2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 Bison: AEV Off-Road Upgrades Straight From the Factory

Chevrolet gave its full-size Silverado some serious off-road chops with the launch of the ZR2 edition. But for those who want even more rock-crawling capabilities, the bowtie brand is bringing out the 2023 Silverado ZR2 Bison.

When Chevy introduced the ZR2 model early this year, it billed it as the ultimate off-road version of the familiar Silverado pickup. But now, it’s set to launch an even more extreme machine.

The new ZR2 Bison marks Chevrolet’s latest collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles — the two first teaming up on the Colorado ZR2 Bison for the 2019 model year. And it should give Silverado more credibility as it goes up against serious off-road competitors like the Ford F-150 Raptor R and the RAM 1500 TRX.

“Our most recent collaboration with AEV resulted in the much-acclaimed Colorado ZR2 Bison,” said Scott Bell, Chevrolet vice president. “We’re thrilled to team up again to bring customers Chevrolet’s next chapter of off-road dominance, this time on Silverado. The 2023 Silverado ZR2 Bison unlocks the pinnacle of the nameplate’s off-road capability.”

Silverado ZR2 + AEV Upgrades = Bison Edition

The ZR2 already offers a plethora of off-road-oriented features, including Multimatic 40mm DSSV spool-valve dampers, unique springs, increased front and rear suspension travel, front and rear e-lockers, and one-pedal rock crawling.

The Bison edition adds a range of new features, including:

• AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers with heavy-duty recovery points and step pads — the front bumper adding vertical tow hooks and an available winch
• Five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates
• Steel rocker panel protection
• Exclusive 18-inch gloss black AEV wheels paired with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires

Bison also features a body-color grille bar contrasting with the black grille itself.

On the rear, it adds a black matte finish to the standard Chevy Multi-Flex tailgate.

Inside the Bison

The inside of the Silverado ZR2 Bison gets the full AEV appearance package. Think contrast stitching, headrest logos, burly floormats, and more.

Silverado ZR2 Bison by the Numbers

The AEV package retains the ZR2’s 6.2L V-8. Paired with a 10-speed automatic, it hammers out 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

The Bison special edition bumps up the ZR2’s front approach angle from 31.8 to 32.5 degrees. Its departure angle, meanwhile, increases from 23.3 to 23.4 degrees. Both trucks have a maximum ground clearance of 11.2 inches.

According to Chevy, the hot-stamping process boosts the strength of the boron steel skid plates by 350% compared to conventional cold-stamped steel plates.

“The Silverado ZR2 Bison checks all the boxes,” claims AEV CEO and founder Dave Harriton. “We are confident off-road enthusiasts are going to love this truck.”

2023 Silverado Bison: Pricing and Timing

The partners, Chevrolet and AEV, plan to launch production of the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison by “early 2023,” which should put the first of the trucks in showrooms by spring. The starting price will be $78,490, including delivery fees, Chevy said.

Separately, Chevy announced that it is upgrading its 3.0L Duramax Diesel for the 2023 model year, boosting output to 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. (That’s 10% more horsepower and 7.6% more torque than in 2022.)

The diesel will continue to be offered on the Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country versions of the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado, but will not be available on the ZR2 or Bison models.