Jeep Gladiator Rubicon vs Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison: Ultimate Off-Road Showdown

MotorVero takes you into the rugged depths of Badlands Off-Road Park for a no-holds-barred comparison between two of the most capable midsize off-road pickup trucks on the market — the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. Built for adventure, tested under pressure, and designed for trail domination, these trucks embody off-road excellence in every sense.

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Meet the Off-Road Contenders

On one side, we have the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon — a trail-blazing machine that borrows its proven DNA from the legendary Jeep Wrangler lineup. On the other, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison — an already acclaimed off-roader enhanced with rugged upgrades from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). These two pickups are not just daily drivers; they’re overland-ready beasts made for conquering nature’s toughest terrains.

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Badlands Off-Road Park: The Perfect Proving Ground

Set in the heart of Indiana, Badlands Off-Road Park offers over 800 acres of diverse terrain including sand dunes, gravel trails, rock formations, and muddy ruts. This transformed quarry is a proving ground for serious off-roaders — and a true test for any vehicle claiming off-road credibility. It’s where power, articulation, and durability are pushed to their limits.

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Design and First Impressions

The Gladiator Rubicon commands attention with its open-air capability, seven-slot grille, and unmistakable Jeep silhouette. Meanwhile, the ZR2 Bison sports functional armor, with boron steel skid plates, beefy fender flares, and a bold stance that screams utility. Both trucks exude confidence — but their approaches to off-road styling differ significantly.

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Drivetrain & Suspension: Built for the Trail

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon comes equipped with heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, electronic sway bar disconnects, and Fox shocks. Its 4:1 Rock-Trac system provides extreme crawl ratios, ideal for technical trails. The ZR2 Bison counters with Multimatic DSSV dampers, front/rear electronic locking differentials, and unique off-road calibration that makes it immensely capable at high speeds and over rocky climbs.

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Performance in the Dirt: Jeep vs Chevy

In real-world testing at Badlands, both trucks impressed — but in different ways. The Gladiator excelled in articulation and precision crawling, with excellent tire contact and maneuverability. The Bison, meanwhile, was a beast on loose gravel and high-speed trails, showcasing its superior shock tuning and terrain absorption. It’s a matter of finesse versus ferocity.

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Interior Comfort and Utility

While off-road prowess is the focus, interior quality matters. The Gladiator offers a more modular, open-cabin experience with removable doors and roof — perfect for immersive trail driving. The Colorado ZR2 Bison leans into traditional comfort, featuring a refined infotainment system, quieter ride, and a more composed cabin. Both serve their niche well.

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Cargo and Towing Capabilities

Off-road trucks must haul gear. The Gladiator offers class-leading towing of up to 7,650 lbs and a versatile 5-foot bed. The Colorado ZR2 Bison, while slightly lower in towing capacity at 5,000 lbs, features clever tie-downs and a factory spray-in bedliner. For those balancing overlanding with work duties, Jeep gets the nod.

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Technology & Off-Road Features

Modern trail driving is enhanced by technology. Both trucks offer off-road apps, camera systems, and GPS-based trail mapping. The Gladiator's Off-Road Pages app integrates real-time data, while the Bison’s hill descent control and integrated skid protection allow for aggressive descents. It’s a tech tie, with each brand leveraging different strengths.

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Durability and Real-World Testing

Through rock gardens, water crossings, and sand drifts, the judges at MotorVero subjected both pickups to punishing conditions. The Gladiator endured bruising rock climbs with finesse, while the Bison blasted through fast tracks and hill climbs with relentless energy. Neither flinched — but each highlighted unique off-road personas.

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Which One Should You Choose?

If your idea of off-roading involves technical terrain, steep inclines, and rock-crawling, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is your champion. For those who crave overland endurance, speed on gravel, and armored protection, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison answers the call. It’s not a matter of which is better — it’s which suits your adventure lifestyle.

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Verdict: Purpose-Built Warriors

Ultimately, both trucks serve as benchmarks in midsize off-roading. They demonstrate what’s possible when automakers invest in capability without sacrificing identity. The Gladiator offers classic Jeep character with serious off-road capability. The ZR2 Bison delivers modern aggression and trail-tested enhancements. In this battle, the real winner is the enthusiast.

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FAQs: Jeep Gladiator Rubicon vs Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison

• Which truck has better ground clearance? The Gladiator Rubicon offers up to 11.1 inches; the ZR2 Bison sits at around 10.6 inches.
• Can you daily drive these trucks? Yes, but the Gladiator is better suited for off-road weekends, while the ZR2 Bison balances comfort with utility.
• Are these trucks good for overlanding? Both excel in overlanding. The Bison offers better underbody protection while the Gladiator’s modular design adds versatility.