Chevy's 2025 Colorado ZR2 Bison Astonished Me Both Positively and Negatively | Carscoops

      Despite its shortcomings, the Bison is the one pickup truck I tested this year that I genuinely wish I could keep.

      by Stephen Rivers

      PROS ›› Appealing design, exceptional off-road capability, also performs well on-road. CONS ›› Some parts feel cheap, high price, poor spare tire location.

      Chevy's midsize pickup is not only managing to compete – it's thriving. In a market largely ruled by larger, more eye-catching trucks, that's a significant achievement. While full-size trucks often capture attention, the Colorado has consistently attracted a loyal following by excelling in many fundamental areas.

      In the previous year alone, Chevrolet sold 98,012 units of the Colorado, marking a remarkable 37.9 percent increase over 2023. This is impressive for a model that hasn’t seen a complete redesign in several years. So how does a midsize truck remain relevant enough to surpass the combined sales of the Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger? Fresh trims like the one featured here certainly contribute.

      Introducing the Bison, the most capable and well-equipped variant in the Colorado lineup. It builds on the offerings of the ZR2 and adds additional features specifically targeted at serious off-road enthusiasts. Opt for the standard ZR2, and you'll receive a lift kit, rock sliders, and several key enhancements. However, to access the full setup seen here, the Bison package must be added.

      QUICK FACTS

      The outcome is a truck that clearly appears ready for almost any terrain. To verify this, we spent an entire week with one, avoiding paved roads. Instead, we took the truck to challenging off-road locations where some owners might never venture: deep, rugged trails where the only way out is through.

      Styling

      A glance at the Bison makes it evident that this isn’t just an ordinary work truck. It features numerous bulges, flares, vents, and more. After testing several trucks this year, including the Ram RHO, I can confirm that this model attracts as much, if not more, attention than the rest.

      Beneath its aggressive hood lies the same 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in all Colorado variants, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.

      Is it disappointing that this 'ultimate Colorado' produces the same power as the base 'Work Truck' trim? Yes. However, it performs quite well with the help of an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in this configuration.

      It's important to note that the Colorado, regardless of trim, is exclusively available with a crew cab and a short bed. While this may limit its utility, Chevrolet seems confident that this is what buyers prefer, or else they would have offered additional options.

      That said, the rest of the specifications on paper remain strong. The Colorado ZR2 Bison can tow up to 5,500 pounds, matching my 2010 Ford Flex, and boasts a payload capacity of 1,160 pounds.

      Interior

      Interior design is intriguing in the truck market. While I write this, there is a heavy-duty truck in my garage undergoing testing that provides less cabin space than the Colorado, where I found ample headroom, legroom, knee room, and other space. The Bison does not sacrifice interior comfort for its enhanced external capabilities.

      As the flagship model, it is equipped with features that truck enthusiasts will appreciate. The steering wheel is straightforward, and while the switchgear may look and feel cheap, it serves its purpose. The center control stack is largely user-friendly, featuring several physical knobs and switches.

      These controls encompass climate settings as well as various features like differential lockers and lane-keep assist, in addition to a button that operates all the windows simultaneously. There's also an additional AUX switch that's prewired for any extra accessories one might want to add later. The drive-mode knob requires a bit of acclimation, as it rotates to change modes while also having buttons for switching between 2WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low.

      The cabin is visually appealing, featuring durable and attractive materials. The main complaint is the persistent use of piano black plastic, which collected dust rapidly and ended up in the photos included here. The seats are comfortable and supportive, although a bit more lateral support would be beneficial.

      The rear seats are quite basic, but they share similar upholstery and contrast stitching. Passengers have access to power ports and climate vents, while under the seats, you'll find space for the jack and additional storage.

      The infotainment system comes with Google Built-In, which is a positive for Android users. It operates quickly and includes excellent features such as real-time pitch and roll measurements, trailer controls, and Amazon Alexa. Navigating the infotainment system and the digital gauge cluster is straightforward, adding a touch of polish to the otherwise rugged pickup.

      Driving Impressions

      The Colorado ZR2 Bison ranks as one of the most driver-friendly pickups in the off-road category.