Napleton News Chevrolet ZR2 Pickup Truck Review

Just as there are muscle car wars, so too are there muscle truck dustups. The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is one of the latest contenders for King of the Hill in light-duty trucks. It faces vehicles like the Ford F-150 Tremor, the RAM 1500 Rebel and the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro as its top competitors. Napleton News had a recent go in the ZR-2 to find out what all the commotion was about. Here’s what we thought.

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2: Chevy’s off-road alternative

The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is the latest in the venerable line of light-duty pickup trucks from the “bowtie brand” of General Motors. It joins a variety of other Silverado models in different trim levels for a variety of jobs. Start off with the base Silverado Work Truck. It’s available in regular, double and crew cab versions with either short or long beds. Next up is the Silverado LT, which is slightly more luxurious in a double cab/standard bed arrangement available with rear or all-wheel drive. A Silverado RST (with black bowtie) with either double or crew cab and 4WD or RWD is also available with a short bed.

A Silverado Trail Boss with 4WD, a crew cab and a short bed offers some degree of off-road ability. We’re almost finished here. It’s followed by a Crew Cab-equipped 4WD LTZ with short bed or the luxurious High Country model with Crew Cab, short bed and a choice of RWD or 4WD.

Finally, the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is the top-shelf model of the bunch. It’s built on a crew-cab platform with power from a big V8 and Multimatic DSSV Spool-valve shocks. It includes a locking front and rear differential, a terrain mode and numerous under-chassis skidplates.

What’s under the hood?

Power for the Silverado ZR2 comes from a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated ECOTEC3 V8 engine similar to the mill found in the new C8 Corvette. Making 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, it’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and includes a 3.23 rear axle ratio.

Three other engines are available in the Silverado lineup. These range from a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder making 310 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Next, is a 5.3-liter V8 making 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Finally, there is the 3.0-liter turbodiesel that provides 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7-liter mates to an eight-speed gearbox, while all others are matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

How does the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 look?

Honestly? Like a cross between a Chevy pickup and a Transformer science-fiction action figure. Redesigned in 2019, the Silverado has a front grille that reminds us of Japanese Anime characters. Extending rearward from the grille, admirers will notice a boxy look that appears to be a carryover from the previous design. That’s before you notice the looks that Chevrolet designers laid down. They have added curved embellishments to the side flanks that help add interest. But be warned: They may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

All Silverado models feature a specific grille according to their trim level. In the case of the ZR2, the grille features a black Chevrolet logo, red recovery hooks and black alloy wheels with 33-inch all-terrain Goodyear tires.

One of the trickest pieces of kit on the Silverado is the Multi-Flex hatch door. It becomes a desk for work, play or more, whether you are in the field or your driveway.

What about inside?

Large and in-charge, the dashboard of the ZR2 features a pair of high-resolution display screens. The gauge display checks in at 12.3-inches, while the infotainment screen does its best to fill the 13.4-inch display with Google maps, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sirius XM is also on-board.

Seats are covered with jet black/graystone leather and heated and ventilated. It’s just the thing for a hot South Florida summer.

The rear seat bottom flips up for additional storage. It’s just the thing for carrying home your 70-inch flatscreen TV, before the big game, of course. Speaking of payloads (we were, weren’t we?), the Silverado ZR2 can carry 1,440 pounds in the bed and tow up to 8,900 pounds on the hitch.

Behind the wheel of the ZR2

The new Chevy Silverado ZR2 is a powerful brute on and off the highway. There’s no denying that. As cartoonishly tall and big-rig outfitted as it is, it still manages to handle well with plenty of agility and proper handling built in. That’s good for quick lane changes and rapid acceleration as needed. Whether merging onto the interstate or climbing a trail, the ZR2 shows it’s a competent light-duty truck.

From a powertrain standpoint, that’s where the ZR2 comes up short. Not short on abilities but power. Fanboys on various sites were projecting the new ZR2 to be a direct competitor to the Ford Raptor and the RAM 1500 TRX. With the introduction of the new Raptor R, both will be hovering in the 700 horsepower range. That’s a bit of a far reach from the 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque found under the bonnet of the ZR2.

Instead, consider the Silverado ZR2 a competitor to the RAM 1500 Rebel or the Ford F150 Tremor. Whichever way you turn, you won’t be disappointed.

2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 4WD

	2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Crew Cab 4WD
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	6.2-liter V8
Horsepower	420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
Torque	460 LB-FT @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Fuel Economy	15 mpg (14 city/17 hwy)
Suspension (F/R)	Multimatic DSSV Dampers
Turning Circle	50.2 ft.
Also Available	Reg, Double Cab, 2WD, 5.3-liter V8, 3.0-liter Turbo Diesel
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	5 stars
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	147.5 inches
Overall Length	232.8 inches
Width	81.24 inches
Height	78.7 inches
Cargo Capacity	1,440 pounds
Headroom, Front	43.03 inches
Headroom, Rear	40.12 inches
Legroom, Front	44.53 inches
Legroom, Rear	43.4 inches
Shoulder, Front	66.02 inches
Shoulder, Rear	65.16 inches
Towing Capacity	8,900 pounds