The effect of Zn addition on the hot tearing susceptibilities of non-refined Al-xZn-2Mg-2Cu (x = 2-12 wt pct) alloys was investigated via direct crack observations and load response measurements. The obtained experimental results were compared with the predictions made using a modified Rappaz–Drezet–Gremaud (RDG) hot tearing model. Both the minimum crack width and load at the non-equilibrium solidus (NES) temperature (which served as a good indicator of hot tearing response) were observed at a Zn concentration of approximately 4 wt pct, and the formation of cracks was highly correlated with the predictions made via the modified RDG hot tearing model (although the obtained relationship critically depended on the magnitude of fraction solid at which solid coalescence was expected to occur). Furthermore, it was confirmed from the load development pattern that the addition of Zn into the matrix of Al-xZn-2Mg-2Cu alloys promoted the formation of coalesced networks, which decreased their corresponding coalescence fraction solids.