2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 Bison Offers Even More Off-Road Capability

GM gives us an even more hardcore off-roader with the new 2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 Bison.

GM launched the Chevy Silverado ZR2 last year as the full-size counterpart to the Colorado ZR2, a fortified, off-road-focused version of the regular, run-of-the-mill pickup. With enhanced suspension components and other tweaks, the ZR2 quickly found footing in a world that covets rugged vehicles, so it seemed as if an even more hardcore version was inevitable. The newly revealed 2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 Bison is precisely that, and it follows the blueprint laid out by the mid-size Colorado ZR2 Bison as well.

GM teamed up with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) to give the 2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 Bison some beefier components, which include new stamped steel bumpers with integrated step plates and front tow hooks, five underbody skid plates, rocker panel protection, and unique gloss black 18-inch wheels wrapped with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires. Thanks to those new bumpers, the ZR2 Bison offers improved approach and departure angles compared to the regular ZR2 as well.

A body-color front grille and matte black panel on the ZR2 Bison’s Multi-Flex tailgate help differentiate it visually from the regular ZR2 and other Silverado variants, as does AEV badging throughout. However, nothing has changed in the powertrain department, as this new model is powered by the same naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 that generates 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque – identical to the regular Silverado and ZR2, unfortunately.

Underneath, the ZR2 Bison features GM’s Multimatic 40-millimeter DSSV spool-valve dampers, uniquely tuned springs that help improve suspension travel, front and rear e-lockers, and specific off-road chassis and suspension calibrations, including Terrain Mode, which allows for one-pedal rock crawling. All of this means that the ZR2 Bison is GM’s most off-road capable Silverado to date, according to the automaker itself.

The 2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 Bison is currently scheduled to enter production in early 2023 with an MSRP of $78,490, including destination and delivery. That’s quite a bit more than the standard ZR2, which starts out at $71,545, but for some, the added capability it offers and its various upgraded components will justify that extra outlay of cash.

Photos: Chevrolet

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.