2024 Silverado ZR2 HD to tame trails and tow trailers with 35-inch tires and Multimatic shocks

After taking its sweet time introducing the off-road ZR2 version of the Silverado 1500, Chevrolet didn’t wait long to expand the ZR2 lineup to include an HD model. The 2024 ZR2 HD will be available exclusively as a crew-cab 2500 model and can be equipped with either a 401-hp 6.6-liter gas V-8 or a 470-hp 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V-8.

To make it the most off-road capable Silverado HD ever, Chevrolet gave the ZR2 305/70R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, an electronic-locking rear axle, a beefier steel transfer case skid plate, a new aluminum front skid plate, and unique control arms and steering knuckles. There’s also a unique front fascia with a “flow-tie” emblem (that’s just the outline of the “bowtie” for increased airflow) and a 1.5-inch lift on the suspension to clear those 35-inch tires.

And, like all Chevy ZR2 pickups, the ZR2 HD also uses high-tech Multimatic DSSV (spool valve) dampers. We’ve often praised these exceptional suspension pieces in the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado 1500 ZR2. They work almost like magic to tame terrain and allow the truck to soak up impacts or sail over whoops without upsetting the vehicle’s balance. At the same time, they provide a smooth and controlled ride on all types of pavement. Of course, this application in the Silverado ZR2 HD will be particularly demanding; the 2500 truck is heavier than the 1500, tipping the scales at between 7409 pounds with the gas-powered ZR2 and 8495 pounds with the diesel ZR2 Bison.

Yep, Chevrolet also announced that, like its 1500 brethren and the Colorado ZR2 before it, the HD ZR2 will be available with the Bison package from American Expeditionary Vehicles (AEV). That package includes new stamped steel bumpers, a trio of skid plates, and exclusive 18-inch gloss black wheels. Both bumpers feature recovery points and the front bumper is built to accommodate a winch. In addition to the hardware, Bison models will get unique exterior badging and AEV’s logo on the front seat headrests.

Regardless of options, Chevrolet designed all HD ZR2 models to be capable work trucks, with at least 2811 pounds of payload in the case of the ZR2 Bison diesel (3397 in the ZR2 gas) and 16,000 pounds of conventional towing rating for the gas and 18,000 pounds for the diesel trucks. Chevrolet told us that a whopping 96 percent of HD buyers use their trucks for towing, so despite the added ride height and off-road chops, the ZR2 HD absolutely must deliver during the work week.

All versions of the HD ZR2 also include an off-road mode that remaps the throttle and the shift characteristics of the 10-speed Allison automatic transmission while adjusting the anti-lock brakes and stability control. On our drive of the 1500 ZR2, we found that the Silverado allowed us to have some fun off-road and even slide the rear end a bit before stability control would step in, so we’re hoping the HD gets a similar amount of wiggle room before the electronic nannies kick in.

Inside, the HD ZR2 features a Jet Black and Graystone leather interior that is similar in equipment to the LT trim level. It uses a 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center, while a 15-inch head-up display is optional.

Chevrolet will begin HD ZR2 production later this summer. We can expect pricing details will be released before then, but for now, we can only speculate that the top off-road HD will come in at a few thousand above the High Country, which is the case for the 1500 ZR2. If that’s so, expect prices in the upper $70,000 range, with the Duramax turbodiesel adding around $9500. Currently, the AEV Bison package costs $7895 on the Silverado 1500 ZR2, and we’d expect a similar price for the HD. Chevrolet has built a great reputation with its ZR2 trucks, so we hope this off-road brute continues in the same vein.

Sil