MotorTrend’s Long-Term Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 Review

For nearly 20,000 miles, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 has been a go-to pickup for the team at MotorTrend Magazine. The long-term review has the Silverado offering over 19 mpg in that timeframe, with excellent versatility and usability, as well as a great on- and off-road companion. The particular Silverado ZR2 the magazine has as a long-term tester is a 2024 model with the beloved 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel, Technology Package, Power Sunroof, Multi-Flex Tailgate, and Glacier Blue Metallic Paint. That is a $75,600 as-tested price. So, does it hold up its end of the bargain for that kind of money? 

Trim Levels and Engines 

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers buyers nine different trim levels, including the ZR2, as well as four engine options that include the 2.7-liter TurboMax turbo four-cylinder, a 5.3 and 6.2-liter V8, and the motor in MotorTrend’s truck, the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-6 that produces 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. While the Duramax has the least amount of power of any Silverado engine, it has 35 more torque than the venerable 6.2-liter, which is the most powerful engine in this lineup. Thanks in part to all of that torque, the diesel ZR2 can tow up to 8,800 lbs. even as a truck meant to spend most of its time off-roading. All models also come with a 10-speed automatic transmission with the Duramax.  

A Tailgate That’s More Useful  

One of the main features that journalist Jason Gonderman talked about was the Multi-Felx Tailgate and his surprise that it was more than just something you’d use a few times, saying, “At first glance, the whole concept seems like a gimmick or something a snake-oil salesman would pitch. However, the more we’ve lived with the tailgate, the more we’ve come to appreciate its usefulness. There are two buttons used to lower the tailgate, one for the smaller inner gate and one for the main gate, and it didn’t take long for us to master which controlled which. There’s also an art to the double-tap that allows for the seamless dropping of both gates at once.” 

A Power Inverter for Those On-the-Go  

Chevrolet really knocked it out of the part when it comes to technology that makes daily lives easier with their in-bed power inverter, saying, “We’ve also made good use of the truck’s power inverter and in-bed 400-watt, 120-volt outlet.” They utilized the inverter to power a portable refrigerator when camping and tackling off-road activities, as well as charging power banks to keep the smartphones plugged in on the go. While these may not be things all owners will be doing a lot of the time, they are certainly useful.  

In Conclusion 

In conclusion, MotorTrend has found the Silverado ZR2 Duramax to be an excellent do-everything type of truck. When you just need a highway cruiser, the Silverado is luxurious and comfortable while averaging 19.1 mpg over the course of their 18,675 review miles. So far, the truck has only cost them $560.76 in service costs between two oil changes, tire rotations, inspections, and 30 gallons of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).  

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2: What Makes the ZR2 Different?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 is the off-road-focused version of the Silverado 1500, combining everyday pickup capability with equipment designed for challenging trails and uneven terrain. The Chevy Silverado ZR2 featured in MotorTrend’s long-term review was a 2024 model equipped with the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, 4WD, and off-road hardware.

When customers are considering the purchase of the Silverado ZR2, they will appreciate the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, towing capacity, highway drive quality, and modern tech equipment.

Is the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 good for everyday driving?

Yes. The Chevy Silverado ZR2 is the off-road truck, which does not sacrifice any of its capabilities when it comes to comfort and usability of a full-size pickup. MotorTrend’s long-term 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 drove many miles in highways, cities, for towing and off-road. The test truck with the Duramax engine achieved 19.1 mpg average fuel economy.

What engine does the 2024 Silverado ZR2 have?

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 was available with the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six, producing 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet introduced the Duramax diesel as an available ZR2 engine for the 2024 model year.

How much can a Silverado ZR2 tow?

Depending on the configuration of the truck, the towing capacity will differ. The MotorTrend test Silverado ZR2 model has a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds based on its preliminary specifications. The testing of the Silverado ZR2 for towing by MotorTrend was also included. It is advisable that buyers should check the towing capacity of their desired Silverado ZR2 model.

What is the Silverado ZR2 designed for?

The Silverado ZR2 is a vehicle aimed at those looking for a full-size truck capable of handling regular drives as well as rough off-road terrain. The built-in off-road features, four-wheel drive, and optional Duramax diesel make it a vehicle that can be used for driving on trails, camping, towing, hauling, and commuting.

Is the Chevy ZR2 still a practical truck?

The Chevy ZR2 is still a full-size Silverado truck with all the functionality that comes with trucks but equipped with additional features for off-roading. This was demonstrated in the long-term test of MotorTrend which included the truck being used for highway drives, towing, hauling, commuting, and even off-road travels.

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