2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered two distinct models during its production run. In the first half of the year, Chevy continued with the 2021 model, dubbed the Silverado Limited (LTD). Mid-year, however, a refreshed Silverado began rolling off assembly lines, and it was this updated version that garnered attention. The 2022 Silverado came in regular, extended (Double Cab), and crew cab configurations, pairing with various bed lengths and multiple trim levels—from the basic Work Truck (WT) to the luxurious High Country. The range also included the new factory-ready ZR2, tailored for high-speed desert runs and challenging terrains with standard 4WD.

Prices varied from $34,845 to $70,490, with our evaluated ZR2 model priced at $76,095, inclusive of destination charges. This model featured Glacier Blue paint, a Technology Package, a power sunroof, high-clearance off-road side steps, a MultiFlex tailgate, and a hard tonneau cover.

Across the board, the 2022 Silverado showcased styling upgrades to its headlights, grille designs, front bumpers, and wheels. All trims included standard Chevy Safety Assist, while higher models like the LT sported a new interior with improved materials, digital instrumentation, and a widescreen infotainment touchscreen. Under the hood, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine upped its torque, and the turbodiesel inline-six could tow up to 13,300 pounds when properly equipped.

The Silverado ZR2 featured steel front and rear bumpers enhancing its 31.8-degree approach angle. With an 11.2-inch ground clearance, unique body cladding, steel skid plates, 33-inch all-terrain tires, red recovery hooks, and a gloss-black hood bulge, the ZR2 stood out. However, while its exterior remained an acquired taste, the interior updates offered a significant leap forward, particularly against competitors from Ford, Ram, and Toyota.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 blended elements from Chevy's design past with contemporary touches. It carried over the small headlights with a quirky body panel intrusion into the grille, an aggressive look aligning with the current Chevrolet aesthetic. Various appearance packages, such as the Rally Edition, Midnight Edition, and Redline Edition, provided additional visual flair.

The 2023 model’s cabin, however, was the true highlight. Functional above all, it offered two interior layouts depending on the chosen trim. The WT and Custom retained pre-2022 facelift interiors with smaller screens and more hard controls, while other trims boasted a high-tech dash centered around a large touchscreen. The WT featured vinyl upholstery, bench front seating, and basic tech amenities. The Custom trim introduced cloth upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, remote start, and enhanced tech options.

Higher trims like the LT ushered in the full tech suite with a fully digital instrument panel, dual-zone climate control, and enhanced seating. The Trail Boss, specifically set for off-road, added 4WD, skid plates, and upgraded shocks. The LTZ trim offered leather upholstery, a power-operated tailgate, and wireless device charging. At the top, the High Country exuded luxury with features like a power-sliding rear window and heated/ventilated seats.

The 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 emphasized performance with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Despite its muscle, the ZR2 lagged behind competitors in power metrics. A 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth gear shifts, although the heavy ZR2's acceleration remained modest. Fuel efficiency was an expected challenge, averaging 16.3 mpg over varied conditions, slightly better than the EPA’s combined rating of 14 mpg.

What the ZR2 lacked in raw towing power—limited to 8,900 pounds—it made up for in its rugged suspension. Featuring a 2-inch lift, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, and Multimatic 40mm DSSV dampers with a unique spool-valve design, the ZR2 excelled on uneven terrains. The truck navigated rough terrains with aplomb, mixing city road resilience with off-road prowess. However, its tires had limitations on paved mountain roads, impacting traction and handling on tight curves.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presented a diverse powertrain lineup. The base 2.7-liter turbo-four generated 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. For V8 enthusiasts, a 5.3-liter variant produced 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, while a 6.2-liter version offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. An additional six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine delivered 305 hp and an impressive 495 lb-ft of torque.

RWD was standard, with optional 4WD. The base four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic, while the other engines utilized a 10-speed automatic. Fully equipped, the Silverado 1500 could tow up to 13,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter V8 and the Max Towing package. The 5.3-liter variant handled up to 11,000 pounds, and maximum payload for the base engine with RWD reached 2,260 pounds.

The turbo-four Trail Boss model exceeded expectations in power, despite a slightly noisy engine. The V8 engines performed as expected, though the 5.3-liter variant occasionally felt underwhelming compared to the 6.2-liter version. The 10-speed automatic was consistently smooth and efficient.

Handling for a truck of this size was commendable, suitable for those using it as a daily driver. Though not quite matching the Ram 1500’s ride quality, the Silverado 1500 handled bumps adequately. The truck excelled off-road, navigating through mud and dirt confidently. Equipped trims like the Trail Boss and ZR2 (with the new 2023 Bison package) further enhanced off-road capabilities with upgraded features and improved angles.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2’s lifted suspension and sizable tires required effort to enter and exit, with robust grab handles and optional off-road high-clearance side steps aiding the climb. Once inside, the truck offered a comfortable ride with 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats. The crew cab provided ample space and heated rear seats for added comfort. The interior saw vast improvements with better materials and modern touches like digital instrumentation and a 13.4-inch touchscreen. However, lower trims retained an older, more rugged interior.

Storage in the 2022 model was ample, including a small center armrest bin, hidden storage in rear seatbacks, and easily foldable rear seat cushions for increased in-cab space. The truck’s deep cargo box with standard corner-step bumpers improved access and usability. The MultiFlex tailgate added versatility, transforming into a laptop desk or step, complemented by a hard tonneau cover and a protective spray-in bedliner.

For 2023, the Silverado 1500 presented varied body styles: regular cab with standard or long bed, double cab with standard bed, crew cab with short or standard bed. The regular cab was ideal for work-based trims, offering a three-passenger front bench seat with a versatile center console. The double cab featured easy rear seat access through conventional doors, though rear legroom was limited. The spacious crew cab provided abundant headroom and legroom with a foldable rear bench for significant in-cabin cargo space.

Payload and towing capacities varied by configuration; the 6.2-liter V8 with Max Towing package allowed up to 13,300 pounds towing, while the base engine’s payload reached 2,260 pounds. The newer trims enhanced functionality and storage with modern interiors, wireless tech options, and additional protective and convenience features.

The 2022 Silverado 1500 introduced a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, and access to connected services like a WiFi hotspot and navigation. The system integrated Google Built-in features and a new user interface. However, it sometimes lagged in response and required acclimatization. A seven-speaker Bose sound system vastly improved over previous iterations, offering better audio quality. Additional tech included a rear camera mirror, a 15-inch head-up display, and an intuitive setup of the digital gauge cluster and infotainment display.

In 2023, the base Silverado 1500 featured a 7-inch touchscreen with basic functionalities, remaining user-friendly despite its outdated graphics. Higher trims showcased a modern dashboard with a responsive 13.4-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Custom added a WiFi hotspot, while the LTZ introduced wireless device charging and more USB ports. The 2023 model catered to both tech enthusiasts and users preferring simpler systems, with customizable tech offerings across trims.

In 2022, standard safety on the Silverado included Chevy Safety Assist with features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The High Country trim offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system, though all safety tech worked effectively, providing refined assistance during drives. While crash-test data for the updated model was pending, the 2022 Silverado Limited (LTD) received a four-star NHTSA rating and underwhelming IIHS scores.

Similar safety features were standard on the 2023 Silverado, with additional upgrades in higher trims like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, surround-view camera, and GM’s Super Cruise. The LTZ trim and above included advanced tech like the head-up display, rear-camera mirror, and adaptive cruise control. The 2023 model earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and high scores in IIHS tests, reinforcing its solid safety credentials.