Chevrolet is on the performance off-road pickup train, like the rest of the market, as it is the fastest-growing category in new trucks. ZR2 has also brought in more new Chevy customers from other brands than any other truck in the lineup, so it’s only natural that the company adds more. Late this year, Chevy will bring us the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2, which will build upon the success of the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado 1500 ZR2.
“The Silverado HD ZR2 is for those who want it all: For when you need to haul equipment to the jobsite during the week, then the camper and family off the beaten path on the weekend,” said Sahar Nasif, program engineering manager, Silverado HD ZR2. “It’s for those who want their tow rig to be just as cool as the toys it’s hauling.”
The key here is an off-road-capable and sporty-looking truck that is just as adept at doing real work during the week as having fun on the trail on the weekend. We’re excited to see how the HD ZR2 stacks up against its competition, the RAM Power Wagon, RAM HD Rebel, and Ford SuperDuty Tremor. We’re even more excited to get the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 Bison off-road, as the AEV upfitted truck is coming to market at the same time.
2024 Silverado HD ZR2
Chevy is really targeting a younger HD truck buyer who needs a work truck/tow rig, a daily family/friend hauler, and also an off-road camping vehicle. To highlight that fact, the truck will only come in a 2500 Crew Cab configuration. It will also come standard with the 6.6L V-8 or can be equipped with the 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel. Both engine options are backed by an Allison 10-speed transmission and come with a 36-gallon fuel tank.
Hauling gear in and behind a truck is important, and the Silverado HD ZR2 delivers. The V-8-powered truck offers 3,397 pounds of payload capacity (diesel 3,193, Bison gas 3,013, Bison diesel 2,811). Max trailering of 18,500 pounds is on offer with the diesel, with a still-impressive 16,000 pounds on offer with the gas engine.
Off-Road Capability
A smooth ride with proper ground clearance is what this truck is really all about. A 1.5-inch lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires wrapped around 18×9 aluminum wheels provide most of this. The HD ZR2 has 11.6 inches of ground clearance, with the HD ZR2 Bison having 11.8 inches.
This is the first time 35s have been offered on a Chevy truck from the factory. Talking to engineers at the company also revealed that the wheel wells were designed to allow for even bigger tires. We have it on good word that 37s should work without having to trim anything.
Fancy Multimatic DSSV Dampers are really what provide the smooth ride on and off-road though. ZR2-specific front upper and lower control arms and specific steering knuckles are also part of the package.
Rounding out the added off-road hardware content on the 2024 HD ZR2 are an aluminum front skid plate, a larger steel transfer case skid, and a rear e-locker. Impressively, the rear locker does not have a speed limitation. Less impressive is the lack of a front locker on the HD ZR2.
Software-wise, the HD ZR2 gets a new Off-Road driving mode. When activated, this mode optimizes various vehicle calibrations — such as the anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control — for off-pavement excursions. Off-Road mode also alters throttle progression and transmission shifts, again for better control and traction when off-road driving.
HD ZR2 Interior
The recently updated Silverado HD interior is what the new HD ZR2s will get. It features a massive 13.4-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch driver console screen. A 15-inch heads-up display will also be on offer, with a built-in off-road inclinometer and HD Surround Vision 7.
Jet Black and Graystone leather are featured inside the HD ZR2, along with dark trim accents. Chevy says they took care in “selecting materials that are simple to wipe clean after a day in the dirt.”
2024 Silverado HD ZR2 Bison
The ultimate version of the Silverado HD ZR2 will be the Bison edition. This version will come with a full complement of updated parts from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). This includes; 18-inch gloss black wheels, a stamped-steel front winch bumper, and full stamped steel underbody skid plates.
The front bumper does hinder the approach angle a bit, but that is expected with proper recovery points and a winch tray. The key is keeping the possible addition of a winch out of the airflow to the radiator, as cooling is super important, especially when towing and hauling.
Besides the bling AEV parts, you’ll also be able to recognize the Bison edition HD ZR2 by its tailgate, front fender, and bedside badging, as well as the AEV logo on the front seat headrests.
Bison parts will also be available directly from AEV to bolt onto other Silverado HD trim levels.
2024 Silverado HD ZR2: Pricing & Availability
No pricing yet, but the HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison will both hit the U.S. and Canadian markets (only markets for now) in the second half of 2023. Production is scheduled to start at General Motors’ Flint Assembly plant in Michigan in late summer.
Chevy says that 65% of Silverado HD owners opt for the diesel right now, and they are expecting 70%+ for HD ZR2 buyers. The diesel does add about 400 pounds to the truck over the gas V-8, which shows in the reduced payload capacity.
Find your local Chevy truck dealer here. Get your order in soon, as I imagine the first batch of new HD ZR2 will sell quickly, especially the Bison edition.
