It seems like every year, an automaker or two will decide to make a major overhaul on an existing model, signaling the latest generation of a popular vehicle. All of the automotive critics will write articles about the generational changes. Dealers will take steps to promote the new model. Automakers will buy plenty of advertising time to trumpet the newest generation, filling up the airwaves and annoying YouTube viewers with pop-ups of this or that latest and greatest model – I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of them.
But what often gets lost in the shuffle are the incremental changes that occur within a model’s generation. These can be as simple as a new paint job or a slight boost in horsepower or torque on an engine option. Other changes can be as big as the fact that the 2022 Silverado 2500 and 3500 are getting a Multi-Flex Tailgate, making both of these trucks easier to use for drivers. These more significant incremental improvements are what make buyers consider checking out the Chevy vehicles in stock at their local dealership since they are familiar with the current model and appreciate having some new technology to make the familiar even better.
Chevy Silverado HD Legacy
Chevy introduced its heavy-duty versions of the Silverado two decades ago alongside the Silverado 1500 light-duty truck. In addition to the Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD models, Chevy also manufactured a heavy-duty version of the Silverado 1500 that was discontinued with the launch of the second generation in 2007. Since then, the Silverado 2500 and 3500 have developed reputations for rugged styling and solid performance that continue to this day.
The Silverado HD is currently in its fourth generation, with the latest truck introduced for the 2020 model year. The automotive world quickly took note, due in large part to the fact that Chevy has made the Silverado HD the most versatile heavy-duty truck available to drivers today. Depending on which model you choose, you have more options and choices with a Silverado HD than any other truck in its vehicle class.
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD comes with a choice of five trims (WT, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country), as well as seven different special editions (Carhart, LTZ Texas, LTZ Premium, Z71 Sport, Z71 Chrome, Midnight, and Rally). Each of these special editions is offered on one or more standard trims, with a choice of regular, double, and crew cabs. Similarly, the 2021 Silverado 3500 HD is offered in four different trims: WT, LT, LTZ, and High Country. When you add in the fact that each truck comes with a choice of rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive, this is more possible truck configurations than any other heavy-duty model.
Chevy gives you a great choice of powertrains on the 2021 Silverado HD. The standard engine is a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine uses direct injection and variable valve timing to produce 401 horsepower and 464 pounds-feet of torque, giving the Silverado HD the power to tow up to 17,370 pounds. The optional engine is a 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8, which comes with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. This engine features an air induction system with the ability to produce up to 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. When equipped with this diesel engine, the 2022 Silverado 2500 HD can tow up to 18,510 pounds, while the Silverado 3500 HD can tow up to an amazing 36,000 pounds, making it one of the champions in this category.
The Chevy Multi-Flex Tailgate
In introducing the 2022 Silverado HD truck, Chevy wanted to improve on a winning formula without making drastic changes to undermine all that makes this truck so great. The key change is the introduction of the Multi-Flex Tailgate to this line of heavy-duty trucks. The Multi-Flex Tailgate first made its debut on the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 and offers drivers six different functions in one easy-to-use tailgate.
This feature allows you to use your key fob or two buttons mounted on the tailgate to operate. Each button has a specific function. One operates the full tailgate, while the other takes care of the inner gate. You can even operate the Multi-Flex Tailgate from the safety and comfort of your truck’s cab using the instrument panel. Like I said, it really is easy to use.
Each of the six different functions on the Multi-Flex Tailgate provides you with a specific functional improvement on the 2022 Silverado HD. The inner gate has two of these functions. The inner gate folds down so you can use it as a mobile standing desk. This can make it easy to review plans and blueprints, operate a laptop, or just place your tools while working. Fold the shelf on the inner gate up, and you have a load stop to prevent stacked items like wooden beams or copper pipes from sliding off.
The inner gate and shelf can also be folded down to provide greater access to the payload bed. This will make it easier for you to load your 2022 Silverado HD. If you need to step up into the bed itself, simply fold the inner gate down one more time to access a full-width step. This step is so strong that it can hold up to 375 pounds, making it useful for most people.
The primary gate also provides a pair of great functions. Folding it down completely gives the traditional tailgate access seen in most heavy-duty trucks. You can then lift up the inner gate stop to provide extra-long items from sliding out the trailer bed. Not only will this make a standard 69.5 cubic foot bed more functional, but also it will give you exceptional functionality on a Silverado HD with an 83.5 cubic foot long bed.
Other New Items on the 2022 Silverado Hd
The Multi-Flex Tailgate is not the only incremental change that sets the 2022 Chevy Silverado HD apart from prior models. Chevy is also offering a Power Up/Down Tailgate on the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims. This provides you with the ability to lower and lift the Silverado HD’s tailgate at the touch of a button. This is because the tailgate on these models is fully motorized for your increased convenience. This feature was originally introduced as an optional item on the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500.
As expected, Chevy will also offer the 2022 Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD with new color options, including Greenstone Metallic. This is a brand new color, keeping in line with Chevy’s interest in making additional cosmetic changes to set each year of a model apart from prior years. It will also give Chevy the opportunity to judge the popularity of different vehicle color options.
An Incremental Step That Could Be a Great Leap Forward
With each change to an existing vehicle, the manufacturer takes a step forward in the model’s development. Some can be quite minor, like the new paint options on the 2022 Silverado HD. Others can prove to be a great leap, like the introduction of the Multi-Flex Tailgate and the Power Up/Down Tailgate. Nevertheless, each improvement, no matter how incremental, provides you with greater usage and value in your truck. Think about it. You get all of the functionality of the already popular Silverado HD with the addition of things like a more useful tailgate. In this way, you get an added benefit from buying a 2022 Silverado 2500 or 3500. Chevy’s constant innovations and improvements just keep making trucking that much better.
