Chevrolet refreshes Silverado and adds hands-free tech
A number of design changes and the addition of a ’Super Cruise’ Lidar system are featured on the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet has unveiled its new 2022 Silverado. With an elevated exterior and fully redesigned interior, this latest model includes a number of key updates over the previous year.
Nine trim levels are available for the new Silverado: Work Truck (WT), Custom, LT, Custom Trail Boss, RST, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, High Country, and a new trim called ZR2 that has been tuned for off-roading in extreme conditions.
A new fascia and grille feature at the front end. On LT models and above, the C-shaped daytime running lights (DLRs) include animated lighting sequences when approaching, starting, or walking away from the vehicle. There are also three new exterior paint jobs to choose from: ‘Dark Ash’, ‘Sand Dune’ and ’Glacier Blue Metallic’.
The grille differs depending on the trim level – the LT model (pictured in the gallery above) has a chrome strip at the top of the grille before it meets the bonnet, and one running underneath the Chevrolet logo. The rest of the grille is made up of black bars with wave-like patterns. On the High Country model (pictured below), the black bars are replaced with chrome strips, and on the ZR2 model (pictured in the gallery at the bottom of the article) a black honeycomb pattern is featured.
On the inside, the vertical theme that was present on the IP of the 2021 model has been replaced by horizontal theme, with long, uninterrupted lines and floating elements used to increase the sense of space. A new 13.4-inch touchscreen is placed centre stage and sits inside the same glossy black unit that houses the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and driver air vents. Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play are installed on all models from the LT trim and above.
The High Country trim uses quality materials to provide a luxurious feel. Open-pore wood clads parts of the centre console, doors and upper glove box, while stainless steel is used on the speaker grilles. The leather seats also have custom perforation and stitching patterns.
As well as the more aggressive-looking grille, the ZR2 trim features new suspension and damper technologies, and a chassis and suspension calibration called ’Terrain Mode’ that has been specifically designed for one-pedal rock crawling. There are also 33-inch off-road MT tyres, a rugged skid plate package, and a steel front bumper with high clearance.
Away from the extreme off-roading, the Silverado has also been optimised for long journeys. The 2022 model is the first Chevrolet pick-up truck to come equipped with Super Cruise as optional, which we first saw on the Cadillac Escalade. It uses LiDAR map data and several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to enable hands-free driving, but the driver must always be attentive.
The Super Cruise system can be used on over 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the US and Canada. Its inclusion in the Silverado demonstrates GM’s commitment to offering the system in all models in the near future.