Justin Banner, with MOTORTREND, said...When it comes to off-road specials, a truck based on the humongous, heavy-duty 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 isnt exactly the first option that comes to mind. The 2500 is a pickup that is typically meant for workhard workhauling heavy loads, not bivouacking far off the beaten path or attacking desert trails with any haste. But size isnt the only reason for the Silverado 2500 ZR2s specialness, nor can credit be placed solely on its magical Multimatic DSSV damper. Provided you can find trails with enough space to fit the beefy ZR2, its the total package.
On paper, you would think there is no way this truck could be described using the word quick or any of its synonyms. It weighs 8,266 pounds, after all. And yet, the ZR2s 6.6-liter turbodiesel Duramax V-8 does a rather impressive job at launching this massive 4x4. The Duramax hauls loads with quickness and is no slouch when pulling an 8,750-pound travel trailer.
Even with a slightly soft suspension, as the ZR2 is an off-road performance package, the off-road-capable Silverado 2500 never feels like it is about to tip over or do anything particularly dangerous while pushing it. Intriguingly for an off roader, the Silverado 2500 ZR2s suspension feels slightly softer than is typical for a heavy-duty pickup. This is where those Multimatic dampers come intheir initial compliance gives way to firmer action during more severe suspension cycles, a duality that makes the ZR2 a treat to ride in on pavement and, up to moderate speeds, off-pavement, too.
No question, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 ZR2 is an amazing package and very capable both on-road and off, loaded or unloaded. Like any other off-road-prepped heavy-duty truck, the ZR2s size and sheer mass cut against its utility as, well, an off-roader. You will need to find or make trails big enough for it, but provided you can make the room, the ZR2 likely will get you where you want to go, wherever that may be.