​​MotorTrend Talks About Life With Their Long Term Silverado 1500 ZR2​

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).  

Why Choose Twin Falls Chevrolet 

At Twin Falls Chevrolet, we pride ourselves on providing you with the absolute best sales and service possible. With hundreds of new and used vehicles, our talented sales team and finance department will help you find the best one for you and your family. Our fantastic service department will keep that vehicle in the best condition for you. We look forward to serving you!