​​Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 Duramax Yearlong Verdict​

A relationship with a memorable vehicle is something most Americans will have at least once in their lifetime. It could be your first car, your first brand new car, or the purchase of a vehicle from your childhood. This is why it’s not surprising that Motor Trend fell in love with its Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 Duramax loaner after 12 full months of using it in every way imaginable.  

21,000 Miles of Testing 

Automotive journalist Jason Gonderman wrote the final wrap-up verdict for the magazine’s Chevy truck and said that it became like an old friend that could be counted on—one that would also tempt you to push harder, giving the testing team confidence in the truck’s abilities. Part of that comes from the engine, a turbocharged diesel inline-six that offers 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. Over the course of more than 21,000 miles, Motor Trend saw the truck deliver 21 mpg (when you subtract 3,000 miles of towing), which is right in line with the EPA’s estimated average. With the towing mileage added back in, the Silverado ZR2 Duramax still averaged 19.1 mpg, which is fantastic.  

Cost per Mile 

When the magazine added up the total average cost per mile, the Silverado ZR2 Duramax only cost them 26 cents per mile, which is better than the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro it tested at 36 cents per mile, the 45 cents of the Ram 1500 TRX, and even better than the Ford F-150 Raptor’s 40 cents per mile.  

More than just a Brilliant Engine  

While Motor Trend lauded the Silverado ZR2 Duramax for its rather large and whisper quiet interior, another notable feature that allowed the editor to make the most use of the truck was the 8,200-pound towing capacity. Whether you are looking to tow a camper, a boat, or even cars and horses, the Silverado will do it with ease.  

What Motor Trend Had to Say 

“We’ve said this before, and it bears repeating: The 3.0-liter Duramax-powered Silverado 1500 ZR2 is 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. While other options exist in the space, they’re often one-trick ponies that excel greatly in a single area but sacrifice all the other attributes that make a truck great. 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.” 

Sharp Automotive Has What You’re Looking For 

If you fancy yourself a vehicle like the Silverado ZR2 Duramax that will be a fun, reliable truck in which to take the kids to school and still be able to tackle everything from off-roading to towing, then come on down to Sharp Automotive where you can find the perfect vehicle for your budget and needs.  

Why Choose Sharp Automotive 

At Sharp Automotive, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services around. With dozens of new and used vehicles to choose from, our excellent sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happily. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own. We look forward to serving you soon.