2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD Review: Back For An Encore

While Chevrolet has released a substantially improved Silverado 1500 for 2022, it seems that the automaker isn't quite willing to part with its more basic Silverado full-size truck just yet. Thus, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD is just a new name for an old face, but there are still many fans of the brand that may prefer it over the new, higher-tech Silverado, especially if they want to save a few grand on the purchase. The LTD keeps things simple, presenting shoppers with everything they need in a working-class pickup without any unnecessary frills or expenses. It comes with a choice of four engines, ranging from a 310-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder all the way up to a 420-hp V8 with 460 lb-ft of torque. Correctly configured, this popular pickup can tow an impressive 13,300 pounds. However, the LTD now has to compete with its successor, alongside other acclaimed trucks like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, so will this be a one-and-done nameplate, or will the Silverado 1500 LTD manage to win enough hearts to stick around?

What's the Price of the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD?

Unsurprisingly, the price of the 2022 Silverado 1500 LTD is largely determined by how you configure it. Each trim in its cheapest form is priced as follows: Work Truck at $30,400, Custom at $37,600, LT at $41,300, Custom Trail Boss at $45,200, RST at $45,600, LTZ at $50,200, LT Trail Boss at $52,500, and High Country at $54,700.

The price will fluctuate wildly depending on the body style, drivetrain, and engine you choose. For example, the base WT is $1,395 pricier with the V8 engine and $4,600 more with 4WD. The base Custom costs $2,300 more when upgrading from the Double Cab to the Crew Cab with the short bed. For the High Country with 4WD, the standard bed, and the 6.2-liter V8, expect to pay over $60,000.

These prices all exclude a destination charge of $1,795.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Though pickup trucks may be rugged workers that prioritize capability above all else, modern consumers expect more of them considering just how much every other type of vehicle crams in. And with truly refined workers out there like the Ram 1500, it's clearly not an unreasonable expectation. Pure comfort is not where the Silverado 1500 LTD shines, though. The suspension is a bit stiff, and larger bumps in the road can be felt in the cabin, and mid-corner bumps can upset the whole body. That said, the handling isn't actually bad. The steering is remarkably light for such a large and heavy vehicle, making it easy to maneuver. Even at higher speeds, switching lanes or overtaking is a quick and simple process, especially with one of the more powerful engines in play. The steering does have a habit of drifting a little at higher speeds, so you may have to make regular corrections. Overall, it's capable around town and on the highway, but lacks the refinement of its Ram or Ford rivals.

Off-road is generally where pickup trucks really shine, and the Chevrolet certainly makes a better impression here. One of the more purposed off-road trims is still preferable, so the Trail Boss in one or another guise would be ideal. These models have plenty of ground clearance, a two-speed transfer case, and metal underbody shielding, as well as Rancho shocks. The four-wheel drivetrain has an automatic engagement function that sends power to the front wheels when needed.

Verdict: Is The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD A Good Truck?

How good or bad the Silverado 1500 Limited is depends entirely on what you expect. If you want a comfortable, well-appointed city truck, then you're going to be disappointed. It is built using hardy materials that will stand the test of time, but they're not nice to look at or feel. It's not particularly well-equipped in terms of tech either. Then again, it exists purely to fill a small gap between the 2021 Silverado and the substantially upgraded 2022 Silverado, and if your goal is to buy an affordable work truck that can get the job done in the city or even off-road, then the Silverado LTD may be just what you need. With a choice of four engines and multiple body styles, it's highly customizable to a buyer's specific needs, and while it doesn't lead the segment in terms of towing and payload capacities, it doesn't trail behind the mean either. All that being said, you can do better with a Ram 1500, Ford F-150, or even Chevy's own upgraded Silverado. The Chevy is still a capable contender and it's not overly expensive, especially if you stick to one of the base models.

What 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTD Model Should I Buy?

If you're in the market for a capable work truck, then that is exactly the trim we suggest, ideally with the 5.3L V8 engine to maximize its capabilities. It may be lacking in many areas, such as comfort and convenience, but it will give you the best towing capacity and keep costs down. However, if your work will be taking you off the pavement, then you'll probably prefer one of the Trail Boss variants. Again, keeping costs down is a priority, so the Custom Trail Boss is the way to go. However, it is limited to the turbo-four engine unless you opt for the most expensive body style. It should be capable enough, though. If you're looking to get the luxuries presented in the LTZ or High Country, you'd be better off going for a Ram 1500, which is similarly priced to these top trims and more refined.

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD Comparisons

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD vs Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is one of the best-selling pickups in the USA for a good reason. It seamlessly combines all of the strengths of a typical workhorse truck with many of the luxuries we have come to expect from more passenger-friendly vehicles like an SUV. Apart from its bold, good looks, the Ram 1500 has a refined and comfortable interior that perfectly matches its smooth driving experience. Yes, it will cost you more than the Chevy, but that extra investment is put to good use. A choice of four engines is available to the Ram, and while the top-end V8 can't quite match the power of the Silverado, maxing out at 395 hp and 410 lb-ft, it is still highly capable. A high-torque V6 is available, too. Losing out on a few hundred pounds of towing may be a compromise some buyers can't accept, but for those that feel 12,750 pounds is enough, the Ram 1500 is the better truck.

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD vs Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

Slotting in above the Silverado 1500 LTD, the larger and heavier 2500HD is naturally more capable. It has a smaller selection of engines, but most of them are stronger than anything you'll find in the 1500 Limited. The Duramax V8 diesel, for example, has a whopping 910 lb-ft of torque. But these aren't the figures buyers care about. It's the 18,510 lbs of towing capacity that will decide whether or not the 2500HD is the truck for you. Keep in mind that it is around eight to ten grand more expensive than the smaller pickup. In most other regards, the two vehicles share many characteristics, including a hardy but low-quality interior and limited tech. So, if you don't need to lug a herd of cattle around in your trailer, you can probably make do with the 1500 Limited.