A low-emissivity (low-E) coating includes first and second infrared (IR) reflecting layers of or including a material such as silver. The coating includes a bottom dielectric portion including a layer of or including silicon zirconium oxynitride, and a center dielectric portion including a layer of or including zinc stannate. The coating is configured to realize a combination of desirable visible transmission, consistent and low emissivity values, thermal stability upon optional heat treatment such as thermal tempering, desirable U-value, desirable LSG value, and desirable coloration and/or reflectivity values to be achieved. In certain example embodiments, an absorber layer sandwiched between a pair of dielectric layers may be provided in. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, or in other suitable applications such as monolithic window applications, laminated windows, and/or the like.