Overview
If you’ve ever wondered what the full-size Silverado 1500 would look like with 33-inch off-road tires, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and a grumpy face, here it is. Chevy used its family recipe, originally cooked up for the mid-size Colorado, to offer a more serious package for those about to rock. The ZR2 is offered with either a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 or a 305-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel. A 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive are standard, plus Chevy has nipped the front and rear bumpers and tucked the muffler back to keep its rowdiest Silverado from high-siding life’s little tree trunks. The ZR2 treatment doesn’t match the trophy-truck energy of the high-flying Ram 1500 TRX or Ford F-150 Raptor; it’s more on the level of a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro or F-150 Tremor instead.
What’s New for 2024?
While it’s mostly the same truck from last year, Chevy does add the 305-hp Duramax turbodiesel engine as a powertrain option for 2024.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Silverado ZR2 tacks more than $10,000 onto the price tag of the fanciest non-off-road Silverado 1500 High Country. In fact, the ZR2’s window sticker is a little too close to the far-more capable Ford F-150 Raptor’s starting price. Considering the $7000 Bison package is largely cosmetic, we’d recommend sticking with the regular ZR2 and saving the extra cash for snacks and camping supplies for the adventure this civilized off-roader truly deserves.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
There are two possibilities under the ZR2’s bulging hood. The first option is the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 that’s available in the regular Silverado 1500. This engine makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. If you’re after a little more fuel economy at the sacrifice of power, Chevy will throw the 305-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel powerplant under there for some additional coinage. Both options use a 10-speed automatic transmission. Every ZR2 features a four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic-locking front and rear differentials. Stabilizing the truck’s 18-inch wheels, which are shod with gnarly 33-inch off-road tires, is a specially tuned suspension that includes high-performance spool-valve dampers. The truck’s underside is protected by a unique skid-plate package, and Chevy says the ZR2’s high-mounted steel bumper provides a 31.8-degree approach angle, which is more than what’s offered on the similarly lifted Silverado Trail Boss models. Now that we’ve driven the ZR2 around Joshua Tree State Park, we have a greater appreciation for its capabilities as well as its reduced width compared with the F-150 Raptor and Ram TRX, which make the Chevy easier to maneuver on tight trails.
Towing and Payload Capacity
With a conventional trailer hitch, the Silverado ZR2 can tow up to 8900 pounds. The half-ton pickup can also handle a payload of up to 1440 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With its 420-hp V-8, the ZR2 is EPA-estimated at 14 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, with a combined rating of 15 mpg. While those estimates are better than the Ram TRX and its 702-hp supercharged V-8, which nets 12 mpg combined, they’re still relatively unimpressive. Meanwhile, the F-150 Raptor and its 450-hp twin-turbo V-6 has combined estimates of 15 or 16 mpg, depending on tires. The EPA hasn’t released its estimates for the ZR2 with the Duramax diesel engine. Once we can run the ZR2 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Silverado ZR2’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Silverado ZR2 has a slick-looking dashboard that features a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel next to a massive 13.4-inch touchscreen. The cabin includes leather-trimmed seats and sporty dark trim. Between the front buckets is a center console that features a T-shaped electronic shifter. However, we found the gear lever’s shape to be cumbersome, and we even accidentally activated the Park button on top with a resting hand. The ZR2 is only available in a crew-cab body style, so there’s expansive passenger space, particularly in the back seat. Those who plan on carrying more stuff in the cargo box will want to opt for the longer standard-length bed versus the short bed.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A huge horizontally oriented 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard on the Silverado ZR2. Along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system is compatible with Amazon Alexa and features built-in Google voice assistance, maps, and an app store.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every Silverado has a suite of standard driver-assistance technology and there is an assortment of optional assists that make driving and even towing more carefree. For more information about the Silverado’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Chevy covers the half-ton Silverado with a competitive warranty that doesn’t quite match the lengthy powertrain coverage of the Nissan Titan. However, every Silverado 1500 does get one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $70,195/$74,700
Options: Technology package (rear camera mirror, 15.0-inch head-up display, adaptive cruise control, power tilt and telescoping steering column), $1970; off-road high clearance steps, $1095; power sunroof, $995; Multi-Flex tailgate $445
ENGINE
pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 376 in3, 6162 cm3
Power: 420 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 13.5-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT
LT275/70R-18 115/112Q TPC
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 147.5 in
Length: 232.8 in
Width: 81.2 in
Height: 78.7 in
Passenger Volume: 136 ft3
Curb Weight: 5739 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.2 sec @ 97 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 98 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 202 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.72 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 13 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 15/14/17 mpg
