Review: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2. Oh you have a Ford Ranger Raptor? That’s cute

What is it:

This is the desert-racer, V8-powered version of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

It’s called the ZR2 and gets off-road suspension, off-road tyres, locking front and rear differentials to get you out of really gnarly situations.

And it has an optional gun rack (for real) hidden under the rear seat (see below). No wonder everyone is so polite on the road in the US.

Best of all, for the 2024 update in Australia it gets a louder, dual-mode V8 exhaust, radar cruise control (which the first edition of the ZR2 did not get in Australia), and a heads-up display.

Price:

There is only one version of the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 in Australia, though there have been updates along the way.

The 2024 edition with all the fruit costs from $138,000 plus on-roads (versus $130,500 for the Calais-like LTZ and $163,000 for the big-daddy 2500 Heavy Duty).

This equates to about $150,000 drive-away depending on stamp duty, registration and dealer delivery fees.

Engine:

Under the bonnet is a 6.2-litre V8 (313kW/624Nm) paired to a 10-speed automatic, which is the same drivetrain as the Chevrolet Silverado LTZ.

It’s a sweet combination. Unlike other 10 speed autos this one doesn’t get indecisive and is well calibrated.

The extra ratios help it launch hard, while at the top end it can slip into 10th gear for optimum fuel economy at freeway speeds.

0 to 100km/h (as tested):

Hold onto your hats, folks. The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 did the 0 to 100kmh dash in a repeatable time of 7.2 seconds using our VBox precision timing equipment.

For comparison the luxury version with the same engine and transmission, the Chevrolet Silverado LTZ, did the 0 to 100kmh run in 6.7 seconds.

We’re putting the difference down to better grip on take-off from the luxury tyres versus the nobbly mud terrains on the ZR2, and slightly less weight.

The Ford Ranger Raptor does 0 to 100kmh in 6.0 seconds neat. But the Ford Ranger Raptor doesn’t sound like this.

Emergency braking from 100km/h (as tested):

Despite running 275/70/18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT (mud terrain) tyres, the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 pulled up from 100kmh in 46.7 metres.

This is about the same distance (in fact slightly better than) we got out of a Ford Ranger Raptor in an emergency stop on the same test area.

Good points:

The V8 sound is epic. The comfort is epic. The acceleration is epic.

The suspension might have been developed to take a punishment in Baja racing, but it’s more comfortable than a luxury car.

The well-tuned shock absorbers and cushy tyres help deal with the worst the road has to offer.

All buttons and dials are well placed and easy to use.

The bi-LED headlights on the Silverado 1500 are better than on the Silverado 2500.

We mistakenly thought the lamps behind the different lenses might have been the same.

For whatever reason, the 1500 gets better candles up front and we’re not complaining.

Roomy cabin with massive storage pockets in the doors and two-tier centre console – and slots for a couple of rifles under the back seat.

Or you could use this area to store expensive items such as a lap top computer or two, so they’re away from prying eyes when the car is parked.

The tyres surprisingly don’t hum like other mud terrain tyres do at freeway speeds.

And finally, are you sitting down? The fuel consumption dipped to 11.2L/100km during our run with the car.

Combined with the 91-litre fuel tank, that’s more than 800km of driving range in ideal conditions when not towing or hauling a heavy load.

That’s similar fuel economy to a twin-turbo V6 Ford Ranger Raptor and yet the Chevrolet is a V8 and is significantly heavier.

Bad points:

There is no speed sign recognition on this model (hopefully GMSV is working on it).

The engine prefers premium unleaded, which is dearer than regular unleaded.

The price is getting up there.

What the haters say:

Who needs a car like that?

What the haters don’t understand:

No-one needs a car like a Ferrari or a Porsche, and yet plenty of people buy those – and rarely use those vehicles anywhere near their full potential.

The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is for buyers who have outgrown their Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger, crave V8 sound and performance, want a roomier cabin and a larger tray – plus incredible off-road ability and tough-truck looks.

Should you buy one?

If the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 floats your boat, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Go and buy one of these.

Pretty soon, V8 powered US pick-ups will become a distant memory.

Ford only sells the V6 version of the F-150 here, Ram is about to switch from V8 to six-cylinder power, and the upcoming Toyota Tundra is a V6 hybrid.

So if you want a gnarly V8-powered US pick-up that makes you smile every time you get in it, knock yourself out.

You only live once.

Also consider:

Chevrolet Silverado LTZ, Ram 1500 Limited, Ford F-150 Lariat, Ford Ranger Raptor.