Chevrolet Redesigns Silverado, Adds First-Ever ZR2 Model

Chevrolet has introduced the new 2022 Silverado, an updated version of the brand’s best-selling truck, the automaker announced.

New for 2022 is the first-ever Silverado ZR2, Chevy’s new flagship off-road truck and the latest addition to its lineup of off-road, factory-installed lifted trucks.

The enhanced 2022 Silverado also features an updated exterior design and a new interior with enhanced technology. Changes include a 13.4-inch-diagonal touchscreen standard on LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, LTZ and High Country and available Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology with trailering on High Country. Also new for 2022 is an enhanced version of the 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine that offers 20% more torque.

“The Silverado is legendary and continues to excite both new and loyal customers. For the new 2022 model, we’ve enhanced the Silverado lineup to build on its success, giving customers more choice, a refined design and new technology options,” said Kelly MacDonald, director, Chevrolet Truck Marketing. “The addition of the all-new Silverado ZR2, Chevy’s flagship off-road truck, builds on an already strong portfolio of factory-lifted pickups from Chevrolet that are bringing in new buyers.”

Additional highlights to the new 2022 Chevrolet Silverado include:

• A fully redesigned interior for LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, LTZ and High Country trims featuring a redesigned horizontal instrument panel along with a new center console (with available electronic shift control on most trim levels)
• A 13.4-inch-diagonal color touchscreen and new 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable digital instrument cluster standard on models with the new interior
• Standard on trims with the new interior, Google built-in offers access to Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play right on the infotainment screen. This new experience works with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability
• Every trim features a new front fascia, while daytime running lamps have been programmed with animated walk-up and walk-away functions in addition to swiping turn signal functions on select trims

The first-ever Silverado ZR2 brings together a premium interior, immersive technology, a number of standard safety equipment features and off-road prowess in a comprehensive package, Chevrolet said.

ZR2 max payload is 1,440 pounds and the conventional trailer weight rating is 8,900 pounds.

ZR2 highlights include:

• Standard 6.2L V-8 engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission
• Silverado-first application of Multimatic 40mm DSSV spool-valve dampers, which feature three separate spool valves to control damping and three connected chambers for fluid flow
• Uniquely-tuned springs that, with the Multimatic dampers, increase maximum front and rear suspension travel, compared to the Silverado Trail Boss
• Front and rear e-lockers
• Specific off-road chassis and suspension calibrations, including Terrain Mode, which allows one-pedal rock crawling
• Specific 33-inch off-road MT tires
• Unique skid plate package
• New high-approach steel front bumper designed for off-road strength, durability and clearance that enables an improved 31.8-degree approach angle compared to other Silverado off-road models

The bumper is designed with removable end caps for easier replacement in the event of close encounters with rocks or other off-road objects. The dual exhaust has been placed before the rear bumper to eliminate potential damage.

“Chevrolet has been competing on some of the most grueling, toughest off-road courses with a prototype Silverado ZR2 in the Best in the Desert race series,” said Dom Lester, General Motors chief engineer, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports Engineering. “We applied what we learned in racing and Moab testing to the new ZR2 to offer a supremely capable and confidence-inspiring package, but one that doesn’t beat you up on the highway with its ride quality. It’s equally capable and comfortable.”

In addition to its functional features, the new Silverado ZR2 is distinguished by several aesthetic cues, including a new black hood insert, a unique grille with integrated lighting and a “flow-tie” emblem, ZR2 badges, unique 18-inch wheels and a unique Jet Black/Graystone leather-trimmed interior, with complementing dark trim.

On the exterior, every trim receives a new front fascia and grille design that lowers the headlamps. On LT models and above, the wing-shaped daytime running lamps that were introduced in 2019 are revised and feature animated lighting sequences when approaching, starting or walking away from the vehicle.

The sturdy high-strength-steel construction of the bed floor is the foundation for 89.1 cubic feet of standard cargo bed volume. There are also 12 standard tie-downs and offers an available power up/down tailgate and available six-position Multi-Flex tailgate.

Three new exterior colors are offered with the refreshed 2022 Silverado: Dark Ash, Sand Dune and a vibrant blue recently named Glacier Blue Metallic.

Silverado has a refreshed interior on the LT trim and above, incorporating new materials into the design.

The new interior is rooted in a driver-oriented instrument panel that incorporates a 13.4-inch-diagonal horizontal touchscreen, along with a 12.3-inch-diagonal digital, configurable instrument cluster. Additionally, the new center console incorporates an available electronic shift controller in models with bucket seats.

The interior is available with new colors, seat designs and more premium materials throughout. The top-level High Country trim features new and unique elements including:

• Authentic open-pore wood trim on the console, upper glove box and doors
• Standard leather seating surfaces with an exclusive custom perforation and stitching pattern
• Stainless steel speaker grilles with the Bose premium audio system, standard on High Country and LTZ
• Two interior color choices, Jet Black or Nightshift Blue
• Dynamic integrated technologies

The Silverado’s propulsion lineup is streamlined for the new 2022 models, starting with enhancements to the 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine. It has a maximum trailering rating of 9,500 pounds in a two-wheel-drive configuration.

A new, more rigid cylinder block casting is the foundation for the refined 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine and it’s complemented with a 30-percent-stiffer crankshaft. The engine maintains its fully forged bottom end as well as the technology used in diesel engines to improve truck durability.

These enhancements enabled engineers to reduce noise and tune the engine for greater torque production, the automaker said, particularly in the usable low-mid rpm range. Maximum torque is GM-estimated at 420 lb-ft, over a 20-percent increase compared to the current engine.

The other engine that sees improvements is the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel. Chassis changes now allow the inclusion of the max tow package, so the 3.0L Duramax now has a max tow rating of 13,300 pounds in a two-wheel-drive configuration. This is a 4,000-pound improvement over the 2022 Silverado LTD models.

Both engines are part of a propulsion lineup that also includes the 5.3L V-8 with Dynamic Fuel Management and the 6.2L V-8. All V-8 engines and the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel are paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission.