The Chevy Silverado has always been a top competitor in the pickup truck world. However, Chevy is proving that they’re done with carryovers and ready to make some impressive upgrades. The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 steps up the game with a highly capable Duramax diesel engine option, an off-road-ready ZR2 trim, and several aesthetic and tech upgrades. Even the low-level 2.7-liter turbocharged engine gets a torque bump. We’ve got all the details about these new upgrades and how they come together to create the best Silverado 1500 model yet.
The Duramax
When we’re talking about heavy-duty trucks, diesel engines always take the cake when it comes to power. However, the light-duty Silverado has been a different story. While the Duramax 1500 has offered better fuel economy than the gasoline versions, it has always fallen short when it comes to towing capacity that is, until now. The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax can now tow 13,300 pounds, which is 4,000 pounds more than previous models and just as much as its gasoline counterparts. Between this and the 2022 Silverado’s multiple upgrades, the new Duramax is easily the best one to hit the market.
The Power Behind the Frame
Bring on the torque! The 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine produces 277 horsepower and a whopping 460 pound-feet of torque. The great part about this is that the Duramax still rocks its impressive fuel economy ratings, reaching 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway for a combined 26 MPG rating. Thanks to the new 2022 Silverado Duramax 1500, you can rock the best of both worlds fuel economy and power. This engine is available on multiple trims, including the Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country.
The ZR2 Off-Roader
There are a LOT of features that make this trim different when compared with its Silverado siblings. Chevy goes much further than just throwing on some fancy badges and mud tires and calling it a day. Steel front and rear bumpers with a high approach front bumper is the first major upgrade you’ll receive with the ZR2. This trim also includes a Terrain Mode, which customizes the truck’s performance to match specific needs. For example, using Terrain Mode, the ZR2 can become better suited for either rock crawling or tackling heavily mudded areas. You can even use the ZR2 in sandy, desert areas.
This model does include 33-inch Goodyear M/T tires, special skid plates created to tackle all types of off-roading, and a “Flowtie” grille emblem for even better engine airflow. Speaking of engines, the ZR2’s standard 6.2-liter V8 engine packs a mean punch, providing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, giving it excellent climbing abilities. While this model is specifically for off-roaders and not hardcore towers, you can still pull up to 8,900 pounds with the 2022 ZR2.
Aside from off-roading fun, you’ll get some cool aesthetic perks with the ZR2 as well. This includes LED Animated Headlamps with Black Bezels, a black grille, black wheels, accent lighting, a raised hood and insert, and a hidden dual exhaust. To top it all off, the ZR2 gets an upgraded 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. Thanks to impressive power and looks, Chevy has hit the nail on the head with their new off-road-specific trim.
What Can the 2.7-Liter Engine Do?
The 2.7-liter turbocharged engine is the 2022 Silverado’s “bottom-tier” engine option. Despite its lower power stats, Chevy doesn’t leave it in the dark. The 2022 Silverado 1500’s 2.7-liter gets several upgrades, including a torque increase and smoother shifting. Before, the 2021 Silverado’s 2.7-liter engine produced 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque. Now, the 2022 version packs 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, leading to less noise and more muscle.
Chevy added in shift scheduling revisions too, so the 2.7-liter engine can downshift quicker while maintaining a smoother shifting process than before. This engine can still tow up to 9,500 pounds, and it averages 20 MPG combined. When you’re looking for a nice balance of power, fuel economy, and price, the 2.7-liter I4 has never been better.
Technological Upgrades for Safety and Towing
No matter which engine or trim you choose, you can bank on a plentiful tech selection. In addition to the Silverado’s previous tech features, the Silverado now offers standard Chevy Safety Assist, a plethora of advanced driver-assist features. You’ll also get optional Super Cruise hands-free driving on the High Country trim, along with available trailering technology.
Chevy Safety Assist includes six standard driver-assist tech features, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking, and much more. While these safety features are nice, trailering technologies are most important for towers and haulers. The 2022 Silverado’s version of Super Cruise is tow-capable, meaning that hands-free towing is possible. Chevy trailered the Silverado’s Super Cruise to monitor braking distances, making towing hands-free a safe endeavor.
Several other trailering technologies are included on the 2022 Silverado as well, including up to 8 different camera views. These cameras work together with Super Cruise to help monitor your surroundings more efficiently. No competing model offers this many camera views.
You can add on the Advanced Trailering App to gain access to pre-departure checklists, multiple trailer profiles, and much more. This is a huge time saver if you tow more than one trailer. For example, if you have a boat trailer, a cattle trailer, and an ATV trailer, you can create preset profiles that include each trailer’s stats. When it’s time to tow that specific trailer, simply select it from your trailer profiles section. The Silverado will adjust presets accordingly to match that trailer.
One of the most difficult things about driving with a trailer is knowing when you can safely switch lanes and when you can’t. The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 also offers Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert. This is especially important since regular Side Blind Zone Alert is not capable of working with trailer lengths. Now, you can receive alerts when it’s unsafe to switch lanes.
Tailgate Talk
The Multi-Flex Tailgate is back! In addition to offering more tailgate space than any other truck in its class (89.1 cubic feet with the long bed option), the Silverado 1500 is continuing to offer its Multi-Flex Tailgate. This tailgate offers six different positions to match all your hauling needs. First, it comes with an inner gate, which doubles as a workspace. This Inner Gate includes a Load Stop, making it easier to secure your cargo. (Speaking of securing your cargo, the Silverado 1500 comes with 12 tie-downs, which is more than any other pickup truck model!)
To make it easier to load up and unload, the Multi-Flex Tailgate includes a fold-down step that can handle up to 375 pounds of weight! You can fold this step down when you need to reach further into the truck bed. Like any other tailgate, the Multi-Flex Tailgate includes a Primary Gate. This main gate also includes its own load stop, providing extra length when necessary.
The Best Silverado Yet! (Especially the Duramax)
Thanks to the diesel engine’s upgrades, the lightweight Duramax can tow just as much as the gasoline 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine can. Imagine being able to tow the same amount as the V8 but getting an average of 9 miles per gallon more while doing so. Well, now you don’t have to imagine. This is your new reality, thanks to the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax model.
Even if you’re not interested in the Duramax model, each of these upgrades makes the previous Silverados pale in comparison. Whether you’re a hardcore tower with a Duramax, you’re looking for some off-roading action from the ZR2, or you’re simply looking for a more affordable model with the high output 2.7-liter engine, the 2022 Silverado 1500 won’t let you down.
