2026 Chevy Silverado ZR2: Big, Capable, and Hard to Live With in Town

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is a massive truck that makes no apologies for its size. 8 inches long and more than 81 inches wide without mirrors, it sports a giant grille, tall hood, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, and bright red recovery hooks. 2-liter V8 produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, with front and rear lockers, a two-speed transfer case, skid plates, and Multimatic DSSV dampers for serious off-road work.

However, the test truck averaged just 11.9 mpg over 210 miles, mostly in town, and the EPA rates it at 14 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. The window sticker estimates $12,250 more in fuel costs over five years compared with the average new vehicle. The $76,290 price tag adds to the burden.

The cabin is the highlight, with a sharp, responsive infotainment screen, physical climate knobs, and useful storage, including a hidden upper glove box. Rear-seat passengers get heated seats, vents, and generous legroom. Some plastics feel cheap, and the column shifter looks like it belongs on a boat.

On the highway, the dampers deliver a surprisingly comfortable ride, smoothing broken pavement well for a lifted truck. Off-road, it handles gravel, rocks, mud, and ruts with confidence, though it lacks the playful character of a Raptor. In town, it feels like parking a fishing boat, barely fitting in lanes and drive-throughs.

The ZR2 competes more with the Ram Rebel or Ford Tremor than with the Raptor or RHO, offering capability without wild styling. It's a specialized tool for ranchers, rural workers, or anyone who truly needs its off-road ability. For everyone else, the compromises in cost, size, and fuel may be too much.