First Drive: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado Review
Chevrolet’s full-size truck is being built in Canada once again. For 2022, it gets a new interior, new front-end styling, electronic towing aids and a dedicated off-road model, the ZR2. Many of the improvements will appear in the GMC Sierra sister truck as well.
Key Features:
- Stylish new interior
- Available Super Cruise hands-free driving
- ZR2 impresses off-road and on
Direct Competitors:
- Ford F-150
- Ram 1500
- Toyota Tundra
The refreshed Silverado 1500 goes up against the brand-new Tundra as well as the big-selling F-150 and Ram 1500. Chevrolet has no plans to develop a hybrid powertrain to rival the F-150 and Tundra, but a Silverado EV is on the way to take on the all-electric 2022 F-150 Lightning.
2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Photo: Brody White
Price: how much does the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado cost?
Below, a quick look at all the trims and pricing for each. Note, all prices for 4WD/crew cab/short bed (1,776mm/70in):
- WT: $47,348
- Custom: $51,948
- Custom Trail Boss: $53,948
- LT: $56,048
- RST: $59,948
- LT Trail Boss: $61,648
- LTZ: $67,848
- High Country: $73,748
- ZR2: $79,698
As always, the Silverado 1500 (light-duty) pickup is available in countless configurations. We’ve concentrated on the popular crew cab/short-bed setup with 4WD. The new ZR2 model is only offered in this combination.
2022 Chevrolet Silverado interior and equipment
2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Photo: Brody White
The current generation of Silverado was introduced in 2018. Since then, its uninspiring interior had been arguably its greatest weakness in competition with the Ford F-150 (notable for its folding shifter and central work table) and the Ram 1500, which set new standards for interior design and quality in a full-size truck.
New Silverado LT trim and above gain premium cabin features
That’s changed with the 2022 Silverado, which gets a new cabin with more premium materials than before and a sleek, appealing design. Grades LT and above have a 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch central infotainment screen.
The traditional column shifter moves to the centre console and becomes a chunky, electronically actuated item. The overall effect is impressive and puts the Silverado back among the class best.
Powered by Google
2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Photo: Brody White
Another key change for 2022 (again, LT and above) is the introduction of a Google operating system to run the infotainment. The new interface – developed by engineers in Markham, Ontario – incorporates hard-to-beat Google Maps for navigation plus Google Assistant voice controls for climate and other functions (don’t worry, there are still switches).
In effect, the Silverado becomes another Google device. Expect to see the system migrate to other GM products soon.
A Safety Assist package of driver-assistance tech is on every Silverado 1500, with additional functions depending on the grade. Top-end trucks have the option of Super Cruise for hands-off highway driving.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 performance and towing
Also developed in Ontario are the sophisticated controls for Chevrolet’s new towing aids. GM engineers have sought to take the worry out of everything from backing up with a trailer to ensuring the trailer is roadworthy. Some grades will require the Max Trailering Package ($1,120) to access all of the features.
New Silverado engine for 2022
The biggest change under the hood for the 2022 Silverado is the replacement of the entry-level, 4.3-litre V6 motor with a 2.7-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder. It provides a handy 310 hp and 430 lb-ft on regular fuel (the premium-drinking 6.2 V8 is only just ahead at 460 lb-ft) and it tows 9,500 lb.
Improved towing capacity
This is no fuel miser, though. Official combined consumption in a 4WD truck is 13.1L/100km. On the press launch, we recorded a lower figure with the 6.2 (which comes with cylinder deactivation) than the 2.7. Elsewhere, the 3-litre diesel motor is now cleared to tow an extra 3,800 lb, for a 13,200 lb total.
New for 2022: the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Photo: Brody White
Following the template set by the smaller Colorado pickup, the first ZR2 joins the Silverado line for 2022 as the new range-topper. Redesigned front and rear bumpers help increase the approach and departure angles and an aluminum skid plate protects the underbody. Goodyear mud-terrain tires and electronic locking differentials keep you mobile in extreme terrain.
We tested the ZR2 on a demanding mix of deep mud, rocks, ditches and heavily potholed, unpaved roads, and it performed admirably. Just as impressive is the on-road refinement, made possible by Canadian-made, Multimatic DSSV shocks.
Verdict: is the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado worth it?
It’s the new-found interior quality and style that brings the 2022 Chevy back into contention with the class best. Features such as the clever trailering assistance and increased diesel tow capacity – not to mention the mighty ZR2 off-roader – will appeal to the many customers for whom trucks are more about capability than creature comforts.
If you’re shopping for a used pickup, make sure to read our resource: Buying a Used Truck: 10 Things To Keep in Mind. Or just head over to our inventory of used, certified trucks here to get started.
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