Ford Ranger Raptor who? 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 takes aim at rugged ute crown

Chevrolet has levelled up its Silverado with a slew of off-road upgrades to build the new ZR2 grade, but don’t expect it to arrive Down Under anytime soon.

Speaking to CarsGuide, GMSV communications boss Ed Finn said the company is committed the current Silverado range for now.

“At GMSV we're focusing on launching Silverado LT Trail Boss, LTZ Premium and HD - as well as the first-ever right-hand-drive Corvette,” he said.

“At this point in time, we don't have any other product-related announcements to make.”

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Introduced as part of the 2022 update to the Silverado line-up, which includes a larger 13.4-inch multimedia touchscreen, redesigned dashboard, 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and refreshed exterior look, the ZR2 grades kicks things up a notch with more meaningful mechanical changes.

Headlining the tweaks are Multimatic dampers and bespoke springs at all four corners, resulting in an increase to ride height for easier off-roading ability.

Complimenting the suspension changes are 33-inch off-road tyres, skid plates, one-pedal rock-crawling Terrain drive mode and a steel front bumper with improved approach angle.

According to Chevrolet, the aim is to offer a “race-proven off-road performance” that “customers can buy right from the showroom floor”, making it a philosophical match for smaller Australian utes like the Ford Ranger Raptor, Toyota HiLux Rugged X and Mazda BT-50 Thunder.

However, being a full-sized American pick-up, the Silverado ZR2 is powered by a 6.2-litre petrol V8 engine, outputting 313kW/624Nm to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Rounding out the changes to the Silverado ZR2 are a blacked-out bonnet, bespoke front grille and 18-inch wheels.

Though the Silverado ZR2 might not be on the table for Australia, GMSV currently imports and right-hand-drive converts the 1500 for sale Down Under.

Wearing a pricetag of from $106,990 before on-road costs for the base LT Trail Boss grade, the Silverado 1500 competes against the new-gen Ram 1500 available from $114,950.