2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Epitomizes 'Work Hard, Play Hard'

Aug 07, 2023

Adding beefy 35-inch tires and exotic spool-valve dampers, Chevy's heavy-duty Silverado is like an off-road semi truck.

The folks who buy Chevy's heavy-duty pickup trucks typically have big jobs to do. When they finish moving metaphorical mountains or hauling huge payloads, they likely want to have some fun like the rest of us. That's when the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 enters the chat. Not only is it as useful as most other three-quarter-ton models, but it's also better at playing in the dirt and crawling over rocks.

Chevy's off-road-focused ZR2 moniker already appears on its other trucks, the mid-size Colorado and the full-size Silverado 1500. Now the fun-loving ZR2 joins the hard-working heavy-duty lineup, however, it's only available on the 2500HD model configured with the crew-cab body style and standard-size cargo bed. It won't be hard to spot either, as its gigantic grille draws the eye and features the company's cool "flowtie." The truck also has different moldings around its wheel arches; red front tow hooks and ZR2 badges are other identifiers.

While four-wheel drive and an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission are standard, buyers can choose between the base 401-hp gas-fed 6.6-liter V-8 or the optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8, which generates a substantial 470 horses and 975 pound-feet of torque. The gas engine supports 16,000 pounds of conventional towing and up to nearly 3400 pounds of payload. While the diesel has a higher tow rating (18,500 pounds), its payload capacity is capped at 3200 pounds.

Regardless of what's under the hood, every Silverado 2500HD ZR2 boasts exclusive equipment. The roster includes a set of 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory M/T tires mounted on black 18-inch multispoke wheels. It may surprise some to learn these are the first factory-installed 35-inch tires on a Silverado. They pair with arguably the most notable ZR2-specific feature: Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers. These exotic shocks use three separate spool valves to better withstand off-road abuse and aid on-road composure.

Along with the fancy dampers, the heavy-duty Silverado ZR2's suspension is lifted 1.5 inches at all four corners. There's also a set of revised front upper and lower control arms as well as new steering knuckles. In the likely event the truck's underbody comes into contact with hard obstacles, there's an aluminum skid plate up front and steel plating to protect the transfer case. Helping to manage traction is an electronically locking rear differential, and every ZR2 has an Off-Road drive mode to help conquer rugged terrain.

Chevy and aftermarket supplier American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) have a history of partnering on upfitted off-roaders. The offspring of their relationship includes the 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison we tested (and jumped) and the newer 2023 Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison we've yet to get our dirty mitts on. Naturally, there's also a bovine version of the new heavy-duty ZR2.

The 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Bison is quite a mouthful, but its name also brings additional equipment that helps it survive bigger beatings. For example, the Bison alone comes with steel-stamped front and rear bumpers with recovery points and a winch accommodation, and underneath there are tough bash plates. Completing the Bison's look are a set of AEV-specific 18-inch wheels painted in gloss black.

While the Bison has a slightly steeper breakover angle than the regular ZR2 (22.6 degrees versus 21.2), the opposite is true of their approach angles, where the AEV model peaks at 29.8 degrees compared with 32.5 degrees. Their departure angle is identical at 25.7 inches and ground clearance is similarly close at 11.6—11.7 inches. Chevy says the Bison is just over 380 pounds heavier.

Inside, the ZR2 benefits from updates included with the Silverado HD's recent refresh. The interior materials are said to be easy to clean, and the leather-appointed seats and dark trim look handsome. There's a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to go along with a 13.4-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which also provides access to the surround-view camera system. There's a large head-up display too and a wireless charging pad on the full-length center console.

Chevy hasn't said how much the 2024 Silverado 2500HD ZR2 will cost, but we'd wager its price will start around $80,000. Those who want to upgrade to the Bison variant will likely have to spend another $8000, at least if the price delta between the half-ton Silverado ZR2 and its bovine counterpart is any indication.

The off-road pinnacle of the heavy-duty Silverado will start production later this summer at GM's assembly plant in Flint, Michigan. Official pricing will be announced between now and then.

Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.

2024 Lexus TX's Exterior, Interior Details Teased

2024 Lexus GX Teased with Boxy, Burly Styling

Toyota Shows Racy GR Prius at 24 Hours of Le Mans

2023 Ford F-150 Shelby Centennial Can Reach 800 HP

2024 Mazdas Add Brown-on-Brown Carbon Turbo Model

2024 Camaro Bows Out with Collector's Edition

Tesla Model S Plaid Track Pack Brings 200-MPH Vmax

Tackling Performance Driving with Disabilities

Lots of MD Cars' Plates List Gambling Site. Oops.

2004 Volvo V70R Wagon Is Our BaT Auction Pick

Honda eGX Kart Is a Peek at the Future of Racing

Ford Unleashes 700-HP Supercharger Pack for F-150