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The Chevy Silverado got a major update recently and this massive thing behind me was part of that makeover. You see what it is? Okay, so then you know I’m pretty excited about it.

The ZR2 is familiar because we all know about the Colorado ZR2, one of my favorite versions of the midsize Chevy offering. It’s the off-road specific trim and the ZR2 version of the Silverado is hoping to carry over some of that capability to the full-size guy.


Under the hood of the Silverado ZR2 churns a 6.2-liter V8 that’s mated to a 10-speed automatic. It makes 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

OC: (driving) Wow, ok, that’s a V-8, but the Ford F-150 Raptor gets a turbo charged V6 that makes more power than that.


I’m not complaining about this powertrain. It feels like more than enough to get the Silverado going, and I definitely appreciate how torquey it is in the lower part of the range. It pulls well and gets me where I want to go.

I’d say the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is a more equal adversary for the Silverado ZR2? Well, that can come with a hybrid variant that makes 437 horsepower and over 100 more pound feet of torque.


The Silverado might not be the most powerful, but it’s got something that makes it pretty great when you wander off the pavement and that’s 40mm multimatic shocks. Multimatic shocks get small variable-rate spring valves inside them so they can be fine tuned. On the road they feel suitably stiff. But when they get on dirt, they soften up and make what could be a pretty bumpy ride very comfortable.


The ZR2 does have a few drive modes including, Off-Road mode for Baja style driving, Terrain mode, which is great for rock crawling if you’re into that, but they do not adjust the shock tuning – because multimatic shocks. Those modes do modify throttle mapping, transmission tuning and traction control only.




The Silverado’s off-road geometry is pretty good for a truck this size, 31.8-degrees up front and about 23 in the rear with a similar break over angle. You get 11.2-inches of ground clearance, which is good.


It can also tow (graphic: 8,900 pound), though there are other trims in the Silverado lineup that do heavier lifting. (Silverado Max Towing: 13,000 pounds)


The Silverado ZR2 gets a payload capacity of 1400 pounds, plenty of tie downs to secure your gear, and a 110-volt outlet in the bed. If you pony up an extra $500 you can get GM’s Multi-Flex tailgate, which in my opinion is the most versatile tailgate in the business right now. Pay the money.


When it comes to other upgrades in this Silverado iteration you’re looking at a 13.4-inch touchscreen with CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Chevy upgrades their interface here as well, which is always nice. You get a 12.3-inch gauge cluster that you can configure as well as an available head up display that’s easy to see and configure, too.


While you still get your usual trucky plastics the interior cabin is a swankier place to sit. There are nicer touch points and its redesign lends it to more of an upscale look. Trucks are all heading that way and we like it.


When it comes to the exterior the Silverado ZR2 gets some tricks that should help you off-road, too, including removable end caps on the bumpers and the dual exhaust has been placed so that you can avoid potential damage. You get extra skid plates for additional protection and wheel flares to protect your body from pin stripping.


I also think this bow tie that you can stick your hand into is very cool. Both literally and figuratively. Great cooling function and it looks great.

Staying safe in trucks gets easier and easier as more driver tech gets added and the Silverado ZR2 is not exception. Chevrolet’s Safety Assist suite comes standard, complete with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring is standard on the ZR2 but you'll have to pony up some extra cash if you want adaptive cruise control. Chevy's hands-free Super Cruise driver-assistance system isn't available on the ZR2.


Pricing on the Silverado starts at $34,600, not including a destination charge around $1700. The ZR2 starts a lot higher than that around $70,200. You could configure an off-road capable Silverado without going the way of the ZR2 for less, so if you’re more on a budget head to the Chevy website and see what they offer.


Okay, so lots of things to love about the Silverado ZR2. Solid off-road chops, great updates, and those shocks. If you’re looking for an all-around full-size truck that does a lot of things well, check out the Chevy.

00:00 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
0:39 Engine
1:20 Competitors
1:37 Driving Impressions
4:06 Exterior
4:45 Interior