An update to the large American pick-up truck has brought a fresh design, more tech and a new ZR2 version focused on traversing rocky trails and soft sand.
The entry-level Trail Boss is gone, leaving the more aggressive ZR2 to fill the gap for those wanting to venture off-road. Design cues include black highlights and a unique grille.
The chrome-heavy LTZ continues in the range with more of a luxury focus. It has also been tweaked with fresh LED lights, bumper and grille.
But it’s inside where the biggest changes have been made. Gone is the dated analog display and tiny centre screen and in its place is a customisable digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch centre screen.
The update brings a higher price tag, too. The most affordable Silverado LTZ is a few grand more, with prices starting at about $140,000 drive-away.
Add about $5000 for the ZR2, which has suspension that rides 68mm higher, high-performance dampers and knobbly mud terrain tyres to fend off punctures and bite into gravel and rocks.
Standard equipment includes wireless phone charging, smart-key entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electric front seats with heating and cooling and safety systems such as blind-spot warning and autonomous braking up to 80km/h.
Big ticket items that are standard on the LTZ – a sunroof, head-up display, electric steering column adjustment, front parking sensors, a digital rear view mirror and a seven-speaker Bose sound system – have been deleted from the ZR2.
The ZR2 also misses out on side steps, something that makes climbing into the cabin harder.
It’s all about reducing weight to protect some of the payload, which lags the smaller dual-cab utes that now make up about one in five new-vehicle sales.
The ZR2 is rated to carry just 717kg, which includes people and whatever you throw in the broad tray.
It makes up for it with towing muscle. The LTZ can lug 4500kg and the ZR2 4200kg. But max out that tow capacity and you can carry just 117kg of people and luggage in the LTZ and a laughable 68kg in the ZR2.
Limit the towing to 3.5 tonnes and the numbers look rosier, while Chevy offers a heavy duty version with bigger payloads.
You’ll have no problems shifting the weight, though.
Both models are powered by a 313kW/624Nm 6.2-litre V8 hooked up to a 10-speed automatic. While electronics can temporarily disable up to six of those eight cylinders, it remains very thirsty, using a claimed 12.2 litres (it prefers premium) every 100km.
The V8 never feels undernourished, though, and there’s a hearty roar when you kick it along.
Inside, the Silverado lives up to its gargantuan proportions. There are acres of leg and headroom and those in the rear have ample sprawling space.
The huge turning circle and high driving position are constant reminders of its dimensions, as is the ZR2’s black bonnet bulge that occasionally reflects the sun.
Technology helps out; a camera can be added to the trailer to provide unobstructed rear vision and the Silverado can measure the weight of the vehicle and trailer to warn if you’re overloaded.
The suspension copes well with big undulations but patters over smaller bumps.
The mud terrain tyres on the ZR2 have a mild whirr at freeway speeds but it’s generally a serene and pampering experience. The LTZ has grippier on-road rubber but its 20-inch wheels aren’t as suited to off-roading.
The hulking bonnet makes near-field visibility a challenge. Fortunately there are cameras on all sides to help spot obstacles, something that comes in handy off-road.
Once in the rough stuff the ZR2 is seriously impressive. Goodyear Wrangler rubber sets a fantastic foundation and the towering 296mm ride height reduces the chance of underbody scrapes. The suspension also adapts nicely to the terrain while locking front and rear differentials maximise traction when things get really tough.
The tricky dampers also control the wheels beautifully over bumps, further aiding traction.
The result is a highly accomplished truck that eases through big challenges, although its dimensions demand respect through narrow sections.
Factor in the same caution for tight city streets and navigating the supermarket carpark.
Clearly towing a boat or caravan on the open road is the Silverado’s happy place.
VERDICT
Three and a half stars
The ZR2 brings impressive off-road capability and more tech to a ute that’s still big, brash and brawny.
Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
PRICE From about $145,000 drive-away
WARRANTY/SERVICING 3 yrs/100,000km, about $3800 for 5 yrs/60,000km
SAFETY Six airbags, low-speed autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring
ENGINE 6.2-litre V8, 313kW and 624Nm
THIRST 12.2L/100km
SPARE Full-size
TOWING 4200kg