Is the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country a Good Truck? 4 Pros and 4 Cons
When the current-generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500 rolled into showrooms back in 2019, the result was a really good truck with numerous improvements and increased capability. The problem was the new Silverado still wasn’t quite as good as the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500. An extensive update for 2022 has changed that, however, making the Silverado a viable alternative to those competitors.
Related: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country Review: Chevy Completes Its Pickup
Its biggest shortcoming was an interior that wasn’t up to class standards, with a look and feel that fell short. For 2022, that is thankfully changed, with a significant upgrade in cabin materials and design. A welcoming and comfortable interior is something pickup buyers have come to expect in recent years, and Ram in particular has raised the bar with its near-luxury interior quality. Ford has also stepped up, particularly in higher trims of the F-150.
While the Silverado’s interior improvements are limited to mid- and higher trims, those are the models most favored by non-commercial buyers. We’re guessing that everyone but utility companies and contractors will find the upgrade is worth the added expense.
Chevrolet didn’t mess with much else as part of the freshening, nor was there any need to. Our High Country trim test truck proved capable, spacious and comfortable; it was much nicer inside than the last Silverado we tested.
Still, not all is perfect. For our complete experience, click the link above to read Aaron Bragman’s expert review. For a quicker look, read on for four things we like about the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country and four things we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Inside Scoop
If it isn’t already obvious, the biggest improvements to the Silverado are inside. That’s a pretty big deal, given that’s where buyers spend much of their time and almost everything else about the Silverado was already good. Gone are the cheap-looking plastics and weird design details, replaced with high-quality materials, excellent build quality and a sleeker, more horizontal dash layout.
2. Payload Guidelines
Little details can make all the difference, and one we really like with the Silverado is a little sticker indicating the exact towing and payload capacity of whatever spec truck a buyer chooses. Given the dizzying variety of powertrains, suspensions and configurations available with all full-size pickups, it’s nice that Chevrolet takes the guesswork out of knowing what your exact truck can do.
3. Powertrains
Another benefit from the 2022 update is that the base turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine gets a power bump to an impressive 310 horsepower and 430 pounds-feet of torque. Other choices include a 355-hp, 5.3-liter V-8; the muscular yet quiet 420-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 in our test vehicle; and the 277-hp, turbo-diesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder that combines plenty of grunt with improved fuel economy.
4. Cool Features
The Multi-Flex Tailgate is a genuinely useful addition that doubles as a step, mobile workspace or bed extender. Our Silverado High Country also came with trick towing features, including multiple camera views and options that allow the system to hide a trailer to display an unobstructed rear view. We also like the trick running boards that slide to the rear for easier bed access. But perhaps most impressive is the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system, which works so well that it leaves drivers with little to do on the highway but pay attention.
Things We Don’t
1. Control Concerns
Even with big improvements to the Silverado’s interior, some details still need work. Climate controls are smaller than we’d like, especially since they’re mounted low where they’re hard to see. Also the rearview mirror is oddly small; it doesn’t provide a view as wide as the rear window. These are not necessarily deal breakers, but flaws that stand out more because the rest of the interior is vastly improved.
2. Google Growing Pains
GM is in the midst of ditching its in-house infotainment system in its trucks in favor of Google Built-In. Unfortunately, we experienced some glitches with the Google operating system, including spotty Bluetooth phone connectivity, unreliable voice controls and the occasional screen freeze. Whether these issues were unique to our test vehicle or not, we’ll be watching this system closely as we see more of it.
3. Gas Mileage
As much as we like the smooth, powerful 6.2-liter V-8, it may not be the best choice given current gas prices. EPA estimates put fuel economy for our test vehicle at 15/20/17 mpg city/highway/combined, and we saw 16.9 mpg overall in mostly highway driving. Keep in mind that Chevrolet recommends premium fuel with this engine. The 3.0-liter diesel is the more fuel-efficient choice, with an EPA-estimated 22/26/24 mpg.
4. Get Out the Checkbook
A 2022 Silverado 1500 High Country crew cab with four-wheel drive starts at $61,995 (all prices include destination), but the price goes up fast once you start adding options. With the V-8, a moonroof, Super Cruise and the Multi-Flex tailgate, our test truck came to $72,870. In fairness to Chevrolet, that is not out of line with its competitors; it just means buyers should choose their options carefully.
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