Spurred on by the success of models like the Ford F-150 Raptor and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, the production turnkey off-roader segment has absolutely exploded in popularity in recent years, prompting an ever-growing number of manufacturers to deliver more and more lifted and ruggedized go-anywhere trucks that are available straight off the showroom floor. Chevrolet has long been a player in this space, first introducing its ZR2 package in 1994. And while its off-road lineup has now grown to include full-on turnkey go-anywhere versions of its mid and full-sized pickups, Chevy has now taken its race-proven off-road parts package and applied it to a heavy-duty truck for the first time, giving way to the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2.
Joining the Colorado ZR2 and the Silverado 1500 ZR2, the new Silverado HD ZR2 benefits from much of the same off-road research and development that’s present on its existing counterparts. This includes flared fenders with integrated mudguards, a rear e-Locker, front and rear skid-plates, 18” aluminum wheels wrapped in 25” Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, an Off-Road Mode that alters throttle progression and transmission shifts, and a suspension package with Multimatic DSSV dampers, off-road-specific front upper and lower control arms, and a 1.5” lift.
Offered exclusively in the 2500 Crew Cab configuration, the truck comes standard with a 6.6-liter engine that can be upgraded to a 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel mill that boasts a nearly 3,400lb payload and a wildly impressive 18,500lb tow rating. Chevy will also be offering an even more impressive and off-road-capable Silverado HD ZR2 Bison. Born out of a collaboration between Chevrolet and American Expedition Vehicles (or AEV), the Bison-spec HD ZR2 comes loaded with gloss black 18” AEV wheels, a high-approach, stamped-steel front bumper with integrated recovery points and winch provisions, a stamped-steel cut rear bumper with recovery points, and stamped steel underbody skid plates, amongst other smaller additions like Bison and AEV badging.
Produced at General Motors’ Flint Assembly plant in Michigan, the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 is slated to hit dealerships in Q3 of 2023. Pricing for the new heavy-duty ZR2 truck will be revealed as we grow closer to its release.
