Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Silverado ZR2 is worth it to many looking for an awesome off-roading toy, but maybe less so to those who simply need a work truck.
- The Silverado ZR2 returns in 2024 and this time has an available diesel engine to make for better gas mileage.
- While the Bison might be largely cosmetic, shelling out the extra cash for the package only makes your half ton Chevrolet that much cooler and adds stronger front and rear bumpers.
Is the 2023 Silverado ZR2 Worth it?
Yes the 2023 Silverado ZR2 is worth it if you are looking for the best off-roading Silverado right out of the box, however if you are looking for a work truck, the ZR2 might not be completely worth it. This is because oftentimes the best work trucks come with a diesel engine and unfortunately the ZR2 only offers the standard 420 horsepower V8 engine. Beyond the ZR2 is not designed to tow as much as the other crew cab half ton Chevys.
But if you are looking for the most capable off-roading half ton, then the Silverado ZR2 is most definitely worth it. The ZR2 is a great entry into the super off-roading truck class because it does not add any extra girth to the vehicle and maintains an athletic midline.
The Ram TRX and Raptors while they might have peppier engines, they also have substantial weight gain in their width. This makes it so that the ZR2 can fit down skinnier paths that keep out the other two desert runners.
Will there be a 2024 Silverado ZR2?
Yes there will be a 2024 Silverado ZR2. The most fun Chevy pickup returns again for the 2024 year having just reached the market in 2022. The best part is that in 2024 the half ton super truck will be the first off-roading high end truck to receive a diesel engine powertrain as an option.
The TRX and Raptor only offer gas powertrains and although they might offer a little bit more in the horsepower region, the ZR2 now offers the only diesel engine in the segment. Which gives it a little bit of edge in the towing department as nothing tows quite like a diesel engine.
This is a smart move for Chevrolet as they are famed for their Duramax engines and adding one turbodiesel to the lineup might sacrifice a bit of horsepower, but it does get improved fuel economy and low-end grunt that just is fun to work with.
How Much is the 2023 Silverado ZR2 Bison?
The 2023 Silverado ZR2 Bison starts right around $79,500. This price is a big jump over the Silverado ZR2 which starts at around $73,350. What does adding more than $6,000 get you? Now that is a great question.
The ZR2 Bison adds a bit more cosmetic flair than it does actual mechanical upgrades which means that the ZR2 Bison might not be worth it to everyone. However, what good is it to drive the ZR2 if no one knows you get to drive it around? Going for the Bison does not only add cosmetic flair as it does also add improved fender flares and steel front and rear bumpers with a winch accommodation up front.
If these extra steel features are enough to motivate you to drop an additional $6,000 more power to you, we think it's awesome to have the badging of the ZR2 Bison and the additional steel bumper features can add a measure of safety that is hard to find on the car market nowadays.