I'm a 30 year Jeep guy. I traded my Rubicon for a Power Wagon in 2018 for more room and capability. I loved the Power Wagon, especially when gas was two dollars a gallon. The winds of change will have gas north of four dollars by summer. I just traded my Power Wagon for the 3.6 Bison, and so far I'm getting 20 mpg. I would not hesitate to drive this truck to Cabo as it sits on the Baja 1000 race course with no mods.
@@TexasTruckChannel Yes, however My Jeep freedom panels always leaked when it rained and had a lot wind noise at freeway speeds. An equally equipped Gladiator would have been about 9k more than I paid. With GM and dealer incentives I essentially got the Bison package free. They sold it for about 7k off stick price. I was also shopping a TRD pro but in my area dealers are getting a 3-5 thousand dollar market adjustment.
I really like the simplicity inside. They said it right, most want a big tech screen and all these other gadgets and gizmos. IMO for off roading/over landing it is perfect.
I tried to burn off my Duratracs so I could get a different, bigger tire....they lasted 47,000 aggressive miles and still had plenty of tread left when I finally went with 33's. I ended up going with the Duratracs again because I was so impressed by them. They've been good in the mud, snow, and sand at the beach...plus they handle well on the street.
@@joeruckel729 I had to do some trimming on the lower front fender flares but still get some minor rubbing with the wheel turned on bumps. I only have a 1" level on the front. There are some videos posted showing where to trim. Hope this helps. Enjoy your truck!
I have the exact same truck only a 2022 with Bose and nav. pkg. I’ve had A LOT of 4x4’s over my 50 years. I love the simplicity of it. That’s why I bought it. 👍🏻
I have the 2021 3.6L gasoline engine version, and am very pleased with the capability. I added the Come Up winch, and upgraded to an aftermarket 250 amp alternator. When it comes time to replace the battery, I'll do so with the battery that is used for the diesel. The only detractor to me was the the Bose sound system. I upgraded there by taking the speaker level outputs from the Bose amp and feeding them to Audio Control 800.4 + 800.1 with Kicker components front, coaxials rear, and (2) 8" subs under the rear seat. A graphic EQ on the head unit would have been nice. When it comes to mileage, I get from 17-21 locally with a mix if city/highway driving to and from work & to the gym. My last long haul max mileage per the vehicle's indicator was over 27 highway. I would like to have seen 33" tires on this model; i.e., simply because they are a bit more available than the stock 265/65, especially if you have to buy tires out in the rural areas. I had to do that once, but thankfully, not on this truck.
Didn’t mention the amazing shocks this truck comes with. The only truck med size or full size that uses Multimatic DSSV shocks. Come standard on the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison. Game changer!
When upgrading to a larger vehicle from my 2015 Forester XT I would have bet you $1000 I was going to pick a Tacoma or a 4Runner... until I test drove both.. Ended up with a ZR2 and am in love!
I have a 2018 ZR2 diesel and after the street tune I average 27mpg on road and 22mpg around town. I bought it for off roading and I get around 20mpg while wheeling. It even tows a small trailer well (3000 lbs).
I just bought a 2022 Chevy Colorado Bison this winter due to waiting on my Bronco I ordered 2 years ago. The Bronco finally came in last month! I'm still driving the Colorado. I couldn't let it go after driving the Bronco for a week. Something about this Colorado I love. Yes the 25k I made on the Bronco did help the keeping of the Colorado.
Great ideas! Unfortunately this vehicle is a manufacturer provided tester. We are not permitted to modify anything while we have it. We can work in some towing tests in the future for sure. And we do plan of visiting some off road parks on future reviews. Sadly due to the unusual snow at the time of filming the park was closed when we shot this episode. Thanks for watching, and stay tuned for more off road reviews!
My issue comparing anything with the raptor, and this is for Ford in the future also, is that you need to have a higher performance motor for FAST desert running. If you don't have that,you possibly have a pro type model thats a better then standard offroader, The Raptor is and was from the beginning a desert runner. And just my opinion thats why the Torsen diff is the BEST CHOICE for that style of truck, mechanically in when needed mechanically out when not.
I think I'm the only person who loves the interior of my Bison. It's easy to clean and maintain all the mud and dog hair just wipe out. Oh and your right this truck is way cooler looking then a jeep. And yes your sissies when it comes to the cold 🤣
Been a Chevy guy all my life, but any video on a vehicle with the 8 speed transmission has to include an in depth discussion on the serious problems people have had. Without that it’s just an infomercial...
@joal incontrol Awesome! I’d like to get a Colorado when my 2004 Silverado starts going downhill. I just haven’t seen the all clear signal. A lot of people are complaining that the transmission fluid flush didn’t help and GM was giving them the runaround. Thanks for the reply.
Totally disagree with your assessment of the looks compared to the Gladiator. The ZR2 is a much nicer looking truck. The Gladiator look is a gimmick. I'm a bit biased in that I've never been a big fan of the wrangler either. I much prefer the Cherokee/Comanche Jeeps look for looks.
The targeted consumer for this truck would have been massive if clearance for the tire size was easily changed to 35”, rear shocks did not hang low, gearing was a little more aggressive and steel driveshaft for the zr2/bison. Seems a simple change….and they could steal jeep and other customers over the next few years. A large sunroof would be cool.
The outdated interior is a major turn off for me. I absolutely hate it. Auto makers are going to have to increase the frequency of interior/technology upgrades at a faster pace than exterior in my opinion. In a world where an iphone becomes obsolete in 1-2 years, technology is passing up these cars. This vehicle has an interior that screams “any old Chevy”. They need to take a page out of the new Bronco playbook for technology ideas and they better do it quick. This is such an awesome truck that I just don’t understand why they half ass the interior like that. Otherwise I’d be interested in buying one.
This truck is not meant for all that tech. It does exactly what it's meant to do as well as any other current offroad vehicle out there. It's not a highway safety vehicle. Get a GMC Canyon Denali if you want tech. It won't get you through that mudhole, but hey, you can tell all your friends about the techy $65k truck you left in a mud puddle on 3rd Ave. I'll wave from the top of the mountain in my >$40k ZR2. Cheers!
@@sonny0888 Did I say they should take the current off road capability away from it? All I said was the interior is outdated. I didn’t say that it needed Tesla technology genius. An updated more functional gauge cluster, more functional center console, and maybe a larger high definition screen with a front facing camera view to help you avoid those mud puddles that you keep getting yourself stuck in. There’s always some overly defensive baby that has to “educate” everyone on the proper use of a truck because it’s HIS opinion of how it should be used. My opinion is a truck should be driven however the owner wants to drive it. If they want to put a big lift and wheels and use it as nothing but a mall crawler that’s their choice and it shouldn’t bother you but I get a sneaky feeling it would. Myself, I buy a truck for a purpose. I own a Ram 2500 primarily for towing heavy trailers and I would buy a truck like this or a Tacoma to beat the hell out of it off road. You paid $42,000 for a truck that “does exactly what it’s supposed to do” because that’s what’s important to you? You could have saved $10,000 and bought a bare bones TRD off-road access cab with crawl control to get you through all of those mud holes, plus it will last 3 times as long as a Chevy with better resale value.
The good news for everyone is that there is more than one maker of trucks and the owner gets to decide/reward which manufacture is hitting the mark for them. Thanks for watching!
Just picked up my 22’ Bison with the baby Duramax. Love the engine choices on this rig. The last of the small diesels!
Same just last week zr2 diesel just not the bison package I don’t need it.
I'm a 30 year Jeep guy. I traded my Rubicon for a Power Wagon in 2018 for more room and capability. I loved the Power Wagon, especially when gas was two dollars a gallon. The winds of change will have gas north of four dollars by summer. I just traded my Power Wagon for the 3.6 Bison, and so far I'm getting 20 mpg. I would not hesitate to drive this truck to Cabo as it sits on the Baja 1000 race course with no mods.
This bodes well for the ZR2! Just curious, was the gladiator on your radar when you were shopping? Thanks for chiming in, and enjoy the rig.
@@TexasTruckChannel Yes, however My Jeep freedom panels always leaked when it rained and had a lot wind noise at freeway speeds. An equally equipped Gladiator would have been about 9k more than I paid. With GM and dealer incentives I essentially got the Bison package free. They sold it for about 7k off stick price. I was also shopping a TRD pro but in my area dealers are getting a 3-5 thousand dollar market adjustment.
Under rated truck for sure, AEV integrated some great off road features on this DEALER option aka warranty.
We agree!
I really like the simplicity inside. They said it right, most want a big tech screen and all these other gadgets and gizmos. IMO for off roading/over landing it is perfect.
I just got my 2021 Bison 2 weeks ago in this exact steel gray color. I am in love.
Good choice! We still miss this truck!
I tried to burn off my Duratracs so I could get a different, bigger tire....they lasted 47,000 aggressive miles and still had plenty of tread left when I finally went with 33's. I ended up going with the Duratracs again because I was so impressed by them. They've been good in the mud, snow, and sand at the beach...plus they handle well on the street.
That is great to hear. While they are on the noisy side, they sure get the job done. We liked them more as time went on.
Any mods to get on those 33”s
I have a 2020 zr2 bison with a 1.5 level and would love to upgrade to 33”s
@@joeruckel729 I had to do some trimming on the lower front fender flares but still get some minor rubbing with the wheel turned on bumps. I only have a 1" level on the front. There are some videos posted showing where to trim. Hope this helps. Enjoy your truck!
good to know. just picked up a ZR2
Best truck I have ever owned ZR2 and I am keeping it
I have the exact same truck only a 2022 with Bose and nav. pkg. I’ve had A LOT of 4x4’s over my 50 years. I love the simplicity of it. That’s why I bought it. 👍🏻
Right on! Enjoy it.
You guys do a nice job on this video. Liked it a lot. I just happened to buy one of these…TODAY! Looking forward to it
I have the 2021 3.6L gasoline engine version, and am very pleased with the capability. I added the Come Up winch, and upgraded to an aftermarket 250 amp alternator. When it comes time to replace the battery, I'll do so with the battery that is used for the diesel. The only detractor to me was the the Bose sound system. I upgraded there by taking the speaker level outputs from the Bose amp and feeding them to Audio Control 800.4 + 800.1 with Kicker components front, coaxials rear, and (2) 8" subs under the rear seat. A graphic EQ on the head unit would have been nice. When it comes to mileage, I get from 17-21 locally with a mix if city/highway driving to and from work & to the gym. My last long haul max mileage per the vehicle's indicator was over 27 highway. I would like to have seen 33" tires on this model; i.e., simply because they are a bit more available than the stock 265/65, especially if you have to buy tires out in the rural areas. I had to do that once, but thankfully, not on this truck.
Sounds like you have an awesome rig. Thanks for the comment.
Didn’t mention the amazing shocks this truck comes with. The only truck med size or full size that uses Multimatic DSSV shocks. Come standard on the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison. Game changer!
You are right on! Don't worry, we saved that part for the full episode. th-cam.com/video/za6oDUd-WQ4/w-d-xo.html The DSSV dampers are fantastic.
I can really hit the accelerator out in the desert and the shocks suck up mostly everything. They are amazing.
Excellent review guys. 👍🏻
Thank you, and thanks for checking it out 🤘
6:05 As for front lockers the only one I can think you missed is the RAM Power Wagon.
Ahh, that’s a good one. Thanks for chiming in 👍🏼
When upgrading to a larger vehicle from my 2015 Forester XT I would have bet you $1000 I was going to pick a Tacoma or a 4Runner... until I test drove both.. Ended up with a ZR2 and am in love!
Glad to hear it! It truly surprised us.
Love the Colorado
I have a 2018 ZR2 diesel and after the street tune I average 27mpg on road and 22mpg around town. I bought it for off roading and I get around 20mpg while wheeling. It even tows a small trailer well (3000 lbs).
Thats really good! Thanks for sharing, and congrats on the rig.
I'm looking at a 2020 Bison now in 2024 with the 2.8 Diesel.
I just bought a 2022 Chevy Colorado Bison this winter due to waiting on my Bronco I ordered 2 years ago. The Bronco finally came in last month! I'm still driving the Colorado. I couldn't let it go after driving the Bronco for a week. Something about this Colorado I love. Yes the 25k I made on the Bronco did help the keeping of the Colorado.
Great review
Ordered one in Canada. Going to be 3 to 6 months before they start to build it!!!!
Love driving it errrddayyy
We are jealous!
You made me like this truck with your review. And I’m not a truck person. Hmm 🤔
You guys are funny! Keep up the videos. I would like you start to ad modifications. Tow a boat, or show some difficulty off-road tracks.
Great ideas! Unfortunately this vehicle is a manufacturer provided tester. We are not permitted to modify anything while we have it. We can work in some towing tests in the future for sure. And we do plan of visiting some off road parks on future reviews. Sadly due to the unusual snow at the time of filming the park was closed when we shot this episode. Thanks for watching, and stay tuned for more off road reviews!
My issue comparing anything with the raptor, and this is for Ford in the future also, is that you need to have a higher performance motor for FAST desert running. If you don't have that,you possibly have a pro type model thats a better then standard offroader, The Raptor is and was from the beginning a desert runner. And just my opinion thats why the Torsen diff is the BEST CHOICE for that style of truck, mechanically in when needed mechanically out when not.
First I grew up in a G.M. house and I’ve never owned a Ford vehicle. This is pretty awesome but they can do MUCH better! Come on man!!
I think I'm the only person who loves the interior of my Bison. It's easy to clean and maintain all the mud and dog hair just wipe out. Oh and your right this truck is way cooler looking then a jeep. And yes your sissies when it comes to the cold 🤣
The Bison is a great truck, almost as good as the standard ZR2.
Bro what lol
Can you get a AEV with the diesel?
Yes you can 👍🏼
Been a Chevy guy all my life, but any video on a vehicle with the 8 speed transmission has to include an in depth discussion on the serious problems people have had. Without that it’s just an infomercial...
@joal incontrol That would make sense, and I'm glad to hear it. Where do you get your info, if you don't mind me asking.
@joal incontrol Awesome! I’d like to get a Colorado when my 2004 Silverado starts going downhill. I just haven’t seen the all clear signal. A lot of people are complaining that the transmission fluid flush didn’t help and GM was giving them the runaround. Thanks for the reply.
@@lawtonsegler1923 IIRC, Chevy changed the type of fluid uses in the older ZR2 transmissions, and that fixed it.
-- BR
Totally disagree with your assessment of the looks compared to the Gladiator. The ZR2 is a much nicer looking truck. The Gladiator look is a gimmick. I'm a bit biased in that I've never been a big fan of the wrangler either. I much prefer the Cherokee/Comanche Jeeps look for looks.
The ZR2 Bison needs to come with 34-35" tires from the factory. Those small tires are ridiculous...
There is a kit from AEV that helps with that.
The targeted consumer for this truck would have been massive if clearance for the tire size was easily changed to 35”, rear shocks did not hang low, gearing was a little more aggressive and steel driveshaft for the zr2/bison. Seems a simple change….and they could steal jeep and other customers over the next few years. A large sunroof would be cool.
2023 ZR2 will be even more capable with bigger tires (33in), better ground clearance (10.7), better approach/departure angles, underbody cameras.
The grill/ headlight area on this rig are dated, as is the interior even on the new redesign.
Hard to argue against that. Dated doesn't mean it's bad though, in fact we found it kind of refreshing.
Great review, but you're both wrong on the hipster score... :)
HAHA! As our resident Hipster council, how wrong was Craig?
@@TexasTruckChannel Craig was closer... I'd give this a 1, you could maybe even talk me down to a 0. Council adjourned!
The one thumbs down must be a Ford owner
Ha!
The outdated interior is a major turn off for me. I absolutely hate it. Auto makers are going to have to increase the frequency of interior/technology upgrades at a faster pace than exterior in my opinion. In a world where an iphone becomes obsolete in 1-2 years, technology is passing up these cars. This vehicle has an interior that screams “any old Chevy”. They need to take a page out of the new Bronco playbook for technology ideas and they better do it quick. This is such an awesome truck that I just don’t understand why they half ass the interior like that. Otherwise I’d be interested in buying one.
This truck is not meant for all that tech. It does exactly what it's meant to do as well as any other current offroad vehicle out there. It's not a highway safety vehicle. Get a GMC Canyon Denali if you want tech. It won't get you through that mudhole, but hey, you can tell all your friends about the techy $65k truck you left in a mud puddle on 3rd Ave. I'll wave from the top of the mountain in my >$40k ZR2. Cheers!
@@sonny0888 Did I say they should take the current off road capability away from it? All I said was the interior is outdated. I didn’t say that it needed Tesla technology genius. An updated more functional gauge cluster, more functional center console, and maybe a larger high definition screen with a front facing camera view to help you avoid those mud puddles that you keep getting yourself stuck in.
There’s always some overly defensive baby that has to “educate” everyone on the proper use of a truck because it’s HIS opinion of how it should be used. My opinion is a truck should be driven however the owner wants to drive it. If they want to put a big lift and wheels and use it as nothing but a mall crawler that’s their choice and it shouldn’t bother you but I get a sneaky feeling it would. Myself, I buy a truck for a purpose. I own a Ram 2500 primarily for towing heavy trailers and I would buy a truck like this or a Tacoma to beat the hell out of it off road. You paid $42,000 for a truck that “does exactly what it’s supposed to do” because that’s what’s important to you? You could have saved $10,000 and bought a bare bones TRD off-road access cab with crawl control to get you through all of those mud holes, plus it will last 3 times as long as a Chevy with better resale value.
The good news for everyone is that there is more than one maker of trucks and the owner gets to decide/reward which manufacture is hitting the mark for them. Thanks for watching!
Umizoomi 😂😂
6 is way too high for a hipster score.