This midsize pickup truck likes detours, especially off-road treks. But the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison is also comfortable tackling nasty potholes, crumbly hills, and congested expressways. A week-long Bison test drive demonstrated this truck’s dual personalities: a down- and-dirty disposition complimented by a tactical temperament. Bison’s methodical mindset gets additional support from various new-for-2019 features, including a heated steering wheel and a high-definition view via the standard rear vision camera. Colorado’s ZR2 Bison package emphasizes extreme off-road support with American Expedition Vehicles-designed gear, like hot- stamped boron steel skid plates for front/rear differentials, engine oil pan, transfer case and fuel tank.

The tested Colorado ZR2 Bison was powered by a 2.8-liter Duramax turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 186 horsepower at 3400 rpm/369 pounds-feet of torque at 2000 rpm. Diesel engine mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. (Colorado ZR2’s standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 producing 308 horsepower at 6800 rpm/275 pounds-feet torque at 4000 rpm. That standard gasoline direct injection engine mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission.) Tested Colorado ZR2 Bison Crew Cab 4WD has a maximum payload capacity of 1,162 pounds and a maximum trailering capacity of 5000 pounds. The 2.8-liter diesel engine-powered Colorado ZR2 Bison collects estimated mpg of 18 city/22 highway and carries an MSRP of $52,150.