enough vehicle. But here is where I am at with GM and their vehicles and cost.
Its a value – cost, not a size cost. It simply does not matter haw large the vehicle is if its what the customer wants.
I drive the Canyon because I can haul stuff, and still park in in town when I go there. The mid size luxury is this exact thing !!
GM needs to start learning that some people just want a seat, steering wheel, old radio, and an engine for a buck ninety five, in a truck.
But others want an luxury truck !!
And this has NOTHING to do with size, or not using the truck for truck things !!!
Like the dash of the new GM full and HD trucks, its a good dash for the seat, and old radio guy, for a buck ninety five, but not the luxury truck buyer !! And I like my Canyon dash look better !!!
I really hope GM just refines this truck and does not mess it up !!
The 2.7T – 10 speed, I would like to see the 2.7T – 10 speed in this truck.
I was impressed with this all-terrain vehicle, it was great for long trips into rugged terrain. Very professional car reviews.
Very professional car reviews.