Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison vs. Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss: Side By Side Comparison

If you’re in the mood for a midsize off-roader, the third-generation Chevy Colorado isn’t short on options. Among these are the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison and Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss, with the Desert Boss Special Edition Package dropped following the conclusion of the 2023 model year before it was indirectly replaced by the new-for-2024 ZR2 Bison. Now, we’re taking a closer look at both off-roaders with the following side-by-side comparison.

Interestingly, images of these two off-roader pickups were found on social media, parked side-by-side at a dealer, giving us a chance to easily compare them. Both trucks also appear to be covered in Sand Dune Metallic paint (paint code GTL), which was introduced to the Colorado lineup for the 2021 model year and dropped following the conclusion of the 2024 model year.

While the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison and Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss share some off-road-focused design elements, they also present a number of distinct differences.

For starters, both vehicles are equipped with beadlock-capable 17-inch wheels, an essential component for any off-road build. However, the Desert Boss features standard beadlock-capable wheels (RPO code SMY), while the ZR2 Bison has Carbon Flash Metallic beadlock-capable wheels with an AEV center cap (RPO code RPE). Further distinctions include a roof-mounted 40-inch off-road light bar for the Desert Boss, whereas the ZR2 Bison focuses more on heavy-duty protection with AEV-stamped steel bumpers and multiple skid plates for the fuel tank, transfer case, rear differential, radiator, and steering gear, giving it a more robust underbody protection suite.

Obviously, the ZR2 Bison also includes specific AEV branding, such as AEV wheel flares and AEV-branded head restraints, giving it a unique identity that the Desert Boss does not share.

Generally speaking, the Desert Boss leans more into appearance and lighting upgrades, such as black nameplates, a bed-mounted sport bar with a “ZR2” sail panel, and multiple decal packages. The ZR2 Bison, on the other hand, further emphasizes off-road performance with features like Multimatic Jounce Control Dampers.

Check out the full package contents in the lists below (relevant RPO codes listed in parentheses):

As for the powertrain, both models are equipped with the TurboMax turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, which is rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Both models ride on the updated GMT 31XX-2 platform, while production takes place exclusively at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.