THE PERFECT ALL-AROUND 4X4S?
When we received an email inviting us to get behind the wheels of American Expedition Vehicles’ (AEV) new Prospector XL and Colorado ZR2 Bison, we jumped at the chance. Soon, we found ourselves piloting AEV’s newest creations on the trail and street and forming opinions on these two unique trucks. AEV, which was started by owner Dave Harriton while he was in college in Missoula, Montana, has made quite a name for itself over the last couple of decades with quality, droolworthy, U.S.-made parts and complete turnkey vehicles.
So, what makes the Prospector XL and Colorado ZR2 Bison unique? What did we learn during our test drives? Read on.
■ Prospector XL
The first thing you think of when you see AEV’s Prospector XL is that it is a life-sized version of a favorite toy truck from your childhood. There is something about the proportions that are so out of whack that you can’t even believe it’s real, or even street legal, for that matter. The Prospector XL stands up proud on massive tires, but it isn’t lifted sky high. The look is almost factory, except for those tires; how did they shoehorn those under there?
AEV has a rightfully earned reputation of meticulous OE-level engineering and high quality, and the Prospector XL continues down that path. Based on the new body-style Ram Heavy Duty 2500 or 3500 in any single rear wheel cab configuration, with the Cummins 6.7L I-6 turbodiesel or,
