INDIANAPOLIS — Upon launch a few years ago at the Detroit Auto Show, the current-generation Chevrolet Silverado wore controversial exterior styling and an interior not nearly changed enough. At the same show, Ram rolled out its beautiful pickup with tablet-sized touchscreen. While the Silverado is a very good truck, Chevrolet heard the complaints and updated the truck for 2022 ahead of an all-new, all-electric version for 2024.
2022 Silverado receives welcome updates
The biggest angst about the Silverado was its interior. It’s easy to use, but the tiny infotainment screen and monotone theme fell flat. For 2022, all trim levels from LT and above receive a wide 13.4-inch color touchscreen that puts a glassy high-tech finish to a dashboard enhanced by authentic open-pore wood trim on High Country editions. Nightshift Blue leather and stainless Bose speaker grilles glorify High Country and LTZ models. GM’s Super Cruise hands-off driving system is also available on luxury High Country.
Off-road enthusiasts will want to check out the new Silverado ZR2. Taking style inspiration from the Trail Boss, it sports specific 33-inch off-road tires, reshaped bumper for enhanced approach/departure angles, and full skid plate package to protect its underbits. Special shocks better absorb rough trails and allow improved wheel articulation. Front and rear e-lockers and one-pedal rock crawling are aimed at serious drivers, but all will appreciate the ZR2’s 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque.
While impressive, we’ll soon forget the ZR2 ever existed.
2024 Silverado EV debuts at CES
At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Chevrolet debuted an all-electric Silverado that will arrive for 2024 to do battle with the Ford F-150 Lightning. It’s built on GM’s new Ultium Platform that also underpins the Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and electric version of the Equinox crossover that arrives next year.
The digits are impressive. Chevrolet claims the Silverado EV will have a 400-mile range and the ability to add 100 miles in 10 minutes on a commercial fast charger. Given 510 horsepower and 615 lb.-ft. of torque, performance is impressive as it runs 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and can tow 10,000 lbs. Range will be a less if fully loaded.
Styling merges a Chevy Avalanche with the Bolt EV, which means futuristic without being Cybertruck crazy. As with the Avalanche, a “midgate” between the cab and bed folds to fit longer items. GM’s Multi-Flex tailgate converts to different configurations, including a convenient workbench. Four-wheel steering improves maneuverability while adaptive air suspension improves ride and off-road performance. A color widescreen head-up display and Super Cruise hands-off driving add further driver aids.
“We had no constraints when it came to designing the Silverado EV with dramatic style and flexible utility because we didn’t need to work around a traditional propulsion system,” said Phil Zak, Chevrolet Design. “The Ultium Platform allowed us to redefine what it means to offer expansive new storage and utility possibilities.”
If you want to own the first-ever all-electric Silverado, get in line now — and be prepared to pay. The high-performance RST edition will cost $105,000, but a Work Truck version will follow for under $40,000. Other trim levels presumably will fall between when shipments begin during spring 2023.
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