The Chevy Bison package is a factory off-road upgrade developed with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). It sits on top of Chevrolet’s ZR2 trucks and adds heavier underbody armour, AEV bumpers and wheels, and, on the Colorado, 35-inch mud-terrain tires. It does not add engine power.
What Is the Chevy Bison Package
Chevrolet created the Bison to give buyers AEV-style protection and hardware with a factory warranty and without aftermarket installation. In practice that means skid plates, bumpers, wheels and tires on top of the ZR2’s suspension and lockers.
Which Chevy Trucks Offer the Bison
| Truck | What the Bison adds |
|---|---|
| Colorado ZR2 Bison | 35-inch mud-terrain tires, 17-inch AEV wheels, five boron-steel skid plates, AEV bumpers, jounce dampers, 12.2 in clearance |
| Silverado HD ZR2 Bison | AEV steel bumpers, skid plates and wheels on the heavy-duty ZR2 (per Chevrolet and AEV) |
| Other Silverado ZR2 trucks | Bison content has been offered on some model years; confirm availability for the year and market you are shopping |
Package availability changes by model year and by market. Check Chevrolet Canada’s current lineup before you shop.
Colorado ZR2 Bison at a Glance
- Powertrain: 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder, 310 hp and 430 lb-ft, with an 8-speed automatic and 4WD.
- Tires and clearance: 35-inch mud-terrain tires and 12.2 inches of ground clearance.
- Protection: five boron-steel skid plates and AEV front and rear bumpers.
- Towing: rated up to 5,500 lb, below the regular ZR2.
The full numbers are in our Colorado ZR2 Bison specs guide, and the base truck is covered in Colorado ZR2 specs.
ZR2 vs Bison: What You Pay For
- Same: engine, transmission, Multimatic DSSV dampers and locking differentials.
- Different: larger tires, more clearance, AEV armour and a lower tow rating.
- Cost: the Bison sits above the regular ZR2 in price. Compare current Canadian pricing instead of relying on older figures.
Is the Bison Package Worth It
It is worth it if you will actually use the trail protection and clearance. For mostly road use, a standard ZR2 is cheaper and tows more. Mid-size rivals in this space include the Ford Ranger Raptor.
Before You Buy a Bison
- Confirm tow and payload ratings on the truck’s own label.
- Check garage height, step-in height and bed access with the tall tires.
- Ask about warranty coverage for off-road use.
- Check the VIN against Transport Canada’s recall database.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chevy Bison package?
It is an AEV-developed off-road package on Chevrolet’s ZR2 trucks, adding skid plates, AEV bumpers and wheels, and on the Colorado 35-inch tires.
What is the difference between a ZR2 and a Bison?
The Bison adds bigger tires, extra clearance, AEV armour and bumpers. The Colorado Bison uses the same 310 hp engine as the ZR2.
Which Chevy trucks come as a Bison?
The Colorado ZR2 Bison and the Silverado HD ZR2 Bison are the confirmed Bison models. Other availability changes by year, so check the current lineup.
Does the Colorado ZR2 Bison tow less than the ZR2?
Yes. The Bison is rated for 5,500 lb versus roughly 6,000 lb for the regular ZR2.
Is the ZR2 Bison package worth it?
It suits drivers who will use the clearance and underbody protection off-road. For mostly paved driving, a standard ZR2 costs less and tows more.
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