We often describe the off-road optimized trucks and SUVs as "go anywhere" vehicles, but heavy duty 3/4-ton and 1-ton pickups are mostly used for towing and serious hauling purposes. So what can we say about the new Chevy Silverado HD with the special ZR2 off-road package? Just that if you want to tow your side-by-sides or ATVs to a particularly challenging location, this is the kind of truck you need to buy.
The Silverado HD has got the power and the durability to tow pretty much anything, and if you want to go off-road, this truck is a capable off-road 4X4 on its own. A quick look at the technical specs tells the story. This truck is available with the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine, which is rated at 470 horsepower and a whopping 975 pound-feet of torque. If you don't want to spend the $9,490 premium to get the diesel engine, you can also choose a 6.6-liter gas V8 with 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, and that's a perfectly viable choice.
Either engine is paired with a heavy-duty Allison 10-speed automatic transmission that is more than capable of towing right up to the legal limit. With the diesel, this truck is rated to tow up to 18,500 pounds with the tow hitch, or up to 18,100 pounds with the optional Gooseneck bed-mounted trailer ball. With the Silverado's curb weight of 8,113 pounds, that puts you right up against the State and Federal weight limits for drivers with conventional Class C driver licenses. Simply put, you can't tow any more than this truck can tow unless you get a commercial driver license.
When you get where you're going, you'll appreciate the off-road optimization of this truck. To begin with, the suspension is raised approximately 1.5 inches compared to other Silverado HD 4WD models. Then you get off-road front upper and lower control arms and specific steering knuckles, all controlled with Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers. There are skid plates in place from the factory to protect the engine, transmission, and transfer case. The rear differential is electronically lockable by the driver, and the whole thing rides on 35-inch tires mounted on 18-inch aluminum wheels.
On the tech side, the HD ZR2 also includes a new Off-Road Mode, which incorporates development from the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado 1500 ZR2. When engaged, it adjusts various vehicle calibrations, such as the anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, to optimize their performance for off-road driving. In addition, Off-Road Mode alters throttle progression and transmission shifts, and the locking rear axle does not have a speed limitation.
All the off-road stuff is great, but when you get into the Silverado, you'll find a perfectly civilized truck cab with leather and good-looking trim. As a bonus, Chevrolet chose interior materials that are simple to wipe clean after a day in the dirt.
For your tunes, the Silverado has the best-in-class 13.4-inch infotainment screen and an expansive 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center. The infotainment screen and other controls are angled toward the driver, strengthening the command center perspective. Smart, off-road technology includes an available 15-inch Head-Up Display with an off-road inclinometer and HD Surround Vision camera system.
A redesigned wireless phone charger area as well as a flow-under console, which offers the spaciousness of a bench seat while retaining the functionality of a center console, round out the Silverado's efficient use of interior space.
Buying the Silverado HD is easy, and the lineup starts at an affordable $43,400. But that doesn't get you the 4WD or other goodies. To get 4WD will cost at least $52,695, and to get the ZR2 goodies starts at $69,600 or more. Then there's almost $10,000 for that diesel engine. So it's very easy to plus up your truck to the $86,805 sticker price of our test model. But if getting to the most remote parts of the Northwest is what you need to do, this is the truck to get you there. Some or all of the price may be tax-deductible, too; ask your CPA to be sure.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500 ZR2
Base price: $69,600
Price as tested: $86,805
Type: Full size pickup
Engine: 6.6-liter Turbo-diesel V8 (470 hp, 945 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
EPA estimated mileage: N/A (HD trucks are not EPA-rated)
Overall length: 250 inches
Curb weight: 8,113 pounds
Final assembly: Flint, Michigan
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