The days when pickups were about all work and no play are long gone. Over the last few years, a new breed of truck has emerged, combining awesome power under the hood with dedicated off-road features to provide pickups that are equally as ideal for weekend adventuring as for daily toil.
Two new entrants to this market sum up this approach, with their meaty V8 engines, generous all-terrain features, and high levels of in-cabin comfort. The GMC Sierra AT4X and the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 come from sibling brands, and share nearly all of their underlying engineering, but differ in one important way. Here’s what you need to know to choose between them.
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is the off-road specialist of the Silverado lineup. Based around a 6.2L V8 engine making 420 horsepower and 460lb-ft of torque, passed to four-wheel drive through a ten-speed automatic transmission, the ZR2 offers ample power and capability for any task you set it. However, the ZR2 is also supplied with a wide range of off-road additions and refinements, with highlights including:
– Multimac 40mm DSSV spool-valve dampers for a smoother ride on tough surfaces.
– Increased front and rear suspension travel.
– High-approach front bumper with a 31.8-degree approach angle.
– Electronic locking differentials at the front and rear.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Silverado ZR2 is its high and imposing front end, dominated by a huge grille that spans nearly the width of the truck. And while this certainly adds an aggressive feel up front, it also serves an important purpose. The ZR2’s powerful engine is naturally aspirated, and the generous grille allows plenty of airflows to help keep the engine block cool.
The front end also features redesigned headlights placed lower down on the body, along with wing-shaped daytime running lights with animated lighting sequences. And lastly, the ZR2 is available in a new range of paint finishes, including Dark Ash, Sand Dune, and Glacier Blue Metallic.
The meaty engine output guarantees that the Silverado ZR2 can offer some impressive capability figures. The 202cm pickup bed allows a generous 2,523L of cargo volume, with a maximum payload weight of 655kg. And for easier cargo management, the high-strength steel bed is fitted with fully 12 tie downs and a powered up-down tailgate.
And when you need to carry even more, the towing capacity of 4,045kg using a standard hitch is plenty enough for worksite haulage as well as taking dirt bikes and camping gear into the wilderness.
The Silverado ZR2 has also been extensively revamped on the interior. Climb into the driver’s seat and you’ll immediately notice the configurable 12.3″ digital instrument cluster nestled behind the steering wheel, backed up by a generous 13.4″ touchscreen display for accessing the infotainment functions. Wireless smartphone connection is standard through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while there’s also a head-up display available to complete the high-tech experience.
The Silverado ZR2 is set to arrive in Canadian dealerships in spring 2022, and we’re now taking test drive reservations and pre-orders for the first models to go on sale.
The GMC Sierra AT4X is based around the same powertrain as the Silverado ZR2, with its 6.2L V8 making 420 horsepower and 460lb-ft of torque. It also provides an identical level of off-road technology, including a 2″ suspension lift, electronic locking front and rear differentials, the Multimac spool-valve dampers, and Rancho shock absorbers specially tuned for off-road conditions.
It also boasts the same impressive towing capacity of 4,045kg and a payload rating of 655kg, along with an equivalent high level of interior technology.
However, where the Sierra AT4X differs is in the exterior design. While the Silverado is extrovert and aggressive in looks, the Sierra is more traditionally pickup-like in profile. The front is more rounded and with a slightly smaller grille, while the headlights are larger and squarer than the Silverado’s wasp-like designs.
And as with the Silverado, the 2022 Sierra AT4X will be available in Canadian dealerships from spring 2022.
In terms of underlying engineering, capability, interior comfort, and advanced technology, both of these trucks are virtually equivalent and clearly show their close family background. Both will be a perfect partners for both work and play, and both can be taken off-road with full confidence.
The choice between the two is mainly down to personal preference, with Chevy’s distinctive looks offering a striking alternative to the GMC’s more traditional appearance.
But whichever of these off-road trucks you prefer, contact us now to reserve your test drive, confirm the latest release date details, or even place a pre-order for priority service when the first of these trucks arrives at our dealership.
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