The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 has been put through an intensive off-road test on Tasmania’s beaches, sand dunes, rocky trails and water crossings, demonstrating the capabilities of the outgoing-generation pickup sold in Australia.

The truck tested was not the updated 2027 Silverado revealed in the United States, but the current model that remains available in markets including Australia. There, the ZR2 is one of only two Silverado 1500 variants offered, alongside the LTZ Premium.

Australian-market Silverado ZR2

Australian pricing for the Silverado 1500 ZR2 starts at AU$147,490, excluding additional fees. That is substantially higher than the U.S. model’s AU$71,800 equivalent, largely because General Motors Specialty Vehicles has the truck converted to right-hand drive by the Walkinshaw Group.

The conversion does not remove the hardware that separates the ZR2 from less specialized Silverado models. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter EcoTec 3 V8 producing 313 kW, or 420 horsepower, and 624 Nm of torque. The engine works with a 10-speed automatic transmission featuring an external auxiliary cooler, along with an upgraded two-speed transfer case.

Standard Multimatic DSSV dampers are another central part of the ZR2 package. They provide a compliant ride on the road while allowing the full-size pickup to handle deep sand, rough surfaces and uneven terrain with substantial wheel movement.

Testing the ZR2 in Tasmania

The test began in Launceston before moving northeast toward the coastline near Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links. From there, the Silverado traveled along the beach and onto a narrow, rocky and sandy trail leading to the dunes.

In deep sand, the truck was left in its normal driving mode rather than using low-range four-wheel drive or hill descent control. It descended a steep dune under gravity, requiring throttle input only when the sand became deep enough to slow the truck.

The Silverado then climbed back up the slope diagonally, using throttle to maintain momentum. The ZR2 continued through steep sections, bumpy tracks and soft sand, where maintaining forward motion is important to avoid becoming stuck. Its V8 provided ample power, while the suspension helped it manage rocks and uneven surfaces.

The pickup also completed several water crossings and became airborne over some dunes. On the beach, it remained stable and maintained traction at speeds of up to 100 km/h, with waves running only a few meters away.

Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud-terrain tires are fitted as standard. They provide useful off-road grip, although their road noise is noticeable and can become tiring during regular driving.

Cabin equipment and road manners

Despite the arrival of a newer Silverado range in the United States, the current ZR2’s cabin was described as a comfortable place to spend time. Its equipment includes a 13.4-inch central infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The interior also features a power-sliding rear window and Jet Black and Greystone leather upholstery. On paved roads, the DSSV dampers deliver a soft ride rather than trying to make the pickup feel like a sports car.

The 6.2-liter V8 is paired with a dual active sport exhaust. Under full throttle, it produces the kind of sound associated with a large naturally aspirated V8 without the excessive character of more extreme trucks such as the Ram 1500 TRX or Ford F-150 Raptor R.

Towing capacity and fuel consumption

Although the test did not include towing, GMSV lists a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg with the standard 50 mm tow ball, or 4,200 kg when using the larger 70 mm ball. The ZR2 has a stated payload capacity of 713 kg.

Additional towing equipment includes a rearview camera with hitch guidance, a trailer theft alert system and an electric trailer brake controller.

Fuel consumption is less favorable during demanding off-road use. The quoted combined figure is 12.7 liters per 100 km, although more than 30 liters per 100 km was recorded while driving through the dunes at high throttle. Highway use can approach the official figure, but urban driving makes it more difficult to achieve.

At AU$143,950, the locally sold Ford F-150 Lariat is close to the Silverado ZR2 in price, although it places greater emphasis on luxury than off-road capability. The current ZR2 remains available in Australia ahead of the arrival of the facelifted model, which is expected to use a larger 6.7-liter V8.