2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 Jumps to the Task for Eager Off-Road Crowd

The Jalopnik auto review staff has been adamantly praising the Chevy Silverado ZR2 as the “true boss” of our lineup, and for taking an incredibly successful aim at the off-road crowd. It is equipped much like the Z71 Package, yet kicks things up an aggressive notch with its off-road attitude. Everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville has long loved the Silverado ZR2’s extra-tall hood and suspension lift, properly equipping it for the bumps and much-needed bravado of the trail. 

The 2022 year saw the Silverado getting a thorough facelift, with a front fascia that flows visually with the rest of the model noticeably better. It results in a mean look, but one that also proves to be very functional. As imposing as it seems at first glance, the ZR2 is pretty narrow compared to the respective leaders of the segment from Ford and Ram, offering up a bit more in a reserved fashion with the all-important first impression. The refreshed interior features improved materials and an infotainment system powered by the all-knowing and efficient Google.

The seats are over-the-top comfortable and accommodating, with plenty of room for 6’ tall individuals during drive testing, while hopping in and out proved itself a simple task. Originally designed to exist as solid competition for the Ford Raptor and Ram TRX, the ZR2 actually shifts into drive and lurches confidently forward as a very fundamentally different and adventure-prone truck. It comes equipped standard with the 6.2-liter V8 cranking out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, while paired to a 10-speed automatic. 

The torque always kicks in righteously early, and the transmission provides accurate and smooth shifts that have your back even while careening directly up or downhill. During a week-long and much anticipated “skill-proving internship”, the truck never once felt on the short end of the stick for power. We know all about the cross-town rival in the haughty form of the Ram TRX’s 702 horsepower coming as standard, but we still eagerly are flaunting the 6 second-ish 0-60 time the ZR2 brandishes. 

Since the Raptor and TRX are beating their chests repeatedly with so much to prove, our engineer and implementation teams here at Chevy were sure to prepare the Silverado’s capability with a bit more assertive and streamlined. We are so very proud to announce that it’s a finished product with a bit less athleticism, and a well-honed focus on still consistent and duty-crushing daily driving. The crawl-ready equipment underneath begins its grade A abilities courtesy of the Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, which are designed to assist with increased wheel travel.

There’s also a two-speed transfer case, and the bonus of very capable one-pedal driving is offered up in low-speed terrain mode. This is a thorough and well executed version of the lifted pickup that every hard-working American dream of, with the bonus of boosted clearance and capability and industry-leading warranty coverage. The DSSV shocks, low-range gearing, and excellent approach and departure angles are on deck to provide the “sensible rambler’s” defined approach to off-roading in 2023. 

Numerous 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Trims Now Powered By Standard 2.7-Liter Engine

From trips to the pumpkin to a day of heavy hauling, there’s no limit to the fall activities you can do with a brand-new Silverado from West Chevy of Knoxville. The refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 arrives with a variety of new changes and updates, and the inclusion of the turbocharged 2.7-Liter inline-4 L3B gas engine is now offered as standard on many of the trim levels. 

The Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, and LT trims all are now offering this engine as standard, while the RST Crew Cab Models offer the 5.3-Liter V8 L84. This unique engine is rated at 310 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, which is a significant boost over the previously used L3B model. It also incorporates double-overhead cams and Active Fuel Management, and flaunts a towing capacity of 9,500 pounds.

The 2022 Silverado has been generating plenty of attention, as it is a newly-revamped truck that displays an adventurous spirit, durable industrial strength, and capable engines such as the 5.3-Liter V8 L84 gasoline model. The exterior saw upgrades throughout the entire trim line, and the addition of the ZR2 model preps this famous truck for a bold run on the trail.

Every new Silverado will get a brand-new front fascia along with lowered headlights and Sand Dune, Dark Ash, and Glacier Blue Metallic paint hues are more available colors to make things visually pop in the color department. Die-hard Silverado fans will appreciate the carrying on of basic core elements such as the roll-formed high-strength steel bed floor construction, 12 standard tie-downs, and the optional Multi-Flex tailgate. Everyone who loves trucks and luxury is going to love the High Country model: it comes standard with open-pore wood trim, leather seating surfaces, and a pristine-sounding Bose audio system.

There are currently 200,000 miles of compatible roads in North America where drivers can use Super Cruise technology that relies on LiDAR to offer hands free driving. When it comes to the ZR2, there is no better vehicle for the trail. Even the placement of the dual exhaust system has changed to ensure minimal damage from harsh terrain while battling the wild!