2022 Chevrolet Silverado: Tech Upgrades, Trailering & ZR2

Chevrolet Silverado 2022: A Significant Update

General Motors formally introduced the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado on Thursday. This full-size pickup truck boasts substantial technological advancements. These include the integration of the hands-free Super Cruise advanced driver-assistance system and an infotainment platform powered by Google services.

Furthermore, the Silverado features a completely redesigned interior. A new top-tier trim, the ZR2, an off-road focused truck equipped with a factory-installed suspension lift, expands the Silverado’s available configurations.

Preparing for an Electric Future

The Silverado refresh precedes GM’s ambitious push into the electric vehicle market. This initiative will encompass both Chevrolet and GMC pickup truck models. GM’s stated goal is to launch 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025.

The company also intends to transition to an all-zero-emission vehicle lineup by 2035. GM confirmed that the updated Silverado trims will begin arriving at dealerships in the spring of 2022.

Exterior and Interior Enhancements

The exterior styling of the Chevy Silverado has been updated with a new front fascia and redesigned daytime running lights. These lights now feature an animated sequence when the driver approaches or departs the vehicle.

However, the most notable changes are found within the cabin, along with significant upgrades to the truck’s underlying hardware and software.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 and its new headlights. Image Credits: GM

Trim Levels and Engine Options

Chevy provides the Silverado in LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, LTZ, and High Country trims. All trims now come standard with a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine, which has been enhanced to deliver 420 pound-feet of torque – a 20% increase over the previous generation.

The maximum towing capacity for 2WD models reaches 9,600 pounds. GM has also implemented changes to optimize shifting performance and provide drivers with increased power on demand.

The 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel engine has also been improved, enabling a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds for 2WD models. The 5.3-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 engines remain available as alternative powertrain choices.

Advanced Technology and Interior Refinement

The interior has undergone a comprehensive revamp to create a more spacious feel. It now incorporates a standard 13.4-inch touchscreen display and a new, configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Optional features include a rear camera mirror and a head-up display for enhanced driver convenience.

The first-ever 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2. Image Credits: GM

The Silverado interior will be offered with a selection of new colors, seat designs, and premium materials. Models equipped with bucket seats feature a new center console incorporating an electronic shift controller.

Alexandre Scartezini, Chevrolet Truck’s lead interior designer, characterized the new design as more contemporary and refined, drawing inspiration from the design elements found in the Corvette.

Google Integration in Modern Vehicles

A closer examination of the vehicle's interior reveals that Google, specifically Android Automotive, forms the core of the operating system. This integration provides seamless access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play store directly through the infotainment screen.

It’s important to distinguish Android Automotive OS from Android Auto. Android Auto functions as a supplementary interface projected from a user’s smartphone, communicating wirelessly with the vehicle’s system. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be available in the latest Silverado models, alongside compatibility with Amazon Alexa, as confirmed by GM.

Android Automotive OS is built upon the foundation of Google’s open-source mobile operating system, which utilizes the Linux kernel. However, Google has adapted this system for automotive applications, enabling automakers to embed it directly within their vehicles.

For a considerable period, Google has provided an open-source version of this OS to automotive manufacturers. Recently, these manufacturers have collaborated with Google to natively integrate an Android OS, complete with all associated Google applications and services.

Hands-Free Driving Capabilities

Every Silverado trim level is equipped with six standard active safety technologies. These include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and forward collision alerts.

Drivers also benefit from features like a lane departure warning, a following distance indicator, automatic high beams, and front pedestrian braking.

Introducing Super Cruise

A significant upgrade is the availability of the manufacturer’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance system on the High Country trim.

Notably, this system remains functional even when the vehicle is towing a trailer. However, certain Super Cruise functionalities, such as automatic lane changing and on-demand lane changes, will be limited during towing operations.

Super Cruise leverages a sophisticated array of technologies.

These include lidar map data, high-precision GPS, camera systems, and radar sensors.

A driver attention system is also integrated, continuously monitoring the driver to confirm attentiveness.

Unlike systems like Tesla’s Autopilot, Super Cruise does not require drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel.

However, drivers are required to maintain their gaze directed forward.

Evolution of Super Cruise

Since its initial release in 2017, General Motors has consistently refined and enhanced the Super Cruise technology.

Initially, the system was exclusive to the Cadillac brand and limited to specific divided highways.

This began to shift in 2019 with the announcement of plans to broaden its availability to additional models and applications.

Currently, Super Cruise can be activated on over 200,000 miles of roadways throughout the United States and Canada.

Additional Trailer Assistance

The Silverado will also incorporate other trailer assistance features.

One such feature will provide alerts to drivers regarding vehicles present in their blind spots, enhancing safety during towing.