Chevrolet enters Grasso’s Garage this week with its 1500 Silverado, but not just your typical half-ton work truck, the Silverado ZR2.
With a base price just under $70K, the ZR2 boasts a ton of standard features for off-road needs. General Motors, Chevrolet’s parent company, had no choice but to build a monster similar to competing manufacturers with Ford’s Raptor and RAMs TRX. The ZR2 provides a 6.2L ECOTEC3 V-8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
The ZR2 was meant to focus specifically on the off-road market similar to its competition. But to my mind, the specifications and stats for the ZR2 tell a different story. Although I feel the ZR2 is more well-rounded than the competition, it’s underpowered and undersized. The ZR2 would be more appropriate for those tight-fit trails and slimmer paths, while the TRX and Raptor are much wider.
The interior of the ZR2 is all new and a good example of what Chevrolet is capable of. The infotainment and driver’s instrument cluster is upgraded and boasts a revived font and text size. Clarity for the infotainment system is a lot better than previous generations, and comfort has seemed to improve slightly as well. As an upscale Trail Boss in size and appearance, the ZR2 definitely is a beautiful looking truck. It has its perks, but as I mentioned before, I don’t believe it’s classified correctly.
In Grasso’s Garage, the ZR2 does have a place. Although steep in its base price, this monster of a truck has power, looks and utility. We continue to await Chevrolet’s better engine program, in hopes of getting better gas mileage, but on the other hand, this is also not your daily driver or work truck. We are pleased with its overall performance, stance and everything it has to offer, but will never classify it against its so-called competition.
2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
MSRP: $69,800
MPG: 14 city / 17 highway / 15.1 as tested
As Tested: $77,400