2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Pros vs Cons

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is Chevy's most powerful truck in their current lineup. This is a full-sized, heavy-duty pickup truck. It was designed for those who need serious power and torque for the heaviest loads and the toughest jobs. Here is a look at what's new for 2022 and how the Silverado 3500HD stacks up against the competition. Also covered will be the ten best reasons to buy a new Silverado 3500HD along with some reasons why it may not be the best choice.

What's New for 2022?

There aren't very many changes to the 2022 models of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. Perhaps the biggest change is the availability of the Multi-Flex Tailgate. This six-function tailgate is now optional on every single trim level. There's also a new paint color available for 2022 that Chevy calls Greenstone.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD – The Pros

1. Powerful Engine Choices

A heavy-duty truck needs a heavy-duty engine. The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD gives buyers the choice of two different powertrains. There's a 6.6-liter V8 engine that runs on standard gasoline. This engine produces 401 horsepower with 464 pound-feet of torque. There's also a 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 that can produce 445 horsepower and a whopping 910 pound-feet of torque.

2. Impressive Towing Capabilities

Towing heavy loads is one of the prime reasons to buy a heavy-duty truck like the Silverado 3500HD. When properly equipped, a Silverado 3500HD with the gasoline engine will be able to pull up to 14,500 pounds. A truck equipped with the diesel engine and outfitted with the Max Trailering Package can tow an amazing 36,000 pounds.

3. Massive Payload Capacity

If there's a capability stat that's more important than towing for trucks, it's probably max payload capacity. Trucks with the gasoline engine can haul up to 4,593 pounds. Models equipped with the diesel engine can haul an impressive 7,442 pounds. These stats will differ slightly depending on the body style, drivetrain and box length of the truck.

4. Strong Off-Road Performance

The latest Silverado 3500HD has impressive off-road capabilities. It can haul and tow heavy loads just about anywhere. This is a great capability to have in a versatile work truck. It also means that the 3500HD is great for camping trips and other outdoor adventures. Every model of the Silverado 3500HD has available all-wheel drive.

Chevrolet offers a lot of off-road-specific options such as skid plates. Every trim level of this truck gets a robust suspension system, though this can be upgraded. All models of this truck get Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control as well.

5. The Unique Multi-Function Tailgate

This feature really sets the Silverado 3500HD apart from the other trucks in its class. The tailgate can be configured for six different specific functions. The design and flexibility were engineered to make the truck easier to load and unload. It also makes it easier to get in and out of the truck bed to access items or just to complete a job.

6. 15-View Camera System

Chevrolet offers a unique 15-view camera setup for the Silverado 3500HD. This greatly helps out the driver with a better view of their surroundings. This is an important thing when operating such a large vehicle. This camera system was especially designed to make towing safer and easier.

7. A Great Infotainment System

The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System is one of the best available today. For the ultimate audio experience, there's the Infotainment 3 Premium System with a Bose stereo and seven speakers. There's also a Richbass woofer for deep, satisfying bass. The system has an 8-inch HD touchscreen with full-color graphics. It comes complete with an integrated navigation system too.

An available WiFi Hotspot keeps everyone connected. This is handy for anyone who uses their truck as a mobile office while working. Bluetooth Technology is included for streaming music through those Bose speakers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are compatible with this system. This makes it easy to sync most smartphones to the Infotainment 3 Premium system.

8. Roomy Cabin and Storage Space

The cabin is nice and roomy. There's plenty of space to get comfortable in up front. There are a lot of small-item storage spaces, pockets and cubbyholes throughout the cabin too. There's plenty of room to store extra tools, groceries or whatever else one would need to store inside of the truck apart from the cargo bed.

9. Standard Safety Features

Safety is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new truck. Thankfully, Chevrolet has equipped the Silverado 3500 HD with plenty of standard features in this category. Every trim level gets a minimum of six standard airbags. The driver and front passenger get dual-stage bags in front as well as seat-mounted side-impact bags. Head-curtain airbags provide some protection for those sitting in the rear.

A rear-vision camera is standard on all models unless an upgraded camera system is installed in the trim level. Chevrolet's proprietary StabiliTrak system makes the truck stable and provides better traction. All trim levels also come with OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services capabilities.

10. Modern Driver-Assist Technology

Chevrolet has also equipped the Silverado 3500HD with plenty of driver-assist features. These make the driver's experience behind the wheel a lot nicer. They also add to the overall safety of the truck. There's a Lane-Change Alert feature with Side Blind-Zone Alert. Front and Rear Park Assist make getting in and out of spaces a lot easier in this large truck.

The Silverado 3500HD also features Automatic Emergency Braking and a Hitch Guidance with Hitch View. A Tire-Pressure Monitor is standard. There's a Front-Collision Alert that gives warning of an impending crash. This can give the driver extra time to make the necessary driving maneuvers to avoid an accident. A Following-Distance Indicator lets the driver know when they're too close to the vehicle ahead of them.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD – The Cons

1. The Stiff Ride Quality

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD doesn't have the smoothest ride quality. In fact, it's pretty stiff. This is a common complaint for many trucks, not just the Silverado 3500HD. Still, there are other trucks in this class that do a better job of providing a comfortable ride.

2. Poor Forward Visibility

The forward visibility could use some improvement for this truck. The poor visibility is largely due to the Silverado's high and broad hood. This is an unfortunate design flaw in an otherwise well-built truck. Hopefully, Chevrolet will make some corrections in this area on future models.

3. The Fuel-Economy Numbers

Pickup trucks aren't exactly known for their good fuel efficiency. This is another complaint that really goes with the territory for those buying a truck. This is a large, heavy-duty truck, so it consumes a lot of gasoline or diesel. This thirsty truck will only get around 14 miles-per-gallon, even during highway driving. Diesel models only do slightly better at 19 miles-per-gallon.

4. It's Really Large

This really goes without saying, but the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is one large truck. While most people looking for a heavy-duty truck already know this, it is something to think about before deciding on a purchase. This can be a difficult vehicle to park and maneuver. This is somewhat mitigated by all of the great driver-assist technology of the Silverado 3500HD like the Parking-Assist features.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD vs 2022 Ford Super Duty F-350

Both of these heavy-duty trucks come in similar body styles and variations. Both offer high towing and hauling capacities. The Ford and the Chevrolet both offer a gasoline and a diesel engine for their truck. The Ford can tow more at 37,000 pounds. That's just 1,000 pounds more than the Chevy.

The Ford has a slightly higher payload capacity as well. Both trucks come equipped with similar convenience and safety features at the base trim level. The Ford has a slightly nicer interior. The Chevy is significantly cheaper at the base level, and the price gap grows exponentially as one moves up higher through the trim levels.

Both trucks are great, quality vehicles. They each offer many of the same features and capabilities. The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD basically does and offers whatever the Ford does, but at a much lower price.

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD vs 2022 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty

The Ram 3500 Heavy Duty is yet another one-ton truck that will compete directly against the Silverado 3500HD in 2022. Just like the Ford, the Ram has slightly higher towing and payload capacities, though it's very close. For most buyers, it will be too close to make a real difference. The Ram's towing capabilities top out at 37,100 pounds.

Again, there aren't many differences between these two trucks when it comes to comfort and convenience features. The safety equipment and driver-assist features are practically identical. This time, the Chevy has a slightly nicer interior, but again, it's a very close comparison. The Ram may provide a slightly less stiff ride quality.

Once again, the major differences here come down to the prices. The Silverado 3500HD is simply the better deal. It offers a good amount of value for a great price.

Conclusion

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD reigns supreme among the one-ton pickup trucks currently on the market. This is quite the accomplishment when competing against the likes of the Ford Super Duty F-350 and the Ram 3500 Heavy Duty. The Silverado 3500HD does everything that one could want from a truck in this class, and it does them all well.

It can tow and haul heavy loads and easily get over rough off-road terrain. It's also well equipped with plenty of convenience and safety features. Best of all, the Silverado 3500HD has a great price, making it a good bargain. This is one heavy-duty truck that is easy to recommend to anyone looking for a new pickup in this class.