For decades, the Z71 was the undisputed king of Chevy off-roading. Now, there’s a new model atop the throne. Originally an option package for midsize trucks and SUVs, the ZR2 came to the Colorado in 2017. Then, for 2022, the ZR2 graduated to full-size status, officially being added to the Silverado lineup as its flagship off-road trim level. Tested for years in professional off-road racing, the Silverado ZR2 is made to handle the most grueling adventure and competitive environments known to humankind.
When you visit a Chevy dealer, you have two options to order a ZR2 model in a full-size flavor. The Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 is the more well-known model, attached to one of North America’s best-selling vehicles. However, you can also buy an off-road capable Silverado 2500 HD ZR2. What are their differences, and is the heavy-duty ZR2 worth your while? Let’s compare the two trucks, reviewing their similarities, where they branch apart, and what audiences should be interested in each truck.
Engine: Power, or More Power?
Any full-size truck is going to have plenty under the hood. However, certain types of off-roading are better with more raw power, while others prefer a lower output. This makes the engine the first major decision point with these steeds.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 has two engine options. It comes standard with a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine, which produces 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. This combination is great for rock-crawling and other more technical terrain where control reigns supreme. If you prefer a gasoline engine, you can switch to an optional 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This is still fine for low-speed off-roading while giving you more juice for wash-boarding, dunes, and hill climbing.
If you prefer aggressive off-roading, such as desert running, obstacle-strewn hills, and mud bogging, the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 powerplants will hit the mark. The gas engine is standard equipment here, a 6.6L V8. Making 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, it has similar specs to the Silverado 1500’s 6.2L V8, but in a bigger, heavier truck. I would only recommend this engine if you wanted the 2500 HD’s towing and payload benefits on a budget. On the other hand, the optional 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel generates 470 hp and a whopping 975 lb-ft of torque. This perfectly combines big acceleration and top speed, and is well worth the upgrade.
Towing and Payload: All-Around vs Heavy-Duty
Even in an off-road-oriented truck, hauling is vital. Whether it’s camping supplies or powersports equipment, you have a lot of gear to bring along. As such, the towing and payload capabilities play a huge role in which truck you buy.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 certainly delivers good towing performance. The Duramax engine has a towing capacity of 8,700 lbs, while the 6.2L V8 increases it slightly to 8,800 lbs. Either is plenty for bringing ATVs, motorcycles, boats, and small vehicles to your favorite trails and lakes. As for payload, it reaches 1,520 lbs with the gas V8 and 1,550 lbs with the Duramax diesel, which are more than enough for the average off-roader.
If you need to haul the moon, though, the Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 will saddle up. Thanks to an ultra-rugged frame and chassis, the gas engine wallops its 1500 counterpart with a 16,000-lb conventional towing capacity. Upgrading to the diesel increases the maximum to 18,500 lbs for large campers and multi-vehicle enclosed haulers. Payload also more than doubles the Silverado 1500 ZR2 capacity, hitting 3,200 lbs with the diesel engine and 3,402 lbs with the V8. It’s an extreme truck for extreme swashbuckling.
Off-Roading Loadout: Each to Their Own
The ZR2 trim level is similar across all Chevy trucks, including the 1500 and 2500 HD editions of their famed full-size pickup. Both trucks include many features that make them the undisputed king of no-holds-barred off-roading, including:
- Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud-terrain tires and an electronic locking rear differential improve grip on loose, slippery surfaces.
- Multimatic DSSV suspension dampers are off-road tuned for a smooth, controlled ride on unmaintained terrain.
- Underbody skid plates protect vital powertrain components from impact damage.
- A rugged steel front bumper has a reworked approach angle, which combines with a suspension lift to clear more obstacles.
- A two-speed, push-button transfer case lets you grab lower gear ratios for steep hills and giant rocks.
There are a few distinctions between the Silverado 1500 ZR2 and 2500 HD ZR2. Even with a larger suspension lift to help compensate, the ground clearance on the light-duty truck is slightly lower, coming in at 11.2 vs 11.6 inches. Because of this, there is room for larger 35-inch tires on the 2500 HD rather than the 33-inch tires on the 1500, absorbing more blows at high speeds.
The 1500 ZR2 has advantages in a few areas, though. One is that the truck also comes with a locking front differential to boost traction at both axles. This affirms the Silverado 1500 ZR2 as a better off-roader for more technical driving. Another is its dual-outlet exhaust, which improves flow and gives the truck a throatier sound. A performance air intake system is also available to boost horsepower.
All in all, each loadout is better for certain applications. The Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 is well-equipped for going fast on obstacle-ridden trails, while the Silverado 1500 ZR2 works well for slow, deliberate driving in dirtier and more remote regions.
Tech: Greatness vs Greatness
Of all the major areas of comparison, the one where the Silverado 1500 ZR2 and Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 are closest is the technology goodies. It’s just as well, since whether you’re driving a light-duty or heavy-duty truck, tech is a must in modern off-roading. Whichever truck you choose, Silverado ZR2 tech is plentiful at every turn.
Each truck has a 13.4-inch control touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to view pertinent information. Drivers and passengers can connect and listen via wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, six USB ports, SiriusXM Radio, a Bose seven-speaker sound system, and a WiFi hotspot. You’re also treated to Google built in with Google Maps, plus a digital assistant. Recent models have also made a 15-inch head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and a Multi-Flex tailgate standard offerings. You can also add Kicker speakers to the tailgate.
Chevy makes both trucks comfortable and convenient, too. From the ten-way power driver’s seat with memory seats, to heated seats, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and an array of cameras and apps, you’re always set in a Silverado ZR2. Tech won’t be a deciding factor, as any differences between the trucks are nitpicky at best.
Two Chevy Off-Roading Beasts
There isn’t a wrong decision when choosing between a Silverado 1500 or 2500 HD ZR2. Rather, it’s selecting the truck that is more appropriate for you. Generally, the 1500 ZR2 is a more all-around truck that will perform better for low-speed adventures like crawling and overlanding. It’s also a better on-road truck and more budget-friendly. Choose the 2500 HD ZR2 if you need a truck that can bring the excitement in wide-open arenas and deliver superior towing or hauling. Either way, the Silverado ZR2 takes your off-roading and adventure-seeking to new heights.
