The 10 Second Review
Curious about how the Silverado 1500 would fare with 33-inch off-road tires, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and a fierce front end? Well, wonder no more. Chevy has taken its off-road recipe from the mid-size Colorado ZR2 and kicked it up a notch for the Silverado ZR2. In the UAE, it’s powered by a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive as standard. Chevy has also made some adjustments, trimming the front and rear bumpers and relocating the muffler to ensure this spirited Silverado handles off-road obstacles with ease. While it may not exude the trophy-truck flair of the Ram TRX or Ford F-150 Raptor, it’s more akin to the rugged charm of the Tundra TRD.
Pros
- Looks sharp!
- Long Travel Suspension
- Trail Rated Features
- Premium Interior Materials
Cons
- Needs bigger tires
- Flimsy Indicator Stalk
- Could be more exciting
The In-Depth Review
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The regular Silverado 1500 also offers the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8, pumping out 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Each ZR2 variant comes equipped with a four-wheel-drive system featuring a two-speed transfer case and electronic-locking front and rear differentials. Supporting the truck’s 18-inch wheels wrapped in rugged 33-inch off-road tires is a specially tuned suspension, boasting high-performance spool-valve dampers. Safeguarding the undercarriage is a distinctive skid-plate package, while Chevy highlights the ZR2’s high-mounted steel bumper providing a generous 31.8-degree approach angle—greater than that of similarly lifted Silverado Trail Boss models. After taking the ZR2 for a spin around Qudra, we’ve gained a deeper appreciation for its capabilities, especially its reduced width compared to the F-150 Raptor and Ram TRX, making it easier to navigate tight trails.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
In the interior, the Silverado ZR2 showcases a stylish dashboard boasting a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel paired with a large 13.4-inch touchscreen. The cabin is adorned with leather-trimmed seats and sleek dark accents. Positioned between the front seats is a center console housing a T-shaped electronic shifter. However, we found the shape of the gear lever to be awkward, and we even accidentally engaged the Park button atop it with a resting hand. Available exclusively in a crew-cab body style, the ZR2 offers ample passenger room, particularly in the rear seat. For those intending to haul more cargo in the bed, opting for the longer standard-length bed over the short bed would be preferable.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Silverado ZR2 comes equipped with a massive 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system oriented horizontally. In addition to offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system supports Amazon Alexa and integrates built-in Google voice assistance, maps, and an app store.
Price from AED 227,300
“A More Traditional Take on Off-Road Performance”
