2026 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Review, Pricing, and Specs
EPA MPG
21 Combined
Seating
5 Seats
Powertrain
Gas
Drivetrain
Four-Wheel Drive
Limited Warranty
3 Years/36,000 Miles
Overview
The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is based on a simple concept: Build a reasonably capable off-road pickup to save buyers the time, hassle, and expense of going the aftermarket route. Then seal the deal with a factory warranty and single-point financing. While it may not be as outrageous as the Ford F-150 Raptor, the ZR2's 33-inch all-terrain tires, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and thick underbody skid plates add more than enough grit for most users. Offered exclusively in the crew-cab short bed body style, the hearty and refined 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six diesel is standard, but the big 6.2-liter gasoline V-8 is available. Gas or diesel, the ZR2 lands right in the sweet spot between capability and comfort.
What's New for 2026?
The Technology package (head-up display, adaptive cruise control, rear camera mirror, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel) joins the list of standard equipment, as does the Multi-Flex tailgate. New exterior finish options include Glacier White Tricoat and Coastal Dune, which replace White Frost Tricoat and Thunderstorm Gray.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 is expected to start around $74,295 and go up to $81,000 depending on the trim and options.
ZR2
$74,295
ZR2 Bison
$81,000 (est) 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k
The Silverado ZR2 tacks more than $10,000 onto the price tag of the fanciest non-off-road Silverado 1500 High Country. In fact, the ZR2's window sticker is a little too close to the far more capable Ford F-150 Raptor's starting price. Considering the Bison package is nearly $9000, we'd recommend sticking with the regular ZR2 and saving the extra cash for snacks and camping supplies for the adventure this civilized off-roader truly deserves.
Want to compare the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 to other vehicles you're interested in?
Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
There are two possibilities under the ZR2's bulging hood. The standard engine is a Duramax 305-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six diesel powerplant with 495 pound-feet of torque, but buyers can also equip the naturally aspirated 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 that's available in the regular Silverado 1500. Though the 6.2 tops the diesel in horsepower, the oil-burner produces more pound-feet at lower engine speeds. The diesel also happens to be thriftier at the pump. Both options use a 10-speed automatic transmission. Every ZR2 features a four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic-locking front and rear differentials. Stabilizing the truck's 18-inch wheels, which are shod with gnarly 33-inch off-road tires, is a specially tuned suspension that includes high-performance spool-valve dampers. The truck's underside is protected by a unique skid-plate package, and Chevy says the ZR2's high-mounted steel bumper provides a 31.8-degree approach angle, which is more than what's offered on the similarly lifted Silverado Trail Boss models. Now that we've driven the ZR2 around Joshua Tree State Park, we have a greater appreciation for its capabilities as well as its reduced width compared with the F-150 Raptor and Ram TRX, which makes the Chevy easier to maneuver on tight trails.
0–60-MPH Times
In our testing of the diesel-powered Silverado ZR2, it got to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The gas V-8 version is quicker, getting to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
View Photos
Michael Simari
|
Car and Driver
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 ZR2 yet, but the 2025 model with the Duramax diesel engine is rated at 20 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 21 mpg in combined driving. In our real-world testing it landed right on the money at 21 mpg combined. With the 420-hp gasoline V-8, the ZR2 is EPA-estimated at 14 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. For more information about the Silverado ZR2's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Silverado ZR2 has a slick-looking dashboard that features a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel next to a massive 13.4-inch touchscreen. The cabin includes leather-trimmed seats and sporty dark trim. Between the front buckets is a center console that features a T-shaped electronic shifter. However, we found the gear lever's shape to be cumbersome, and we even accidentally activated the Park button on top with a resting hand. The ZR2 is only available in a crew-cab body style, so there's expansive passenger space, particularly in the back seat. Those who plan on carrying more stuff in the cargo box may be out of luck, since the ZR2 is only offered with the short bed.
View Photos
Michael Simari
|
Car and Driver
Infotainment and Connectivity
A huge horizontally oriented 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard on the Silverado ZR2. Along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system is compatible with Amazon Alexa and features built-in Google voice assistance, maps, and an app store.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every Silverado has a suite of standard driver-assistance technology and there is an assortment of optional assists that make driving and even towing more carefree. For more information about the Silverado's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Chevy covers the half-ton Silverado with a competitive warranty that doesn't quite match the lengthy powertrain coverage of the Nissan Titan. However, every Silverado 1500 does get one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 Duramax
Vehicle Type: front engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $71,895/$75,700
Options: Technology package (adaptive cruise control, head-up display, power tilt/telescope steering, rear camera mirror), $1970; power sunroof, $995; Multi-Flex tailgate, $445; Glacier Blue Metallic paint, $395
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve diesel inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 183 in3, 2992 cm3
Power: 305 hp @ 3750 rpm
Torque: 495 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 13.0-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT
LT275/70R-18 115/112O M+S TPC Spec 2806
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 147.5 in
Length: 231.9 in
Width: 81.2 in
Height: 78.3 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 73/67 ft3
Curb Weight: 5798 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.3 sec @ 89 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.3 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 99 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 203 ft
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 21/20/22 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
MLB Speedway Classic between Braves, Reds drowned out by rain after less than an inning of play
The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds were ready to start their engines Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. Then Mother Nature waved the red flag not once but twice before play was ultimately suspended. The MLB Speedway Classic began with a 2 1/2 hour rain delay, followed by less than a full inning of baseball, followed by another delay that resulted in a suspension of play until Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at the same venue. Cincinnati will take a 1-0 lead into the next day. The Reds scored off an Austin Hays single to left, their third hit of the frame. First pitch finally arrived at 9:40 p.m. ET. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Because of the lengthy delay, Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider was scratched from the start. Strider, who grew up in Tennessee, went through warmups prior to the delay. Left-handed reliever Austin Cox, who had previously started only three games in his brief MLB career, got the nod for the Braves instead. They were planning to lean on their bullpen Saturday night. The Reds, on the other hand, didn't scratch their starter. They still rolled with Chase Burns, a 22-year-old who grew up in Tennessee as well and played college baseball for the Tennessee Volunteers. Burns produced a 1-2-3 inning to start the game. Leading up to the original 7:15 p.m. ET start time, pregame festivities included performances from Pitbull and Tim McGraw, U.S. Navy Musician First Class Kathryn Dobyns singing the national anthem, NASCAR pit crews helping introduce the starting lineups by servicing Braves- and Reds-themed stock cars and a flyover by four U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets from Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach. But the rain started coming down. It was pouring when Braves icon Chipper Jones and Reds legend Johnny Bench participated in the ceremonial first pitches. Jones, an eight-time All-Star and one-time World Series champion with the Braves, threw to NASCAR driver Chase Elliott. Fellow NASCAR driver Kyle Busch — a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion — walked out to Bench, a 14-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the Reds, and traded spots, allowing the 77-year-old Bench to man his old position as catcher. As the rain continued to hit the converted diamond in the heart of the race track, the tarp came out. Nevertheless, a good number of fans originally expected to break MLB's all-time regular-season, single-game attendance record Saturday stayed put. Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci collected interviews for Fox Sports during the delay, showcasing how players and coaches for both teams still shared that enthusiasm. The grounds crew started removing the tarp around 8:50 p.m. ET. After the field was drained, the game finally started. But it wasn't long before the rain picked up again and the tarp returned. "We'll be back tomorrow, 1 o'clock resume," said Michael Hill, MLB senior vice president of on-field operations. "We are optimistic for a better weather forecast tomorrow."
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Rain suspends MLB Speedway Classic until Sunday
Heavy rain washed out Major League Baseball's "Speedway Classic" on Saturday, suspending play in the first inning and postponing the finish at Bristol Motor Speedway until Sunday. A record MLB regular-season crowd of more than 85,000 spectators was expected to watch the unique contest on a specially built ballpark on the infield of the US stock car oval track. Instead, the Cincinnati Reds grabbed a 1-0 lead over the Atlanta Braves moments before the contest was halted. "We're going to suspend tonight's game. We'll be back tomorrow," MLB senior vice president of on-field opertions Michael Hill said. "We're optimistic there's a better weather forecast for tomorrow." Each team had a day off scheduled Sunday to allow for such a postponement, but whether or not the scene could recapture the special pre-game atmosphere of Saturday was uncertain. The expected crowd would have broken the MLB regular-season attendance mark of 84,587 set in 1954 at Cleveland Stadium when the New York Yankees faced the Cleveland Indians. "It's pretty incredible, man. This place is full," Cincinnati's Spencer Steer said as he looked at the stands before the game. "Never really dreamed of this. You think of 85,000 people you think of NFL or college football. A very incredible opportunity." The iconic 64-year-old US stock car high-banked oval racetrack in rural northeastern Tennessee typically fills all 146,000 seats for NASCAR series races. "It's awesome," Atlanta's Austin Riley said. "Any time you can go outside the boundaries of the baseball world and do something new like this and bring baseball and NASCAR together, it's unbelievable." In 2016, a collegiate American football game in the speedway infield dubbed the Battle at Bristol drew 156,990 fans to see Tennessee beat Virginia Tech 45-24. An NFL exhibition game on the Bristol infield between Washington and Philadelphia in 1961 drew only 8,500 spectators back when seating capacity was only 18,000. MLB built a baseball field in the infield between turns three and four, bringing in several tons of gravel to create a level field and removing a building from what would become the outfield. - History in the making - "These games are special," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "There's history in the making right here, something nobody has ever done, so it's an honor to do this." A storm arrived just before the scheduled start to delay the opening pitch by almost 2.5 hours. Cincinnati scored the first run when Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz and Austin Hays hit three singles in a row with one out in the first inning, rain already puddling on the left side of the infield. Play was stopped moments later. "Got wet really fast," Hays said. "I was kind of shocked when I got up there. The (batters') box is soaked already so they made the decision we need to try to dry it up just enough. "It has been a fun experience but the game is why we're here so we've got to get it in." The Reds are 58-53, 3.5 games behind San Diego for the last National League wild card playoff berth, while the Braves, the 2021 World Series champions, are 46-63. MLB's previous regular-season games at special venues included at the Field of Dreams movie ballpark in an Iowa cornfield in 2021 and 2022. MLB has also staged regular-season games in Australia, South Korea, Japan, England, Mexico and Puerto Rico. js/bb
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
What is the highest interest rate on a car loan?
Key takeaways There is no federal maximum interest rate for auto loans. Whether you receive a high interest rate is based on factors such as your credit score, the vehicle you purchase, the terms of your loan and the state where you are financing the vehicle. Some states set interest rate caps on loans for personal purchases, like cars, but others do not. There is no federal cap on interest rates, but military service members fall under special regulations through the Military Lending Act and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Since auto loan rates are usually advertised with their starting rate, you might wonder what the highest interest rate on a car loan is. The answer isn't straightforward because rates depend on a number of factors, some specific to the consumer and some tied to the economy at large. Auto loan calculator Want to get started on those calculations? Bankrate's auto loan calculator is here to help you crunch those numbers. Calculate now Highest auto loan interest rates by credit score and vehicle type Two factors that greatly impact your interest rate on an auto loan are your credit score and the type of vehicle you are buying. Generally speaking, higher credit scores receive lower rates, as well as newer and lower-mileage vehicles. Learn more: How to build credit for a new car loan Credit Score Your credit score plays a significant role in the average interest rate lenders will offer you. Lenders generally rely on your FICO score or VantageScore to get a snapshot of your financial track record when underwriting your loan, including your payment history, credit utilization and credit mix. The best interest rates on auto loans are offered to applicants whose scores are in the mid-600s or above. Personal FICO score Average interest rate for new car loans Average interest rate for used car loans 781 to 850 5.18% 6.82% 661 to 780 6.70% 9.06% 601 to 660 9.83% 13.74% 501 to 600 13.22% 18.99% 300 to 500 15.81% 21.58% Asking the experts: What can consumers do to help themselves when faced with a high interest rate environment? I really, really want consumers to know what their current cars are worth before starting their shopping journey. It doesn't matter if your credit score is 800 – you're still going to be offered 7 percent, maybe 6 percent, if you have a great lender in your pocket. When you have that number looming over your deal, the only leverage you have is the value of your current car. Be educated on what those current price points are and hit some of those monthly payment calculators so that you're not surprised when you see what happens with a $40,000 or $45,000 vehicle price point and what that monthly payment will be. Historically, consumers have always tended to shop by monthly payment. You know, going in and saying, 'I don't want anything higher than $750 a month.' But I recommend you negotiate the cost of the vehicle and then work out what your terms will be. Vehicle type According to Experian, in the first quarter of 2025, the average rate for a new car for excellent credit borrowers was 6.70 percent while the average rate for a used car for excellent credit borrowers was 9.06 percent. Auto loans are secured by the vehicle that is being financed. If the borrower can't pay, the vehicle could be repossessed by the lender to recover its money. 'Older vehicles that might not be on the road in a few years, or will break down, pose a little bit higher risk,' Zabritski says. This is also true of cars with higher mileage. Asking the experts: What advice do you have for consumers who need a car now, but only qualify for high rates? Lender mix will affect your rate. Credit unions typically are going to have lower rates than banks…but right now, banks are getting more aggressive and are looking to grow auto loans again, so consider multiple lenders. I always recommend you get preapproved so you know the rates and you've got something to negotiate with. When the environment is so consumer hostile, I think it's best to have as many tools in your pocket as possible. For many, the only leverage that you have is the value of your current car, so get it appraised. When you know that number intimately and you go to the dealer and try to negotiate, you'll know a good deal or whether you need to try trading in elsewhere. Best bad credit auto loan rates Need to buy a car but credit score not ideal? Check out Bankrate's list of auto loan lenders. Check lenders now Highest auto loan interest rates by state States set their own maximum interest rates that lenders can charge consumers, and they enforce those rates with usury laws. Usury laws influence the maximum rate you can be charged when you buy a vehicle, and that limit can vary widely from state to state. For example, California sets a maximum of 10 percent per year for loans for personal goods, while Nevada has no maximum rate and no usury laws. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! The Insurance Savings You Expect Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You Great Rates and Award-Winning Service Importantly, you are subject to the usury laws of a state where you borrow money, not necessarily the state where you live. For example, if you live in California but use an auto lender in Nevada, you will not be protected by California's usury laws. The amount and term length of your loan influence the maximum interest rate you can receive as well. Most states set higher interest rate caps for smaller, short-term loans than for larger, long-term loans. State Average used car APR Average new car APR New York 9.93% 6.75% New Hampshire 9.07% 6.30% Massachussetts 9.37% 6.58% Ohio 11.6% 7.56% Tennessee 10.93% 7.21% Georgia 12.56% 8.36% Arkansas 11.6% 7.73% Kansas 10.46% 6.74% Nebraska 9.31% 6.20% Colorado 10.01% 6.76% Washington 8.84% 6.29% Oregon 9.37% 6.48% Idaho 9.01% 6.55% Utah 8.50% 6.58% New Mexico 12.23% 8.73% Learn more about usury laws in your state Use the Conference of Bank State Supervisors's interactive map of usury laws across the country. If you believe a lender is offering you a rate that breaks the law, consult a lawyer or your state's attorney general. You may be able to recover interest you have paid on your loan if you have been charged more than the legal limit. 5 factors that influence your interest rate Beyond credit and usury laws, it's crucial to note that other factors can impact the interest rate a lender might offer you. Loan amount Large loan amounts come with higher rates, while lower loan amounts have lower rates. You can control your loan amount by making a larger down payment and financing less. You can also purchase a less expensive vehicle. Yoon suggests being 'really familiar with your budget' and taking a 'hard look at the cars you're shopping' to assess what kind of car would help assist you with your everyday needs. Loan term While longer-term auto loans can help lower your monthly payment, they often have higher rates than shorter-term auto loans. Beyond that, a long loan term will mean paying more in interest overall, even if you are able to score a competitive rate. Down payment Making a larger down payment on your auto loan could lower your interest rate. This is because you will need to finance less, and lower loan amounts — similar to shorter loan terms — often come with lower interest rates. Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio The LTV of your auto loan compares the amount you are borrowing to the cost of the car you are buying. If you make a down payment, you will borrow less than the car costs and your LTV will be lower. If you borrow more than the car is worth – maybe to consolidate debt or pay off your old car loan – then you will have a high LTV. Benchmark rate The Federal Reserve sets the benchmark rate, which is the cost for banks to loan money to each other. Indirectly, that affects the cost for lenders to make auto loans to consumers. When the benchmark rate is lowered, auto loan rates also drop. Yoon says he does not expect the Fed to lower the benchmark rate any time soon. '[Jerome Powell] has been very specific about keeping rates where they are to really mitigate inflation. And it's tough to see on the consumer end how that's working, but at the economic level, it has been effective. Special protections for military service members The Military Lending Act and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act limit the interest rates lenders can charge active duty service members and their families. Military Lending Act: This act applies to active duty service members, their spouses and certain dependents. It places an interest rate cap of 36 percent on unsecured auto loans. Most auto loans are secured by the car being purchased, however. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: Originally passed in 1940, this allows interest rates on loans taken out prior to becoming a service member to be cut down to 6 percent for the duration of active duty. Related: Military Car Loans: What To Know Before You Sign Frequently asked questions How can I get a lower interest rate on a car loan? You can improve your chances of qualifying for a lower rate in a number of ways, including: Paying off existing debt before applying for an auto loan Improving your credit score Making a down payment Choosing an affordable car Selecting a shorter term Using prequalification and preapproval to compare lenders How often do auto loan interest rates change? Auto loan interest rates change daily and vary widely from one lender to another. They are influenced by various economic factors, including the Federal Reserve's Federal Funds Rate and the prime rate. What is a good APR for a 72-month car loan? In Q1 2025, the average APR for a 72-month car loan was 38.59 percent for new vehicles and 41.34 percent for used vehicles. Your credit score and the vehicle you purchase will determine whether lenders offer you an APR that is higher or lower than that average. What is the worst interest rate you can get on a car loan? There is no set maximum interest rate you can receive on a car loan. Whether a rate is bad or not depends on your credit score, the amount you are borrowing and your loan's term. You should shop around and compare rates to ensure you receive a good rate based on your car buying situation. Does the type of vehicle you buy impact your interest rate? The age and condition of a vehicle will impact your interest rate, but not whether you buy a truck, sedan or crossover. 'The type of vehicle will impact the loan amount, which then will spill over into your payment-to-income ratio and loan amount,' says Zabritski. 'So, if you have a lower income, you might not be able to qualify for that new F-150 and might have to go towards a lower price point vehicle.' Sign in to access your portfolio
