The Silverado 1500 is a popular choice among pickup drivers, always well-stocked and in-demand at any Chevy truck dealer, and for a good reason. It offers impressive capacities for towing and hauling and has a wide variety of available powertrains so that consumers can strike the right balance between power and fuel efficiency, depending on what they prioritize. But just because it has built up brand loyalty over the years doesn’t mean Chevrolet is content to rest on its laurels. The 2022 Silverado introduces plenty of new features for fans to get excited about, so let’s take a look at them.
Exterior Style
Across all trim levels, the Silverado has a new look. The exterior reflects the truck’s toughness and durability while emphasizing its wide stance. The large grille contrasts nicely against a variety of colors and the iconic Chevy logo stands out loud and proud. For drivers who want to project confidence and make a statement, this new face should be a welcome change.
Super Cruise
This feature brings the Silverado one step closer to driverless technology. While the company emphasizes that drivers need to stay attentive at all times, Super Cruise does allow you to take your hands off the wheel while the technology takes over. For road trippers and workers with long commutes, this can make getting from point A to point B a little less stressful and more comfortable.
The truck will automatically control acceleration and braking, keeping a programmed following distance between it and the vehicle in front of it. A variety of high-tech tools, including cameras, GPS, and LiDAR, are used to detect curves in the road and keep the truck centered in its lane. Super Cruise also uses the Driver Attention System to send alerts if the driver needs to pay closer attention or take over with manual steering. This feature can’t be used everywhere, but there are over 200,000 miles of road throughout the US and Canada where it can be put into action.
Engine Upgrades
Chevy’s 2.7L turbo engine, which comes standard on several Silverado trims, from WT to LT, has been updated for the 2022 model year. Its maximum torque has been increased from 383 lb-ft to an impressive 430 lb-ft. It also offers 310 horsepower and a durable construction that is built to last. Silverados equipped with the Duramax diesel 3.0L engine also get an upgrade since the engine is now compatible with Chevy’s Max Trailering Package, enabling the truck to tow up to 13,300 pounds.
Screens & Infotainment
Instead of a few simple analog dials, some trims of the Silverado come with a 12.3-inch diagonal driver information center that puts key info within easy view. Instead of having an oil light or low battery indicator that only shows up right before you need to take action, this system has digital displays similar to the gas gauge that let you keep track of everything and plan your maintenance well in advance.
In the center of the dashboard, there’s an available 13.4-inch touchscreen, larger than those in previous models. The bigger size makes any maps and text easier to read at a glance. It also means that the buttons are larger, so you’re less likely to press the wrong one accidentally.
But it’s not just the screens that have gotten an upgrade—there’s new tech inside them too. One exciting feature is Google built-in. This allows you to use Google Assistant to make voice commands, controlling things like music, directions, or even the air conditioning without ever taking your eyes off the road. Apps like Google Maps and Google Play are also built into the interface, so you can still get access to GPS and music, even if your phone breaks while you’re en route.
Safety Comes Standard
Chevy has a suite of safety features designed to keep drivers, passengers, and cargo alike safe and sound. Some of the more modern, high-tech options that were previously only included on higher trim levels are now standard across the board, from the High Country down to the WT. This is great news for drivers on a budget since they won’t have to sacrifice safety in order to find something in their price range.
Whether you live in LA, Houston, New York, or anywhere in-between, driving in rush hour can not only be frustrating but dangerous. Sudden starts and stops are difficult to navigate, and if you don’t react right away, you might end up rear-ending someone and opening up an insurance nightmare. Forward Collision Alert brings traffic slow-downs to your attention in time for you to avoid an accident.
Beyond just alerts, Chevy Safety Assist also includes Automatic Emergency Braking. This feature brings the car to a stop automatically if it senses that a collision is imminent. It can also enhance manual braking, making it more likely that the truck will slow down quickly enough to avoid the worst. If you drive on rural roads or through residential neighborhoods rather than busy highways, Front Pedestrian Braking has your back. People crossing streets can sometimes seem to come out of nowhere, so it’s helpful to have an ever-alert sensor on your side.
Another issue common on rural streets is the lack of light at night. When roads aren’t covered by street lights, you need your headlights to see twists and turns in time or to notice crossing wildlife, potholes, and any other obstacles in your path. However, high-beam headlights can be distracting to other drivers. If a driver coming toward you is dazed or blinded by your headlights, you might make the situation more dangerous rather than less.
Of course, you can always turn the headlights off and on manually, but it can be easy to forget. Driving at night means being alert about a lot of things, and this one often gets lost in the shuffle. That’s where the IntelliBeam system comes in. If it senses either the headlights of a car coming your way, the taillights of a car directly in front of you, or enough ambient light that the brights aren’t necessary, it will automatically turn the high beams off, so you don’t have to.
Finally, whether you’re on a rural interstate or a crowded freeway, there are two more safety features that can come in handy. Lane Keep Assist senses when you are drifting out of your lane and can give alerts or even adjust steering slightly to keep you in place. The Following Distance Indicator takes the guesswork out of freeway driving by letting you see the time gap (measured in seconds) between you and the vehicle in front of you. Commuters and road trippers can use it to make sure they have enough time to brake in case traffic suddenly decides to grind to a halt.
The Silverado ZR2
New to the lineup, the Silverado ZR2 trim is built for off-roading. It comes loaded with a V8 engine that offers 420 hp as well as 33-inch tires that are designed to handle rough terrain. Steel bumpers are strong enough to handle a few dings and high enough off the ground to clear uneven trails or rocks in the way. If that clearance isn’t enough to completely avoid something, underbody skid plates work to protect vital components. Finally, Multimatic DSSV dampers provide drivers and passengers with a smooth ride, even over a bumpy trail.
The New & Improved Silverado
From the most basic trim up to the more luxurious options, all of the 2022 Silverados have new features on offer. There’s something for everyone here, with changes ranging from new styles to improved safety to more powerful engines. Chevy fans of all stripes are sure to appreciate the effort that has gone into bringing this beloved truck into the modern era.
