2022 Chevy Silverado 1500

The 3.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel (277 horsepower, 460 lb-ft), 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft) and 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft) remain unchanged. All of these engines run through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Silverados equipped with the diesel engine can tow more than last year, however; we cover those changes below.

Then there's the new 2022 Silverado ZR2. Similar to the midsize Colorado ZR2, the Silverado ZR2 has a number of enhancements to give it greater off-road ability. Chevy says the special suspension dampers and uniquely tuned springs provide greater wheel articulation and control for both rock crawling and high-speed desert driving. The ZR2 also comes with locking front and rear differentials, model-specific skid plates, 33-inch off-road tires, a redesigned front bumper for increased clearance, and a special rear bumper with easy to replace end caps. The 6.2-liter V8 comes standard with the ZR2.

At least for now, these ZR2 changes seem a little underwhelming compared to the more comprehensive makeovers applied to the F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX. But value could also come into play here if Chevy is able to price the ZR2 lower than those trucks.

Highlights of other changes to the interior are a redesigned center console, new seats and trim materials. There's also available open-pore wood and stainless steel speaker grilles on the top-tier High Country and LTZ models.

More big news for the 2022 Silverado is the availability of Super Cruise, Chevrolet's hands-free driver assist system. We've sampled this system in various Cadillacs and came away impressed with its accuracy and ease of operation. While it can only be activated on certain highways, Super Cruise has been calibrated specifically for the Silverado and can be used when towing, which should alleviate some of the drudgery of a long-distance trip with a trailer.

Standard on all Silverados is Chevy Safety Assist. This suite of advanced driver aids includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, a following distance indicator and automatic high beams. Other available safety features include a comprehensive surround-view camera system and Chevy's Advanced Trailering System. The latter makes hooking up a trailer easier and allows drivers to keep an eye on a trailer's tire pressures, brake lights and more.

But Chevrolet has increased the maximum towing capacity for the 3.0-liter turbodiesel. A shorter final drive ratio and modifications to the chassis now allow for a max towing package and enable the diesel to pull a robust 13,300 pounds — an increase of a whopping 4,000 pounds over last year's model.