2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Overview

Brand loyalty is big when it comes to full-size trucks, and the 2022 Chevy Silverado gives loyalists things to get excited about. The Ford F-150 was recently redesigned and offers the segment's only hybrid model, and the Ram 1500 has the best ride quality and the nicest interior in the class, but the '22 Silverado hits back with a snazzy cabin and a new self-driving feature that's compatible with a trailer. The Chevy's stable of engine options is as strong as ever, from the stout turbo four to the torquey six-cylinder diesel to the mighty 6.2-liter V-8. When it comes to working, it can tow up to 13,300 pounds and is available with various high-tech trailering assists. The 2022 Silverado has a stiff ride and some other refinement issues, but it handles well for a truck and is working to keep pace with its half-ton rivals.

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).

Pricing and Which One to Buy

While the base-level Work Truck and Custom trims are well-suited for tradespeople and folks on a budget, the LT model is where the fancier interior comes into play, and we think it's the one to get. We'd also configure our Silverado with the crew cab and standard-length bed for max cargo and passenger space. We'd choose the 5.3-liter V-8 over the optional diesel engine because it's cheaper and quicker. Unlike the standard turbo-four, the V-8 also lets us select the Z71 Off-Road package with a host of upgraded hardware that makes playing in the dirt and mud easier and more fun. Chevy is also simultaneously selling pre-facelifted 2022 Silverados that can be identified as "LTD" models and cost less than their updated counterparts.

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.

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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.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Don't expect the Silverado 1500 to save you money at the fuel pump, but some of its various powertrain options are more efficient than others. The optional diesel is the most economical, with EPA estimates of up to 23 mpg city and 33 mpg. With all-wheel drive, its highway rating drops down to 26 mpg, which we matched on our 75-mph fuel-economy route. Meanwhile, the gas-fed turbo-four with all-wheel drive is rated at up to 20 mpg city and 22 highway. The thriftiest 5.3-liter V-8, all-wheel-drive powertrain is rated up to 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway; our real-world testing revealed that it was actually more efficient than the Silverado's smallest engine, the turbocharged four-cylinder: in our testing the V-8 achieved 21 mpg whereas the turbo-four returned 18 mpg. The 6.2-liter V-8 has city/highway estimates of up to 16/21 mpg, and on our real-world highway test it also proved impressively easy on fuel compared with the turbo-four by delivering 19 mpg. For more information about the Silverado's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

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.

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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

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