The Ford F-150 Raptor R and Ram 1500 TRX are the usual top choices for high-performance full-size pickup trucks, but there are two other factory off-road-prepped rigs to consider: the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 and the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.
These trucks are also designed to handle rough terrain and have modified suspensions, locking differentials, and rugged tires, but they come at a more affordable price range of around $70,000. This article will explore the features and performance of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 and Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2: A Rock-Crawling Monster
The Silverado 1500 ZR2 is equipped with front and rear locking differentials, ZR2 suspension with Multimatic’s DSSV frequency-selective dampers, and 33-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. It also has a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine, which is the most powerful engine in the Silverado lineup.
The ZR2’s off-road capability is matched with a luxurious interior that includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 13.4-inch central touchscreen with Google Built-In integration, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless phone charger, full LED exterior lighting, and a spray-in bedliner. The 2023 Silverado 1500 ZR2 starts at $73,740 and goes up to $79,595 as tested.
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro: A Capable All-Rounder
The Tundra TRD Pro comes with a slightly lower base price of $71,215 and is equipped with a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that produces 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The TRD Pro has a locking differential in the rear axle pumpkin, a Multi-Terrain traction-control setup with various surface-specific settings, underbody skid plates, and 18-inch forged-aluminum BBS wheels and Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires.
The TRD Pro has a TRD front anti-roll bar, 2.5-inch-diameter internal-bypass Fox shocks, and remote-reservoir Fox units in the back. Its ride height is raised by 1.1 inches in front with TRD-specific springs. The Tundra TRD Pro has 9.0 inches of ground clearance, which is 0.3 inches less than the Tundra SR5 trim with four-wheel drive. Its approach and departure angles are improved, though, from 21.0 and 24.0 degrees to 26.2 and 24.2, respectively.
How Do the Silverado 1500 ZR2 and Tundra TRD Pro Compare to the Ford F-150 Raptor R and Ram 1500 TRX?
The Ford F-150 Raptor R and Ram 1500 TRX are both powerful and capable off-road vehicles that come at a much higher price range than the Silverado 1500 ZR2 and Tundra TRD Pro. The F-150 Raptor R has a 702-hp 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine and starts at $86,250. The Ram 1500 TRX has a 702-hp 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine and starts at $109,245. The entry-level F-150 Raptor, which has a 450-hp
Here’s a comparison table between the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 and the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro:
| Feature | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 | Toyota Tundra TRD Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $73,740 | $71,215 |
| Engine | 6.2-liter V-8, 420 horsepower | 5.7-liter V-8, 381 horsepower |
| Off-road features | Front and rear locking differentials, ZR2 suspension, skidplates, 33-inch tires | Rear locking differential, TRD-specific shocks and springs, underbody skidplates, all-terrain tires |
| Ground clearance | 11.2 inches | 9.0 inches |
| Approach angle | 31.8 degrees | 26.2 degrees |
| Departure angle | 23.3 degrees | 24.2 degrees |
| Interior features | Digital gauge cluster, central touchscreen, Bose audio, leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charger | Basic interior with hard plastics, multi-terrain traction control, underfloor storage bins |