Overview
One look at the jacked-up aggressively styled 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 lets everyone know this isn’t an ordinary half-ton pickup truck. While it’s not as extreme as the high-flying Ford F-150 Raptor or the 700-plus-hp Ram 1500 TRX, the ZR2 is the most formidable full-size truck in Chevy’s showroom. Along with its intimidating appearance, it has a 420-hp V-8, rides on 33-inch-tall tires, and features a tricked-out suspension. The latter includes Multimatic spool-valve dampers that are derived from Formula 1 cars and Baja race trucks. Its interior is also decked out with a digitized dashboard, and its crew-cab-only body style means everyone can enjoy the ride when the blacktop ends. While it might not impress fans of Ford and Ram, the 2022 Silverado ZR2 gives the bow-tie brand a bona fide off-roader.
What’s New for 2022?
This marks the first time a Silverado has worn the ZR2 badge, which has previously appeared on smaller Chevy trucks and SUVs with an off-road bent.
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.
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.
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. 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.