2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD

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 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, the Silverado lineup also adds a beefy ZR2 off-road model (reviewed separately).

Pricing and Which One to Buy
Work Truck $34,845
Custom $41,845
LT $45,945
Trail Boss $49,745
RST $50,145
LTZ $56,395
High Country $61,495

While the base-level Work Truck and Custom trims are well-suited for tradespeople and folks on a budget, the LT model is where the fancier interior comes into play, and we think it's the one to get. We'd also configure our Silverado with the crew cab and standard-length bed for max cargo and passenger space. We'd choose the 5.3-liter V-8 over the optional diesel engine because it's cheaper and quicker. Unlike the standard turbo-four, the V-8 also lets us select the Z71 Off-Road package with a host of upgraded hardware that makes playing in the dirt and mud easier and more fun. Chevy is also simultaneously selling pre-facelifted 2022 Silverados that can be identified as "LTD" models and cost less than their updated counterparts.

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.

Towing and Payload Capacity
With a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, the half-ton Silverado is a seriously capable hauler. It beats the Ram 1500's max-tow rating by 550 pounds but trails the F-150's by 700. Chevy's top tow rating is accessible with both the diesel engine and the 6.2-liter V-8, but the 5.3-liter version can still handle as much as 11,500 pounds. Models with the turbocharged four-cylinder can tow up to 9500 pounds. The Chevy pickup's powertrains matter less when it comes to payload, which ranges from 1870 to 2280 pounds.

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