2023 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

CHEVY PLAYS KEEP UP WITH THE JONESES WITH MID-CYCLE REFRESHING OF SILVERADO

Though Chevrolet has a history with pickup trucks that goes back over a century, its most popular vehicle, the Silverado, dates back only a little over two decades. It debuted as a 1999 model replacing the long-running Chevrolet C/K pickup.

Even though it moved into its fourth generation with the redesign of 2019, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado gets significant updates both inside and out as it battles Ram for the No. 2 spot in full-size pickup sales behind perennial segment leader Ford F-150.

Styling touches inside and out, new technology features that include a hands-free driving Super Cruise system and a new 13.4-inch touchscreen for infotainment features, and a new ZR1 trim with more off-road capability are among significant changes.

With the 6-cylinder gas engine discontinued, a new turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that Chevy says offers more torque (430 pound-feet) than any other base engine in its class takes over for some trims.

It is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission while models with either the 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8, or the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder diesel powertrain get a 10-speed automatic.

With the addition of the ZR1, up to nine different trims are available on the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado. It also can be had in various combinations for both the passengers (regular cab, double cab, or crew cab) and payload (bed sizes of 8 feet, 6.5 feet, or 5 feet, 8 inches).

This review is based on the High Country with crew cab and all-wheel drive. It is the most luxurious of all the other trims and is the only one offering the Super Cruise system as an option.

My test model also had the larger of the two V8s. The 6.2L is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, a significant jump over the 355 hp and 382 lb.-ft. produced by the 5.3-L V8.

Included among standard features in the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado High Country are such items as Bose Premium sound, dual-zone climate control, leather front seats that are heated and ventilated, an under-seat storage area in the second row, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and push-button start, a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo bed, wireless and USB charging, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay,  Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with navigation, a cornerstep rear bumper, 12 cargo tie-downs, spray-in bedliner, LED lighting in the cargo area, and LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights.

Safety items included a HD surround and bed view system that, considering the overall size of my test truck, was a very welcome addition. Like its competitors, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado is so large it’s like they’re being designed by the same people who make shopping carts for Costco.

Before options, MSRP for the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado High Country AWD is $61,995 including destination and delivery. 

Extras on my test Silverado like the 6.2L V8 engine, the Premium Package (power sunroof, all-weather carpets, 22-inch painted aluminum wheels with chrome inserts, Technology Package (rear-camera mirror, adaptive cruise control, and head-up display), and the new Super Cruise system. The multi-flex tailgate that includes an area to use as a workspace for computers or spreading out paper work and plans is among stand-alone options.

All that is not cheap. The final bottom line for my test 2022 Chevrolet Silverado High Country was $72,879, which is over twice what the base Work Truck trim with a Regular Cab will set you back.

What I liked about the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado High Country: The cabin is roomy and nicely appointed with lots of storage areas, including room underneath the backseat. Tech features are fairly intuitive to operate. The redesigned interior is nicely done. (Note to Chevy: Have the designers have a stab at the interior for the new Equinox RS SUV.) The 6.2-liter V8 is a beast.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado High Country: Super Cruise adds over $2,000 to the MSRP, then requires a subscription plan, and works only on certain roadways (though the number of miles on the network is being doubled to 400,000). 

Would I buy the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado High Country? I’m just not in the market for a full-size pickup. If you need the room, though, the new Silverado is nice and offers lots of various combinations to create your own personal truck.