Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is an upcoming high-performance variant of the full-size pickup truck, and will enter the market for the 2022 model year.

Notably, the ZR2 moniker began life as the RPO code for a performance-enhancing off-road package for GM trucks and SUVs, and was initially introduced on the 1994 Chevrolet S-10 as well as the GMC Sonoma. For the 2022 Silverado, the ZR2 will be a trim level rather than just an available package.

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Quick Facts
Assembly Location	GM Flint Assembly in Flint, Michigan, USA and GM Fort Wayne Assembly in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Body Style(s)	Light-Duty, Heavy-Duty
Layout	Front-Engined, Longitudinal
Engine(s)	6.2L L87 V8, 3.0 LM2 Duramax I6 (Diesel)
Transmission(s)	10-Speed Auto
Drive Wheels	Rear-Wheel-Drive, Four-Wheel-Drive
Availability	U.S.A., Canada, Mexico

Overview

In a January 2018 interview with GM Authority, a Chevrolet official stated that the brand was assessing a performance model of the all-new, fourth-generation Silverado which was introduced for the 2019 model year (see more on the 2019 Silverado).

The automaker has since announced the introduction of the all-new Silverado ZR2 pickup truck, which will arrive with the refreshed 2022 Silverado 1500 model.

“We’ve had so much success with Colorado ZR2 at the dealership and on the racing circuit, we decided to build on that legacy,” said Director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing, Kelly MacDonald. “Enter the 2022 Silverado ZR2, Chevy’s flagship off-road truck and the latest addition to our factory lifted truck lineup.”

Mechanical Highlights

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 follows the automaker’s collaboration with Chad Hall Racing, with a several components being shared between the race truck and production truck, including the frame, transmission, transfer case, and naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 engine rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

“Chevrolet has been competing on some of the most grueling, toughest off-road courses with a prototype Silverado ZR2 in the Best in the Desert race series,” said Dom Lester, General Motors chief engineer, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports Engineering. “We applied what we learned in racing and Moab testing to the new ZR2 to offer a supremely capable and confidence-inspiring package, but one that doesn’t beat you up on the highway with its ride quality. It’s equally capable and comfortable.”

The off-road-capable truck is also fitted with MultiMatic DSSV dampers which have been paired with uniquely-tuned springs in an effort to increase maximum front and rear suspension travel. Other enhanced hardware includes:

Front and rear e-lockers
Specific off-road chassis and suspension calibrations
- Includes Terrain Mode, which allows one-pedal rock crawling
33-inch off-road MT tires
Unique skid plate package
New high-approach steel front bumper designed for off-road strength
- Enables an improved 31.8-degree approach angle
- Silverado ZR2 also boasts 11.2 inches of ground clearance, with a break over angle of 23.4 degrees, and a departure angle of 23.3 degrees

Mindful considerations were also taken into account, including removable end caps designed into the front bumper for easier replacement in the event of close encounters with rocks or other off-road objects. The dual exhaust has been placed before the rear bumper to eliminate potential damage.

Place In Lineup

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 slots above the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 as Chevrolet’s full-size performance off-road offering. Meanwhile, it’s positioned between the LT Trail Boss and LTZ trim levels.

Competitors

The Silverado ZR2 competes directly against the Ford F-150 Raptor.

Price

For reference, the 2021 Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss starts at $52,795, the LTZ starts at $51,095, and the range-topping High Country starts at $55,495 (including destination freight charges), so we expect the ZR2 to land somewhere in this vicinity. However, given the enhanced hardware, there’s a possibility that the Silverado ZR2 could cost more than $60,000.