Lucas Bell 
The off-road vehicle market has exploded in popularity in recent years. All three of Detroit’s automakers have spent a considerable amount of time and money to crank out these rugged 4×4 offerings for their customers, whether they come in the form of an SUV or a pickup truck. The latest additions to this ongoing battle are the Ford F-150 Raptor, and the Ram 1500 TRX. And while GM does offer a great off-roader by way of the Colorado ZR2, they currently don’t have anything in the lineup that can match these half-ton offerings. That said, MC&T was the first to report back in September 2020 that the General is currently developing a Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 pickup truck, which our sources say should arrive for the 2022 model year. Thanks to the folks over at TFL Truck, we now have some spy footage of the prototype pickup out testing in the California desert.
Unlike previous spy photos of the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 however, this new video gives us a better look at what GM is up to. The footage was captured outside of the Valley of the Name in California, where the truck was spotted alongside a few other off-road focused offerings. More specifically, we see the truck alongside a Trail Boss, a Colorado ZR2, and a Gen-2 Ford F-150 Raptor. The latter is perhaps the most notable of these companions, as the Raptor represents direct competitions for the upcoming ZR2.
As we’ve previously reported, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is expected to arrive with an upgraded suspension system complete with next-gen Multimatic DSSV dampers, as well as ever-important electronically locking differentials for both the front and rear wheels. As is evident on the prototype, the fascias at either end should also be adjusted to help the truck gain a bit more ground clearance. The 35-inch tires found on this prototype are also a hint as what is to come, bringing the pickup in line with its competitors.
However, in terms of the powertrain, it is expected that we’ll see the 6.2L L87 V8 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Output will likely remain near 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. No supercharged engines are planned at this time. This won’t be too much of a problem if GM can price the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 properly below the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor, which is expected to start around $56,000, as well as the 702 hp 2021 Ram TRX, which starts at just over $70,000.
While visual details about this upcoming off-roader are still scarce, expect that to change as the updated Chevrolet Silverado lineup debuts later this year. The Silverado ZR2 is expected to make its debut alongside the rest of the lineup, with production expected to take place early next year. Despite having to wait a bit longer, we can’t help but be excited about a genuine high-performance off-road full-size pickup truck coming from GM.
