Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison: Outrageous for Better or Worse

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison presents itself as an unusual truck. It exudes a dominating presence, is impressively tall, has a potent performance, comes with a hefty price tag, and is notably inefficient, rendering it impractical for daily usage.

The base model Chevy Colorado fits within GM’s smallest truck offerings, standing toe-to-toe with competitors like the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. When it is enhanced with the ZR2 package and the additional Bison enhancements, it transforms from a workhorse into a rugged sports truck seemingly designed to avoid job sites altogether.

Even with its understated “White Sands” color, the ZR2 Bison commands attention as it navigates into view. Despite being classified as “mid-size,” it looms large over other vehicles parked near my apartment complex. As a fan of eccentric vehicles, after driving a less exciting but still flashy Ram, I was eager to explore what GM has crafted in the bold truck arena.

What does the “ZR2” designation entail? It’s a pertinent inquiry. When it comes to engine and transmission specifications, it’s essentially a regular Colorado equipped with a “Turbomax” 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 310 horsepower. Presently, this engine is the lone option available for the Colorado. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels—the only transmission on offer as well. After this point, the comparison with a conventional work truck ends.

The ZR2 features a three-inch suspension lift, 33-inch tires, off-road tuned dampers, and an aggressive body kit for its striking appearance. The Bison package adds undercarriage skid plates, graphics, a sturdy spare tire carrier, and AEV-designed bumpers, creating an intimidating appearance. The truck is also equipped with front and rear locking differentials, specialized drive modes for various terrains, and beadlock tires that guarantee both style and function.

Driving the ZR2 Bison tells a different tale. Instead of tackling rugged terrains, I treated it more like a sporty truck, visiting grocery stores, running errands, and showcasing it to friends, often parking in a decidedly ostentatious manner.

In customary driving conditions, it replicates the feel of any pickup truck, akin to a tractor, lacking the refinement of larger powerhouses or lower-set cars. Given its height, it tends to battle against the wind rather than slicing through it. However, when maneuvered with enthusiasm, the ZR2 appears to come alive, showing that while it may not be speedy, its 310 horsepower is sufficient to generate momentum.

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The dampers play a crucial role. On winding roads, the minimal body roll allows the ZR2 to feel much more controlled compared to other bulky vehicles like the Ford Bronco. Strangely enough for a Chevy Colorado, it offers a sporting experience. However, if you primarily use the ZR2 for commuting, the benefits of its dampers may not be evident unless you choose to drive it with some zest or attempt off-road adventures.

Inside, the ZR2 remains similar to a standard Chevy Colorado, albeit with some distinctive stitching and repeated ZR2 emblems. While categorized as a mid-size truck, it may feel slightly cramped when compared to larger SUVs or full-size trucks; nevertheless, it comfortably accommodates four adults or two passengers and a decent amount of cargo in the rear.

Regarding ergonomics, it’s unfortunate that some essential functions, like controlling the lights, rely on a touchscreen interface that may not always respond adequately. Physical controls would be more beneficial, especially in a truck that may encounter muddy conditions or be operated by users wearing gloves.

Alex Hevesy/SlashGear

When considering efficiency, the ZR2 delivers subpar results, with an estimated fuel economy of just 16 miles per gallon, which can plummet to 13 miles per gallon under spirited driving conditions. For a four-cylinder engine that aims at efficiency, these figures are considerably disappointing. The combination of sizeable tires and poor aerodynamic design contributes to this inefficiency.

From a traditional truck perspective, the ZR2 Bison model lacks practical utility. The three-inch lift complicates towing, limiting its maximum towing capacity to 6,000 pounds, compared to 7,700 pounds available on the other Colorado configurations. It also bears a lower payload of 1,151 pounds, which is significantly less than the base model’s 1,684 pounds.

Additionally, the large spare tire occupies considerable space in the bed, making this truck unsuitable for work tasks. Nonetheless, it can out-tow the similarly extravagant Ford Ranger Raptor, which maxes out at 5,510 pounds, making it a viable choice if you’re focused solely on oversized off-road vehicles.

Pricing is similarly inflated compared to the rest of the Colorado lineup. A standard rear-wheel drive version of the 2026 Colorado WT starts at $34,495. The ZR2 jumps to $50,500 immediately, while the Bison package adds another $11,700 (although it’s worth noting that the Bison treatment deducts $1,500 from the window sticker due to overlapping features with the ZR2). After adding a $75 hood emblem reading “TURBOMAX” and a destination fee of $2,095, the total reaches a staggering $62,870.

A simple comparison reveals that for the same price, one can easily find numerous full-size trucks that feature V8 engines, and even hybrid options, making the ZR2’s value proposition questionable. The Ford Raptor Ranger and the prominent Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro models can approach $70,000, demonstrating that while the ZR2’s pricing is extravagant, it shares a pricing realm with equally capable competitors.

Let’s be frank: if you decide on a ZR2, will you truly be taking it on desert dune excursions daily? Is sacrificing practicalities of a standard truck worth it just for the aesthetic appeal? While appealing, aesthetics alone should be weighed seriously in your decision to purchase the ZR2.

Ultimately, it’s an expensive investment—yet is it worth it? Similar to other luxury performance vehicles like the Nissan Z Nismo or the Cadillac Escalade V, defining its value proves difficult as its practical utility as a truck faces intense competition. The ZR2 may straddle the line of absurdity, straying away from the typical pickup concept. Yet, as a sport truck, it excels by deftly navigating diverse terrain while maintaining an impressive appearance. Driving it is genuinely enjoyable, though I wouldn’t personally choose to invest in one.