Bye bye, blades.
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado received a major technology upgrade that launched the ZR2 as the flagship off-roader of this model’s lineup. Chevy is confident that the truck will go on sale in spring 2022. The mid-cycle refresh gives Silverado enough momentum to surpass the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-Series.
The ZR2
Chevy wants the new Silverado ZR2 to be able to go off-road with minimal compromise on comfort. It features a 40-millimeter Multimatic DSSV spool valve dampers and a raised suspension. The Silverado Trail Boss has new springs that increase front and rear wheel travel.
The ZR2’s power comes from GM’s naturally aspirated 6.2 liter V8. It produces 420 horsepower (313 kilowatts), and 460 lb/ft (624 Newton meters) of torque. The ZR2 can be hooked up to a 10-speed manual transmission. There are front and back e-lockers that maximize traction, and it also has a front and rear elocker. The ZR2 can carry a maximum payload of 1,440 lbs (653 kg) and tow a trailer weight of 8,900 lbs (4,037 kg). Terrain driving modes allow for one-pedal crawling off the road.
The ZR2’s revised bumpers make it easy to identify. They increase the truck’s angle of approach to 31.8 degrees. The ZR2 has a black hood, a different grille and a flow-tie emblem. The truck rides on 33-inch mudterrain tires on 18 inch wheels. A skid plate partially visible under the truck. Two-tone Jet Black or Graystone leather upholstery is found inside.
New Look
The 2022 Silverado has new front fascias. They have updated grilles, which lower the position of the headlights. This also eliminates the controversial “blades”, which were found on the front corners of previous models. The daytime running lights on the LT grade or higher have an animated sequence that shows the owner walking towards or away from their truck. Three new exterior colors are available: Glacier Blue Metallic, Sand Dune and Dark Ash.
Interior Renovations
The LT trim level and higher get a 12.3-inch digital cluster of instruments and a 13.4-inch infotainment display. The huge instrument display in front the driver can be customized to show the information that the driver needs.
Trucks with bucket seats now have an electronic gearshift in the center console. The shifter is still on the steering column for models with a bench.
Open-pore wood trim is available on the console, upper part of the glovebox, and doors for the High Country. Leather seats get a customized perforation and stitching design. The speakers of the Bose stereo are covered by stainless steel grilles.
Tech Upgrades
The only Silverado with the Super Cruise advanced driver assist system is the High Country. It can even work while towing a trailer. The tech can detect the additional weight behind the truck and adjust the braking distance accordingly. Oscillation detection also detects if the trailer is swaying and prompts drivers to take control of the truck.
All Silverados will receive the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which includes forward collision alert and lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, automatic front pedestrian braking, automatic emergency brake, and follow distance indicator.
The trailer side blind zone alert, and an enhanced adaptive cruise control system can be added as options. These systems can adjust for extra drag and increase braking distance when towing a trailer. Chevy had previously warned against adaptive cruise when towing.
More powerful engines
There are also powertrain upgrades available for the Silverado. There are four engines available: a turbocharged 4-cylinder 2.7-liter, 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8, and 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel. The turbocharged four-cylinder 2.7-liter produces 310 horsepower (231 kW), 420 lbft (569Nm) rather than the previous version’s 310hp and 348lbft (472Nm). Rear-drive versions can now tow up 9,600 pounds.
Rear-drive Silverados with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six can now tow up to 13,300 pounds (6.033 kg) instead of the 9,500 pounds (4.309 kg) that was available for the current truck. These changes include strengthened chassis and improved cooling. They also switch to a 3.73 final driving ratio instead of the 3.23 for the current pickup.