Need a Truck That Can Tow a House and Climb a Mountain? Meet the Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2

In an era when trucks are simultaneously workhorses, overland adventurers and showpiece performance machines, the Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 stakes its claim as the all-in one heavy-duty off-roader built for serious terrain and serious capability. Built on the HD (heavy-duty) architecture of the Silverado line, the ZR2 version blends rugged off-road hardware with trail-ready suspension and powertrain options. Let’s dive into what makes it special, what it costs, where you can buy one, and whether it lives up to the hype.

The Story Behind It

The Silverado HD ZR2 isn’t just another trim—they’ve taken the “ZR2” designation (which traditionally signals maximum off-road performance in the Chevrolet lineup) and paired it with the heavy-duty 2500/3500 platform. For example, sources show that the 2024 Silverado 2500HD ZR2 embarks on this heavy-duty off-road mission.

Adding an extra layer of intrigue is the collaboration between AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) and GM Defense, which revealed a custom version called the “Bison” variant at the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting, based on the Silverado HD ZR2 platform. That version spotlights how serious off-road hardware is now trickling into high-end and even defense-inspired applications. 

In short, the HD ZR2 is positioned for buyers who need a heavy-duty truck capable of handling work, tow loads, off-road terrain and still look distinctive doing it.

Silverado HD ZR2 Price & Availability

When you’re talking heavy-duty off-road variants, pricing climbs quickly—and the Silverado HD ZR2 is no exception.

For instance, the 2024 Silverado 2500HD ZR2 was reported to start around US $72,595 for the gas-engine version, and around US $82,085 with the diesel. 

On the 1500 (half-ton) ZR2 (for comparison), the 2025 model starts at about US $71,195 and goes up to around US $80,830 depending on options. 

Dealership listings for the 2500HD ZR2 show advertised MSRP values in the US from the mid-US$70,000 range and upward. For example: listings from TrueCar show for 2026 models in the US prices like US$76,689, US$78,885 etc. for a 2500HD ZR2.

Dealership availability:

Here are some sample dealerships listing the Silverado HD ZR2 in the U.S.:

Sedano Chevrolet (Santee, California) has a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 Crew Cab listed. 

Joe Basil Chevrolet (South Carolina) lists a 2025 Silverado 2500HD ZR2 with MSRP US$94,260. 

Stonebriar Chevrolet (Texas) lists a 2025 ZR2 at US$95,255. 

For buyers outside the U.S., import duties, shipping, compliance with emissions/regulations, and servicing capacity will all be additional considerations. But the U.S. base availability suggests you can access one via specialist importers or international shipping, albeit with a cost premium.

Silverado HD ZR2 Specs & Performance

What truly sets the HD ZR2 apart are its powertrain choices, off-road hardware and heavy-duty capability. Below are some of the key specifications and engineering highlights.

Powertrains:

While specs vary by region and model year, some reports list the 2500HD ZR2 (gas) as having a 6.6L V8 gas engine with 401 hp and 464 lb-ft torque (for the 2026 Silverado HD more broadly) under the heavy-duty spec sheets. 

For the diesel version: The 6.6L Duramax Turbodiesel V8 is rated at 470 hp and a monster 975 lb-ft of torque in the Silverado HD line. 

On the half-ton Silverado 1500 ZR2, though smaller churned, you see a 6.2L V8 at 420 hp / 460 lb-ft, or a turbo 3.0L Duramax I6 diesel at 305 hp / 495 lb-ft. 

Off-road hardware & chassis:

The ZR2 line features specially tuned suspension including spool-valve dampers, lifted ride height (for example the half-ton ZR2 has a running ground-clearance of 296 mm/11.7″, approach angle 31.8°, break-over 23.4°, departure 23.3° in one spec sheet). 

For the heavy-duty 2500HD ZR2, the “Bison” variant (AEV/GM Defense collaboration) adds additional underbody protection, AEV bumpers, snorkel kit, 37-inch tire clearance kit, vertical tire mount system, ComeUp winch etc. 

Tow/haul capacity: 

For the 2025 Silverado HD (non-ZR2 but same HD architecture) listings note max available trailering weight for diesel version up to 36,000 lbs (≈16 350 kg) in the most extreme configuration.

Silverado HD ZR2 Interior & Tech Features:

On the 1500 ZR2, you get a fully redesigned interior with a 13.4-inch diagonal touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch configurable digital cluster. 

Additional features such as locking differentials, aggressive all-terrain/off-road tires, reinforced skid plates and high-performance dampers underpin the ZR2‐specific hardware. 

What The Silverado HD ZR2 Delivers (and What to Think About)

Real off-road capability in a heavy-duty package: If your ambitions include remote overlanding, serious off-road trails, and heavy towing, the Silverado HD ZR2 equips you accordingly.

Towing and hauling muscle: With the diesel torque and HD architecture, you’re dealing with a truck that can move heavy trailers and payloads with more ease than many standard full-size pickups.

Distinctive presence: Between the lifted stance, aggressive tires, and off-road hardware, the ZR2 stands out from both standard duty trucks and many off-road variants.

Proven components: The partnership with AEV and GM Defense—especially in the “Bison” version—shows that the hardware has been engineered for above-ordinary applications.

What to think about:

Cost: With base prices in the mid-US$70 000s for the heavy-duty ZR2 and often significantly more when options, diesel and “Bison” packages come into play, this is an investment.

Size & weight: Heavy-duty trucks bring bulk. Maneuvering, parking, clearance constraints and fuel economy will all come into play. For instance, owners of large builds note clearance issues i.e., “83.5″ is about the minimum opening height you want” in some garage contexts. 

Operating costs: Bigger engines, heavier components, and off‐road hardware typically mean higher fuel consumption, higher maintenance costs, and possibly higher insurance/servicing bills.

Global Availability & Sample Markets

Canada

In Canada, a dealer listing for the 2025 Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 in Ontario lists a “cash purchase” price of CAD $99,444 (plus taxes/licensing) for the model with 6.6L V8 & 10-speed automatic. Another listing shows a 2026 model priced at CAD $109,146. The General Motors Canada’s Oshawa Assembly Plant has commenced production of the Silverado HD ZR2 for the Canadian market.

One in British Columbia lists “2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD ZR2” at CAD $98,933 + tax/licensing. Take-away: Canada is a confirmed market for the HD ZR2, with available inventory and listings. Import/registration in Canada appears normal.

Australia

In Australia, through General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV), the smaller “1500 ZR2” (half-ton) is offered and priced at AUD $141,500 (before on-road costs) for the 2025 model. The HD version (2500/3500) is confirmed for the Australian market: the 2024 Silverado HD with ZR2 variant is due to arrive early Q1/Q2 2024.

Features listed for the Australian ZR2 include 6.2L petrol V8, Multimatic DSSV dampers, front & rear electronic lockers, off-road cut front bumper etc. 

Take-away: Australia is an export/adapted market for the Silverado HD ZR2 (or at least the ZR2 version of the Silverado range), with right-hand-drive conversions via GMSV. Pricing is very high compared to North America.