When it comes to heavy-duty off-road trucks, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 ZR2 is a massive contender. Equipped with the legendary Duramax diesel engine and off-road engineering, it promises a lot on paper. But what is it like to actually live with?
We broke down the experience into the top five distinct features that make this truck a winner, and the five frustrating design choices that might make you think twice. Here is our honest review of the 2024 ZR2 2500.
5 Things We Love About the 2024 ZR2 2500
There is a lot to like about Chevy’s heavy-duty off-roader. Here are the standout features that make this truck worth the price tag.
1. The Multimatic DSSV Suspension
The absolute highlight of the ZR2 2500 is the suspension. The Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) dampers are arguably the best riding shocks on any heavy-duty truck currently available from the factory. They provide incredible control off-road without sacrificing ride quality on the pavement.
2. The Aggressive Front Grille
Chevy nailed the aesthetics on the front end. The "flow-tie" (hollowed-out bow tie) emblem looks fantastic, but the real win is the finish. It features a sporty, all-black plastic painted-to-match look rather than the peeling "Vader chrome" found on other models. It gives the truck a menacing, recessed look right off the lot.
3. The 18-Inch Factory Wheels
Wheels can make or break a truck's stance, and the base ZR2 gets it right. These aren't the AEV edition wheels, but the standard gloss black 18-inch wheels are among the nicest looking stock options on the HD market today. They fit the rugged personality of the truck perfectly.
4. Sporty Seat Contours
While we have notes on the materials later, the actual shape of the seats is top-tier. These feel like the sportiest seats you can get in a 2500. They lack excessive lumbar adjustments, but they make up for it with a "hugging" fit that feels similar to a Recaro racing seat you might find in a Camaro or Mustang. They keep you planted.
5. The Price Point
Surprisingly, the best thing about the ZR2 2500 is the value. You can pick up a brand new Duramax ZR2 in the mid-to-upper $80,000 range. That is roughly the same price as a loaded GMC Sierra AT4, except with the ZR2, you are getting the factory 2-inch lift, superior ground clearance, and the DSSV dampers included.
5 Things We Hate About the 2024 ZR2 2500
Despite the great performance, there are some baffling design choices and missed opportunities on this model.
1. Red Exterior Accents
If you aren't a fan of red, this truck might annoy you. The bright red tow hooks and the red outline on the bow tie emblem feel a bit forced. For a truck this aggressive, a completely blacked-out aesthetic would have looked much cleaner.
2. Cheap Seat Material
We loved the shape of the seats, but we hate the material. For a truck in the luxury price bracket, the upholstery feels like a cheap, plasticky "pleather." When you compare this to the interiors of the GMC Sierra AT4X or the Denali Ultimate, the ZR2 2500 falls short on tactile quality.
3. The Yellow Interior Stitching
The color coordination inside the cabin is confusing. You have red accents on the exterior, but when you open the door, you are greeted by yellow stitching throughout the interior. It begs the question: Why? The clash between the red exterior notes and the yellow interior thread feels like a lack of attention to detail.
4. Factory Goodyear Wrangler Tires
This is a common GM issue, but it persists here. The factory Goodyear Wrangler tires are underwhelming. They don't offer the best longevity or wear patterns. If you buy this truck, you might find yourself swapping them out immediately for a set of BF Goodrich or Nittos to get better performance and durability.
5. No High-Output Engine Option
The biggest disappointment is under the hood. While the standard Duramax is a torque monster, Chevy does not offer a High Output (H.O.) version for the ZR2. When you look at competitors like Ford, who offer high-horsepower engine upgrades for their Super Duty lineup, the ZR2 feels like it’s missing that special "off-road" power bump.
The Verdict
The 2024 ZR2 2500 is a suspension marvel with a great price point relative to its competition, but it is held back by some questionable aesthetic choices and interior materials.
Want to see the full breakdown? Watch the complete review below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9lnnJsuJ9U