Vehicle Type: A two or four-door, full-size pickup truck.
Price Range: $33,195 - $66,795 including the $1,695 destination fee but before any options, which can add as much as $11,000 to the base price.
Powertrain: 310-horsepower, 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with standard rear-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission.
Four-wheel drive is optional for all models.
Additional powertrain options include a 355-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission, 420-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 engine with four-wheel drive, and a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a 277-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine with 10-speed automatic transmission.
What’s New for 2022?
Still part of the fourth generation, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado receives a midlife update, with all trim levels receiving a refreshed exterior, including a new front fascia.
The LT trim level and above received a new interior design and features, including a large 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Every Silverado model now comes standard with more active safety features, including Super Cruise for the High Country model. A new off-road version (the Silverado ZR2) joins the lineup.
Full Video Review:
What’s Good?
- The multi-camera trailering system is intuitive
- A nice variety of powertrains are available for various towing and hauling needs
- Lots of in-bed tie-down points and competitive bed capacity
- The new interior for LT and above is now on par with class rivals
What’s Bad?
- The diesel and turbo-four cylinder powertrains aren't as efficient as expected
- Super Cruise is only available on the highest trim level
- Most variants cannot match the ride quality of other competitors
Would we buy one? We could consider it but rivals like the Ford F150, Ram 1500, and even Toyota Tundra offer strong competition.
More Photos:
See more 2022 Chevy Silverado Photos.
Overview:
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size truck that receives a midcycle update for the 2022 model year. Still part of its fourth generation, the Chevy pickup competes against the GMC Sierra, Ram 1500 TRX, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, and Ford F-150 Raptor.
If you are a full-size truck enthusiast, you will understand just how immense brand loyalty is for the big haulers. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is one of six full-size pickup trucks available in the U.S. To remain competitive, it gives loyalists an exciting lineup of powertrains.
For 2022, Chevy offers several powerful engine options, which are stronger than ever before. With options ranging from a stout and capable turbo-four to a mighty 6.2-liter V8 engine, owners can take their pick of the Silverado's range of versatility for their various hauling and towing needs. While a family can easily enjoy the large legroom and comfortable interior, it is a workhorse ready to take on the day's load, especially when equipped with various high-tech trailering assist options.
The Chevy Silverado has a model for just about any driver's needs with nine trim levels, three cab configurations, three-bed lengths, and four impressive powertrain options.
More fun has been added to the lineup if you want to go off-roading with the new ZR2. Whether you need to head off the beaten track for work or play, this new Silverado is fun to drive with impressive hauling capabilities. The ZR2 comes standard with a massive 6.2-liter V8 engine and is similar to the Colorado ZR2.
While the new model adds some excitement for the 2022 model year, some other mid-cycle updates are worth noting. All models received an exterior styling refresh with new front ends; however, the latest interior design was limited to only the LT model and above.
The new interior features higher-quality cabin materials, a more modern layout, redesigned center console, a larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a massive 13.4-inch touchscreen as part of the infotainment system.
Every model receives a long list of standard active safety features compared to previous years. Despite the excitement around the new Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system, it is only available on the top-of-the-line High Country model.
For the most part, the engine lineup carries over from 2021. The base V6 engine we were familiar with from previous years is discontinued and replaced with a standard 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produces the same 310-horsepower as 2021, but the torque increased by 82 lb-ft to 430 lb-ft.
Overall Score: 4/5 stars
Driving Experience: 3/5 stars
For the 2022 model year, Chevrolet streamlined the powertrain options to be more powerful, efficient, and refined. The standard turbo four-cylinder engine on the model we tested may be easy to assume as being a "small option." Still, it offers the quickest acceleration in the powertrain lineup and a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic.
In the real world, we were disappointed by the four-cylinder engine's clear lack of power; it's just not an adequate substitute for the grunt of a V8 or even a turbo V6.
The turbodiesel Silverado has the slowest acceleration in the lineup, but the engine is smooth and quiet.
In general, the Silverado drives smaller than what its size actually suggests and provides a decent ride quality despite being a body-on-frame, rugged truck. However, other rivals in its class offer a better ride quality, like the Ram 1500. The Silverado's handling is surprisingly agile, and the brake pedal provides firm and reassuring feedback at all times.
The Super Cruise autonomous driving function is excellent and highly responsive, but it can only be activated on certain highways. Since this feature was specifically calibrated for the Silverado, it can be used during towing, which helps alleviate some of the drag and hassle of a long-distance trip with a trailer, making the towing and driving experience simpler and more enjoyable.
The new ZR2 model offers impressive off-road capability because it uses Multimatic-sourced DSSV spool-valve shocks and high-performance dampers and provides locking front and rear differentials. The one-pedal off-road feature lets drivers focus solely on the throttle pedal by stopping and securing the vehicle on inclines. According to an Edmunds review of the ZR2, "It does not feel in its element driving off-road at speed in the way that the F-150 Raptor and Ram TRX do." They also note that the ride is noisy.
Value: 3.5/5 stars
The entry-level Work Truck and Custom models are well-suited for car shoppers on a tight budget. They offer good value for money at a competitively low starting MSRP, which is lower than the GMC Sierra and Nissan Titan but in line with the Ford F-150. However, if you want a nicer interior with a better infotainment system and modern layout, it is quite a pricey jump to the next LT model for the niceties.
New for the 2022 model year is the Chevy Silverado ZR2. The ZR2 is equipped to be a competent off-roading vehicle. This Chevy has a starting price of $65,100. Its main rival, the Ford Raptor, starts at a slightly lower price of $64,495.
The automaker covers every half-ton Silverado 1500 with a highly competitive warranty, but it doesn't match the lengthy powertrain warranty offered on the Nissan Titan. However, with all things considered, the Titan is more expensive. Chevy overtakes the Titan and other rivals like the Ford F150 with its complimentary scheduled maintenance visit, which neither the Nissan nor Ford offer.
Tech Features: 4/5 stars
On the lower trim levels, a 7.0-inch touchscreen forms part of the infotainment system; most rivals feature a slightly larger 8.0-inch standard touchscreen. Standard features on the Silverado include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa support, a mobile hotspot, single-zone air conditioning, a pair of USB ports, a 6-speaker audio system, and a tilt steering wheel, and power windows.
The LT trim and above models feature a new horizontal 13.4-inch touchscreen with enhanced features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available Amazon Alexa integration. There is also a Google-powered voice assistant, which at the press of a button on the steering wheel or by saying "Hey Google," helps keep the driver's eyes on the road as they use the assistant to send texts, and change audio sources or alter the climate control. It is surprisingly accurate and responds promptly to different commands.
Overall, this new infotainment screen and dashboard design is probably the best part of the new Silverado, and it's an overdue upgrade considering the screens of rivals from Ford, Ram, and Toyota.
The physical knobs and buttons help make interacting with the system hassle-free and simple. The touchscreen quickly responds to inputs and displays excellent graphics.
GM's Super Cruise is the name of the company's semi-autonomous driving system. For the first time, it is available on the 2022 Silverado and is one of the main technical features that set it apart from all of its competitors. In the case of the Silverado, the Super Cruise feature has been calibrated to work while towing, which is huge for truck buyers. Unfortunately, it is only available on the highest trim level, the High Country.
Practicality: 5/5 stars
The Chevy Silverado's practicality is better seen in its versatility. From the basic Work Horse hauler to a fully laden, more modern High Country model, the full-size truck can be configured in several ways to suit many applications. The Chevy Silverado 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, beating the Ram 1500's maximum towing capacity by 550 pounds. The Chevy's payload capacity ranges from 1870 to 2280 pounds.
The new ZR2 model borrows its name from the Colorado ZR2. It features revised bumpers, cleverly tucked away exhaust tips, and several underbody skidplates to protect the vehicle from extreme off-roading excursions. The 33-inch all-terrain tires are the largest tires the Silverado is designed to accept and encourage a unique driving experience, holding onto almost any surface.
The Silverado offers one of the largest beds and has the biggest cargo capacity in its class. The range of different bed lengths undoubtedly provides extensive functionality for almost any Silverado owner and truck traditionalist. Bed sizes come in a 5-foot-8 short box with 62.9 cubic feet of space, a 6-foot-6 standard box with 71.7 cubes, and an 8-foot long bed with 89.1 cubes. That's roughly ten cubic feet more than both the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. Unfortunately, the truck lacks a carbon-fiber-reinforced cargo bed that's offered on the GMC Sierra, but it is available with a similar multifunction tailgate (the multi-flex tailgate).
The Silverado is a practical half-ton hauler featuring clever storage cubbies throughout the cabin. Most models have storage space underneath the seats for long and thin items, ideal for hunting and fishing gear.
Styling & Design: 4/5 stars
For previous model years, the dashboard of the Silverado was clumpy, but for 2022, Chevy has refined the dashboard to flow more easily across the front of the vehicle, featuring a broad horizontal dash that mirrors the wide proportions of the truck. and inset with seamless rectangular displays.
The Chevy Silverado uses a modern, widescreen infotainment system, which is positioned higher up on the dashboard for improved driver visibility. Climate control dials, drive mode buttons, and a volume knob is all welcomed for easier use and less distraction from the screens. A console-mounted gearshift lever is also available to replace the traditional column shifter.
The Ram 1500 is gaining traction quickly because of prioritizing a higher-quality, more modern interior on its 2022 Ram 1500. Overall, however, the interior of the higher trim levels of the Silverado received a big upgrade, including a better-integrated accent trim and high-end leather. This helps it compete with the more luxurious higher trim levels of both the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
The exterior received several changes with the redesign of the 2022 Chevy Silverado. A new controversial front end was adopted while it retained its boxy proportions. Different trim levels received different grille designs, but overall, the Silverado looks less like a tow truck with its more unified front bumper and lower squinting headlights.
Safety Features: 4/5 stars
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at the time of writing this review.
Every Chevy Silverado comes with Chevy Safety Assist, which features an improved list of active safety features. This suite includes automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist with lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and the following distance indicator.
Other available safety features for the Silverado include a comprehensive surround-view camera system as well as Chevy's Advanced Trailering System. The trailering system not only makes hooking up a trailer easier but also allows drivers to safely keep an eye on their trailer's brake lights, tire pressures, and more.
Ford is known for coming out with all the latest technology first, but even the Chevy Silverado has a long list of standard safety features when compared to the Ford F-150. The GMC Sierra and Silverado share the same list of standard features.
Efficiency: 3/5 stars
The standard 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is better than the previous year's V6, with EPA ratings of 19/22/20 mpg. Adding four-wheel drive drops the fuel economy by 2 mpg.
While these are good numbers on paper, in our real world testing over 350 miles of testing (including a road trip), we only averaged 16 miles per gallon with the four-cylinder. Given its power deficiency, we were left unimpressed with this fuel economy as it seems like there was no upside to the smaller engine.
The most fuel-efficient engine is the 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder. The EPA rates this engine at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined, making it ideal for drivers who clock in many highway miles. Adding four-wheel drive drops the fuel economy to 22/26/24 mpg, the same as the Ford F-150 Hybrid, and even beats the 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid.
The 5.3-liter engine gets 16/21/18 mpg with rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, although four-wheel drive loses 1 mpg on the highway. The 6.2-liter with standard four-wheel-drive has EPA ratings of 15/20/17 mpg. These ratings are with active cylinder deactivation that shuts down a certain number of V8 cylinders when they are not needed, thus saving fuel. Without the fuel-saving technology, the fuel ratings drop by 1 mpg.
The Silverado ZR2 has the worst fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 14/17/15 mpg.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado Work Truck is the entry-level model and has an MSRP of $33,195, including the $1,695 destination fee. This model comes standard with a 310-horsepower, 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with standard rear-wheel-drive and 8-speed automatic transmission. The Work Truck carries a maximum trailering rating of 9,500 pounds.
A Double Cab version with a standard bed length starts at $34,800, while a Crew Cab short bed starts at $37,200.
With four-wheel drive, the Regular Cab with a long bed starts at $36,100, while a Double Cab with a standard bed is $38,100. A Crew Cab with a short bed is $37,200 and $37,500 for a standard bed.
Standard features on the Silverado Work Truck include manual front seat adjustment, 17-inch wheels, an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa support, a mobile hotspot, single-zone air conditioning, a pair of USB ports, a 6-speaker audio system, a tilt steering wheel, power windows, 12 cargo tie-down points, and cargo lamps.
Standard Chevy Safety Assist features include automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist with lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and the following distance indicator.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado Custom model starts at $43,540, including the $1,695 destination fee. This model shares the same powertrain and adds 20-inch Bright Silver aluminum wheels, upgraded LED taillights and LED lighting for the cargo bed, and Chevrolet's EZ Lift Assist Tailgate with a power lock-and-release feature. Other features include cruise control, power windows/door locks, a rear defogger, remote keyless entry, and remote start.
A four-wheel-drive Crew Cab Custom Trail Boss model with a short bed starts at $46,200. The long bed variant costs an additional $300. This model comes with the Custom Convenience and Infotainment packages which include the EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate, LED bed lighting, and remote start,
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado LT with a Double Cab and a standard bed starts at $44,295, including the $1,695 destination fee. Adding on a four-wheel-drive will bring the total to $44,700. This model features chrome mirror caps, GM's OnStar connected services, and semi-automatic single-zone climate control. The redesigned interior enters from this model upwards and includes the larger 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Models with front bucket seats get a console-mounted gearshift lever.
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado RST model with four-wheel drive, a Double Cab, and a standard bed starts at $46,900. A rear-wheel-drive Crew Cab version with a short bed starts at $47,600. This model sports a black bowtie grille, LED taillamps, black accents, LED fog lights, keyless entry and start, and a rear window defogger.
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ model with four-wheel drive, a Crew Cab, and a short bed starts at $51,800. The LTZ model adds on a 10-way power-adjust driver's seat with memory settings, dual-zone climate control, leather interior, 8-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated seats and steering wheel, a high-def rearview camera with hitch guidance, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, heated side mirrors, plus integrated trailer brake controller, 120-volt power outlets, and an automatic locking rear differential.
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado High Country model with a Crew Cab has starting prices of $56,800 (rear-wheel drive and short bed), $60,300 (four-wheel drive and short bed), or $60,600 (four-wheel drive and standard bed). This luxurious model includes heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch wheels, chrome assist steps, high-intensity headlights, power-operated tailgate, spray-on bed liner, 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, and Bose premium audio. The Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system is offered on this model as an option.
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 carries a starting price of $65,100. This new off-road model features an updated dashboard and infotainment/gauge cluster screens. It also has a complete set of off-road tools, including performance-oriented Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers, 33-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, unique bumpers, terrain mode, and driver-selectable locking front and rear differentials.
If it was up to us, we would opt for the nicer interior and larger infotainment system of the LT model and configure our Chevy Silverado with the crew cab and standard-length bed for maximum cargo and passenger space. Our powertrain choice would be the 5.3-liter V8 engine instead of the optional diesel engine simply because it's cheaper and faster.