Chevy Silverado 2500HD Review

Getting work done sometimes requires a serious truck, and all of the big three American automakers offer the right tools for the job. The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a solid, heavy-duty truck, but it can also be a competent off-roader in the proper configuration. Chevy offers a ZR2 variant that brings off-road chops while retaining its work-ready capability. We put it through its paces over a week in Maine in late winter and found it to be a comfortable, capable beast that can put in real work when asked. 

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Performance

The 2024 Silverado 2500HD ZR2 has two available engine choices. The entry-level choice is a 6.6-liter gas V8, making 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. The uprated engine, and the one in our test truck, is a 6.6-liter diesel V8 that produces 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come paired with an Allison ten-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive. The diesel engine’s massive torque makes it feel unstoppable in almost any situation. It’s also surprisingly quiet, with much of the familiar diesel rumble muted by the truck’s excellent sound deadening.

The ZR2 Suspension Package includes a high-performance lifted suspension system and Multimatic DSSV dampers, which give the truck impressive ground clearance and off-road capability. Even so, it doesn’t spoil the ride quality and helps the ZR2 traverse broken pavement and rough roads with ease.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Interior

Chevy has updated the 2500HD’s interior over the years to the point that it’s far nicer than the basic work truck it once was. The ZR2 brings perforated leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats. Our test truck came in the desirable crew cab configuration, which creates plenty of interior space and seating for five people without hassle. The front buckets are broad, deep, and nicely padded, offering solid support and comfort for long-haul drives. The back bench is equally as spacious, and Chevy gave the seats enough shape to be supportive and comfortable.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Tech

The Silverado 2500HD comes standard with a seven-inch touchscreen and a 3.5-inch driver information display in the gauge cluster. Our ZR2 test truck came with the upgraded 13.4-inch screen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which brings wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluetooth, SiriusXM radio, HD radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. We also had the optional Bose stereo. Chevy’s infotainment is mostly easy to use and very responsive. Menus and controls are clearly labeled and relatively easy to navigate, and the screen offers excellent clarity and brightness. The system runs Google built-in, which brings a wealth of additional features, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and some Play Store functionality. 

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Safety

Heavy-duty trucks don’t always get the same attention when it comes to safety equipment and crash testing, but Chevy equips the 2500HD with a range of driver aids for extra peace of mind. It comes with forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, a teen driver mode, rear-seat alerts, automatic high beams, and lane departure alerts. Our range-topping test truck added adaptive cruise control, front/rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, a surround-view camera system, a digital rearview mirror, safety alert vibrating seats, and a head-up display. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the new Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 or any other new model, come see us at Twin Falls Chevrolet. Our knowledgeable team would be excited to show you around the pickup and discuss all of its ins and outs, including how to take advantage of all its impressive features and capabilities.