+Bigdog 1964 -Truth.. All these new trucks are cool, but they have so many overpriced gimmicks -I don't need hill descent control, hill start assist, heated seats, voice controlled stuff, or fancy carpet. The ZR2 is a badass truck in stock form, but for the money they are charging these days for a damn midsize truck are insane. I looked at Colorado's and came back to a fullsize HD because of the price delta. I love my fullsize 2500 6.0L, but it likes gas...-I still love it though.
I just found out last year that what I've been doing for the 25 years was called 'overlanding'. It was about the same time i started seeing chicken neck hipsters in $75-100k rigs on the trails.
@Ocee Bee I was out on a trail one time and saw some hipster looking types standing next to their Audi AllRoad with a puddle of oil underneath it. Cracked the oil pan on a rock. By no means a difficult trail, but rocky enough that I've seen stock height 4WD F150s scrape bottom in some areas. Audi AllRoad, not Audi Off-road. What a clown.
you aint shitting my man, about 20 years ago i bought an international scout and went from Saint Anthony Idaho to baker city Oregon took me and 2 other friends over 2 weeks but what a trip a new place every night breaking down and having to fix your shit. i don't do trips like that anymore but i still do 50-100 miles off road trips each year with some buddies one of them had a brand new jeep and would not follow us through the brush and sticks he would go out of his way to avoid them. too fun, but i don't mind if someone has a new rig on the trail just don't be a pussy and use it for what it was made for. Im just glad they can experience the "overlanding" that we all fell in love with.
Eh I think I will spend a few hundred bucks on after market skid plates and keep my 2018 ZR2 I picked up new for 12k under the asking price for the Bison.
$12k?? My dealer has had exactly 2 ZR2's come in. Both were factory optioned to the gills, with prices over $50K each. Both sold for those prices too, neither one was discounted.. .🤣
Yes, but look at Toyota, BMW, & Honda - they’ve boosted prices on even entry level vehicles due to all the tech + R&D carryover. The lowly BMW 320i starts at aboit $35K. Perhaps apples to oranges, but it’s an entry level commuter by my view & that’s the trajectory on these vehicles on whole.
I"m plenty happy with my regular zr2, but gotta love the inevitable comment on every midsize truck video about how there is no point in paying for midsize when you could get a fullsize. A) I don't plan on towing a house behind me. And B) 95% of the time I don't have anyone in the backseat. On the other hand, I don't feel like I"m driving a bus through the city, don't have to cram my truck into a cubby hole every time I park, I can actually drive off road without scraping my paint on branches, and the zr2 just looks way better than anything in the full size market. So yes, there is a reason to pay close to full size price for midsize.
Sounds to me like they sacrificed some ground clearance in order to make it harder to damage. With in reason that's probably a reasonable trade off. It also sounded to me like they were hinting that the Bison would be more comfortable on a long trip. That's also something to consider if you plan on leaving your area.Seem's like the midsized truck market is starting to get more choices. And to me that's a good thing for consumer's and workers.Let's have Nizzan,Toyota,Ford,Ram and GM/Chevy all competing with each other and hopefully all staying profitable enough to stay in business.
Don't compare the Bison to the Ranger Raptor. Ford says they won't bring it here. They're still thinking like they were when they decided to kill the Ranger. They will eventually change their minds when fuel prices go up again. But will be years too late when they do. They're committed to the new Bronco. Maybe it will have a ''Raptor'' option after a couple of years depending how successful the Bronco is.
@@zaneh6224 I've seen some videos of it and I like it. The thing is Ford of N.A. probably don't want to loose F150 Raptor sale to Ranger Raptors. They make a lot more profit with the Raptor than they could with the Ranger Raptor and they would have to change the Ranger version with rear leaf springs because to keep the Ranger Raptor's coil springs and Watts linkage would make the F150 Raptor look old tech and passé.
Well considering that almost all major manufacturers of cars have already said in the next 20 years they're going to stop making gas cars it's all irrelevant anyways who has the best electric motor and the best battery.
Not what I thought this would be.... if you really wanted to make it more overland ready you should include a winch with the bison and add some type of utility rack on the bed, now what would have been great
I have the 2015 Chevy Colorado. When it first came out. My truck runs like a champ. The fact that Chevy has developed so much over the years with the Colorado gives me so much pride. GO CHEVY!
I'm a big Ford guy, was raised with em and brought home from the hospital the day I was born in an F150(81 custom). But I do like how GM approached the model. Can't wait to see what Ford does with the Ranger in the North American market. Also the Bronco could be a ringer for Ford, they'll have pretty much every base covered pickup, crossover, and SUV wise. And this new cooperation with VW on future commercial and "other" future projects could be huge.
JBird117 Exactly and your truck is a huge badass truck, with a lot more room, more towing capacity, more luxurious goodies compared to this thing. Shouldn’t be as expensive.
Shock mounts still have no protection? You can get aftermarket skid plates for them for less than a couple hundred dollars, you would think they would have added something for the lowest point of the undercarriage.
Wow I had a 2012 Colorado with z71 off road lt1 with lt2 trim 17 tires 3.7l and I would love to get this!! Man after seeing vid it blows my old co out of the water!!! Cool I have to test drive when it comes out!!!
I'm still stuck on 31" tires. I seem to recall in one of your 1st zr2 reviews that the Chevy guy said it couldn't accept 33" tires without some trimming. It doesn't seem too user friendly for upgrades for serious off roading.
On another video the president of AEV said that the Bison ZR2 comes with a small lift and you can bold on 33's and with a few mods can fit 34's. In my opinion 33's would be plenty on the ZR2 platform.
Love the ZR2, almost bought one. Things that made me change my mind were the facts that the technology in the Colorado is ancient compared to other trucks. Halogen lights, no push button start, list goes on. I will have to wait to see what the next gen Colorado will bring.....
I admit I hate not having push button start in mine but I'd rather have cheap to replace Halogen. HID's are a vanity option. other than that the tech is top notch
J Lee Chronicles just drove for like 12 hours through a snow storm this weekend, and never had that issue with my led headlights in my Audi. Maybe because they DO get very warm? When I put my hands on them they’re just as warm as any halogen headlight.....
They should use the 2.7T engine for the gas option on this truck. Wouldn't that be perfect with boost to compensate altitude and the power levels on paper are better. Not fully real world tested by you guys yet but if the new 2.7T gas engine turns out to be a good one, it just seems like a good choice for the ZR2 or Canyon/Colorado regular trims too.
Ok, that’s why it costs less than expected ... no AEV lift kit with repositioning of linkage, suspension etc .... mainly skidplates, bumpers, rails & rims
Yeah but chevy just released all those parts you mentioned and they bolt on to any ZR2. Cool because you can buy the parts you want to match what you will be doing.
I think Chevy was smart in not trying to compete with the raptor or the wrangler and instead went for overlanding. It's a growing market segment, really popular in Australia and starting to catch on in the states.
That is due to the off road tuned suspension... which is best in class. The regular Colorado has much higher payload and towing... which is currently also best in class.(until the Ranger and Jeep come out). On a plus note most don't ride around long distance with five 200 pound dudes in the cab. By that logic... since America has some larger dudes than that... 1600 lbs may not be enough either. Lol
They market this as overland vehicle. By the time you put in recovery gear, winch, roof rack, refrigerator and some other stuff you need overweight permit and DOT escort.
@@jackcarroll4404 I think the concern is that it's sold as an overlander, so you're supposed to be packing some stuff with you. It's a great off-roader, no argument there, but it ain't no overlander, because of the lack of payload.
AEV is an excellent company, but 1000lbs in payload for a vehicle marketed as an overland vehicle?!?! So, for $5000+ you lose approach angle and decrease your payload.
Why are so many people hung up on approach angle? How many 90 degree 6 foot walls are you climbing? Chevy had ZERO issue with approach angle in Moab, the Rubicon or Windrock. But if the internet complains about approach angle, it must be true.
The ZR2 has done well in the segment because GM made a trim with front/rear lockers, good suspension, rock sliders, and a front bumper that allows much better approach angle than the Z71. The ZR2 in it's stock configuration has an approach angle of 30 degrees, but with that AEV bumper it's much less...it takes away from it's already good capabilities in it's stock configuration. Traction, approach, break-over, and departure angles are what's used to build good off-road vehicles.
@@3098jorge It's not much less. It is negligible at best. If Chevy and AEV didn't have an issue on some of the most popular off-road destinations in the country, then it's not a problem. But if the internet said it, it must be true. I have never heard approach angle as an argument so much in my life without any real life situations where it has come into play. If the angle is bad, take a different line. If you are climbing 3 foot boulders you are probably in the wrong area with your ZR2.
Why does the ZR2 come with P series tires? Cost? Should have 6-ply LT tires, don't you think? First thing I would change because P series tires will be flatting on the gravel roads here in PNW.
Has no one noticed the rear shock "cup" around the shaft? IMHO, we can predict long-term problems with that "CUP" retaining water, dirt, mud, detritus, holding it around the shock shaft, and degrading the finish, thus causing the seals to fail? This seems like a glaring failure point for these (more than likely) expensive parts. YES, it may have a drainage hole at the bottom, but what happens when it gets plugged with, well, anything. It's such a low point that shallow crossings would cause it to fill with muck. Even if the shaft was exposed to the elements, it might last longer without that protective boot/cup. Just a thought.
Luke Edward If you’re talking about the shock guard there is no bottom at ALL on that plastic guard. No problem with Debris build up. This is Chevy engineering not Toyota.
Michael Justa Around 3:25 mark, the black plastic guard around the shock shaft. At the front, it’s upside down, at the top, and won’t collect anything. In this orientation, it’ll inevitably collect debris, no matter how “open” it is at the mounting eye on the axle, and hold stuff against the hardened, polished chrome shaft, which will prematurely wear the seals.
Good observation, but it doesn't work like that, -go look at one in person. My biggest bitch are the shock mounts hanging down in the weeds on the rear axle tubes, -a little more thought could have fixed that.
Justin H Justin H Is their the reason for the unwarranted insult? Or is it just because you get your jollies being a keyboard commando and trying to make other people’s lives more miserable than yours. I expressed a valid concern, and someone answered it with a valid argument. I may be ignorant, and I’ll give you that. But I don’t find ignorance insulting. When I get a chance, I will go look at those spool valve shocks in person, and then I will no longer be “ignorant” of the situation. I ask the question out of concern and experience. I am so F-ing sorry that me, on an open forum, and my inquisitiveness and willingness to ask the questions, even if I did expose my ignorance, has caused you to express your opinion in such a succinctly unqualified, unquantified manner. But I can sleep at night, knowing that I have a will, and a way to educate myself, and eliminate my ignorance as regards to something that you found so motivating to insult me. But when I sleep, I can comfortably forget you knowing that when the new day comes, troll like you will still be alone, still be unloved, and still be trying to define their happiness by randomly trying to spread misery to the world around them. Please go cry in a corner, and know that one more person in this world no longer cares of your existence.
Only bad thing I would see about getting the diesel is the exhaust tip hitting rocks when you come off of one and getting smashed. I wonder if they thought of that
I had a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited with more standard equipment than my 2017 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4x4. The fact that the Bison is 5 grand more just blows my mind. It's an ok truck, but a fairly standard truck overall at 40k+. Truthfully, I went to the Chevrolet dealership to buy a '16 Toyota Tacoma TRD but it was scratched to hell. Lol. I do enjoy my Colorado, but it wasn't really what I wanted especially price vs standard equipment from like 2009.
I agree, the approach angle sucks donkey dicks, -the bumper sticks out waay further than necessary, that really messes up it's wheelin capability.. -And it costs extra? I don't think so. Mall Rated at best........
@@ratman5727 Just so you know, the loss in approach angle is marginal at best. So many people get hung up on that. Chevy had ZERO issues testing it in Moab, on the Rubicon and in Windrock...
The skid plates look great with the exception of that it doesn’t cover the tranny pan and exhaust crossover pipe, they are very vulnerable, and why haven’t chevy moved the rear shocks outboard? Toyota , Jeep and the f-150 do this... and I’d love to buy one of these trucks without all the expensive add on”s... it’s too expensive... I don’t want to buy the electronic nanny controls... this truck should have come with 285/70/17” tires..
The front fascia on the regular ZR2 is better looking to me. My only other gripe is that 31” tires look way too small. Jeep JL comes w/ 33s & can fit 35s w/o a lift (Rubicon model w/ higher fenders). The ZR2/Bison needs 33s & more sidewall.
Thank you for the review, I think I see were the money went. If I were going to buy today I'd do the Bison but I have the stock 2018 ZR2 and be buying the parts A la Cart.
I am a long time Toyota buyer. 96 4Runner, 98 4Runner (still owned and running perfectly), 98 Tacoma 4x4, 08 Tacoma, 17 Tacoma TRD off road (still owned). I have seen a lot pricing wise over the years and today Toyota plays the same MSRP sticker games for trucks as Ford and Chevy. Bottom line is both the Tacoma PRO and Bison are well over 10k over priced. Folks are willing to pay these crazy prices so we only have ourselves to blame. If they would have thrown in the Warn winch then the $5,800 would have been a deal. But upgraded rims for the same tire size, Bison floor mats, winch ready bumper, stitched headrests, “boron” paper thin stamped steel underbody plates. The Bison is similar to the TRD PRO in that the upgrades do not make sense from a cost perspective. There is no value to be found here. Throw in the Warn winch installed and that could steal away some TRD PRO buyers. Chevy you already have a lot of profit baked into the ZR2, you could throw your loyal Colorado buyers a bone.
I appreciate Chevys collaboration with an aftermarket company but to me the front bumper looks soft in style and chintzy almost plastic like as one might find in a cheap factory skid plate. I’m sure it’s strong but a chiseled solid steel or aluminum front bumper from other companies look more impressive and rugged in my opinion.
I like. Ok Gm, here's the scoop: give one of these to old Andrew St. Pierre White with a tough popup bed camper. He's the king of African overlanding. Must be diesel and have a BIG fuel tank and high payload. That old boy will sell more Bisons than anyone else! He know his overland bidness.
He would add his favorite KO2's but I'm sure he would love this truck. His biggest complaint when over landing in America is the size of the vehicles and the lack of a diesel option.
I’m thinking in getting the regular zr2 but this interest me bison look amazing also I live in Baja I was also concidering in the traverse highcountry and Ima trade in my 2007 zo6 in since I don’t really use it and it has 16500 miles on it since I can’t use it in Baja cause of the bad roads I hope I can deduce tomorrow on wich don’t guys or any one have any advice on what to decide to get?
If I were to purchase a ZR2, the Bison would be the only option because it does have a full front bumper. But beyond that, there is enough flame in the rest of this thread and I don't want to give AEV any more "butthurt" when I say this is a "very high end" trim package on top of the ZR2.
If you look at how much quality aftermarket bumpers, wheels, and skid plates cost, this isn’t an unreasonably priced package. Especially considering you can finance it all at once.
Two two three Five five six have you seen the new Chevy 1500 side profile of a Toyota Tundra the front end of a 4Runner. Hate to say it but look at Toyota they hold their value and her more reliable than anything Chevy puts
Toyota has already stepped up their game. They put the FJ Cruiser Voodoo Blue on the Tacoma TRD Pro. Everyone knows that the off-roading capabilities of a Voodoo Blue vehicle are second to none! And don't forget the roof rack on the 4Runner! That was a big score for Toyora. Not only to they get to sell their overstock of FJ Cruiser roof racks, but the beefier rack means that people who buy the TRD Pro will be able to get more money on Ebay when they swap it out for a real roof rack! Toyota is just winning.
So why dont they put the 4 cylinder turbo that's going to be in the new silverado into the colorado? Seems like the colorado is a more appropriate truck for the motor.
The Bison is geared for overlanding and rock crawling. The new GM bolt on High Performance desert racing parts would be geared at the Ranger Raptor. The only problem is the Ranger Raptor doesn't exist and ford said its not happing lol.
50k for that is expensive, you can get a base 2018 raptor for 50k. Sure the base raptor doesn't have nav or leather seats but still have the powerful engine and capacity
This is how a group of our ZR2s did in the mud, ice, snow and rock in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan last weekend off roading on an island in Lake Huron, Drummond Island. We really beat the crap out of the trucks but they take it and keep coming back for more! th-cam.com/video/Xk3l2OEThV0/w-d-xo.html
Jay P Yeah and they know the Ranger Raptor isn’t coming which is weird. The truth is the Bison will be competing with the new Jeep Gladiator Rubicon pick up. The Bison will be at least 5k less then the gladiator. The Tacoma isn’t in the same league anymore.
Michael Justa yea true. I don’t think the Bison will be at least $5k cheaper though. We don’t have official pricing on the gladiator yet. It will really depend how many boxes you check on the gladiator. We’ll have to wait and see but for the serious off-roader I think the Gladiator will be the ticket. ZR2 probably a better daily and higher speed vehicle though.
The ZR2 doesn't fight the ranger raptor for the top spot. I hate how they say that all the time. The 12yr old ranger platform is trying to compete with the ZR2. The raptor doesn't even enter the U.S. market for years.
Michael Justa Yea loaded up I am sure the Jeep won’t be cheap. I would expect sub $50k though for Rubicon just not a fully loaded Rubicon. Excited to see the Gladiator officially.
One more thing - anyone who says the upgrade to the Bison is not worth it, watch this video: th-cam.com/video/6Pojy5cAlCc/w-d-xo.html It's a 21mins walkthrough with the founder of AEV. You can't buy a stock ZR2 and do all of these upgrades, including labour and same warranty as your vehicle, for the same price. No way. GM & AEV both have to make some sort of profit here; for $5,800 ,the Bison package is fairly priced. Five incredibly strong skid plates, customer steel front and rear bumper (winch ready), unique rims, fog lights, flares, unique grille, recovery hooks, etc.
If you wanna be the most badass midsize truck then forget all the window dressing, there's no replacement for displacement. Get that 4.5 litre v8 turbo duramax engine and stuff it in that Bison and I guarantee you'll end that debate.
They never will as the LS platform is pretty much discounted in production vehicles except as a crate engine. They might shove the LT1 direct injection V8 which im really hoping for.
Yes, finally someone notices the "elephant in the room". Already have seen youtube vids of them breaking due to sticking out and down below the axle and impacting. Thats why the camera/s were there.. Perhaps more boron/steel lower shock strut guards are in the works at AEV. Will be a money maker for sure!
Almost 60 for that. Ha. I have been a chevy guy since my pops bought our first chevy when I was 8 but now I would rather find my self an old square body 4x4 or k 5 and do the work my self.
Here is a first look at the 2020 Jeep Gladiator truck th-cam.com/video/1j3s72Ky9hI/w-d-xo.html
Manufacturers are pricing new trucks out of reach of middle class buyers!
Become “more” middle class.
You could just buy a used truck and build it up. @bigdog1964
+Bigdog 1964 -Truth.. All these new trucks are cool, but they have so many overpriced gimmicks -I don't need hill descent control, hill start assist, heated seats, voice controlled stuff, or fancy carpet. The ZR2 is a badass truck in stock form, but for the money they are charging these days for a damn midsize truck are insane. I looked at Colorado's and came back to a fullsize HD because of the price delta. I love my fullsize 2500 6.0L, but it likes gas...-I still love it though.
@Joseph J Sarcasm inserted! LOL
How so?? Im not middle class by any means and I could easily afford this. Maybe you need to look at where you're wasting your money... 🤔
I just found out last year that what I've been doing for the 25 years was called 'overlanding'. It was about the same time i started seeing chicken neck hipsters in $75-100k rigs on the trails.
I loath the term 'overlanding'. I want to hurl when I hear it. I stopped going to Expo west years ago, and it literally is in my backyard. Flagstaff.
No shit, -it is funny how every new generation has to reinvent what we have been doing for years and re-name it...........
@Ocee Bee I was out on a trail one time and saw some hipster looking types standing next to their Audi AllRoad with a puddle of oil underneath it. Cracked the oil pan on a rock. By no means a difficult trail, but rocky enough that I've seen stock height 4WD F150s scrape bottom in some areas.
Audi AllRoad, not Audi Off-road. What a clown.
you aint shitting my man, about 20 years ago i bought an international scout and went from Saint Anthony Idaho to baker city Oregon took me and 2 other friends over 2 weeks but what a trip a new place every night breaking down and having to fix your shit. i don't do trips like that anymore but i still do 50-100 miles off road trips each year with some buddies one of them had a brand new jeep and would not follow us through the brush and sticks he would go out of his way to avoid them. too fun, but i don't mind if someone has a new rig on the trail just don't be a pussy and use it for what it was made for. Im just glad they can experience the "overlanding" that we all fell in love with.
Eh I think I will spend a few hundred bucks on after market skid plates and keep my 2018 ZR2 I picked up new for 12k under the asking price for the Bison.
$12k?? My dealer has had exactly 2 ZR2's come in. Both were factory optioned to the gills, with prices over $50K each. Both sold for those prices too, neither one was discounted.. .🤣
Hiluxtaco $12k under the asking price for the “Bison!” So $7k under asking for the ZR2. Probably before “fees” too.
@@Hiluxtaco How do you know? (Not trying to be a jerk)
I was out the door with my 18 for just under 37k, it can be done if you go in prepared.
@@willyounger9772 The salesman told me. I've known him to be an honest guy..
Gonna be fun watching the Colorado and the ranger do their thing!
For $6000 more they could have included the winch, Sway Bar Disconnect, and LED lights in the bumper!
Disconnecting the anti-sway bar is kinda hard on ifs
These trucks are so overpriced now, it's not even funny...
Wait till the Jeep Truck comes out the Rubicon model will be 60K easy
Yes, but look at Toyota, BMW, & Honda - they’ve boosted prices on even entry level vehicles due to all the tech + R&D carryover. The lowly BMW 320i starts at aboit $35K. Perhaps apples to oranges, but it’s an entry level commuter by my view & that’s the trajectory on these vehicles on whole.
I"m plenty happy with my regular zr2, but gotta love the inevitable comment on every midsize truck video about how there is no point in paying for midsize when you could get a fullsize. A) I don't plan on towing a house behind me. And B) 95% of the time I don't have anyone in the backseat. On the other hand, I don't feel like I"m driving a bus through the city, don't have to cram my truck into a cubby hole every time I park, I can actually drive off road without scraping my paint on branches, and the zr2 just looks way better than anything in the full size market. So yes, there is a reason to pay close to full size price for midsize.
Sounds to me like they sacrificed some ground clearance in order to make it harder to damage. With in reason that's probably a reasonable trade off. It also sounded to me like they were hinting that the Bison would be more comfortable on a long trip. That's also something to consider if you plan on leaving your area.Seem's like the midsized truck market is starting to get more choices. And to me that's a good thing for consumer's and workers.Let's have Nizzan,Toyota,Ford,Ram and GM/Chevy all competing with each other and hopefully all staying profitable enough to stay in business.
Don't compare the Bison to the Ranger Raptor. Ford says they won't bring it here. They're still thinking like they were when they decided to kill the Ranger. They will eventually change their minds when fuel prices go up again. But will be years too late when they do. They're committed to the new Bronco. Maybe it will have a ''Raptor'' option after a couple of years depending how successful the Bronco is.
@Dennis LeBlanc Ranger Raptors are starting to appear on the road here, Australia, they look good
@@zaneh6224 I've seen some videos of it and I like it. The thing is Ford of N.A. probably don't want to loose F150 Raptor sale to Ranger Raptors. They make a lot more profit with the Raptor than they could with the Ranger Raptor and they would have to change the Ranger version with rear leaf springs because to keep the Ranger Raptor's coil springs and Watts linkage would make the F150 Raptor look old tech and passé.
Well considering that almost all major manufacturers of cars have already said in the next 20 years they're going to stop making gas cars it's all irrelevant anyways who has the best electric motor and the best battery.
I doubt they would lose any sales, there are plenty of truck buyers out there.
Not what I thought this would be.... if you really wanted to make it more overland ready you should include a winch with the bison and add some type of utility rack on the bed, now what would have been great
I have the 2015 Chevy Colorado. When it first came out. My truck runs like a champ. The fact that Chevy has developed so much over the years with the Colorado gives me so much pride. GO CHEVY!
I'm a big Ford guy, was raised with em and brought home from the hospital the day I was born in an F150(81 custom). But I do like how GM approached the model. Can't wait to see what Ford does with the Ranger in the North American market. Also the Bronco could be a ringer for Ford, they'll have pretty much every base covered pickup, crossover, and SUV wise. And this new cooperation with VW on future commercial and "other" future projects could be huge.
RAM better put out the Dakota replacement quickly. I'm liking the ZR2 Bison more every time you guys talk about it.
My thoughts exactly!
Too much for a damn mid size truck. 50k?!
I paid 50k even for my 2016 f350 4x4 6.7 powerstroke fx4 lariat. I have 440hp 860ftlbs heated and cooled seats. Small trucks should top out under 38k
Than buy the base model
JBird117 Exactly and your truck is a huge badass truck, with a lot more room, more towing capacity, more luxurious goodies compared to this thing. Shouldn’t be as expensive.
ryding with ryan why not instead get a better bigger truck then for that price??
EJ Aguilera that would be great bud unrealistic in today’s market
Shock mounts still have no protection? You can get aftermarket skid plates for them for less than a couple hundred dollars, you would think they would have added something for the lowest point of the undercarriage.
When they had zero issues in testing, why bother?
All the truck still needs is a v8 5.3 or 6.2 option 👌
Awesome video as always! Super informative. Literally answered all of my questions.
Wow I had a 2012 Colorado with z71 off road lt1 with lt2 trim 17 tires 3.7l and I would love to get this!! Man after seeing vid it blows my old co out of the water!!! Cool I have to test drive when it comes out!!!
I'm still stuck on 31" tires. I seem to recall in one of your 1st zr2 reviews that the Chevy guy said it couldn't accept 33" tires without some trimming. It doesn't seem too user friendly for upgrades for serious off roading.
On another video the president of AEV said that the Bison ZR2 comes with a small lift and you can bold on 33's and with a few mods can fit 34's. In my opinion 33's would be plenty on the ZR2 platform.
I'm glad they brought steel bumpers front and back, makes it look manly.
Love the ZR2, almost bought one. Things that made me change my mind were the facts that the technology in the Colorado is ancient compared to other trucks. Halogen lights, no push button start, list goes on. I will have to wait to see what the next gen Colorado will bring.....
I admit I hate not having push button start in mine but I'd rather have cheap to replace Halogen. HID's are a vanity option. other than that the tech is top notch
Top reason to like the halogens:
HEAT. Keeps snow and ice to a minimum.
LED has tendency to ice over in sleet conditions. That may matter
J Lee Chronicles just drove for like 12 hours through a snow storm this weekend, and never had that issue with my led headlights in my Audi. Maybe because they DO get very warm? When I put my hands on them they’re just as warm as any halogen headlight.....
MK7 GOLF R good to know, had heard they didn’t produce much heat.
Would love to have one, beautifully made and great collaboration between AEV and Chevy. The prize - out of reach☹️😞
they have to make a silverado version
for 70k the dealer can outfit one
Hey! This was filmed out near Queen valley!
They should use the 2.7T engine for the gas option on this truck. Wouldn't that be perfect with boost to compensate altitude and the power levels on paper are better. Not fully real world tested by you guys yet but if the new 2.7T gas engine turns out to be a good one, it just seems like a good choice for the ZR2 or Canyon/Colorado regular trims too.
Ok, that’s why it costs less than expected ... no AEV lift kit with repositioning of linkage, suspension etc .... mainly skidplates, bumpers, rails & rims
Yeah but chevy just released all those parts you mentioned and they bolt on to any ZR2. Cool because you can buy the parts you want to match what you will be doing.
Just started looking at the Colorado. Are there no LED headlights??? Even the Tacoma has finally added them.
I think Chevy was smart in not trying to compete with the raptor or the wrangler and instead went for overlanding. It's a growing market segment, really popular in Australia and starting to catch on in the states.
1000 lb payload is a joke. Fuel plus 5 people you at max you have to choose phone or coffee.
Tacoma has a max payload of 1,500
If your concern is towing you probably don't want a ZR2 or a Tacoma... just saying. It's for going over shit not pulling shit.
That is due to the off road tuned suspension... which is best in class. The regular Colorado has much higher payload and towing... which is currently also best in class.(until the Ranger and Jeep come out). On a plus note most don't ride around long distance with five 200 pound dudes in the cab. By that logic... since America has some larger dudes than that... 1600 lbs may not be enough either. Lol
They market this as overland vehicle. By the time you put in recovery gear, winch, roof rack, refrigerator and some other stuff you need overweight permit and DOT escort.
@@jackcarroll4404 I think the concern is that it's sold as an overlander, so you're supposed to be packing some stuff with you. It's a great off-roader, no argument there, but it ain't no overlander, because of the lack of payload.
AEV is an excellent company, but 1000lbs in payload for a vehicle marketed as an overland vehicle?!?! So, for $5000+ you lose approach angle and decrease your payload.
Why are so many people hung up on approach angle? How many 90 degree 6 foot walls are you climbing? Chevy had ZERO issue with approach angle in Moab, the Rubicon or Windrock. But if the internet complains about approach angle, it must be true.
The ZR2 has done well in the segment because GM made a trim with front/rear lockers, good suspension, rock sliders, and a front bumper that allows much better approach angle than the Z71. The ZR2 in it's stock configuration has an approach angle of 30 degrees, but with that AEV bumper it's much less...it takes away from it's already good capabilities in it's stock configuration. Traction, approach, break-over, and departure angles are what's used to build good off-road vehicles.
@@3098jorge It's not much less. It is negligible at best. If Chevy and AEV didn't have an issue on some of the most popular off-road destinations in the country, then it's not a problem. But if the internet said it, it must be true. I have never heard approach angle as an argument so much in my life without any real life situations where it has come into play. If the angle is bad, take a different line. If you are climbing 3 foot boulders you are probably in the wrong area with your ZR2.
5k extra for 5 skid plates and 2 nice bumpers and fender flairs if i was buying a ZR2 this package would be a no brainer
Why does the ZR2 come with P series tires? Cost? Should have 6-ply LT tires, don't you think? First thing I would change because P series tires will be flatting on the gravel roads here in PNW.
Has no one noticed the rear shock "cup" around the shaft? IMHO, we can predict long-term problems with that "CUP" retaining water, dirt, mud, detritus, holding it around the shock shaft, and degrading the finish, thus causing the seals to fail? This seems like a glaring failure point for these (more than likely) expensive parts. YES, it may have a drainage hole at the bottom, but what happens when it gets plugged with, well, anything. It's such a low point that shallow crossings would cause it to fill with muck. Even if the shaft was exposed to the elements, it might last longer without that protective boot/cup. Just a thought.
Luke Edward If you’re talking about the shock guard there is no bottom at ALL on that plastic guard. No problem with Debris build up. This is Chevy engineering not Toyota.
Michael Justa Around 3:25 mark, the black plastic guard around the shock shaft. At the front, it’s upside down, at the top, and won’t collect anything. In this orientation, it’ll inevitably collect debris, no matter how “open” it is at the mounting eye on the axle, and hold stuff against the hardened, polished chrome shaft, which will prematurely wear the seals.
God damn you're dumb.
Good observation, but it doesn't work like that, -go look at one in person. My biggest bitch are the shock mounts hanging down in the weeds on the rear axle tubes, -a little more thought could have fixed that.
Justin H Justin H Is their the reason for the unwarranted insult? Or is it just because you get your jollies being a keyboard commando and trying to make other people’s lives more miserable than yours. I expressed a valid concern, and someone answered it with a valid argument. I may be ignorant, and I’ll give you that. But I don’t find ignorance insulting. When I get a chance, I will go look at those spool valve shocks in person, and then I will no longer be “ignorant” of the situation. I ask the question out of concern and experience. I am so F-ing sorry that me, on an open forum, and my inquisitiveness and willingness to ask the questions, even if I did expose my ignorance, has caused you to express your opinion in such a succinctly unqualified, unquantified manner.
But I can sleep at night, knowing that I have a will, and a way to educate myself, and eliminate my ignorance as regards to something that you found so motivating to insult me. But when I sleep, I can comfortably forget you knowing that when the new day comes, troll like you will still be alone, still be unloved, and still be trying to define their happiness by randomly trying to spread misery to the world around them. Please go cry in a corner, and know that one more person in this world no longer cares of your existence.
Glad to see GM designers and engineers found a way to screw up the drivers side rear fender flare.
I like the wheels
Only bad thing I would see about getting the diesel is the exhaust tip hitting rocks when you come off of one and getting smashed. I wonder if they thought of that
Last time I checked, the Ranger Raptor is not coming to N. America. It is only for markets that do not get the high dollar F150 Raptor.
What a great and well made video , so informative. I actually got my eyes on the extended cab. It looks really nice, I wonder how much it will be.
I will never buy one, but I am glad companies are making these types of vehicles. Finally enthusiast vehicles ready built.
I had a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited with more standard equipment than my 2017 Chevrolet Colorado LT 4x4. The fact that the Bison is 5 grand more just blows my mind. It's an ok truck, but a fairly standard truck overall at 40k+.
Truthfully, I went to the Chevrolet dealership to buy a '16 Toyota Tacoma TRD but it was scratched to hell. Lol. I do enjoy my Colorado, but it wasn't really what I wanted especially price vs standard equipment from like 2009.
I thought FORD said the RANGER RAPTOR wasn't going to come to the US market.
That bumper looks way better than what the regular zr2 has.
Standard zr2 looks better. The front end on this truck is just ugly to me.
I agree, the approach angle sucks donkey dicks, -the bumper sticks out waay further than necessary, that really messes up it's wheelin capability.. -And it costs extra? I don't think so. Mall Rated at best........
@@ratman5727 Just so you know, the loss in approach angle is marginal at best. So many people get hung up on that. Chevy had ZERO issues testing it in Moab, on the Rubicon and in Windrock...
The skid plates look great with the exception of that it doesn’t cover the tranny pan and exhaust crossover pipe, they are very vulnerable, and why haven’t chevy moved the rear shocks outboard? Toyota , Jeep and the f-150 do this... and I’d love to buy one of these trucks without all the expensive add on”s... it’s too expensive... I don’t want to buy the electronic nanny controls... this truck should have come with 285/70/17” tires..
Great coverage!
If they are considering the using of skitplates, why they noy cover the oil pan too?
The front fascia on the regular ZR2 is better looking to me. My only other gripe is that 31” tires look way too small. Jeep JL comes w/ 33s & can fit 35s w/o a lift (Rubicon model w/ higher fenders).
The ZR2/Bison needs 33s & more sidewall.
Thank you for the review, I think I see were the money went. If I were going to buy today I'd do the Bison but I have the stock 2018 ZR2 and be buying the parts A la Cart.
I want to see a race between the v6 and the 2.8L duramax
I am a long time Toyota buyer. 96 4Runner, 98 4Runner (still owned and running perfectly), 98 Tacoma 4x4, 08 Tacoma, 17 Tacoma TRD off road (still owned). I have seen a lot pricing wise over the years and today Toyota plays the same MSRP sticker games for trucks as Ford and Chevy. Bottom line is both the Tacoma PRO and Bison are well over 10k over priced. Folks are willing to pay these crazy prices so we only have ourselves to blame.
If they would have thrown in the Warn winch then the $5,800 would have been a deal. But upgraded rims for the same tire size, Bison floor mats, winch ready bumper, stitched headrests, “boron” paper thin stamped steel underbody plates. The Bison is similar to the TRD PRO in that the upgrades do not make sense from a cost perspective. There is no value to be found here. Throw in the Warn winch installed and that could steal away some TRD PRO buyers. Chevy you already have a lot of profit baked into the ZR2, you could throw your loyal Colorado buyers a bone.
Did you get them brand new?
My 2007 H3 is paid for and goes anywhere this thing can. Plus I run 35’s without a lift. Why part with so much $ ?
I appreciate Chevys collaboration with an aftermarket company but to me the front bumper looks soft in style and chintzy almost plastic like as one might find in a cheap factory skid plate. I’m sure it’s strong but a chiseled solid steel or aluminum front bumper from other companies look more impressive and rugged in my opinion.
I’m a fan but the hole on it where the winch would go is giant and kills the looks for me
So nice. Sure want one.
Lol that front grill taken straight off the raptor
I like. Ok Gm, here's the scoop: give one of these to old Andrew St. Pierre White with a tough popup bed camper. He's the king of African overlanding. Must be diesel and have a BIG fuel tank and high payload. That old boy will sell more Bisons than anyone else! He know his overland bidness.
He would add his favorite KO2's but I'm sure he would love this truck. His biggest complaint when over landing in America is the size of the vehicles and the lack of a diesel option.
Did the airbags deploy or do we gotta wait to find out?
Overlanding? .. Don’t ever remember it being referred to as that! What’s next? Will drag racing be changed over to Asphalt Sprinting?
Wonder if AEV will offer a overland bed cage for a foldout tent.
I’m thinking in getting the regular zr2 but this interest me bison look amazing also I live in Baja I was also concidering in the traverse highcountry and Ima trade in my 2007 zo6 in since I don’t really use it and it has 16500 miles on it since I can’t use it in Baja cause of the bad roads I hope I can deduce tomorrow on wich don’t guys or any one have any advice on what to decide to get?
Come on Dodge, bring back the Dakota already and before 2022. Love my 02 but I'm ready for an upgrade.
Oof with another magnum engine that throws rods like an all star pitcher?
Really enjoyed watching the video. :D
Time to change my major to pre med because I NEED IT
If I were to purchase a ZR2, the Bison would be the only option because it does have a full front bumper. But beyond that, there is enough flame in the rest of this thread and I don't want to give AEV any more "butthurt" when I say this is a "very high end" trim package on top of the ZR2.
I just want a mini-raptor. A fast midsized pickup. The ranger raptor isn't coming to the US so maybe supercharging a ZR2?
If you look at how much quality aftermarket bumpers, wheels, and skid plates cost, this isn’t an unreasonably priced package. Especially considering you can finance it all at once.
Raptor Fighter?? LOL! You guys crack me up!
Toyota needs to set up their game
@Two two three Five five six Who hurt you?
Two two three Five five six have you seen the new Chevy 1500 side profile of a Toyota Tundra the front end of a 4Runner. Hate to say it but look at Toyota they hold their value and her more reliable than anything Chevy puts
Toyota has already stepped up their game. They put the FJ Cruiser Voodoo Blue on the Tacoma TRD Pro. Everyone knows that the off-roading capabilities of a Voodoo Blue vehicle are second to none! And don't forget the roof rack on the 4Runner! That was a big score for Toyora. Not only to they get to sell their overstock of FJ Cruiser roof racks, but the beefier rack means that people who buy the TRD Pro will be able to get more money on Ebay when they swap it out for a real roof rack! Toyota is just winning.
Oh, did I mention the premium 2009 audio system? The only way they could have outdone that system is if they put a cassette deck in it! Winning!
Frank Manning I heard the Taco has a button on the dash you can push if you get stuck and it gives you better resale value.
So why dont they put the 4 cylinder turbo that's going to be in the new silverado into the colorado? Seems like the colorado is a more appropriate truck for the motor.
Great looking truck, but that’s a lot of money ! Awesome review TFL
Wouldn't the ranger raptor be a bison fighter since the bison and zr2 came first
Raptor never will be sold on usa
The Bison is geared for overlanding and rock crawling. The new GM bolt on High Performance desert racing parts would be geared at the Ranger Raptor. The only problem is the Ranger Raptor doesn't exist and ford said its not happing lol.
What are you talking about? th-cam.com/video/24wnJFKp3wE/w-d-xo.html
@@supergearhead152 Its not available in the USA.
The Raptor has 450HP / 510# t. What does the Bison bring to the fight?
What a beast !!! Right on !!!
Keep in mind aev specializes in jeep wrangler so am sure they will come out with parts for the new jeep gladiator.
50k for that is expensive, you can get a base 2018 raptor for 50k. Sure the base raptor doesn't have nav or leather seats but still have the powerful engine and capacity
What is an auto impression and why is it embargo?
They even made the exhaust sound like a bison!
Needs at least 33x10.5 tires stock for that kind of up charge
If I had a ton of spare change, I think this would be the toy i'd buy.
Can you get the Bison with the BAJA Tire and Truck Bed Rails?
any aftermnarket Colorado parts should still bolt straight in
hey mark dickens why don't you offer the bison in the premium colors
This is how a group of our ZR2s did in the mud, ice, snow and rock in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan last weekend off roading on an island in Lake Huron, Drummond Island. We really beat the crap out of the trucks but they take it and keep coming back for more! th-cam.com/video/Xk3l2OEThV0/w-d-xo.html
Which trail in Arizona did the event took place?
I would like to see a supercharger offered. That would really set the bar high.
Mallet makes one for the Colorado 410 HP 375 ft lbs.
Ranger Raptor fighter title even though Ford said no US Ranger Raptor for now... click bait I guess.
Jay P Yeah and they know the Ranger Raptor isn’t coming which is weird. The truth is the Bison will be competing with the new Jeep Gladiator Rubicon pick up. The Bison will be at least 5k less then the gladiator. The Tacoma isn’t in the same league anymore.
Michael Justa yea true. I don’t think the Bison will be at least $5k cheaper though. We don’t have official pricing on the gladiator yet. It will really depend how many boxes you check on the gladiator. We’ll have to wait and see but for the serious off-roader I think the Gladiator will be the ticket. ZR2 probably a better daily and higher speed vehicle though.
Jay P I agree. I was going off the Rubicon model because the Jeep Rubicon loaded up is mid 50’s now. The Gladiator most likely will be slightly more.
The ZR2 doesn't fight the ranger raptor for the top spot. I hate how they say that all the time. The 12yr old ranger platform is trying to compete with the ZR2. The raptor doesn't even enter the U.S. market for years.
Michael Justa Yea loaded up I am sure the Jeep won’t be cheap. I would expect sub $50k though for Rubicon just not a fully loaded Rubicon. Excited to see the Gladiator officially.
They need to have factory aux switches in it
One more thing - anyone who says the upgrade to the Bison is not worth it, watch this video:
th-cam.com/video/6Pojy5cAlCc/w-d-xo.html
It's a 21mins walkthrough with the founder of AEV. You can't buy a stock ZR2 and do all of these upgrades, including labour and same warranty as your vehicle, for the same price. No way. GM & AEV both have to make some sort of profit here; for $5,800 ,the Bison package is fairly priced. Five incredibly strong skid plates, customer steel front and rear bumper (winch ready), unique rims, fog lights, flares, unique grille, recovery hooks, etc.
I tried to add some of the accessories to the ZR2 online and nope it wants to change it to the Bison LOL!
Great deal! Thx Chevy
If you wanna be the most badass midsize truck then forget all the window dressing, there's no replacement for displacement. Get that 4.5 litre v8 turbo duramax engine and stuff it in that Bison and I guarantee you'll end that debate.
Why didn't you ask to GM guy why the rear shocks are mounted so low on the rear axle. It just doesn't make sense why they would design it like that.
When I can get it with a six speed manual I'll think about it.
They forgot the skid plates for the low hanging rear shocks!
Chevy, drop a damn LS in it!
They never will as the LS platform is pretty much discounted in production vehicles except as a crate engine. They might shove the LT1 direct injection V8 which im really hoping for.
Low hanging rear Strut Nuts is a NO for me!
Yes, finally someone notices the "elephant in the room". Already have seen youtube vids of them breaking due to sticking out and down below the axle and impacting. Thats why the camera/s were there.. Perhaps more boron/steel lower shock strut guards are in the works at AEV. Will be a money maker for sure!
Almost 60 for that. Ha. I have been a chevy guy since my pops bought our first chevy when I was 8 but now I would rather find my self an old square body 4x4 or k 5 and do the work my self.
Boron Steel was first introduced by, Volvo.
Does that exhaust sound like a bison?
Where is that? I live in phoenix and wanna go there