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Volvo: Safety Beyond the Star Ratings
With the new Silverado ZR2, Chevy expands its factory-lifted off-road focused truck lineup. It looks the part and backs that up with serious 4×4 ability.
Another Off-Road Truck Coming to Market
Helping to expand the Chevy factory-lifted off-road truck lineup is the upcoming 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2. It will join baby brother Colorado as the first Silverado to receive the highly capable ZR2 off-road treatment. Those hoping for a Bowtie competitor with the dinosaur-themed desert racers from Ford and Dodge should know that although this new Chevy truck a serious trail machine, it’s not sporting a 700-horse motor or the wild bulging fenders found on those uniquely outfitted pickups.
Checking Out the Inside of the Silverado ZR2
Due on dealer lots in Spring 2022, the ZR2 model will benefit from a host of Silverado updates, particularly inside. A 12.3” full-digital gauge cluster sits beside an equally huge 13.4” touchscreen infotainment display. There is also an electronic transmission selector nestled in the center console, all part of a more modern, more upscale cabin for the new Silverado. Exclusive to the ZR2 model is a Jet Black and Graystone leather-trimmed scheme with dark trim. Of course, the in-your-face exterior enhancements and mechanical upgrades that make the ZR2 so capable are what buyers are likely to be more excited about.
An Aggressive Exterior
New steel bumpers are fitted to the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 front and back, designed to take more abuse in rough road environments. Up front, that translates to an improved approach angle of 31.8°, which is steeper than the Silverado in Trail Boss or Z71 Off-Road trim. There are also removable bumper end caps that can be easily replaced if damaged while banging about in the backcountry. Red tow hooks poke out below and a unique grille with Chevy’s “flow-tie” emblem allowing plenty of airflow to the engine. As well, new accent lighting complements the LED headlamps with their tracer animation and black bezels. Up top, the hood sports ZR2-specific raised black inserts and below there is a bevy of skid plates.
A More Capable Chevrolet Silverado
Featuring the exotic, spool-valve dampers from Multimatic, the new Silverado ZR2 is also running a unique spring tune that allows for the most front and rear suspension travel found in the Silverado lineup. Black 18” wheels with bronze and silver accents are wrapped in 33” Goodyear Wrangler Territory M/T rubber which all combines for 11.2” of ground clearance, a half-inch more than the Trail Boss setup offers. Around back, the dual outlet exhaust is tucked up behind the rear bumper and above the spare tire to keep it protected during off-road adventures.
Electronic locking differentials will be included on both axles with operation handled by an enhanced 2-speed transfer case. In another nod to getting off the beaten bath, the driver selectable Terrain Mode will feature a one-pedal rock crawl setting allowing drivers to enjoy a sort of off-road, slow speed cruise control. To hustle all this metal, the new ZR2 will be fitted exclusively with Chevy’s 6.2L beefcake of a V8 engine that cranks out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It will be paired with a 10-speed automatic, enabling max towing of 8,900 pounds and a payload of 1,440 pounds.
The New Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Is Coming Soon
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 will be offered as a crew cab only with a short or long bed, and will benefit from the advanced driver-assistance systems being made standard across the 2022 Silverado lineup. That will include forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, lane keeping assist with departure warning, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. Chevrolet has not announced pricing for the new Silverado ZR2, but it is likely to be close to the current top-spec High Country model, which starts around $57,000. Look for it to hit dealer lots next Spring.
