Pros & Cons
- Good powertrain choices are made even better for 2022
- Major upgrades in standard safety features
- Vastly improved interior in all but work-truck grade
- Not as refined as Ford or Ram, and loses out to Ford on brawn
- Rough ride over broken pavement
- Many desirable features still cost extra
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Overview
Though the Chevrolet Silverado and its sister, the GMC Sierra, were just redesigned for the 2019 model year, they both get major, and welcome, upgrades for 2022. Ram debuted its current 1500 in 2019 as well, which was followed by a new Ford F-150 in 2020. In comparison to those all-stars, the Silverado seemed off the pace, particularly in interior design and tech offerings.
The Bowtie brand has addressed those criticisms directly this year, with all Silverados save the base work truck, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss getting a much-improved interior characterized by a new 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and 13.4-inch infotainment screens running new software. A valuable suite of active-safety gear is now standard on all trims, answering a major demerit on previous versions, on which any safety gear was an extra-cost add. There are style and mechanical updates too, with the base engine getting a 20% bump in torque and the frugal turbodiesel six getting a similarly large upgrade in towing capacity, now up to 13,300 pounds.
There are actually two 2022 Silverados. Due to pandemic-related chip shortages, early 2022 models are called “Silverado 1500 LTD,” and are essentially continuations of the 2021 model year trucks, so see last year’s review for information there. Proper 2022 model year Silverado 1500s won’t arrive at dealerships until spring, but these upgrades suggest the new trucks will be much more competitive with Ford, Ram, and the all-new Toyota Tundra than the 2021 versions. There’s also a new model within the Silverado lineup. In a partial answer to the F-150 Raptor and Ram TRX, Chevrolet has also created a new Silverado ZR2 model for would-be desert racers.
The ZR2 is not likely to be as extreme a machine as those two, but the list of upgrades is extensive and likely to tempt a few buyers. They include a standard 420-horsepower V8, front and rear locking differentials, special springs and multimatic spool-valve dampers, 33-inch off-road tires, skid plates and a removable front bumper integrated into a fascia designed to optimize approach and departure angles.
Chevrolet Silverado Design & Style
The current-generation Silverado’s eccentric body contours and scowling face didn’t win it lots of friends when it debuted in 2019, but 2022 sees redesigned front fascias that are a little toned down. The biggest visual changes are to the interior. Here things are vastly improved, with nicer materials and a much more modern design. The previous interior looked a little too fitting for a work truck, and indeed Chevrolet has retained it on the work-truck trim. While the verdict is still out on how the new interior materials feel, they look much closer to what Ford and Ram are offering.
Chevrolet Silverado Performance
As with other domestic half-ton pickups, Chevrolet offers a wide variety of powertrains and configurations, but two of them get big upgrades for 2022 and one 2021 engine is dropped. Silverados are rear-wheel drive by default, with four-wheel drive (4WD) optional on most trims and standard on Trail Boss and ZR2 models. Both of those models are designed for more off-road capability than the other versions, with the new ZR2 being the most extreme crawler in the lineup.
The standard engine is a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While horsepower is unchanged from 2021, that’s a big gain in torque, up from 348 pound-feet. The added torque should improve off-the-line grunt and is among the highest-torque base engines offered in a full-size truck, though Toyota’s 2022 Tundra SR has it beat in this category. With the base engine, the Silverado can tow up to 9,500 pounds. The former 4.3-liter V6, usually only seen in the Work Truck grade, is deleted.
Slotting above the 2.7 and standard on the RST, LTZ and High Country trims, is Chevrolet’s long-serving 5.3-liter V8, familiar to returning customers, making 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque driving through a ten-speed automatic transmission. With this engine, the Silverado can tow up to 11,100 pounds. Optional on the higher-spec and standard on the new ZR2 is another familiar favorite, the 6.2-liter V8. Mated to the same ten-speed automatic, it returns 420 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, and can two up to 13,100 pounds. Both V8s feature cylinder deactivation systems for fuel-efficiency.
One of the Silverados best assets is its available 3.0-liter Duramax diesel inline-six, a roughly $2,400 option on most trims. The turbocharged diesel delivers only 277 horsepower but a thumping 460 pound-feet of torque while also delivering fuel economy that’s nearly best in class. This engine is mated to the same ten-speed automatic in the V8 versions, and for 2022 it gets a big upgrade in its tow rating. It’ll now lug 13,300 pounds when properly equipped, the highest number in the Silverado lineup, but one still shy of the F-150’s 14,000.
Chevrolet Silverado Fuel Economy
The Silverado’s optional turbodiesel inline-six offers Silverado buyers the best fuel economy of the group by far and is among the most frugal half-ton pickups on the market. It’s capable of delivering up to 23 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg combined in rear-drive form. 4WD diesels lose 1 to 2 mpg in each measure. On the other end of the spectrum, the truck’s V8s get combined fuel economy in the teens, maxing out at 17 mpg combined. The four-cylinder models hover between 18 and 20 mpg combined, which is about even with some other base-model engine choices from Ford and Ram. The ZR2, like the Raptor and TRX, gets hammered on fuel economy, returning just 14 mpg combined with the V8.
Chevrolet Silverado Comfort and Convenience
The Silverado’s cabin is among the roomiest in the full-size truck segment, and in popular crew-cab configuration, it bests most of its rivals in almost every measure except rear legroom, where it marginally trails the Ram 1500. Even LeBron James won’t feel cramped in the front or back of the Silverado’s crew cab, and the extended Double Cab is also near the top of the class in terms of room and comfort. The look and feel of the interior are greatly improved for 2022, which can’t hurt.
Chevrolet Silverado Cargo & Storage
In fine truck tradition, the Silverado offers a bevy of configurations, a trio of cab options and an equal number of bed lengths. They’re roughly comparable to other full-size trucks, though most competitors no longer offer a regular cab. This is almost true of Chevrolet, where the Silverado regular cab and 8.2-foot bed are a work-truck-only combination, with 89.1 cubic-feet of space below the rim. The 6.6-foot bed is offered on double and crew cab models and boasts 71.7 cubic-feet of room below any tonneau cover. The crew cab can also be ordered, and most commonly is, with a 5.82-foot short bed, good for 62.9 cubic-feet. Interior storage is decent, but the Silverado doesn’t offer some of the clever storage options Ram does, nor does it offer anything like that brand’s RamBox bed-wall storage system. The Silverado does have a clever multi-function tailgate, however, a system shared with GMC’s Sierra.
Chevrolet Silverado Infotainment & Connectivity
For 2022, Chevrolet has given the Silverado a major tech upgrade. While Work Truck models continue with their old interior and infotainment setup, all of the other models get a new 13.4-inch infotainment screen that dominates the dashboard. The screen runs new software powered by Google’s Android system, which allows it to incorporate many different Google functions including Google Play, Maps and Assistant. For drivers who prefer the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interfaces, the truck still comes standard with those. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also optional.
Chevrolet Silverado Safety
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado hasn’t been crash-tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the 2021 model earned four stars overall from NHTSA and a smattering of “Good” ratings in most categories from IIIHS. The truck earned only a “Marginal” rating in IIHS’ small-front-overlap and LATCH evaluations.
In a major change from years past, every Silverado now comes with a suite of active-safety features. Forward Collision Alerts, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, following distance indicator and automatic high beams are now standard. Higher trims can get even more systems, including SuperCruise on the top-trim High Country.
The Silverado offers an excellent trailer assistance suite with up to 15 camera views. For 2022, this comprehensive system can also work with SuperCruise on the High-Country. The system does make towing safer and easier, but like the best driver-assist gear, it’s an extra cost option confined to the higher trims, and requires some dealer-installed accessories to use all 15 views.
Warranty
Chevrolet backs the Silverado with three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranties. This is the standard level of coverage for almost all trucks in this class, though Ram and Nissan offer 100,000 miles of powertrain warranty.
How much does The Chevrolet Silverado cost to insure?
The Chevrolet Silverado is about average among its competitors in terms of insurance costs. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium of $1,907, though this averages all 50 states. That compares to $1,988 for the Ram 1500, $1,823 for the GMC Sierra 1500, $1,657 for the Ford F-150 XL and $2,013 for the Nissan Titan. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.
Is the Chevrolet Silverado worth it? Which Silverado is the best value?
If you can wait, we recommend skipping the interim “2022 Silverado LTD” and waiting for the proper 2022 LT. This is the cheapest model to sport the updated interior and technology features. At $44,295, it doesn’t break the bank but provides a truck that’s materially better than before and which compares well to equivalent Ford and Ram pickups. For towing and fuel efficiency, the turbodiesel inline-six also seems like a good addition.
Trim Specifications
Chevrolet offers the 2022 Silverado in nine trim levels: WT ($33,195 including a hefty $1,695 destination fee), Custom ($40,195), Custom Trail Boss ($47,895), LT ($44,295), RST ($48,595), LT Trail Boss ($53,695), LTZ ($53,495), High Country ($58,495) and ZR2 ($66,795). 4WD is a $3,300 option on most trims, though the Trail Boss and ZR2 models come with 4WD standard.
The WT is, as the name suggests, a Work Truck. Every Silverado including the WT will offer the basic safety suite, air conditioning and a radio, but this is a working machine and there’s almost no equipment beyond the basics. The Custom and Custom Trail Boss offer cruise control, carpeted floors, 20-inch wheels, a power locking tailgate and open up a few options, but are also pretty basic. Trail Boss models come with 4WD, a two-inch lift kit and the Z71 off-road suspension package, blackout trim and slightly more aggressive styling tweaks, and can be ordered with all-terrain tires.
The LT is where most “civilian” pickup buyers will start, and it will offer the new interior and infotainment system, as well as a 12.4-inch digital driver’s display. LT’s offer much more equipment, including a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a tilt/telescope steering wheel, keyless entry, rear USB charging ports, and a much wider array of option packages than the basic models. The LT Trail Boss mirrors the Custom Trail Boss but with more equipment courtesy of the LT.
RST models are meant as street performance trucks, and have body-colored trim, fancier interior materials, and a wide choice of wheels, up to 22 inches. They come standard with the 5.3-liter V8, but can also be had with the diesel. Many options, as on the LT, allow buyers to tailor their RST to their tastes, but the price can quickly inflate.
The LTZ and High Country models are at the luxury end of the spectrum and come only as crew cabs. They have much nicer interior materials than the lower trims, and can be optioned with niceties like memory seats, additional USB ports, large polished rims up to 22 inches, premium audio systems, power running boards, sunroofs, and, on the High Country, Super Cruise.
New this year, the ZR2 is a dedicated off-road machine and offers much more capability than the Trail Boss or Z71-equipped models. Equipment includes a standard 6.2-liter V8, major suspension modifications, 33-inch mud tires, skid plates and special fascias and a removable front bumper to improve approach and departure angles.
Warranty
3 Years/36,000 Miles
5 Years/60,000 Miles
HD Duramax Diesel: 5 Years/100,000 Miles
3 Years/36,000 Miles
Rust-Through
6 Years/100,000 Miles
5 Years/60,000 Miles
HD Duramax Diesel: 5 Years/100,000 Miles
1 Year/1 Visit
Specs & Safety
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Specification
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Safety
NHTSA: Not Rated