The new 2022 Silverado tells the world your story, and it begins as soon as you take the wheel. From off-road adventures in the first-ever Silverado ZR2 to just navigating the city, this truck has the strength to take on what’s next.
What’s New for 2022?
For 2022, Chevy makes some significant changes to the Silverado. All trims now have restyled front ends, but only the LT and up have a new interior design. Along with better cabin materials and a more modern layout, these models enjoy a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a huge 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Every Silverado now comes standard with most active safety features, and the top-of-the-line High Country model can be optioned with Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free-driving tech. While it’s not as extreme as the Ford F-150 Raptor or the Ram 1500 TRX, the Silverado lineup also adds a beefy ZR2 off-road model (reviewed separately).
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
From the stripped-down Work Truck model to the decked-out High Country, the Silverado can be configured in a multitude of ways. Base models offer nothing but the essentials, including manually adjustable front seats, manual locks and windows, and vinyl seats. However, starting on the LT trim, the cabin is significantly snazzier thanks to a handsomer dashboard design with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a huge center touchscreen.
The High Country’s interior looks particularly pretty with its leather upholstery and open-pore wood trim. While the crew cab has an enormous rear seat with generous headroom, we found the cushions back there to be uncomfortable. Still, this is a practical hauler, featuring clever storage cubbies spread throughout the cabin.
While the Chevy lacks the carbon-fiber-reinforced cargo bed that’s offered on the half-ton Sierra, it’s now available with a similar multifunction tailgate, dubbed Multi-Flex. Plus, the Chevy’s range of different bed lengths will undoubtedly satisfy traditionalists.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A range of engines—including a turbocharged four-cylinder, two V-8s, and a Duramax diesel 3.0-liter inline-six—means there’s a Silverado 1500 for any job. Of the two eight-cylinder engines, the 420-hp 6.2-liter is the quickest, propelling the Silverado High Country we tested to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.
For comparison, the smaller 355-hp 5.3-liter needed 6.1 seconds. The turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder now boasts 420 pound-feet of torque, which should help during towing duties. The diesel-powered Silverado we tested had the slowest acceleration of the bunch, but we were impressed by the engine’s smooth and quiet operation. Every version of the Silverado we’ve driven felt smaller than its size suggests.
The truck’s handling is surprisingly agile, and the brake pedal provides firm and reassuring feedback. Those looking for a more rugged half-ton Silverado will appreciate the Trail Boss model. It features a 2.0-inch lift, gnarly tires, and other upgrades that make taking the path less traveled easier and more entertaining. The new ZR2 is the most serious off-roader, and we review it separately.
Towing and Payload Capacity
With a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, the half-ton Silverado is a seriously capable hauler. It beats the Ram 1500’s max-tow rating by 550 pounds but trails the F-150’s by 700. Chevy’s top tow rating is accessible with both the diesel engine and the 6.2-liter V-8, but the 5.3-liter version can still handle as much as 11,500 pounds. Models with the turbocharged four-cylinder can tow up to 9500 pounds. The Chevy pickup’s powertrains matter less when it comes to payload, which ranges from 1870 to 2280 pounds.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Silverado 1500 is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile hotspot. The physical knobs and buttons make interacting with the system painless, and we appreciated the screen’s prompt responses to our touch inputs. The LT trim and up has a horizontal 13.4-inch touchscreen with enhanced features such as a Google-powered voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available Amazon Alexa integration.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every Silverado comes with an impressive list of standard driver-assistance technology, and it can be fitted with a host of towing assists that make pulling and hooking up a trailer easier. The top-tier High Country can even be equipped with Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free-driving technology that Chevy says even works while pulling a trailer. For more information about the Silverado’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Chevy covers the half-ton Silverado with a competitive warranty that doesn’t quite match the lengthy powertrain coverage of the Nissan Titan. However, every Silverado 1500 does get one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
