2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - Review

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2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2

MSRP range: $39,500 - $67,600.

The 2019 makeover of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 wasn't without its challenges. To make up for its early flaws, it has undergone countless modifications and improvements since then. The most important updates to the 2022 Silverado 1500 include a vastly redesigned cabin, a larger infotainment screen, a restyled front end, a reworked engine selection, and a new ZR2 variant with an emphasis on off-road capabilities. Similar to the midsize Colorado ZR2, the 2018 Silverado ZR2 has a variety of improvements to increase its off-road capability. Greater wheel articulation and control for rock crawling are provided by specialized suspension dampers and specially tuned springs. The ZR2 also includes 33-inch off-road tires, model-specific skid plates, locking front and rear differentials, and a reworked steel front bumper for better clearance. Just be aware that the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX are more tailored for high-speed desert driving than the ZR2. 

Chevrolet has eliminated the 4.3-liter V6 engine from the Silverado's inventory for 2022, leaving it with only four options. The Silverado's turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine now generates a robust 430 lb-ft of torque, an improvement over the model from the previous year. The 2.7-liter engine's increased torque has also been used to modify the eight-speed transmission, which should improve acceleration while maintaining a respectable fuel economy. The two V8 engines and six-cylinder diesel engines for the Silverado are still available.

Similar to the midsize Colorado ZR2, the 2018 Silverado ZR2 has a variety of improvements to increase its off-road capability. Greater wheel articulation and control for rock crawling are provided by specialized suspension dampers and specially tuned springs. 

The ZR2 also includes 33-inch off-road tires, model-specific skid plates, locking front and rear differentials, and a reworked steel front bumper for better clearance.

Value

While not unreasonably pricey, the Silverado is more expensive than its main competitors without providing any benefits in terms of amenities, appearance, or interior quality. Similar to those in the truck's previous generation, the buttons and dashboard plastics are durable but appear to be of lower quality. Chevy's warranty coverage is average, but the initial appointment for routine maintenance is free.

Performance

The Silverado crew cab in the High Country model with the 5.3-liter V8 and four-wheel drive was put through its paces by the reviewer. For daily driving or towing, sufficient braking and acceleration exist. At our test track, the test truck reached 60 mph from a full stop in around seven seconds. Although a comparable F-150 is a little quicker, the Silverado's power is adequate. In town, the transmission seamlessly shifts gears while utilizing the low-end torque of the engine to its full potential.


On the highway, the truck travels straight, but the steering effort is a little too light. As you make turns, the handling is stable, and the body roll is efficiently restrained. However, mid-corner jolts can easily spook drivers.. Traveling off-road? A standard 4WD Silverado will do, but to maximize its potential, think about adding the Z71 off-road option package or the Trail Boss trim level.

Comfort

Although the seats in the Silverado aren't quite as comfortable as those in the F-150 or Ram 1500, they nevertheless have enough padding and support to keep you happy on extended rides. On the highway, the ride is comparatively smooth, and the truck is capable of absorbing most minor impacts. However, it can become bouncy while traveling on roads with a lot of dips and bumps.


The cabin's temperature is easily controlled through the climate system, however, using it can be challenging due to many of the control buttons' small sizes. We adore the GM-only, optional ventilated, and split-heated front seats (with individual settings for the seatback and seat cushion). Up until you use the throttle aggressively, engine noise is adequately muffled; beyond that, it becomes a little unpleasant.

Interior

Owners of Silverado trucks can now at last enjoy the desperately needed inside makeover. With athletic aspects on the ZR2 trim and upmarket materials on top-tier trims like the High Country, the most recent cabin design looks and feels far more current than the one used for the 2019–2021 vehicles. A crucial aspect of the controls is that they are generally simple to operate, a hallmark of the previous model, with big, obvious buttons and a quick touchscreen.


The crew cab design of the Silverado provides enough interior space for adults. This is especially clear in the back seat, which offers enormous legroom. While certain models have high seating positions, overall accessibility is improved by wide door openings and ergonomic seat placement.

Technology 

Silverado has a major focus on technology. The 13.4-inch touchscreen features a vast range of functionality, and the high-resolution screen reacts swiftly to clicks and swipes. Additionally, there are good maps, and navigation swiftly identifies locations and sites of interest. Additionally, the Google-powered speech recognition system reads your instructions back to you on the screen and understands them. You can control the station, the climate, and more with just your voice. On the enormous screen, CarPlay appeared fantastic. Your smartphone has its own storage compartment, and some models come with a wireless charger. There are numerous outside cameras that are accessible as driver aids, which are helpful when parking this enormous truck.


In general, adaptive cruise control performs admirably, especially for a vehicle of this size. The reviewer's test truck did, however, once unexpectedly lunge forward when the system was activated in stop-and-go traffic; our driver had to rapidly press the brakes to override. This tarnished an otherwise excellent experience. . Additionally, useful buzzes in the seat bottom are the rear cross-traffic warning system. Ford offers its comparable BlueCruise system on a number of F-150 levels, whereas GM only offers Super Cruise on the top-tier High Country model.

Fuel Economy

The 5.3-liter V8 and 4WD in the Silverado High Country achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The reviewer discovered that the quantity was manageably practical.. The Silverado's optional six-cylinder diesel engine offers the best fuel efficiency.

Towing and Storage

A short-bed, 4WD crew-cab truck with a 5.3-liter V8 engine and the industry-standard 3.23 axle gears were tested by the reviewer. For our needs, this setup offered sufficient towing and hauling capacity. In terms of the bed itself, it has more tie-downs and is a little bit deeper, wider, and longer than its competitors.

The boxy center console of the Silverado has several pockets, but we think the F-150 and Ram 1500's center consoles are a touch more adaptable for storing things. The crew cab's back seat is equipped with three top tethers and two sets of lower car seat anchors, allowing child safety seats to fit in any of the three locations.

Expert Advice

Driving a full-size vehicle like the Silverado isn't always enjoyable. But the Silverado may make you smile thanks to its dominating stance on the road, strong towing capacity, and obnoxious front-end appearance. However, the interior appears antiquated and incorporates a number of accessories and style elements from the previous generation. You may or may  not get the personality you seek from a full-size truck. 

We recommend the middle LT trim because it strikes the perfect balance between price and features. One of the Trail Boss versions or the ZR2 might be better options if you require off-road capability.

FAQs

Q. How much will the 2022 ZR2 cost?

Ans: The base price of the 2022 Silverado ZR2 is slightly under $70,000, which is approximately $10,000 more than the High Country, the most opulent non-ZR2 Silverado. Chevy's top-of-the-line off-road pickup has a starting price that is comparable to that of the F-150 Raptor ($70,370), but it is considerably less expensive than the Ram TRX's base price of about $80,000.

Q. When can I buy a 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2?

Ans: Fortunately, the first-ever Silverado ZR2, which goes on sale in Spring 2022, can assist you in getting there, wherever "there" may be. With a host of characteristics to handle the rugged terrain , whether you're driving backwoods trails or climbing over boulders, the ZR2 is the newest model to join the Silverado portfolio.

Q. What is the Chevy ZR2 package?

Ans: The ZR2 is an all-business off-roader that is based on the half-ton Silverado 1500 truck and amps things up with a more aggressive exterior, 33-inch all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance, innovative Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and Chevy's dependable 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8.

Q. Can you order a 2022 Silverado ZR2?

Ans: Both the ZR2 and the entire 2022 Silverado lineup are expected to go on sale in the Spring of 2022.