can you replace zone 2 cardio with something less boring, and/or what's the most efficient type of zone 2 cardio?

Another question based on reading Outlive.

40, m. I hate cardio even though I'm pretty good at it (ran marathons, hiked Mt Whitney 10h car to car, etc.). I really cannot stomach doing 2-4 hours of zone 2 a week, at least while I have to work full time. Sometimes I wonder if it would be better to die N years earlier, if that means I get those 2-4 hours back now :)

I also don't like podcasts/audiobooks. So far the best compromise I found is reading a book on a stationary bike... still takes a long time and feels like maybe not the best form of cardio per unit of time.

1) Is Zone 2 critical for everyone, or is it emphasized because the book is aimed at a less fit person? I'd much rather do HIIT for 20mins than zone 2 for 2 hours... is that good enough?

2) Failing that, are some types of boring zone 2 cardio (running, stepper, exercise bike, ...) better than others? For cardio benefit specifically, I understand they hit different muscles/bone density/etc.