The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is already one of the best off-roaders you can buy right now, to be clear. However, in the world of 4x4s, there’s always room for improvement. As such, Chevy went on to expand the pickup truck’s skill set, which brings us now to this. The 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison, poised to tackle even more unforgiving terrain than its predecessor.

The Bison is a collaboration between Chevy and American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), an aftermarket manufacturer that sells parts and accessories for off-roaders. They also offer upgrade packages that can turn stock vehicles into all-terrain beasts if you have the cash. The Bison marks its first Chevy project.

The two companies have brought a lot of practical upgrades to the standard ZR2. For starters, five skid plates made of ultra-tough hot-stamped Boron steel now protect the the oil pan, transfer case, fuel tank, and front and rear differentials. Both the front and rear get stamped steel bumpers for extra toughness and to protect against rock impact. The front bumper includes fog lights and provisions for a winch, while the rear bumper has integrated recovery points in the event you need to attach cables or wires. That’s useful in case the truck gets stuck.

In terms of aesthetics, there’s a new high-flow grille with large Chevrolet branding. You also get larger fender flares in unfinished plastic, plus newly designed 17 x 8-inch aluminum wheels. All these are exclusive to Bison. mind you. An optional snorkel is available for $459.

The ZR2 Bison will go on sale January 2019 as a crew or extended cab. You can choose between the 3.6-liter gasoline V6 or the optional 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel four.

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Photos courtesy of Chevy