While Chevy is keeping its cards close about the new overland-ready pickup by not even telling us its name (though the "Bison" engineering label on the rear shocks all but confirm it), we can tell much by comparing it by the standard 2023 Colorado ZR2s that happened to be nearby.

2024 Chevrolet Colorado Bison Prototype First Look web 1

The new Colorado Bison, like the old one, will be a more-capable and better-armored off-roader. From the factory it sports Chevy-spec 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires (up from the standard ZR2's 32s), and an approximate 1-inch suspension lift for about 8.0 inches of ground clearance at the rear-differential and over 11 inches at the body. The suspension, featuring Multimatic-sourced DSSV dampers, will more than likely sport a different tune than Standard Colorado ZR2's due to the additional mass at each corner. The 2024 Colorado Bison also sports additional body armor, with what appears to be steel skid plates underneath the engine, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential.

Visually, the new Colorado ZR2 Bison is noticeably chunkier than the standard truck. Its new front and rear bumpers feature integrated recovery points (a feature lacking from the standard Colorado ZR2), and appear to be built from steel. Like the last Bison (and the current Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss), we suspect the new truck's front bumper is winch-capable.

The 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison rides on unique AEV-style alloy wheels, which feature a decorative beadlock ring, implying to us that it'll be beadlock-capable with some aftermarket accessories. This particular Colorado Bison prototype also features a full-size spare mounted on a new rack at the front-driver side of the bed. Unlike the old ZR2's desert rat-style tire mount, this new one will still leave room for recovery gear, fuel, and supplies in the truck's 5.1-foot bed.

Like the last Colorado ZR2 Bison, we suspect that the new one will match the ZR2's powertrain configuration. Expect to find a 2.7-liter turbocharged I-4 under hood, producing 310 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque (highest in the Colorado range), paired to an eight-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. The Bison will also feature front and rear electronic-locking differentials, and come exclusively in a four-door crew cab configuration.