Massive Tech Upgrade. Modern pickup trucks are more than just heavy-duty workhorses. They’re vehicles that people want to drive every day, so they have to be comfortable, somewhat efficient and have nifty features. For the 2022 model year, Chevrolet has made some major changes to the Silverado 1500 and most of them are for the truck’s available tech features.
LT trims and above now come with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen. Besides the 2022 Toyota Tundra, the Silverado 1500’s available touchscreen is one of the largest available units in the segment. In addition to the large touchscreen, the Silverado 1500 is also available with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while Chevrolet’s new infotainment system comes with the Google app store, maps, and voice assistance.
While the infotainment system is a serious upgrade over the base system, another noteworthy addition is General Motors’ Super Cruise system. It’s an advanced driver-assist system that brings hands-free capability on mapped highways. Currently, only the High Country trim is available with Super Cruise, but there’s a good chance that it could become available on lower trims in the future.
Updated, But Bulky Design. The 2022 Silverado 1500 wears a new face compared to the previous model year. Chevy updated the pickup truck’s face with a revised grille and a slightly different front bumper. Things at the back mostly remain the same, but the overall design is one that’s more appealing than before.
More significant updates appear on the inside for LT trims and higher that now have a more modern design. Instead of the rugged, straightforward design of lower trims and previous model years, the 2022 Silverado 1500 features a far more modern look. The infotainment screen sits high up in the dashboard, while the HVAC controls have moved to being in a single line toward the bottom of the center console. The Silverado 1500 also ditches its column-mounted shifter for a more traditional shift knob. Lastly, nicer interior materials have been added to the cabin. With the new design and more upscale materials, high-end Silverado 1500 trims feel nearly as nice as ones from rivals.
Now Ready To Go Off-Road. Chevrolet introduced a new ZR2 trim for the 2022 model year. While the ZR2 isn’t nearly as capable off-road as the RAM 1500 TRX or the Ford F-150 Raptor, it should be plenty capable enough for the majority of consumers looking to head out into the wilderness.
The ZR2 comes with a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, 33-inch Goodyear off-road tires, high-tech Multimatic spool-valve dampers, front and rear locking differentials, heavy-duty skid plates, and a steel front bumper. Together, these features help the ZR2 be the most capable Silverado 1500 on sale.
Loads of Configurations. The Silverado 1500 is available in an impressive number of configurations. The pickup is available in regular, double, and crew cab body styles. Chevrolet is one of the few automakers to continue to offer its large pickup in a regular cab body style. Then, you can also choose from standard, short, and long beds.
On top of the body styles, there are a total of eight trims and four different engines. The Silverado 1500 starts off with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 310 horsepower. The next step up is a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8 engine. An even larger 6.2-liter V8 engine making 420 hp is available, while a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 277 hp is also optional.
When properly equipped, the Silverado 1500 is rated to tow up to 13,300 pounds. That puts the Silverado 1500 700 pounds shy of the F-150, but 550 pounds above the Ram 1500. Payload capacity maxes out at 2,270 pounds.
Final Thoughts. The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a more compelling package than before. Chevrolet’s updates have taken the pickup truck, which has been a solid third-chair option in the class and made it far more competitive. The tech upgrades and the addition of a new ZR2 trim really push the truck higher up the totem pole.
In comparison, the Ford F-150 remains the benchmark in the segment. It’s available in a wide range of trims, is offered with an extensive lineup of engines that include a hybrid model, comes with nifty interior features, and leads the class with a towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds.
The Ram 1500 has the most powerful engine in the class with an available 702-hp supercharged V8 engine. It has one of the most luxurious cabins in the segment, has a plush ride, comes with an enormous interior, and is available in multiple off-road-ready trims.
