First-Ever Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 Debuts to Tow, Haul and Tackle the Trails.
Many will say, “well a truck is a truck, it is all about preference.”
From hauling heavy payloads to moving metaphorical mountains, truck owners have work to do and playtime to get too. 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.
And it may be the best and last truck model you’ll ever buy….until the new model year comes out but by then, you’ll be hooked.
The off-road capability synonymous with Chevrolet’s ZR2 badge debuts for the Silverado HD with the introduction of the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 – the brand’s flagship heavy-duty off-roader. Elevating the Silverado HD’s off-road credentials to even further heights, the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 Bison debuts as part of the Chevy trucks family as well.
Chevrolet will soon offer a trio of flagship, off-road performance pickup trucks for anyone ready to explore the trails in Colorado ZR2, Silverado 1500 ZR2 and the first-ever Silverado HD ZR2.
Both the HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison bring race-proven technologies and enhanced off-road capability to the refreshed 2024 Silverado HD lineup, with the specialized ZR2 Bison featuring unique equipment from premium off-road aftermarket manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles, for those seeking the ultimate capability in their adventures.
“The all-new Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison provide the off-road performance our customers have come to expect from a ZR2, with the towing and payload capabilities our HD customers demand,” said Michael MacPhee, director of Chevrolet Trucks Marketing. “They also expand the Silverado HD lineup, offering more choices for customers to find the perfect truck for work and off-road adventure.”
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 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 more than 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.
HD ZR2 also includes a new Off-Road mode, which incorporates learnings from the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado 1500 ZR2. When engaged, it adjusts various vehicle calibrations, such as the anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, to optimize their performance for off-road driving. In addition, Off-Road mode alters throttle progression and transmission shifts, and the locking rear axle does not have a speed limitation.
Offered exclusively in the 2500 Crew Cab configuration — with the standard 6.6L gasoline engine or available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel — the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison leverage Chevrolet’s off-road racing success with a defined set of upgrades built from proven off-road prowess. Whether that’s crawling trails, tackling tough terrain or towing adventure toys on the weekend, the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison can handle it all.
The ZR2 Bison
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 and the newer 2023 Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison so naturally, there’s also a Bison version of the new heavy-duty ZR2 and it is not for the faint of heart. This truck is all truck and nothing but the truck.
The 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Bison might be the longest truck name in truck history, 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. Underneath are tough bash plates made from hot-stamped boron steel. 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.
A Refreshed Interior
The HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison also feature the 2024 Silverado HD lineup’s redesigned interior. Built for excellent work-ready functionality and next-level technology integration, the cabin boasts features HD truck buyers expect with a blend of premium materials and off-road prowess, as found in the Silverado 1500 ZR2.
The interior’s dark trim accents complement the Jet Black and Graystone leather-appointed surfaces. Care also went into selecting materials that are simple to wipe clean after a day in the dirt.
The instrument panel houses a best-in-class 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment screen and expansive 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center that become the focal points of the driver’s command center. The infotainment screen and other controls are also canted toward the driver, strengthening the command center perspective. Smart, off-road technology includes an available 15-inch Head-Up Display with an off-road inclinometer and HD Surround Vision for the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison.
A redesigned wireless phone charger area as well as a flow-under console, which offers the spaciousness of a bench seat while retaining the functionality of a center console, round out HD ZR2’s efficient use of interior space.
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.
