Even with a redesign in 2019, the Chevrolet Silverado felt behind the times when compared to other full-size pickups as they received significant updates. But that changes for 2022 as the Silverado gets a midyear refresh, and it’s back as a contender in the class.
Base Price: $60,300
As Tested: $72,870
Horsepower: 420
Mileage: 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway/17 mpg combined
Changes are major for 2022. One of the most noticeable is a much nicer interior. Materials are upgraded, a new infotainment system is standard on LT and above trims, and there are more standard features and driver assistance systems including Super Cruise on the High Country trim. There’s also an upgraded four-cylinder engine, exterior tweaks including a new grille and headlights, and the new ZR2 off-road trim joins the line-up.
The 2022 Silverado 1500 comes in many different configurations and trims so you can get the full-size pickup that meets your needs. Starting prices range from $33,800 to $67,600. Each trim is available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
There are a whopping eight trims: WT (Work Truck), Custom, LT, RST, Trail Boss, LTZ, High Country, and ZR2. It comes in Regular, Double and Crew Cab body styles; the Regular has room for three passengers, while the Double and Crew cabs have room for six or five passengers, depending on whether you get front bench or bucket seats. There are three bed lengths: short (5’ 10”), standard (6’ 7”) and long (8’ 2”). The standard bed is available with all cab styles, while the short bed is only available with the crew cab, and the long bed is limited to the regular cab.
Four engines are offered: a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that makes 310 horsepower and pound-feet of torque, a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 355 horses and 383 pound-feet, a 6.2-liter V8 that cranks out 420 hp and 460 pound-feet, and a turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that makes 277 horses and 460 pound-feet. The four-cylinder engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic. All of the other engines get a 10-speed automatic.
My tester has the big dog engine – the 6.2-liter V8. As you’d expect, acceleration is quick and there’s also a pleasing growl as it sends the Silverado rolling down the highway. Merging and passing at freeway speeds is effortless; in fact, it’s almost too easy to catch yourself going above the speed limit. The Silverado is more nimble than you’d expect and relatively easy to drive, considering its bulk. It stays planted around turns and brakes and steering are responsive. The ride is stiff compared to some rivals and can jostle passengers on rough roads and bumps.
GM’s semi-autonomous driver assistance system called Super Cruise can be added on the High Country trim. This can be engaged when towing a trailer.
Maximum payload ranges from 1,440 to 2,270 pounds, depending on the configuration. The optional Multi-Flex tailgate lets you open the tailgate many ways including being able to use it as a step.
Maximum towing capacity ranges from 8,900 with the 2.7-liter engine to 13,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter V8 and turbodiesel engines.
The 4WD 6.2-liter V8 is thirsty at the pumps. EPA ratings for my tester are 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway with a combined rating of 17. I got 17 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
While the interior of the Work Truck and Custom trims remains bare bones, the LT trims and above see big improvements over the outgoing models. Materials are upgraded with modern styling. A redesigned center console features a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch horizontally oriented touchscreen. Front seats are comfortable and supportive. My High Country tester is upscale with leather seating and wood trim. The cavernous second row has plenty of leg- and headroom.
Standard features include remote keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, vinyl upholstery, front bench seat, infotainment system with seven-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, two- or six-speaker audio system (depending on body style), automatic high-beam headlights, rear-seat reminder (reminds you to check the back seats before leaving the vehicle), and Teen Driver (lets you set limits on speed and audio volume for your teen drivers).
Available features include proximity keyless entry, remote start, head-up display surround-view camera system, rearview mirror with integrated camera display, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth and leather upholstery, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front bucket seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, infotainment system with 13.4-inch touchscreen, seven-speaker audio system, satellite radio, four more USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, Wi-Fi hot spot, sunroof, and Safety Alert Seat (vibrates to warn the driver of potential crash risks).
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning with lane keep assist.
Available driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, Super Cruise (GM’s semi-autonomous highway driving mode with automated steering, acceleration, and braking), blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
The good:
Available with many cab, bed, engine, and trim configurations so you can get the truck that best suits your needs
Four available engines
Composed handling
Updated and much improved interior (except in lower trims)
Lots of standard and available features
User-friendly infotainment system
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Stiffer ride than other pick-ups
Work Truck and Custom trims still have Spartan interiors
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $60,300. The 6.2-liter Ecotec3 V8 with dynamic fuel management is $2,495. The High Country Premium Package is $2,425 and includes a power sunroof, all-weather floor liners, 22-inch painted Aluminum wheels with chrome inserts, and all-season tires. The Technology Package is $1,870 and includes a rear camera mirror, multicolor 15-inch diagonal head-up display, adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The power retractable assist steps are $1,195. Adaptive ride control suspension is $900. Multi-Flex tailgate is $445. Set of four wheel locks is $85. Discounts include $50 less for no rear heated seats, $50 less for front and rear park assist, and $140 less for no rear wheelhouse liners. The discount for the High Country Premium Package is $500. Destination charge is $1,695 bringing the grand total to $72.870.
Bottom line:
Chevrolet has taken steps to enhance and modernize the Silverado 1500 so the 2022 models are much more competitive among full-size pickups. The 2022 Silverado 1500 offers strong hauling and towing capability, a much improved interior, composed handling, and lots of standard and available tech and features. Plus it comes in a wide array of configurations and with four different engine choices so you can get the pickup that’s best for you.
