2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Epitomizes 'Work Hard, Play Hard'

• The 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZR2 debuts as the off-road pinnacle of the brand's heavy-duty-truck lineup.

• The ZR2 boasts 35-inch mud-terrain tires, a lifted suspension with fancy spool-valve dampers, and numerous bash plates.

• Aftermarket supplier AEV provides bits for the ZR2 Bison, including exclusive steel bumpers, unique 18-inch wheels, and tougher underbody armor.

The folks who buy Chevy's heavy-duty pickup trucks typically have big jobs to do. When they finish moving metaphorical mountains or hauling huge payloads, they likely want to have some fun like the rest of us. 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.

Hard-Working and Fun-Loving

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 fancy 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 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.