You know what’s better than a pickup truck? One that’s made to go off-road. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in its ZR2 off-road package is a sweet, sweet off-road truck. It’s sensible, in that it’s still on-road comfortable and #truckstuff ready. Plus the ZR2 can now have the diesel engine, which is a purring beauty that we think is well worth the upgrade price.
There are some caveats to the Silverado ZR2, though. Compared to what’s available from Ram Truck and Ford in their price-comparable and very off-road options, the ZR2 is not comparable. It doesn’t have the equipment to stretch wheel reach or the clearances to climb rocky hillsides. The Silverado ZR2 package is more akin to Toyota’s TRD Pro package for the Tundra. It’s better than just four-wheel drive because a few extras are added, but it’s not a serious off-road beast. It’s somewhere in the middle.
That’s a market that, we think, is where about 90 percent of the off-road pickup truck buyers fit. Most who own things like Raptors and TRX trucks only rarely go off the pavement with them. Most off-roading in the real world, as far as pickups are concerned, is done with standard 4×4 models with a few extras added on. Rigs similar to the ZR2 or TRD Pro options like the Rebel and the FX4.
To that end, the Silverado 1500 ZR2 is comprised of 33-inch all-terrain tires, off-road suspension dampers on the Z71 off-road suspension package, a two-speed transfer case, upgraded skid plates, a full-sized spare, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and a surround-view camera system. These plus two hooks and some other (sometimes functional) cosmetics make up the ZR2.
The ZR2 comes with either the 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine or the turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine. These put out 420 horsepower and 305 horsepower respectively. The diesel, of course, outputs more torque at 495 pound-feet compared to the V8’s 460. Both come with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Which, we note, removes almost all of the diesel lag normally associated with turbodiesel engines.
The ZR2 package can be upgraded with the Bison Edition option that adds American Expedition Vehicles items like stronger skid plates, unique black wheels, approach and departure improvements via new front and rear bumpers, steel rocker panel protection, and a unique grille. Plus some AEV badging inside and out.
With the Bison updates, the ZR2 becomes a lot more competitive, but still remains less capable than the similarly-priced Raptor. But it’s a more comfortable daily thanks to the truck still being a truck. The Silverado ZR2’s lift isn’t so much that it disturbs trailering much and the AT tires are still pretty road worthy.
Overall, we really like the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, especially with the Bison add-ons. It’s a great off-road rig where simplicity is key. Especially with the beautiful diesel engine it can be had with.
This review originally published on DriveModeShow.com.
