The New 2022 Silverado: A New ZR2 Model and a Whole Lot More!

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2022 Silverado ZR2

The 2022 Silverado lineup will include the first-ever Silverado ZR2. But the rest of the range sees major technology and safety enhancements. 

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado is almost here and there are some big and exciting changes on deck for the new model year. And we are not even talking about the all-electric model. The most exciting news is that for the first time ever there will be a Silverado ZR2. After years of the rugged ZR2 package being available on the Colorado, it is finally available on the big brother. More details on the Silverado ZR2 are below, but the new model is just the beginning of the changes we can expect with the new model year.

The 2022 Silverado interior has been redesigned and now includes a large 13.4-inch touchscreen. The Silverado will also have a new driver assistance technology available called Super Cruise. In addition, every Silverado will come standard with a suite of safety technology called Safety Assist. The exterior design of the truck has also been refreshed for 2022. And under the hood the 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine got a significant boost in torque. So, there is a lot to look forward to with the new Silverado, let’s take a look at the details.

Silverado ZR2

Silverado ZR2

Chevy is finally giving us a Silverado ZR2 and it is a lot more than just some stickers and bigger tires. This is the truck you want for any off-road adventures or to get you through any zombie attacks. First of all the ZR2 comes standard with the much-loved 6.2L V8 engine hooked up to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The suspension includes Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers. Other oily bits include an enhanced 2-speed transfer case with Terrain Mode. The front and rear bumpers are steel, and the one up front has a high-approach design that enables an improved 31-degree approach angle. The departure angle is also enhanced thanks to a hidden dual-outlet exhaust. Unique skid plates are also included for extra off-road protection. The Silverado ZR2 will ride on 33-inch Goodyear M/T tires.

The Silverado ZR2 will also have design elements that will make it stand out from the rest of the range. Up front is a black grille with a flowtie for increased airflow to the engine and accent lighting. Speaking of lighting animated LED headlamps with tracer animation and black bezels are standard. There is a raised hood and ZR2-exclusive wheel opening moldings to complete the exterior changes. On the inside you will find an exclusive ZR2 interior with a standard 13.4-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen. This is going to be one heck of a truck. We can’t wait to get behind the wheel.

Silverado ZR2

2022 Silverado Exterior Design

The ZR2 might be the big news, but there are a host of changes across the Silverado range. A range that now includes nine trims levels. WT, CUSTOM, CUSTOM TRAIL BOSS, LT, RST, LT TRAIL BOSS, LTZ, ZR2 and HIGH COUNTRY are the trims you can choose from in 2022. All of these trucks received redesigned exterior features for updated looks and functionality. The exterior changes include a redesigned front grille and headlamps. There are also new 18, 20 and 22-inch wheel options. None of these will drastically change the look of the new truck but they are pleasing subtle upgrades for sure.

New Silverado

2022 Silverado Interior Design

Peek inside the 2022 Silverado and you will see a significantly revised interior that brings a new level of luxury and technology to the Silverado. There is a new 13.4-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen that comes standard on the LT and higher trims. There is also a new 12.3-inch diagonal driver information center. That is a lot of touchscreen real estate inside the new truck. Is this a Chevy or a Tesla? The transmission selector is also redesigned and has a German sports sedan look to it. The 2022 HIGH COUNTRY ramps things up to another level with real wood trim and leather everywhere. It also is the only trim to offer Super Cruise. If you want a luxury truck, this has all you could ask for.

Interior

Technology and Safety

Every 2022 Silverado will come standard with Safety Assist. This package of six advanced safety features includes: Forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, following distance indicator and high beam assist. These features will help keep you and everyone around you as safe as possible. In addition, on the top trim HIGH COUNTRY you can order Super Cruise. This technology offers hands-free driver assistance. It manages speed and steering on more than 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada. It will also function even while towing.

Super Cruise

More Standard Power

The 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine is the standard power plant in all but the top three trim levels. And for 2022 this engine has gotten a serious power boost. While the horsepower remains the same at 310 the torque figure improved dramatically. In 2021 the engine produced 348 lb-ft of torque but for 2021 that number now stands at a stout 420 lb-ft. That is more torque than even the 5.3L V8.

Base engine

Summary

The 2022 Silverado will offer a lot of enhancements across the model lineup, including the exciting new ZR2 model. If you have been holding off on buying a new truck your patience is about to be rewarded as the 2022 model year seems poised to be the best ever for the Silverado.

High Country

Images: Chevrolet

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Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it's driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.


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