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2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 vs. Trail Boss vs. ZR2: What Are The Differences?

For anyone looking to explore the path less traveled, the 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 lineup has plenty of options. Among these are the Silverado Z71, Trail Boss, and ZR2, each of which offers varying levels of capability, as well as their own style and cabin features. Now, we’re taking a closer look at all three, breaking down the key differences across the exterior, interior, and mechanicals.

The front end of the Chevy Silverado ZR2.

Exterior Differences

Starting outside, the 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71, Trail Boss, and ZR2 each sport rugged styling cues. However, there are several exterior features that set them apart, as well.

To begin, we should clarify that the Z71 is an equipment package, rather than a distinct trim, meaning it retains much of the base model Silverado’s appearance while adding in specific off-road enhancements. The Z71 Off-Road package is available for the following trim levels:

  • Work Truck (WT) – $945
  • LT – $1,250
  • RST – $950
  • LTZ – $1,150
  • High Country – $350

Meanwhile, the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss trims offer a more serious off-road look with things like black door handles, black badging, and black mirror caps, while the ZR2 takes things further with red performance recovery hooks and upgraded underbody aluminum skid protection. The ZR2 Bison Edition offers the most styling aggression of the bunch (not to mention the highest level of off-road capability) thanks to AEV-exclusive bumpers and additional skid plates for enhanced durability, plus AEV-branded wheels.

Lighting also varies across these models. The Z71 Off-Road Package and Custom Trail Boss feature halogen headlamps and incandescent taillamps, whereas the LT Trail Boss and ZR2 trims upgrade to LED headlamps with daytime running light animation. The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison feature a white animation lighting signature.

RPO Z71 Off-Road Package Custom Trail Boss LT Trail Boss ZR2 ZR2 Bison Edition
CornerStep rear bumper BWN S S S S -
High Gloss Black bumpers VB5/VT5 - S S S S
AEV bumpers VHU/VPS - - - - S
Black door handles D72 A1 S - - -
High Gloss Black door handles D75 - - S S S
Front LED fog lamps T3U A1 - S S S
Black Bowtie on front grille A1 - S S S
Halogen headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps A1 S - - -
LED headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps and Amber animation A1 - S - -
LED headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps and White animation A1 - - S S
Incandescent taillamps and reverse lights A1 S - - -
LED taillamps with animation and incandescent reverse lights A1 - S S S
Heated and power-adjustable mirrors DEN/DLF A1 S S - -
Heated and power-adjustable/folding mirrors with turn signals, lighting and puddle lamps DEZ A1 - - S S
Heated and power-adjustable trailering mirrors with turn signals and lighting DPO A1 - A - -
Black mirror caps A1 S - - -
High Gloss Black mirror caps DP6 A1 - S S S
Ultrasonic front and rear park assist UD5 A1 - A S S
Black recovery hooks V76 A1 - - - -
Red performance recovery hooks UGA A1 S S S S
Chrome recovery hooks VLQ A1 - - - -
Skid plates NZZ S S S S S
Underbody aluminum skid plates - - - S S
AEV front skid plate PZG - - - - S
AEV rear differential skid plate PZL - - - - S
AEV transfer case skid plate PZN - - - - S
AEV fuel tank skid plate PZ9 - - - - S
Multi-Flex tailgate QK2 A1 A A A S
EZ Lift tailgate with power lock and release QT5 A1 S S S S
Power up/down tailgate with power lock and release QT6 A1 - A A -
265/65R18SL all-terrain tires XCK A1 - - - -
265/65R18SL all-terrain white-lettered tires QDS A1 - - - -
LT275/65R18C Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires R30 A1 S A - -
LT275/70R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires QFL - - - S S
275/60R20 all-terrain tires QAE A1 A S - -
LT265/60R20 Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires QFV - A A - -
18-inch Bright Silver painted wheels RCV A1 - - - -
18-inch High Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels RD1 - S A - -
18-inch machined face aluminum wheels with Black painted spokes and Oxide Gold painted ring accents RCW - - - S -
18-inch Gloss Black wheels RQL - - - A A
18-inch Gloss Black AEV wheels Q81 - - - - S
20-inch High Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels RD5 A1 A S - -
  1. Availability varies by trim level

Interior Differences

Inside, the Z71 Off-Road Package, Trail Boss, and ZR2 trims differ significantly in comfort, technology, and convenience features. The Z71 Off-Road Package retains single-zone air conditioning, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a six-speaker audio system in the Work Truck. By contrast, the LT Trail Boss and ZR2 trims upgrade to dual-zone automatic climate control, a larger 13.4-inch touchscreen, and a Bose premium seven-speaker audio system, all features found in the higher trim levels on which the Z71 Off-Road Package can be added.

In terms of safety, the Chevy Silverado ZR2 and ZR2 Bison Edition offer more standard driver-assist technologies, such as Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and HD Surround Vision, whereas these features are optional on Z71 and Trail Boss trims.

RPO Z71 Off-Road Package Custom Trail Boss LT Trail Boss ZR2 ZR2 Bison
Safety Alert Seat HS1 A1 - A S S
Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert UKC A1 - A S S
Rear Cross Traffic Braking UFB A1 - A S S
Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert UKV A1 - A S S
Rear Pedestrian Alert UKK A1 - A S S
Single-zone air conditioning C67 A1 S - - -
Dual-zone automatic climate control CJ2 A1 - S S S
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with 7-inch touchscreen IOR A1 S - - -
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with 13.4-inch touchscreen and Google built-in IOK A1 - S S S
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto projection PPW S S S S S
Wireless charging K4C A1 - A S S
2 charge/data USB ports on instrument panel UBJ S S S S S
2 charge/data USB ports inside center console UBC A1 - A S S
2 charge USB ports in rear-seat area UBI A1 S S S S
6-speaker audio system UQF A1 S S - -
7-speaker premium Bose Sound System UQA A1 - A S S
SiriusXM trial subscription U2K A1 S - - -
SiriusXM with 360L trial subscription A1 - S S S
6-gauge instrument cluster with 3.5-inch digital Driver Information Center UDC A1 S - - -
12.3-inch digital Driver Information Center UDV A1 - S S S
15-inch multicolor head-up display UV6 A1 - - A A
Floor-mounted center console with cupholders D07 A1 - A S S
Adaptive Cruise Control KSG A1 - A A A
Keyless open and start AVJ A1 - S S S
Rubberized vinyl floor mats B32/B33 A1 S - - -
Floor liners with removable carpeted inserts BKF/BKE A1 A A - -
All-weather floor liners with Z71 logo, LPO AAK A1 A S - -
All-weather floor liners with Chevy Bowtie logo, LPO RIA A1 - - S -
AEV brand floor liners, LPO AAO - - - - S
Rear Camera Mirror DRZ A1 - - A A
HD Surround Vision UV2 A1 - A S S
Trailer camera provisions TRG A1 - A S S
Bed View Camera UVN A1 - A S S
Auxiliary Trailer Camera, LPO TRO A1 - A - -
Leather seating package CXH A1 - A - -
Front 40/20/40 split bench seat with covered armrest storage AZ3 A1 S S - -
Front bucket seats with center console A50 A1 - A S S
10-way power driver seat including lumbar A2X A1 S S S S
10-way power front passenger seat including lumbar A7K A1 - - S S
Driver memory presets for power driver seat and outside mirrors A45 A1 - - S S
Heated front seats KA1 A1 - S S S
Ventilated front seats KQV A1 - - S S
Heated second-row outboard seats KA6 A1 - - S S
Rear 60/40 split folding bench seat A68 A1 S S - -
Uplevel rear 60/40 split folding bench seat with storage SNR A1 - A S S
Urethane steering wheel NK5 A1 S - - -
Wrapped steering wheel N57 A1 - S S S
Heated steering wheel KI3 A1 - S S S
Tilt-Wheel steering column N33 A1 S - - -
Manual tilt and telescoping steering column N37 A1 - S S S
Power tilt and telescoping steering column N48 A1 - - A A
Power sunroof on Crew Cab models CF5 A1 - A A A
Universal Home Remote UG1 A1 - A S S
Power sliding rear window with defogger A48 A1 - A S S
Power driver window with express up/down AXG S S S S S
Power front passenger window with express down AED A1 S S - -
Power front passenger window with express up/down AEF A1 - - S S
Power rear windows with express down AEQ S S S S S
  1. Availability varies by trim level

Mechanical Differences

Under the skin, the Chevy Silverado Z71 Off-Road Package, Trail Boss, and ZR2 each equip different powertrain and suspension setups. For example, depending on the trim level, the Z71 Off-Road Package is standard with the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine, and can be optioned with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 or the 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax engine. Meanwhile, the Trail Boss is standard with the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine and optional with the 5.3L V8 L84 and 3.0L I6 LZ0, while the Custom Trail Boss does not offer the 6.2L V8 L87, whereas the LT Trail Boss does offer the 6.2L V8 L87. Both ZR2 trims run the 6.2L V8 L87 as standard.

The two Trail Boss variants include off-roading suspension with a two-inch lift and monotube shocks. The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison Edition take things a step further, featuring high-performance Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear locking differentials, and an exclusive Terrain Mode, whereas the Z71 and Trail Boss feature an auto-locking rear differential.

RPO Z71 Off-Road Package Custom Trail Boss LT Trail Boss ZR2 ZR2 Bison
Turbo 2.7L I4 engine L3B -1 S S - -
5.3L V8 engine L84 S A A - -
6.2L V8 engine L87 A2 - A A A
Turbodiesel 3.0L I6 engine LZ0 A2 A A S S
Off-road suspension Z71 S - - - -
Off-road suspension with 2-inch lift and monotube shocks Z7X - S S - -
High-performance lifted suspension with Multimatic DSSV dampers ZRX - - - S S
Hill Descent Control JHD S S S S S
Heavy-duty air filter K47 S S S S S
Auto-locking rear differential G80 A2 S S - -
Driver-selectable full-locking front differential G93 - - - S S
Driver-selectable full-locking rear differential G94 - - - S S
Autotrac 2-speed transfer case NQH S S S S S
Terrain Mode - - - S S
Single exhaust NB5 S S S - -
Dual exhaust with polished outlets N10 A2 A A S S
Dual Active Exhaust, sport mode enabled NPP A2 - A A A
Cat-Back Performance Exhaust, LPO WBC A2 - - - -
Performance Front Brake Kit, LPO 5JL A2 A A - -
  1. Not available in conjunction with Z71 Off-Road Package
  2. Availability varies by trim level

Breaking it all down, the 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71, Trail Boss, and ZR2 all offer impressive off-road capabilities, but cater to different customers in terms of styling, comfort, and agility in the dirt. While the Z71 Off-Road Package provides an entry-level off-road enhancement for those who want added capability without sacrificing everyday usability, the Trail Boss trims takes things a step further with a factory lift and additional suspension goodies. For serious off-road enthusiasts, the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison Edition stand out as the most extreme options, featuring advanced dampers, front and rear locking differentials, and heavy-duty skid plates.

Which would you rather have?

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. 95% of buyers really need none.
    The only time they go off-road is when they pull into their driveway.

    Reply
    1. True.
      Why not buy an LT/WT w/ a 5.3 V8 and add BFGs and an OEM lift kit (I think they offered one at some point), that would be better than directly getting a Trailboss.

      Reply
      1. Part of the point is factory duratracs, which if I were to buy a WT, then immediately go get some BFG’s or duratracs, that would be almost 2K right out the gate. Maybe 500$ if I negotiated hard with the dealer to take off the factory LT tires. At that point, the trailer boss is looking attractive as it also removes the lower air damn and has a decent looking bumper that won’t look like I ran off a curb. Out the door, your saving money with a TB than buying a custom/LT and then configuring it that way. The ZR2 definitely isn’t worth the upcharge for just a steel bumper and spool valve shocks.

        Reply
        1. negotiate hard with the dealer to take off the factory tires and eat them? Yeah, then what does he do with them? If he sells them they are used tires regardless of wear. Stick them in his parts inventory for what? Essentially you are suggesting that the dealer stick them up his a** Steve

          Reply
  2. Overpriced lifted truck that is never take off road. The ZR2 and Bison edition should have a supercharger on it for the price increase.

    GM needs to offer a performance oriented sport truck! At least offer a package like Ford does with it 5.0L and a whipple supercharger

    Reply
    1. I think putting the 5.3 in the RCSB WT would be a good way to start.
      Then comes the fun bits.

      Reply
  3. “Which would you rather have?”

    A less confusing list of options!

    All of these “Editions” is completely ridiculous. You need 2-3 trims, base work truck and a couple nicer levels. Not all of what they have now.

    Reply
  4. Just bought the Z71 1500 diesel last week, for the price I paid the truck should come with a front camera, blind side lights on the mirrors, and vented seats, if I wanted this stuff I would have to by the ZR2, after comparing the two trucks, there’s not enough features on the ZR2 to be worth 20k more from the Z71

    Reply
  5. Why on earth did gm make the nose of these new trucks so obscenely high? I just had to change the driver’s side motor mounts on one of these and is an absolute miserable job. You have to remove the airbox and just about stand on your head to get the bolts. The nose is a foot higher than the intake! Why? Good luck seeing a small child or dog in front of it while making slow maneuvers in parking lots. I guess huge blind spots are ok now. No need of it being that high. I’ll take my 04 body style all day long.

    Reply

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