Off-road focused trucks are coveted by young and affluent buyers, and this makes them a no-brainer from a business perspective. However, Chevrolet has never offered a rugged heavy-duty pickup.
That’s changing today with the introduction of the all-new Silverado HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison. Designed to tackle the great outdoors, the models complete Chevrolet’s trifecta and give the bowtie brand an adventure-ready pickup in the mid-size, full-size, and heavy-duty segments.
Offered exclusively in a 2500 Crew Cab configuration, the trucks are designed to combine the “off-road performance our customers have come to expect from a ZR2” with the “towing and payload capabilities our HD customers demand.” As part of this effort, the ZR2 has been equipped with an off-road focused suspension that features unique upper and lower control arms, new steering knuckles, and Multimatic DSSV dampers. The suspension has also been lifted by approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm) and this gives the trucks up to 11.8 inches (299 mm) of ground clearance.
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The upgrades don’t end there as the Silverado HD ZR2 has an aluminum front skid plate and a larger steel transfer case skid plate. Buyers will also find a rear e-locker and 18-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, which is a first for a Chevy truck. While a front locker isn’t included, officials used a media briefing last week to say the truck’s stability control system provides 95% of the same capability.
One thing buyers will find is a new off-road driving mode. It adjusts throttle and transmission settings as well as tweaks the “anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control to optimize their performance for off-road driving.”
Thanks to the lift and 35-inch tires, the truck looks far more aggressive than the mainstream variants. However, those aren’t the only styling upgrades as the ZR2 sports a unique grille with a “flow-tie” emblem. Buyers will also find black fender flares with integrated mudguards.
Besides the special touches, the trucks have side-mounted bed steps, a DuraBed cargo box, and a corner step rear bumper. They’re joined by a power tailgate and an available Multi-Flex tailgate.
Chevrolet didn’t say much about the interior, but the truck will have Jet Black and Graystone leather as well as dark trim. We can also see yellow contrast stitching as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment system.
Silverado HD ZR2 Bison Is Even More Extreme
The Silverado HD ZR2 Bison was developed in collaboration with AEV, and it sports a clearance-maximizing steel front bumper with integrated recovery points as well as provisions for a winch. A steel bumper can also be found out back, while there are stamped steel underbody skid plates to protect the steering rack, exhaust, and transfer case.
Rounding out the highlights are gloss black 18-inch AEV wheels and Bison badging on the bed. The model also sports AEV logos on the front headrests.
An Off-Roader That Can Tow Up To 18,500 Pounds
The Silverado HD ZR2 comes equipped with a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine that develops 401 hp (299 kW / 407 PS) and 464 lb-ft (628 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a 10-speed Allison transmission and a standard four-wheel drive system.
However, nearly 70% of customers are expected to opt for the available 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8. It’s the obvious choice as it develops 470 hp (350 kW / 477 PS) and 975 lb-ft (1,320 Nm) of torque. It also comes paired with an Allison transmission and four-wheel drive.
Since 96% of Silverado HD customers tow, the company ensured the ZR2 can tow up to 18,500 lbs (8,391 kg). The model also sports a payload capacity of up to 3,397 lbs (1,541 kg), which is only 179 lbs (81 kg) less than the mightiest 2500 4WD.
The Silverado HD ZR2 and Silverado HD ZR2 Bison will go into production this summer and be built in Flint, Michigan. Officials were mum on pricing and would only say the truck would be “aspirational but obtainable.” Of course, obtainable is subjective as the Silverado 1500 ZR2 starts at $73,395 and the heavy-duty truck will undoubtedly be even more expensive.
