The upcoming 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 has once again been spied undergoing real-world testing on public roads. The new Silverado ZR2, possibly called the Silverado Trail Boss ZR2, will slot above the current Silverado Trail Boss as a more-capable off-roader in the 2022 Chevy Silverado lineup.
To help back its claims of enhanced off-roading prowess, the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 is expected to feature upgraded suspension pieces, specifically MultiMatic DSSV dampers similar to those featured on the Chevy Colorado ZR2.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 will also come with a number of exterior upgrades, starting with a revised front fascia that includes a new front bumper with a higher cut-off point. The rear will also be revised for greater clearance, thus providing the pickup with a higher approach and departure angle.
Also notable is the Chevy Silverado ZR2’s massive front skid plate and deleted front air dam, while a set of red tow hooks can be seen just under the camo in the front end.
This particular prototype is also notable for its side steps, while the wheels are the same rollers spotted on the 2022 Silverado Trail Boss prototype spied in September of 2020. The wheels are wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler rubber, which look good sitting under the raised fenders and jacked-up suspension.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 is expected to initially offer the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, which can be found in the current 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
The new Silverado ZR2 will likely launch for the 2022 model year, following the launch of the “standard lineup” for the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 model refresh. As GM Authority covered in the past, the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 brings a full mid-cycle enhancement (MCE) for the Light Duty pickup, including a new front fascia design (which GM Authority was the first to uncover), a new rear fascia, and new wheels. The refresh will also include an overhauled cabin with a new dash, center stack, center console, and the latest tech, including the option for GM’s Super Cruise system.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Silverado news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock General Motors news coverage.
Comments
I wonder if they’ll offer a supercharger for the 6.2L v8 specifically for the zr2. It would make a good raptor and Trx competitor.
They better. I’d like to see them also offer the standard 6.2 as a “base” zr2 engine. Either way GM’s V8’s need a power update. They are starting to fall behind and have very stiff competition, though I’d still take the 5.3 over Nissans endurance V8 and the hemi. Both those require premium fuel to get their top power output and the 5.3 makes its power a little lower. Just add the features of the 2.7 turbo to the 5.3 and the 6.2 (minus the turbo) id bet that get 5-8% more power and torque.
When the 2019 Silverado came out, C&D tested a 2019 RST 5.3 against a 2019 Ram. They were tied in acceleration. Not bad for the “small” GM V8 considering it can easily average 25 MPG highway. GM doesn’t need to redo their engines. Especially considering Ford ruined the Coyote with the 3rd gen.
It was a smidge slower actually, but compatible. It still needs a slight power bump and decent gearing for it’s big tires. They feel slow because of the tall rear axles being used with 33″ tires.
The basic Ram Hemi requires premium fuel for everyday driving! Not sure how I missed this and that Ram recommends 89 (mid-grade).
Would be glorious if it came to the GMC side too.
It would be idiotic if they don’t offer a GMC ZR2 equivalent.
Well they skipped out on the Canyon, not sure why, it would have sold better than their Canyon Denalis
Something something current ugly interior….
Now that I have your attention, the other pictures from this outing do not show any interior details. However, you can see the same old sunroof though. Less and less sure we will see a moonroof like on the yukon & 2021 F150.
Where are you seeing a sunroof? I have zoomed all the pictures and all I see are glares from the side windows.
Original photos were on gm-trucks yesterday. Lots of photos, worth taking a look.
With Ford and Dodge already having entrants into this category (the Raptor has been around for 11 years), this Silverado ZR2 has to deliver. Over the past handful of years, GM has relied on mere sticker packages that cost $$$ thousands. Why some people decide to throw their money down the toilet on stickers is beyond me, but to each their own.
As the owner of several late model, performance GM vehicles (Camaro SS and C7 GS), you must make this truck legitimate!
From the pics it doesn’t look like it’ll compete too closely to the Raptor and TRX. Ford and RAM had to significantly modify the hard points on the frame to support all the suspension changes from their base truck setup. Not to mention the areas they had to strengthen to handle the abuse. Sadly this only looks like the colorado zr2 setup put on a silverado. It’ll be more capable than the standard Trail boss but still behind the competition.
Really almost July and still no reveal? Ford is already launching their fully electric model next year and gm can’t even offer a proper moon roof. It’s a shame really, never thought I’d consider another brand but spending 70k+ on an outdated truck seems ludicrous to me. Come on GM, step it up for once.
So you’ll spend almost 80K for a similarly equipped Ford? Or get a ram for the same price with the ancient Hemi that requires premium fuel to run as hard as the 5.3? GM’s strong point is the Mid trims like the LT that you can get for 35K with good equipment that it would take Ford and ram 45 and 40K to match. That’s why I will be staying with GM, it’s because my wallet goes farther.
Spending $70k+ on Raptors that live like street queens is beyond me. The vast majority rarely leave pavement, the IWE 4WD system is an embarrassment that gets instantly chewed up by the Torsen front diff, and Ford never really addressed the front suspension completely. Ball joints on what they promote as some kind of factory pre-runner? lol gtfo
Even Ram pussed out with the TRX. The original version they showed had a legit IFS setup with heim links, tubular steel control arms, and limiting straps. Then the 2020 TRX shows up and gone are the legit parts, replaced with cheap ball joints and the old cast aluminum control arms. The old Moped default — show a legit concept, then when production starts just use standard Mopar parts and throw the Hellcat in it.
This looks more like a TrailBoss 2.0 vs ZR2, nothing says off-road quite like full width wheel to wheel running boards lol. I really want to like this truck so hopefully we’re not let down. As I have mentioned several times I would like to see them offer a TrailBoss, a ZR2 and a full out no excuses ZRX, something for all tastes and budgets.
I expect GM is not going to get too crazy here. You will get a well sorted suspension and a 6.2 but nothing rolled up to $90,000 like the Ram to $80,000 like the Ford.
GM Will keep to the formula similar to the other ZR 2 where it will build a very able truck but still keep it to where it is more affordable and will sell in grater numbers.
I’m with you. I expect GM to replicate the Colorado ZR2 formula and attempt to undercut the base Raptor by 5k or so. It costs you about 8k over the Z71 to get into a ZR2. The Hall Racing Silverado will show you what GM is up to except we may not get the 35s. Look it up. They were stress testing suspension right in front of us before the mules showed up
They will under cut the Raptor by $10k and the TRX by $20k all loaded up.
GM will sell more trucks this way and most people put their own gear on anyways.
I agree and it better be a 10k difference on the Raptor, not 5.
man this thing is underwhelming. but with the lack of Escalade V/ c8 z06/ Silverado EV news, i guess i’m just going to have to accept it.
So…it’s a Trail Boss with better shocks and higher-cut bumpers? Did I miss anything?
No you may find like the other ZR 2 heavier control arms. A wider stance, front locker more skids.
The Colorado version is a well sorted suspension and features that made it best in class but also came in about $10,000 less than expected at intro.
The 6.2 if offered was generally just a half a second slower than the Raptor. But these are not drag trucks so the power should be fine.
The key difference would be the Chevy is going for trails and rock climbing where most owners go. The Raptor is more sand and high speed trail. On the roads the Raptor is not a great handling truck in daily use where the Chevy will be better for daily driving yet will still drive well on trails.
What many forget since they never drove one is the Raptor is not a great on the road truck as the off road package is sprung soft. Lots of lean and sway.
If the photos represent the vehicle, there’s no wider stance present. Obviously we can’t see a front locker or more/better skids as shown. It seems to me that what is apparent doesn’t justify adding ZR2 stickers to a Trail Boss.
Probably more to it than that. And those DSSV dampers really are second to none.
Girls for s*ex in your city – bit.ly/4you4Ever
As long as they get rid of that ugly ass front end…..especially in the 2500-3500 models!!!!!! Looks like the front of a boat!!!!!!
I like the way the trail Boss looks, but let’s be honest. Upgrades wise it doesn’t hold a candle to the competition. Some lift struts, rear blocks and a slightly longer CV axle compared to what Ford is offering on the tremor or even Ram Rebel.
Honestly the ZR2 will probably be more of a competitor to the Tremor
How? The tremor is Ford response to the trail boss and there’s nothing the tremor has that the trail boss doesn’t, other than the trail boss still has name brand shocks and Ford slaps “tremor” on their standard FX4 shocks.
Tremor gets
Better approach angles with a front bash plate
Available front torsen diff
33″ all terrains
Upgraded suspension/steering knuckes/control arms
Wider track (I assume lower offset wheels do this)
Increased suspension travel
Upgraded transfer case (Similar to Raptors)
Overhead aux switches
Unique interior trim pieces/accents (dashboard and seats)
Unique exterior pieces and grill
Different hood
Trail boss gets
32″ all terrains
Relocated spring perch on front strut for lift / longer cv shaft
Rear block for rear lift
Black grill and bumpers
A coupe stickers
Ford took the Tremor a lot further.
Yet you may recall the trail bosses 28.7 vs the tremors 27.6 approach angle, and a similar lead on the departure angle, and that the chevy already has better articulation as well as frame flex for more reach. The silverado also comes in multiple trims making it more accessible, whereas the tremor is a trim, and doesn’t have as wide a price range. Id also take duratracs over general grabbers any day. The type of tire is way more important than 1″ of size.
The only feature the tremor has that the trail boss doesn’t is the torsen front diff, but that’s “late availability” and won’t be available before the new Silverado is in production.
Some good points Jake, my point is that Ford did more to differentiate the Tremor but your argument is it had more ground to gain. I think the trail boss looks really cool and tough, GM should just do a little more to differentiate it and make it feel special. They almost never do anything besides a few stickers. Why no custom interior pieces? Why in the world is it only available with 32″ off road tires and 3.23 gears? They were so happy at launch to say it can fit a 34 or 35″ tire (can’t remember, but with 3.23? no thanks. It should have 3.42 gears minimum with a 3.73 option as the truck sells to people who want big tires. The 24 gallon tank is as always a complete joke too.
I wouldn’t discount that front diff or upgraded transfer case either, those are legit options for an offroad truck.
There is so much low hanging fruit on GM trucks it’s astonishing they ignore it.
I see what your saying, but once again, if you concern is really style, GM has a swankier version of the trail boss over at GMC (AT4) with custom badges leather seating, floor Mats and a custom grill. Also the GM autotrack transfer case is still sworn to be best in the business. (still a brand name borg isn’t it?) I haven’t seen or found any head to head comparison of the two transfer cases, though I’ve heard anecdotally that the GM’s is much smoother and less prone to failure. In general the Z71 package has always been far superior to the FX4 (except GM’s awkward 2011-2013 truck years) so the trail boss being an upgraded Z71 is totally not a bad thing.
I’ve only ever bought GM trucks and the Ford trucks I drive are for work and 2wd. I know the GM transfer case is now clutch based instead of chain driven like they were in the GMT800’s and many consider them to be a downgrade from what was in those trucks but I don’t know a lot about Ford transfer cases.
Also, I have the G80 in my truck and my work vehicle is currently a 2wd chevy, which has it. The auto locking rear is certainly better than an open diff and I know how to get it to lock, but i’d rather have a switch or knob. Last winter my work truck got stuck and I could get the g80 to lock but to get out I needed to rock it. As soon as I put the truck in reverse it unlocks besides the efficiency issue of it having to relock to rock the vehicle I’m sure it’s not good for it. This opened my eyes a little bit to the auto locking diff having some disadvantages over a manually controlled one.
I’ve always purchased GM trucks as I said, but if they don’t fix some of the issues I will be looking at Ford in a couple years when I need to replace my 2018. Give us the option for more aggressive gearing. They went from 32″ tires with 3.42 gears to 33″ tires with 3.23 gears, both with 8 speeds. Between this, somehow thinking it’s a good idea to go from a 26 gallon tank to a 24 and still using the crappy 8 speed over the 10 in a lot of trims they will not get my money next round unless they change.
Also the silverado is 1.5″ wider than the ford, so the boss is still wider than the tremor with the tremors expanded track.
Shocks on the tremor are retuned ranchos.
Just reveal the dang things already. What are they waiting for? They were supposed to come out last year but were pushed back because of COVID. What on earth are they waiting for?
It’s welcoming to have a most off road worthy Silverado available for purchase, but also very disappointing that it falls short of the competition.
Tired of waiting on GM’s games on releasing photos of the refresh. Just ordered a F150 today.
I sat in a couple recently, dang nice trucks. I don’t think you will regret it.
Just cross shopped in my local town a Silverado custom to a Ford F-150 XL….. both 2.7 turbo, both 4×4 extended cab. Silverado sticker price, 40k even, f150, 47k…. with steel wheels. No thanks, I’ll take the Chevy. Ford currently has a price issue, especially when nobody is offering many incentives right now. I’ve finally been in the market for a new truck when this whole COVID/shortage hit. I can’t wait much longer with my current vehicle, but those prices….
I have a colorado ZR2. Technical trails it is awesome. Rock crawling it is great. Highspeed off road (woops and such) it is excellent. On road comfort it is world class.
This will be a hit. I see no need to have anything more than the 6.2. If you want more, put a blower on it.
adding a Blower these days on a 19 or newer GM is a real hassle. The ECU is locked, so you have to take the ECU out, send to HP and exchange for an unlocked ECU, then reinstall ECU, reprogram truck with base programming on blank ECU , install the Blower, then install the tuning for the blower. they don’t work as well as a factory blown engine. the after market add is about 11k. and do you have a warranty? probably not… They just need to give us the LT5 6.2 SC option 🙂
They can Build this and sell for under 70k with an upgraded mid travel front end , Supercharged 6.2 vs a 5.3 , do some interior upgrades and be in the Super Truck discussion