In a year’s worth of ownership, you can probably determine if your vehicle is a “keeper.” The one you always wanted and enjoyed every minute of it – so far.
MotorTrend had a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 with the Duramax turbocharged diesel engine for long-term testing. After a year of use, and 21,000 miles on the odometer, the magazine’s staff stated they’ve done everything, including “towed trailers, hauled loads, delivered kids to school, and entertained us while we sat idle in Los Angeles’ infamous gridlock. We rescued stranded motorists and helped move furniture. This truck has touched all the tasks that make pickup ownership such a rewarding endeavor.”
Their long-term Silverado 1500 ZR2 tester was powered by the standard Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel engine. It puts down 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. MotorTrend found that the Duramax “does pack the greatest amount of torque, which comes in especially handy while traversing rugged terrain as well as while towing heavy loads.” They certainly pushed the Silverado 1500 ZR2’s limits, claiming they towed an 8,000-pound trailer. The maximum tow rating is 8,200 pounds.
Where the Silverado 1500 ZR2 really excelled was in its running costs. Their $0.26 per mile fuel cost was less than any pickup truck they’ve worked with. Diesel Emissions Fluid added another less than two cents more per mile to that figure. Still, a class-leading running cost overall, based on fuel and DEF usage.
Chevrolet prides itself on providing you with the best quality when it comes to the Silverado 1500’s cabin. MotorTrend reported that “the interior held up remarkably well.” They also found “the plastic and vinyl interior to be quite easy to clean, and although the lighter-colored seats did eventually show dirt, they continued to clean up quite nicely. The rubber slush mats Chevy includes with the ZR2 came in clutch every time we tracked mud and dirt into the cab. After more than 20,000 miles, both the mats and carpet looked as good as new.”
The verdict? They called the Silverado 1500 ZR2 “quite possibly the best all-around off-road-focused half-ton pickup produced to date. It’s a bold statement, sure. But living with the truck for a year has only made us more confident in our view.” Furthermore, “the Silverado ZR2, with its diesel engine, offers remarkable fuel economy, a superb highway ride, outstanding high-speed desert off-road performance, and the most comprehensive suite of rock and trail hardware, and it still tows and hauls as a half-ton truck should.”
One thing MotorTrend did recommend: Get the 2025 Silverado 1500 ZR2. It offers more features, including standard Google Built-in, a basic OnStar plan, and front and rear park assist.
What has your experience with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 been? Has it held up nicely? At Dieffenbach Chevrolet, we are here for you. Our service department supports your Silverado 1500 ZR2 at every visit for maintenance and repairs. We also offer the new Silverado 1500 ZR2 for those of you who have not experienced one.
Contact us at Dieffenbach Chevrolet to see why the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 should be your next pickup truck.