A heavily updated Chevrolet Silverado 1500 goes on sale this spring with an all-new interior, significant powertrain enhancements and tweaked styling. But thanks to the microchip shortages and Covid-related production delays, the updated Silverado isn't available just yet. But truck buyers who need a new truck can check out the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado Limited. The Silverado Limited acts as a stop-gap model until the revised 2022 Silverado hits dealerships, and is basically a carry-over version of the 2021 Silverado.
While we eagerly wait to get our hands on said 2022 Silverado, this review gave me time to experience the Silverado Limited decked out in the higher-end LTZ trim level with the Z71 off-road package and the Duramax diesel engine.
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2022 Chevrolet Silverado Limited 1500 LTZ Exterior
With the exception of the innovative Multi-Flex Tailgate that was added to the Silverado lineup last year (brought over from the GMC Sierra), the styling of the Silverado has remained unchanged since this full-size truck went into production in 2019, and the same can be said for this 2022 Chevrolet Silverado Limited. Compared to the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, the Silverado Limited has a look that is definitely more polarizing than its rivals, but this design is bold, expressive and instantly recognizable.
The LTZ trim level adds a lot of exterior chrome, and this tester added even more shiny bits including the 20-inch polished wheels, power-retractable running boards (a $1,895 option) and dual exhaust outlets cut into the rear bumper part of the Z71 Off-Road and Protection Package. The Multi-Flex Tailgate is just a $260 complementing the standard CornerStep rear bumper, but adding this option does ditch the base tailgate with "CHEVROLET" stamped into the sheet metal.
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2022 Chevrolet Silverado Limited 1500 LTZ Interior
With a clear display, easy controls and responsive inputs, Chevrolet has one of the best infotainment systems out there. My tester was equipped with the optional ($3,160) LTZ Premium Package that added navigation with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose premium sound system, wireless charging and a host of driver-assistance safety technologies. The $2,070 Technology Package included the larger driver information screen (up from the base 4.2-inch display), rear-view camera mirror, bed-view camera and a head-up display.
Where the Silverado truly excels is overall interior comfort. This full-size truck grew in length and width delivering a cabin that is roomier and more practical than ever. This tester had the front bucket seats with a wide center console, which in addition to the dual glove boxes means that there's plenty of space to store things out of sight.
For rear passengers, the Silverado Crew Cab offers up 43.8 inches of rear legroom, which is three inches more legroom than the previous Silverado Crew Cab, and the seat backs feature small, hidden cubby holes for additional storage. Being the LTZ trim level, this Silverado had a luxurious vibe with heated and cooled leather front seats, heated leather steering wheel and the OnStar 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot.Shop Chevrolet Silverado Inventory
2022 Chevrolet Silverado Limited 1500 LTZ Powertrain
For 2022, the Silverado Limited's powertrain options have been whittled down to four engine options and just two transmissions (from five engines and three transmissions), and this tester was equipped with the 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax turbo-diesel mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Priced at just $995, this engine option should be an easy decision for Silverado customers with its 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and this engine is ultra-quiet at both idle and hard acceleration. On top of that, the EPA-rated fuel economy estimates of 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway are both easily attainable.
The fully boxed steel frame is lighter than the previous truck yet has 10 percent greater torsional rigidity, which gives the truck excellent road manners without sacrificing off-road and towing capabilities. I didn't have a chance to do any towing or off-roading with this test truck, but the Silverado Limited is a capable pickup ready for any job. When it comes to towing, the Silverado Limited has a max tow rating of 13,300 pounds with this Crew Cab 4x4 short bed Duramax model rated to tow 9,500 pounds, and Chevy includes plenty of high-tech towing goodies such as the $595 auxiliary trailer camera and $50 trailer tire pressure monitoring system. For off-road enthusiasts, the Z71 Off-Road and Protection Package adds twin-tube shocks, underbody skid plates, a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control and a heavy-duty air filter.
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2022 Chevrolet Silverado Limited 1500 LTZ Safety
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado Limited 1500 has a 4-Star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and this truck included plenty of advanced safety features.
The LTZ trim level comes standard with Teen Driver mode, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Front and Rear Park Assist Sensors, while the LTZ Premium Package adds Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Pedestrian Braking and Automatic High Beam Headlights.
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2022 Chevrolet Silverado Limited 1500 LTZ Overall
The starting price of the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado is $30,400. Combine the well-equipped LTZ trim level with the Z71 Package, Technology Package and various options including the Duramax diesel engine, and the Silverado Limited used for this review had an as-tested price of $63,990.
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Jeffrey N. Ross | Feb 25, 2022
