Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Take Gap Year Before 2022 Models

December 8, 2021October 11, 2023 MC Johnson 0 Comments 2022 Chevy Silverado, 2022 GMC Sierra, BAK Industries, Chevrolet, Full-Size Trucks, GMC, Super Cruise, Tonneau Covers

Both badges serve up stop-gap models to serve as placeholders before their 2022 refreshes drop with cushy new interiors and impressive new self-driving tech.

Like many automakers, GM planned on 2022 being a banner year for its flagship trucks. Both the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra were set to drop with exciting refreshes but, thanks to supply chain headaches and a glaring semiconductor shortage, things didn’t go off as scheduled. To combat the shortened timetable, both trucks will serve up interim models. Designed to shorten the gap between the 2021 and 2022 model year trucks, the “Limited” Silverado and Sierra serve up a few tailored upgrades (or rather downgrades) for those customers who just can’t wait until the full refresh drops.

Keep reading for a rundown of the Limited Silverado and Sierra models.

As for the officially official 2022 Silverado and Sierra models – set to arrive sometime in the Spring – several key updates are on the docket including new interior and exterior styling, more safety bells and whistles, some impressive hands-free driving tech, and a beefy new ZR2 flagship off-road truck.

Phew, got all that? Good, let’s unpack what’s new.

Core Updates

Starting outside, Chevy changes up the Silverado’s front fascia by removing the “side burn” air intakes and relocating them under the headlamps – which also get a refresh. The automaker simplified the overall design, keeping the angular DRL and slimming the upper headlight segment. Select models even see animated lighting sequences. The largest change up front, however, is the grille insert. Chevy raised the bowtie badge to just below the hood, which seems to have the overall effect of a man straightening his tie after a long day. Complimenting the fresher front end, are three new exterior colors: Dark Ash, Sand Dune, and Glacier Blue Metallic.

The Sierra also gets a little front-end nip-tuck. The grille is smoother and squarer, ditching the 2021 model’s dimples, while the headlamps grow a little longer. Together, the slight changes give the Sierra a stately appearance which helps to better distinguish it as the Silverado’s upper-crust sibling.

On both models, the real magic appears to be happening inside the cabin. For Chevy, a revamped interior applies to LT trim levels and up. This includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, as well as nicer cabin materials. (Indeed, the highfalutin High Country final receives the soft full-grain leather and open-pore wood it deserves.)

Sierra serves up the same digital upgrades, but offers them on every model except the base Pro. It saves the leather-and-wood treatment for its new Denali Ultimate trim. GMC also switched from a traditional column shifter to an electronic console shifter designed to cut down on noise and vibration and free up cabin space.

Responding to Tech Trends

While RAM set a high bar for truck interiors back in 2019, one can’t deny the power of changing consumer taste. And today’s drivers want to be connected wherever they go, with as much information as possible at their fingertips.

Market data backs it up. Just take these numbers into consideration:

Allied Market Research estimates the 2020 market value of infotainment to be around $2.1 billion. The group expect that number to climb to $3.8 billion by 2028.
Grand View Research projects the head-up display (HUD) segment will expand at the highest growth rate, around 10% over the forecast period. (HUDs show info in drivers’ line of sight so they don’t have to take their eyes off the road as they would with, for example, navigation on a cell phone.)

Automakers like GM offer quite a few features through their infotainment systems, including navigation, audio sync with Apple and Android devices, phone connectivity, and even Wi-Fi connectivity on some systems. The new 2022 Silverado and Sierra are no different, with safety and functionality taking top billing.

Back in late July, GM announced its plans to feature Super Cruise capabilities on six model year 2022 vehicles – including the Silverado and Sierra. Super Cruise is a driver-assistance technology that lets drivers travel hands-free on over 200,000 miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada. What’s more, GM said this upgraded feature also allows for enhanced navigation display of available hands-free driving routes, automatic lane changes, and even hands-free trailering. Yea – that means the truck really will be doing all the towing.

GM first launched Super Cruise on the Cadillac brand in 2017, but this is a first for the company’s pick-up trucks. As the most popular vehicle-type on America’s roadways, it’s safe to call this a big move.

Off-Roader’s Delight

According to SEMA’s 2021 Light Truck Snapshot, 71% of surveyed GM full-size truck owners use their trucks to hit the trails. With that data in mind, it’s no surprise the automaker is serving up a new off-road flagship model for the Chevy brand.

New for 2022 is the first-ever Silverado ZR2.

Built for off-road adventures, the aggressively-styled ZR2 features a standard 420-hp 6.2L V-8 engine, four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case, and front and rear e-lockers. Specific off-road chassis and suspension upgrades offer stability, including a Silverado-first application of Multimatic spool-valve dampers. A unique skid-plate package adds a little style, while a high-mounted steel bumper provides a 31.8-degree approach angle. The whole package rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch off-road MT tires.

Limited Time Only

Dead set on a booby prize? If you can’t wait to nab a “truly” new 2022 Silverado or Sierra, here’s what you can expect on the Limited stop-gap models.

2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Limited	2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited
Deletion of Double Cab model on Custom Trail Boss trim level	Base trim level renamed “Pro”
Carryover exterior styling and color options	Carryover exterior styling and color options
Deletion of HD radio due to microchip shortage	Deletion of HD radio due to microchip shortage
Single-zone, semi-automatic air conditioning becomes standard on Work Truck, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss models	Single-zone, semi-automatic air conditioning becomes standard on base Pro models
Deletion of Limited Production Options: cargo tie-down rings, rubber bed mat, and tiered storage	Standard heating option for rear outboard seats becomes optional on AT4 and Denali trim levels due to microchip shortage
Deletion of 4.3L LV3 V6 and 5.3L L82 V8 engine options, as well as six-speed automatic paired to both engines	Deletion of 4.3L LV3 V6 and 5.3L L82 V8 engine options, as well as six-speed automatic paired to both engines
2.7L L3B Turbo I4 engine becomes standard on Work Truck, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss trim levels, with 5.3L EcoTec3 L84 V8 engine standard on RST Crew Cab and LT Trail Boss, and available on Work Truck	2.7L L3B Turbo I4 engine becomes standard on base Pro, with 5.3L EcoTec3 L84 V8 as available upgrade
Duramax Turbo-Diesel 3.0L LM2 I6 engine becomes available on LT Trail Boss	Duramax Turbo-Diesel 3.0L LM2 I6 engine becomes standard on off-road-oriented AT4
	AT4 models now feature LT275/65R18C Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Mud Terrain tires as standard
Deletion of Custom Max Trailering Package	Denali Ultimate Package is now called Denali Reserve Package, but keeps same equipment
Data Source: GM Authority	Data Source: GM Authority

BAK Keeps the Bed Protected

With fitments already released for GM’s 2022 models, BAK Industries is worth keeping on your shortlist of must-have aftermarket additions — especially if you’re headed into the backcountry or hitting those punishing mountain trails. The company carries a slew of protective hard-rolling and hard-folding tonneaus designed to ward off flying debris and moisture. Plus, BAK’s covers keep all of your equipment and cargo secured when you’re stopping off for gas in town or parked overnight at the campground.

If you’re eyeing up a 2022 Silverado or Sierra (with 5’8″ bed), BAK carries 7 different options for covering up. Options range from the hard-folding BAKFLIP G2, built of aircraft-grade aluminum and boasting EPDM seals to block moisture and rain, to the MX4, a weather-resistant tonneau with a handy clamping system and enhanced prop rods for easy opening options.

New Truck, New Cover

The newest addition to the BAK family — and a suitable fit for Sierras and Silverados — is the BAK Revolver X4S series. This hard-rolling cover boasts interlocking aluminum slats and a rotational locking rail system that keeps the cover secure when closed. An automatic slam latch backs up the feature, ensuring the cover stays put and safe from curious thieves.

The X4S also makes a great option if you’re driving a work truck that doubles as your weekend rig. The easy-open design makes getting to your gear convenient. Whether you need to unload lumber for a job or access camping gear for the night away, operation is simple. Just tug on the string latch and roll the cover toward the bulkhead. There’s also a set of straps and buckles included if you need to haul oversized items. Like the rest of the BAK line, the Revolver tonneaus also keep all your gear protected from the elements. Plus, there’s a built-in bulkhead seal to keep all types of dirt, snow, rain, and gravel out of the bed.

And, while we know looks aren’t everything, they certainly help when it comes to tonneaus. The X4S tarp, slats, and clamps all feature a uniform matte black finish that matches most OEM bed accessories (and paint finishes, for that matter) nicely.