Get to Know Your Silverado Trucks!
Did you ever have to make up your mind? Those who are old enough remember the Lovin’ Spoonful singing that back in the Sixties about deciding on which girl to date, but they could have just as well have been singing about choosing between the three different models of the 2022 Chevy Silverado truck. Chevy offers the Silverado in three different versions: 1500, 2500 HD, and 3500 HD. When you stop into Jay Hatfield Chevrolet, your Miami, OK, Chevy dealer, you will be able to see some of the clear differences between these two trucks despite them all having the name Silverado.
When you are looking to buy a truck, you need to find one that provides the capability you seek. Not all trucks are created equal. Some are larger than others. There are ones that are better for towing, while other ones can haul more cargo. In addition, there are specialized models that are designed for off-roading. A great deal will often depend on which engine and drivetrain you choose on your Silverado. The good news for you is that Chevy gives each of the three different Silverado trucks at least two different engine options, as well as the choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. This dedication to giving truck drivers options and choices helps set Chevy apart from other truck makers.
What’s the Difference?
The key difference between the Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500 HD, and 3500 HD is one of size. The Silverado 1500 is a full-size truck, the type of truck that was once referred to as a half-ton truck, which referenced the amount of cargo this type of truck used to be capable of carrying in its payload bed. While the 2022 Silverado 1500 can carry more than that amount, it is still the smallest and lightest of the three Silverado truck models. In general, the Silverado 1500 will have a base curb weight of about 5,650 pounds, depending on which trim, engine type, drivetrain, and cab style you choose. This translates to a base gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 6,700 pounds and 7,100 pounds. The GVWR takes into account the number of passengers riding in the vehicle and the amount of cargo being carried in the truck’s payload bed.
The other two Silverado models are referred to as heavy-duty trucks. These not only weigh more but are also considered commercial vehicles by the EPA, which is why it does not publish fuel economy ratings for them. The 2022 Silverado 2500 HD has a base curb weight between 6,105 and 7,726 pounds and a GVWR between 10,000 and 11,350 pounds. Just like the Silverado 1500, these two numbers depend on your choice of cab style, engine, drivetrain, and trim level. The largest of the three Silverado trucks is the 2022 Silverado 3500 HD. This weighs in at a base curb weight between 6,231 and 8,185 pounds and tips the scales with a GVWR between 10,730 and 14,000 pounds, making this the heavyweight of the two heavy-duty Silverado models.
The other key difference between these three trucks is the amount of available options. Since full-size trucks are the most popular and versatile models, Chevy has decided to give the 2022 Silverado 1500 more options than the other two trucks, with nine different trim levels, including the ZR2 off-road model, four different engine options, and three different cab styles, consisting of the two-door regular cab, and the two-row double cab and crew cab. While the 2022 Silverado 2500 HD also comes with these three different cab styles, there are only two engine options and five trims levels on this truck, although Chevy does offer four different special editions. The fewest available options are on the 2022 Silverado 3500 HD, which has four different trim levels, the same two engine options as the Silverado 2500 HD, and comes with a standard Crew Cab DRW, which has a dual wheel on the rear axle for better trailering capacity.
What Do You Need to Consider?
There are two factors to consider when buying a truck: price and capability. If you need a certain towing and hauling capability, then this requirement will often outweigh your desire to buy a more affordable truck. This is especially the case if you plan on using your Chevy Silverado in part for business purposes, whether you are a landscaper, contractor, or work a trade. In addition, if you plan to use your truck to tow a trailer or boat for recreational purposes, then you are going to want to make sure you buy a 2022 Silverado truck that has the ability to tow something as heavy as you plan.
When it comes to pricing, the most affordable of the three models is the Silverado 1500. With a base MSRP of $34,600 for the WT trim, you can generally get a Silverado 1500 for less money than a comparable trim on the Silverado 2500 HD or 3500 HD.[a] This makes sense, though, as the larger the truck and the more powerful the engine, the more it will cost.
As for towing and hauling, those numbers generally go up as you buy a heavier truck. This is because GVWR is one of the key factors in determining maximum payload and trailering capacity. For example, the 2022 Silverado 1500 can tow up to 9,500 pounds with its entry-level 2.7-liter High Output Turbo I-4 gas engine, while choosing any of the three other engine options will boost this to 11,200 pounds with the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8, and 13,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 and the 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-6. However, none of these can match the towing capacity on either of the two Silverado heavy-duty trucks.
If you choose a 2022 Silverado 2500 HD with a 6.6-liter V8, you can tow up to 17,370 pounds, while the available 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 will increase this to 18,510 pounds. This is significantly more than any of the engines on the Silverado 1500. Nevertheless, the greatest towing capability is found on the 2022 Silverado 3500 HD. The model with the standard 6.6-liter V8 can tow up to 17,200 pounds, while choosing the available 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 will give you the ability to tow an incredible 36,000 pounds.
The same thing is seen with respect to hauling, although the difference is not as pronounced between the Silverado 1500 and 2500 HD. The Silverado 1500 can carry up to 2,270 pounds in its payload, while the Silverado 2500 HD has a maximum payload capacity between 3,715 and 3,979 pounds, depending on your choice of engines. The 2022 Silverado 3500 HD has the greatest payload capability, with the ability to carry up to 6,532 pounds with the available Duramax Turbo-Diesel, and 7,442 pounds with the 6.6-liter V8.
Which Is Right for You?
Buying a truck is like any other vehicle, with a great deal depending on your own personal wants and needs. If you are looking for a versatile truck that is very affordable, you should choose a Silverado 1500. If you plan on using your truck for off-road adventure, then a 2022 Silverado 1500 ZR2 might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you need the maximum towing and hauling ability, then a 2022 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD is your best bet.
Meanwhile, if you are somewhere in the middle, desiring towing and hauling power, but wanting to stick to a tighter budget, then you should consider a Silverado 2500 HD. If you don’t want a crew cab with dual rear wheels that comes standard on the Silverado 3500 HD, then you can get a Silverado 2500 HD with either a regular cab or double cab. Finally, there may be a trim you like on the Silverado 1500 like the Custom Trail Boss, RST, LT Trail Boss, or ZR2 that doesn’t come on the heavy-duty Silverado models, or you want a 2022 Silverado 2500 HD with one of the four special editions exclusive to this truck. Whatever you desire, Chevy provides you with so many options between these three Silverado trucks that you should have no problem finding the right one for you.
Three Trucks With One Great Name
Chevy has staked out a position as one of the top automakers, with the Silverado brand being instantly recognizable for quality, performance, capability, and reliability. With the Silverado 1500, 2500 HD, and 3500 HD, Chevy has given you three trucks with differing capabilities, price points, and sizes, so you can get the performance you need at a price you can afford. This is why you should make your next truck a Silverado!