The all-new, next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor was just revealed for the North American market earlier this month, but perhaps more importantly, the high-performance off-road mid-size pickup will be sold in the U.S. for the very first time. However, the Ranger Raptor won’t be alone in that particular segment, as it will immediately compete with the also-new 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2, which was just unveiled last summer. Since then, we’ve been patiently awaiting the arrival of its more hardcore counterpart, and now, the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison has made its official debut, too.
As has traditionally been the case with models wearing the Bison name, the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is the product of a partnership with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) and builds upon the regular ZR2 with a host of additional upgrades. On the outside, that includes an AEV heavy-duty front bumper with room for a winch, AEV fender flares, an AEV rear bumper, and AEV 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels wrapped with 35-inch OD mud-terrain tires, while the bed holds a tire carrier as well.
Peek underneath, and it becomes clear that the Colorado ZR2 Bison means business thanks to upgrades including Boron steel skid plates and rocker protectors, Multimatic front and rear Jounce Control Dampers and DSSV dampers, and power-locking front and rear differentials. The pickup offers up best-in-class figures of 12.2 inches in terms of ground clearance, a 38.2-degree approach angle, 26-degree departure angle, and a 26.9-degree breakover angle.
Under the hood, the new Colorado ZR2 Bison utilizes the high-output version of GM’s turbocharged 2.7L L3B I-4 engine – in this guise generating 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, which flows to the wheels via the automaker’s eight-speed automatic gearbox. GM has yet to announce pricing or a specific launch date for its latest mid-size off-roader, but it’s tentatively expected to arrive by the end of 2023.
We’ll have more on everything Ford’s competition is up to soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
Sometimes bigger isn’t always better. I see now why the Ranger Raptor doesn’t have anything bigger than 33s. It just doesn’t look good on a midsize. It could also just be the shape and size of the wheel wells.
Cheby wheel wells…ROTFLMAO
I agree look too big, even though “midsize” are pretty big these days.
The raptor with 37s kinda look comical too. Should have maybe an 18″ wheel with bigger brakes
So is bison factory or aftermarket?
Trying so hard to baaaad
Man you can tell the first couple comments are made by guys coming up on 70, I’ve never met someone complaining about 35s or 37s on factory off road trucks, or suggesting giving it less sidewall lmfao