Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 vs. GMC Sierra AT4X: Off-Road Battle

How does the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 compare to the GMC Sierra AT4X? These two off-road-focused trucks are similar in many ways, but have a few key differences.

When similarly equipped, these two GM trucks offer the same power and mostly the same equipment, but they offer differences in some areas. Both trucks give you incredible off-road features to tackle some of the toughest terrain. Should you drive the Chevy or the GMC truck? That depends on what you want to get out of your experience in your truck.

Here are some similarities and differences between these pickups.

Some standard GMC items are options for the Chevy

The GMC pickup in the AT4X trim includes a rear camera mirror, head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a few other items that are optional for the Chevy. This means those items are baked into the price of the GMC but cost an additional $3,600 for the Chevy.

These trucks have almost $6,000 between the prices, which could be a nod in favor of the Chevy. Still, the GMC includes full-grain leather, heated rear outboard seats, a stamped steel front bumper, and the GMC trailering app, which you won’t find in the Silverado.

What does each GM truck include?

When comparing the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 to the GMC Sierra AT4X, it’s a good idea to understand what each truck brings to the party.

GMC Sierra AT4X

The AT4X is a step above the AT4, which is a lower off-road trim for this GMC truck. The AT4X model gives you:

  • Multimatic DSSV spool-valve shocks
  • Locking front and rear differentials
  • Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires
  • AEV stamped-steel front bumper
  • Power sunroof
  • Full-grain leather seats
  • Massaging front seats
  • Rear camera mirror
  • Head-up display
  • Bose Premium Series 12-speaker audio system

These items are added on top of what the AT4 includes for this truck, which is:

  • 2-inch lift kit
  • Off-road suspension
  • Red tow hooks
  • Underbody skid plates
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear seats
  • Wireless charging
  • In-vehicle trailering app
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Sierra Safety Plus Package

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2

The ZR2 model of this half-ton truck brings impressive off-road features. Unlike the GMC Sierra AT4X, the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 doesn’t have a lower off-road trim. Items you’ll find in the ZR2 include:

  • Multimatic spool-valve shocks
  • 2-speed transfer case
  • Front and rear e-locker differentials
  • Hill descent control
  • Terrain Mode with one-pedal rock crawling
  • 18-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires
  • Skid plates

AEV adds more to these trucks

American Expeditionary Vehicles provides some additional features to make both of these trucks more capable on the trails. For the GMC, the AEV letters are added at the end of the name, but for the Chevy, the Bison package brings the AEV items to the mix. Those items are:

  • AEV skid plates for the transfer case, rear differential, fuel tank, and front chassis
  • AEV stamped-steel rear bumper with heavy-duty cast recovery points
  • 18-inch high-gloss black aluminum wheels with AEV center caps
  • Rocker protection
  • AEV floor liners
  • Black gloss door handles
  • AEV-branded front headrests
  • AEV exterior badging

What’s the ground clearance of these trucks?

The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 and GMC Sierra AT4X are impressive off-road trucks that stand tall above the ground. The off-road stats for the Chevy are:

  • Ground Clearance – 11.2 inches
  • Approach Angle – 33.5 degrees
  • Departure Angle – 24.4 degrees
  • Breakover Angle – 24.9 degrees

If you choose the ZR2 Bison model with the AEV upgrades, these stats are improved to:

  • Ground Clearance – 11.3 inches
  • Approach Angle – 34 degrees
  • Departure Angle – 24.4 degrees
  • Breakover Angle – 24.4 degrees

Moving to the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X, these off-road stats are:

  • Ground Clearance – 11.6 inches
  • Approach Angle – 31.6 degrees
  • Departure Angle – 25.7 degrees
  • Breakover Angle – 23 degrees

If you add the AEV upgrades, these stats are:

  • Ground Clearance – 11.7 inches
  • Approach Angle – 29.6 degrees
  • Departure Angle – 22.7 degrees
  • Breakover Angle – 22.6 degrees

Which truck should you choose?

The biggest differences between the GMC Sierra AT4X and Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 are the refined nature of the GMC compared to the rough and ready feeling of the Chevy. These two trucks are both capable and powerful, offering great off-road features and good towing figures. The cabin in the GMC is more posh and upscale while the aggressive nature of the Chevy makes it ready to take on the trails.

Which of these GMC off-road-ready trucks will be waiting for your next adventure?

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