2022 Chevrolet Silverado HD 

Overview

Huge heavy-duty trucks like the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD aren’t for the faint of heart, but they’re incredible tools for hard-working folks who need them. While Chevy’s mightiest pickups aren’t quite as strong or powerful as the strongest Ford Super Duty or Ram HD, the heavy-duty Silverados–and their GMC counterparts–offer an outstanding Duramax diesel powertrain that makes 910 pound-feet of torque and a max tow rating of 36,000 pounds. Regardless of trailer weight, the Silverado HD can be outfitted with advanced assists and myriad cameras to make the job easier. After these world-class workhorses, the ritziest versions are ready for high society, but Ford and rivals have much richer cabins and better tech features. Still, the 2022 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are tools first and foremost, with tremendous capabilities and unabashedly bold styling.

What’s New for 2022?

For 2022, Chevy makes the smallest of changes to the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD. The alterations include a new Greenstone metallic paint color, the ability to equip the Custom trim with a power-adjustable seat, and the expanded availability of Chevy’s six-function Multi-Flex tailgate. The latter is now optional on every Silverado HD model.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD have a standard gas-powered 6.6-liter V-8 that makes 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque and mates to a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8 carries over from the previous generation. It continues to make 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet, but now it hooks up to an Allison 10-speed automatic. These engines pair with rear- or all-wheel drive, and each is compatible with the single or dual-rear-wheel axle. We drove both powertrains through mountains while towing several tons and were impressed by their capabilities. The gas engine and six-speed automatic worked well together to control the truck’s speed, which is especially important when towing on steep grades. Still, the Duramax powertrain is the one to get for those who regularly tow heavy loads. Its mighty power and the transmission’s effortless responses provided an extra level of confidence and security when doing what these trucks were made for—moving mountains. However, the heavy-duty Silverado’s lack of steering accuracy and feedback—even when equipped with the electric-assist system—was less reassuring. That said, the big Chevy rides surprisingly well for its impressive capabilities.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Since the EPA doesn’t test vehicles as heavy as the Silverado HD and its colossal competitors, we can only judge their real-world mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route. We tested the Silverado 2500HD with the gasoline 6.6-liter V-8, and it earned 14 mpg on the highway. For comparison, we tested an F-250 with the gas-fed 6.2-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission, and it returned 15 mpg in the same test. The diesel Silverado 2500HD managed 19 mpg on the highway, as did the Ram 2500 we last tested.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Pickup trucks have a wide spectrum of interior configurations and available technology. The heavy-duty Silverado runs the gamut from stripped-down work truck to the dressed-up crew cab. All feature a mountainous dashboard packed with easy-to-use switchgear. The Chevy’s crew-cab, the short-box setup has a longer wheelbase than the previous generation and provides increased passenger space. While even the fanciest models can’t match the material quality and sophistication of the Ram HD, the Silverado’s cabin and features still manage to transcend typical truck luxuries. The most desirable content includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and more. The Chevy is packed with copious interior cubby storage that’s highlighted by a giant center console bin. Some models can also be equipped with a storage compartment under the back seat and bins built into the backs of the rear-seat cushions.