2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

Overview

When the best way out of something is through it, the Chevy Silverado ZR2 is there to help. Based on the standard half-ton Silverado 1500 pickup, the ZR2 is an all-business off-roader that kicks things up with a more aggressive appearance, 33-inch all-terrain tires, additional ground clearance, trick Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and Chevy's faithful 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8. While not as untamed as the Ford F-150 Raptor or Ram 1500 TRX, the ZR2 favors the reality of a work week spent on pavement that ends with a muddy weekend. Its comfortable ride is a major benefit of its rugged suspension. Its 8900-pound max tow rating is higher than those of both the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram TRX, but its EPA-estimated 17 mpg highway mileage is mid-pack between those two. The ZR2 is only available as a four-door crew cab with the five-foot, ten-inch bed, and it comes standard with an enormous 13.4-inch touchscreen that powers its navigation and infotainment functions.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

1

Ram 1500

STARTING AT: $39,305

2

Ram 1500 TRX

STARTING AT: $86,450

3

Ford F-150

STARTING AT: $35,680

4

Ford F-150 Raptor

STARTING AT: $78,480

5

GMC Sierra 1500

STARTING AT: $37,445

7

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2

STARTING AT: $71,545

What's New for 2023?

Following last year's debut of the Silverado ZR2 model, 2023 adds the ZR2 Bison package—an even more sharply focused off-road package with added accessories from Montana-based aftermarket company American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). The Bison package improves the ZR2's approach and departure angles but does not increase the truck's 11.2 inches of ground clearance. The Bison wears AEV-stamped steel front and rear bumpers with additional underbody skid plates. Special 18-inch AEV wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud terrain tires are also included. Besides special AEV badging inside and out, only the ZR2 Bison gets the body-matching front grille paint.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Silverado ZR2 has a substantial starting price over even the fanciest non-off-road Silverado 1500 High Country by more than $10,000. In fact, it's a little too close to the far-more capable Ford F-150 Raptor's $77,570 starting price. Considering the $7,000 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

Under the ZR2's bulging hood is the same naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 that's available in the regular Silverado 1500. The engine makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and pairs with 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.

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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

The Silverado ZR2, with its 420-hp V-8, is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway, contributing to 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 unimpressive, nonetheless. Meanwhile, the F-150 Raptor and its 450-hp twin-turbo V-6 has combined estimates of 15 and 16 mpg, with the lower number applying to models with the optional 37-inch tires. 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.

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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

More Features and Specs