The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 is Eager for Off-Road Fun

The Chevrolet Silverado nameplate is one that is easily recognizable by those who aren’t that much into cars and trucks. The HD line is a little less known by commoners, but those in the car-world and especially the truck-world will likely have no issue picking one from a lineup. And then there’s the ZR2– a name we’ve seen a bit more as of late, denoting very capable, trail-tackling trucks.

Put all that together and you get this: The Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 debuts for the 2024 model year, joining a lineup of other similarly named vehicles– the Silverado 1500 ZR2 and Colorado ZR2– with one goal in mind: Off-road performance. And before we jump into it; yes, the HD ZR2 is also riding into showrooms with a Bison trim.

The HD ZR2 will only be available in the 2500 Crew Cab configuration, sporting the standard bed. Customers will be able to swap the standard 6.6-liter gasoline-powered V8 engine to a 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8, each paired to a 10-speed automatic. The gasoline engine is capable of 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, capable of hauling a 3,397 lb payload and up to 16,000 lbs of conventional towing.

The diesel-burning Duramax kicks things up a tad to 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque, enough grunt to carry up to a 3,193 lb payload and tow up to 18,500 lbs conventionally. Both Bison trims see small reductions in payload– down to 3,013 lbs in the gas model and 2,811 lbs in the diesel. Conventional towing remains the same.

These powertrains certainly live up to the mission, but off-road performance boils down to more than just the power plant. As expected, the HD ZR2 features a list of standard equipment that bolster its resume: Multimatic DSSV Dampers, extra steel skid plates, and a rear e-locker start it off. Chevrolet saw fit to use specific upper and lower control arms, and steering knuckles. The wheels are also unique– 18×9 aluminum rims wrapped by 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires. When fully outfitted, the HD ZR2 rides with 11.6-inches of ground clearance– 11.8-inches with the Bison.

We keep mentioning it, so we might as well talk about it. While the “standard” HD ZR2 is already unique thanks to a family-specific grille, special wheel moldings and such, the HD ZR2 Bison sets itself apart even further thanks to a collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). That means exclusive gloss-black 18-inch wheels, a stamped-steel front and rear bumper with recovery points, and even more stamped-steel skid plating.

Both the HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison will use the latest Silverado interior, boasting a standard 13.4-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch instrument panel. There’s also an available head-up display, projecting an off-road inclinometer among other pieces of info. Otherwise, expect to find a premium Chevrolet pickup interior with leather-appointed surfaces and various amenities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison will begin assembly later this year at General Motors’ Flint Assembly plant in Michigan. No word on pricing yet, but we suspect to see a definitive number as we get closer to launch.