By Jeff Glucker
A 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 with the V6 gasoline engine will cost you at least $44k. If you want the 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder version, you’re starting at just under $48k. That’s a lot of money for a truck, but it’s one that’s quite capable and good at playing in the spaces where the pavement has gone away.
There’s a tougher-spec version of the ZR2 available though. It’s called the ZR2 Bison, and it’s been given added shots of strength thanks to American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). To get the Bison bits, however, you have to add $5,750 to the bottom line cost of the ZR2.
Is it worth it? Click play and have a look…
[Disclaimer: Chevy tossed us the keys to the Bison and included a tank of fuel.]
So, do I understand you correctly that you have some misgivings about the transmission?
$50k is a tough swallow. However, I’d sooner buy this than I would that $50k Blazer you reviewed. Whereas the Blazer was basically an oversized hatchback, this is a legitimate truck with serious capabilities. I think the better value is in the standard ZR2 package, though. I don’t think I would drive it in a way that would risk the underbody, nor would I enjoy maintenance with all of those panels in the way.
Also, unlike in full-sized trucks, where I think the F-150 easily blows the Silverado away, in the mid-sizers I would give the nod to the Colorado over the Ranger. And that’s coming from a fourth-generation Ford truck guy. The Colorado is a good truck, despite the lousy transmission (the Ranger gearbox is much better).
The sports car analogy is a good one, all the AEV gear might be compared to putting a roll cage in (not exactly but close?), it is worthwhile if you are going to push the hardware to the limit.