Sedan alternative: the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado

After a somewhat disappointing 2021, I think it can be said that the Chevrolet Silverado is having a better 2022. Last year, the Silverado, which is typically the second-best selling vehicle sold, behind the Ford F-150, was beaten out of second place by the Ram 1500. But as of July 2022, the Silverado has managed to regain its second place position. One reason for the increase in sales could be the changes and improvements the Silverado gets for 2022.

The current Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has been around since 2019 and has seen some minor changes and upgrades to make up for its initial shortcomings. That continues for 2022, but this year it gets the most significant changes yet. On the outside, the front end has been redesigned with a slightly more aggressive look to it. Inside, there is a new interior that uses better cabin materials and larger screens (a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment screen). For the adventure there is a new ZR2 model that can focus on off-road capabilities, while those that like to ride in luxury, like in the High Country trim level, can now have it fitted with GM’s Super Cruise highway driving system. Finally, the V6 engine is no more – the base engine now being the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which happens to gets an increase in torque.

Enter the Silverado’s new cabin and you’ll notice a much nicer and fancier environment. The dashboard looks flashy with its huge screens, and when fitted in the High Country trim level as is the tester, the open-por wood trim and top-notch leather interior looks amazing. The center console contains physical knobs and buttons make interacting with the various systems painless. The Silverado’s infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and has a mobile hotspot.

With the V6 engine gone, the base engine is now the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For 2022, it gets a 20% increase in torque which brings it to 430 lb-ft, up from 348 lb-ft (horsepower remains the same at 310). This engine is found standard in the WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT trim levels. Optional on the Custom Trail Boss and LT is Chevy’s popular 5.3-liter V8 that still makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and well as the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel inline six-cylinder that 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Silverado RST come standard with the 5.3 V8, but can be had with the diesel engine or GM’s monster 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The LT Trail Boss can be had with any engine. The LTZ and the High Country – come standard with the 5.3 V8 but can be had with either the diesel or the 6.2 V8. It’s this larger V8 that is under the hood of the tester.

Silverado’s equipped with either the turbocharged four-cylinder or 5.3 V8 use an 8-speed automatic transmission while those with the 6.2 V8 and the diesel use a 10-speed automatic.

The new off-road-focused ZR2 trim comes standard with four-wheel drive and the 6.2-liter V8 engine. It is equipped with 33-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, electronic locking front and rear differentials and a full-size spare tire.

Just spend a few moments in the Silverado and it’s easy to see why drivers are choosing them over cars. There is tons of room for all passengers, especially those seated in back. And we haven’t even mentioned the truck bed that can carry a payload of more than 2000 pound and can haul over 13,000 pounds. Try doing that with a sedan.

With the new interior and new front end, the 2022 Silverado has taken over second place in the race amongst the best-selling vehicles. Regardless of where it finishes at the end of the year, one thing is for certain, big trucks continue to be popular and the Silverado is keeping pace with its rivals.
— Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2022 Chevrolet Silverado Crew High Country 4WD

Base Price: $60,300.00
Price as Tested: $68,850.00
Layout: front-engine / four-wheel drive
Engine: 6.2 liter V8
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Horsepower: 420 hp
Torque: 460 ft-lbs
EPA Fuel Economy: 15 city / 20 highway mpg

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