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 the 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.

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.

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, the 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.