The Silverado 2500 Gets Its First ZR2 Trims in 2024

April 19, 2024 · 6 min read

A red 2024 Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 Bison parked in the desert.

If you're an off-road enthusiast with an otherwise demanding job, you ought to know that you can officially combine your work life with your personal life by checking out the newest heavy-duty Chevy Silverado for sale. For the first time, Chevy is bringing the popular off-roading ZR2 and ZR2 Bison trims to the heavy-duty 2024 Silverado 2500, which means that drivers who need the capabilities to tow equipment and haul goods on job sites during the week and want to go camping, exploring, and hill-climbing on the weekends can have it all in one vehicle.

Bringing the off-road trims people already love about the Silverado 1500 and Colorado to the heavy-duty Silverado 2500 just makes sense. We aren’t sure why it didn’t happen sooner, but at least it’s here now, and we’re excited to show it to our customers. Here is what you need to know about the two new off-road variants of the Silverado 2500…

Cab & Engine Configurations

First things first, it’s important to note that the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison are only available in the crew cab configuration. That means you can fit five or six passengers in the cab. This is a fair deal, though, since most off-road destinations are best enjoyed with friends and family.

As for powertrains, a 6.6L V8 comes standard, while a 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 is available. The former sees a power output of 401 hp and torque of 464 lb-ft, while the latter sees your power output jump up to 470 hp. The torque on the diesel engine, however, is where things get impressive: 975 lb-ft. If you’re looking for effortless, rapid acceleration, even when towing, you’ll love putting the pedal to the metal with the Silverado 2500's diesel engine.

Close-up of the skid plate under the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD ZR2.

A Closer Look at the ZR2

The ZR2 Bison really builds on the ZR2, so we’ll first go into the foundational version of these two off-roading trims…

Special Dampers

The ZR2 boasts DSSV dampers that boost off-road capability while maintaining smooth ride dynamics. Oh, and did we mention they’ve been race-proven? These dampers have shown us what they’re capable of in desert off-road racing events, and the verdict is in: if you want excellent command on paved, sand, or dirt roads, your suspension doesn’t get much better than with these dampers.

Protective Elements

When you leave clean, paved roads, you take on some risk that gravel and other debris will kick up and harm the undercarriage of your vehicle—but not so in the ZR2. It gets a massive steel transfer case and a front aluminum skid plate; these protect critical components on the underside of your pickup so you can explore rock-littered paths with freedom.

Phenomenal Traction

Are you looking for maximum traction? You’ll get it with the rear e-locker. This electronic locker lets you flip a switch and send both wheels spinning at the same time. Should you catch a bump that sends one wheel up in the air, the other will still get excellent traction to help you stay in command.

Mammoth Tires

All of this off-roading beauty sits on top of huge 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Mud Terrain tires. You can roll over mud, dirt, sand, and just about any type of terrain, knowing your hefty tires will channel particulates away from your vehicle so you stay in contact with the ground.

Dedicated Off-Road Mode

The ZR2 also borrows a popular feature from the Colorado and Silverado 1500: Off-Road mode. Once activated, it makes adjustments to things like traction control, throttle progression, and anti-lock braking for improved command in off-road environments. Plus, you can drive as fast as you want while still taking advantage of the locking rear axle to enjoy optimal traction when accelerating.

Towing for Work & Recreation

The ZR2 can tow up to 18,500 lbs when equipped with a diesel engine. That should be more than enough power for the equipment you need to get work done on the job site and for the vessels you take to the lake or campground. This is arguably one of the reasons why having an off-road heavy-duty Silverado is so exciting, for towing a boat or camper and driving off-road are two activities that tend to go hand in hand—and now they can be done with fewer restrictions.

A close-up of the front bumper and grille of a red 2024 Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 Bison.

A Closer Look at the ZR2 Bison

The ZR2 Bison is the tougher and rougher sibling of the ZR2. In fact, it was designed in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles, one of the top manufacturers of off-road vehicle parts. If you are serious about off-roading, consider moving up to the ZR2 Bison; it has all that the ZR2 does, as well as the following…

High-Cut Approach Stamped-Steel Bumper

Want to approach big boulders and steep slopes without a care in the world? Then you need a high-cut approach bumper, and the ZR2 Bison has it. Giving you superior clearance at the front of your vehicle, this bumper empowers you to go over hilly terrain with less apprehension. And if something does brush up against it, its stamped-steel design is ready to handle it.

Stamped-Steel Rear Bumper and Recovery Points

When you depart steep slopes, you won’t need to worry about damaging the rear bumper, either. It also boasts a stamped-steel design, as do the recovery points, so if a buddy has to haul you out of a sticky situation, they’ll attach their tow straps or chains to these hefty items for a secure latch. (We know—you’re an excellent off-roader who will never need rescue—but, just in case…)

Additional Steel Parts

The ZR2 Bison is essentially covered in steel armor to remove your travel limitations. If you see a gorgeous vista or secret waterfall you want to drive to, but some tricky terrain stands between you and it, the idea behind the ZR2 Bison is that you can just forge on without worrying about harming critical components of your vehicle. That’s why there are steel underbody skid plates over the front of the vehicle, the transfer case, the steering rack, and the exhaust. Let those little rocks and splashes of water do what they will; you’re protected.

Find Your Off-Road Heavy Duty Truck at LaFontaine Chevrolet Plymouth

Are you ready to see what you can do when you combine the powers of the heavy-duty Silverado 2500 with the off-road readiness of the ZR2 trims? Visit us at LaFontaine Chevrolet of Plymouth. We can’t wait to show you this exciting vehicle in person.

We’ve taken these two thrilling trims for test drives and know they’ll satisfy avid off-road enthusiasts. If you want a pickup truck that’s ready for your work week and your weekend adventures alike, this is that pickup. The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison trims have already been highly popular on other Chevrolet models, and having them on the capable heavy-duty Silverado 2500 is really big news.

One of our team members can glean information about your driving habits and goals so they can pair you with the more preferable of the two ZR2 trims. Hence, if you aren’t sure which is right for your planned adventures, we can help you figure that out. When you’re ready to make your purchase, one of our finance experts will be glad to sit down with you and go over your options. We’re here to help you make tangible the fun you’ll have in your new Silverado 2500 ZR2 or ZR2 Bison.

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A red 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500HD is shown parked off-road in a grass valley.

Apr 12, 2024 in Chevy Silverado for Sale

Raw Power, Refined Interior: The Chevy Silverado 3500

Getting the right truck for your business means understanding what you need and making sure your pickup has the power to get the job done. While the legendary Chevy Silverado 1500 is great for many people, when you need a truck that can handle anything you throw at it, then you can’t beat the Silverado 3500 HD. more As you look for a Chevy Silverado for sale, you’ll find a number of different models and options, including the standard Silverado 1500, the more powerful Silverado 2500 HD, and the beastly Silverado 3500 HD, which takes power and capability to another level entirely. If you think the 2024 Silverado 3500 HD might be right for you, but you’re still not sure, then let’s take a closer look at what the Silverado 3500 HD has to offer and see if it’s the right choice to help you get your job done. Powerful Engine Options While some trucks give you a wide range of options for your powertrain—like the Chevy Silverado 1500 and its four available engines—the Silverado 3500 HD keeps things simple with two engines to choose from. This way, you don’t have to worry about missing out on something that you want or getting power that can’t meet your needs. Both engines are mighty V8s, so it just comes down to whether you prefer a conventional gas or diesel engine. The standard powertrain for the Silverado 3500 HD is a 6.6L V8 gas engine that delivers 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. For the 2024 model year, this engine is now paired with an Allison ten-speed automatic rather than the six-speed automatic that was previously available, giving you a smoother drive with smaller steps between gears. If you prefer something with more power or need to be able to tackle some incredibly demanding jobs, then there’s an available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 that provides 470 hp and a massive 975 lb-ft of torque. This is an absolute beast of an engine, paired with the same Allison ten-speed automatic, providing you with tremendous amounts of power that it can maintain for longer periods. Power output has been boosted for the 2024 model, compared to last year’s diesel engine, and Chevy’s engineers have enhanced its low-end torque by up to 25%, giving you improved performance at low speeds and when climbing uphill. This is particularly helpful when you’re hauling a trailer behind you—speaking of which… Rugged Design & Bold Capability For many of us, the whole point of a truck with the kind of power that you can get from the 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 is its ability to handle some serious weight. Whether you need huge payload capacity so you can load up the bed with bags of cement, or you want to be able to pull a trailer full of lumber and supplies, the Silverado 3500 HD is undeniably up to the task. You get incredible capability with the Silverado 3500 HD and enough muscle to handle anything you throw at it, though your engine choice and other options impact just how much weight it can take to where you need it. In addition to the engine you pick, you should also consider if you want a model with a single rear-wheel (SRW) configuration or a dual rear-wheel (DRW) configuration, which has two wheels on each side of the rear axle. Looking at the standard gas engine, a Silverado 3500 HD with an SRW setup can handle up to 4,502 lbs of payload capacity; if you choose a model with a DRW configuration and the gas engine, then it can handle up to 7,234 lbs of maximum payload. The diesel engine weighs more, so it brings maximum payload down a bit, but an SRW model can still handle up to 4,403 lbs of payload, while one with a DRW setup can support up to 6,638 lbs of maximum payload capacity. When it comes to towing capability, your engine and rear-wheel configuration is just as important and has a similar effect on capacities. The standard gas engine with an SRW setup can handle up to 16,000 lbs of maximum conventional towing or up to 19,080 lbs of gooseneck or fifth wheel towing. Choosing this engine with a DRW configuration ups that to 18,700 lbs of conventional towing and 18,760 lbs of gooseneck towing. If you want the greatest capability possible, then go for the diesel engine that can haul up to 20,000 lbs behind it with conventional towing in an SRW setup. Where the Silverado 3500 HD takes things to the next level is gooseneck towing with the diesel engine and DRW configuration, which tops out at an incredible 36,000 lbs, giving you the power you need to tackle any job. Sophisticated and Refined Interior Last year, the Silverado 1500 received some interior upgrades that elevated it to a new level; this year, it’s the Silverado 3500 HD’s turn. Every Silverado 3500 HD receives a redesigned and refreshed interior that looks great and is perfectly arranged for functionality. Other than the fleet-ready WT trim, every Silverado 3500 HD features a new 13.4-inch infotainment display that looks incredible and is easy to use with navigation software, towing systems, and other tech. This is paired with a 12.3-inch configurable driver information center that’s easy to use and provides you with turn-by-turn navigation instructions and more. The available wireless smartphone charging pad has been redesigned to make it easier to use without getting in the way, and overall, the interior feels better. These kinds of features might be seen as excessive luxuries, but if you need a truck that can act as a mobile office for you or your workers, there’s no better way to stay connected and get your job done efficiently than with such impressive tech. Improved Trailering Technology Not all of the impressive technology found in the 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD relates to big screens or added comfort options. New systems are available to improve towing with this truck, such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer functionality, which accounts for the added drag and increased braking distances that come from towing and adjusts to safely let you use adaptive cruise control while towing. An Enhanced Transparent Trailer system now works with fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers to give you greater visibility while hauling some serious weight behind you, while Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert extends the area of the side blind zone alert system to account for whatever you’re towing. There’s even a new GCW Alert to warn you if your vehicle and trailer exceed the Silverado 3500 HD’s Gross Combined Weight Rating, helping you avoid damaging your truck. With this tech on your side, it’s easier to avoid collisions and similar situations that can harm people and damage your equipment, so you and your employees can focus on getting the job done. Is the Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Right for Your Business? Whether you’re looking for a new truck as an independent contractor, plan to build a fleet of hard-working pickups, or simply want a truck that can do some serious towing, the 2024 Silverado 3500 HD is up to the task. This is one of the hardest working trucks on the road, and it has only gotten better for this new model year, once again reminding us why so many people choose the Silverado 3500 HD for their business and rely on it to help them get their work done. From streamlined WT trims that are perfect for building a fleet to the unsurpassed sophistication and innovative tech of the High Country trim, the Silverado 3500 HD is an incredible truck that can help your business grow in ways you never thought possible.