At a Glance:
MSRP: From $44,900
- Towing capacity: 8,900 to 11,000 lbs
- Horsepower: 277 to 420 hp
- Bed length: 69.6″ to 98.4″
- MPG: Up to 23 city / 31 highway
- Engine: 2.7 L 4-cylinder, 3.0 L 6-cylinder diesel, 5.3 L V8, 6.2 L V8
Like its cousin the GMC Sierra 1500, the 2022 Silverado 1500 Luxury Touring (LT) gets a critically well-received cabin and grille redesign that puts it on competitive footing with popular trucks from Dodge and Ford. An assortment of capable engines and improved tow capacity and torque bolster the Chevy to make it a top contender for 2022 pickup shoppers.
Interior
Until this year, the Silverado interior ranked below F-150 and Ram models for function, aesthetics, and general fit and finish. That gap has been cleared in 2022 with an impressive refresh that features a repositioned, extra large (13.4 inch) infotainment touchscreen and configurable 12.3 inch digital gauge cluster. The new layout is easier to use, nicer to look at, and impressive in its capabilities.
Likewise, the center console has been reconfigured with a shorter-stemmed, easier to access electronic gear shift near its front. Other ambient elements such as new cabin materials and upholstery stitching are sharp looking. Cabin space, while not best in class, is adequate.
Exterior
The aforementioned grille update on the Silverado is its most noteworthy exterior change. More athletic and modern looking than previous year’s Silverados or current year competitors, the only drawback for some drivers might be that it looks more like car/SUV frontend (ZR2 excluded) than what is traditionally seen in pickup trucks.
Features
There are a whopping 9 trim levels in the Silverado family, each with a modified standard feature set particular to the trim. In ascending order of price, trims are the WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, ZR2, and High Country.
The Silverado LT that we focus on here is well-appointed with the critical interior updates that define the model year. Standard is a 13.4-inch diagonal color touch-screen display and 12.3-inch diagonal reconfigurable Driver Information Center, as well as a front 40/20/40 split-bench seat and 10-way power driver seat. Other defining features include available 20-inch painted-aluminum wheels, LED reflector headlamps and signature daytime running lamps, as well as Chevy Safety Assist. Included functions in that feature include: automatic emergency braking; forward collision alert; front pedestrian braking; following distance indicator; lane keep assist with lane departure warning and Intellibeam; automatic emergency braking.
Available on High Country versions, the Super Cruise driver assistance package includes hands-free driving capabilities on 200,000 miles mapped out for the program and 14 camera angle views for the ultimate in trailering and driving. When hauling, the system works by adjusting specific calibrations designed to account for additional drag and increased braking distance. When you aren’t hauling a trailer, its capabilities are even more sophisticated, allowing automatic lane changing. It’s big technology that could lure in shoppers looking at the upper-level trims in the Sierra family.
Power & Handling
The new 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine comes standard on LT, WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, RST Double Cab and LT Trail Boss trims and it’s a beauty. The 24% increase in torque is immediately evident during test drives, as is the 310 horsepower that delivers capable low and high end acceleration.
Chevy says the engine is smart enough to prioritize oiling and cooling between the dual volute turbochargers in order to deliver performance even in demanding drive conditions. While we can’t speak to its abilities in snow or rain, we can attest that the redesigned Silverado is nimble and confident in normal road driving.
Consumers looking at the LT can also opt for the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine or 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 engine. The former will elevate your horsepower, while the latter boasts superior torque than the standard 2.7L Turbo.
For the truly power-hungry, you’ll need to look at ZR2, Custom Trail Boss, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, or High Country trims to get the available 6.2L ECOTEC3 V8. That engine delivers an incredible 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque.
Final Thought
Between its outstanding interior overhaul, clean and modern new exterior, and overall engine performance, the 2022 LT invigorates the Silverado brand and makes it a top pick for us. Notwithstanding supply chain issues, we predict an equally warm reception from the truck buying public.
Want to learn more about the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT?
Contact local dealers to schedule a test drive.