With so many trim levels to choose from within any model pickup truck, the information can seem overwhelming. But if you are considering the 2022 Chevy Silverado and want to know what's different between the LT and the LTZ, we can help you. We researched this popular pickup truck from multiple professional sources so that you'll know for sure what separates them.
The LT and LTZ trim levels differ in their engine options, exterior appearance, and standard interior equipment and features. Determining which one is right for you will depend on which standard features best suit your needs, as well as which one fits into your budget.
Now that we know the basic differences between the 2022 Chevy Silverado LT and the LTZ, we'll take a more detailed look at each trim level. You might also be wondering what the top-of-the-line Silverado is or what Silverado is considered the most reliable. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what we've uncovered.
Differences Between The 2022 Silverado LT And LTZ
As the LT is a mid-range tier trim level and the LTZ is one of two premium trims available for the Silverado, you will see some stark contrasts between the two.
Here, we'll break those down to better determine which one is best for you.
Engine And Performance Differences
The LT comes standard with a 2.7L Turbo Inline-4 gasoline engine, with the option to upgrade to the 5.3L Turbo V8 for an additional $1,395. You can also get the 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 diesel engine for an extra $2,390. The standard 2.7L engine is capable of 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 348-foot pounds of torque.
The LTZ comes standard with a 5.3L V8 gas engine and has the option of upgrading to the 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 diesel engine for an additional $995. The 5.3L engine is capable of 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 foot-pounds of torque.
Appearance
The wheels for the LT are 18-inch aluminum, while the LTZ is carried on 20-inch wheels.
On the interior, the LTZ has standard leather-trimmed seats, while the LT has cloth upholstery with leather trim as an upgrade only.
Interior Features And Equipment
As we noted earlier, the interior features and equipment make these two trim levels different. Here, we'll look at what each one offers as far as standard features without upgrades or packages:
LT
- Bluetooth
- Satellite radio
- WiFi hotspot
- Auxiliary input
- Mp3 player
- Bucket seats
- Leather steering wheel
- Power mirrors
- Climate control
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Keyless entry
- Power driver's seat
- Remote start
- Backup camera
- Anti-lock brake system
- Tire pressure monitor
- Stability control
- Traction control
LTZ
In addition to the above, the LTZ comes with the following standard features:
- Premium sound system
- Smartphone/device integration
- Ventilated front seats
- Powered passenger's seat
- Memory seat
- Universal garage door opener
- Cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking aid
- Blind-spot monitor
Price
With all of the differences listed between the two trim levels, you can expect quite a difference in the starting sticker price.
The LT price begins at $41,300, while the LTZ has a starting tag of $50,200. Of course, any packages or stand-alone features that you would add to either trim level would increase the price.
How To Tell If My Truck Is LT Or LTZ
Determining which trim level of Silverado you have in your possession can be done in several ways. Your owner's manual, your vehicle's title, and other paperwork will list the trim level you are driving.
This information is essential to have, as you will need it for your insurance company to assign a value to your policy.
The state you are registering the vehicle in will also need to know the trim level for licensing purposes, and the trim level is also used by taxing authorities. Hence, they know what value to assess your vehicle at.
You can also use the VIN to determine your trim level by entering it into an online search engine.
If you have an older model Silverado, there will be a body badge on the exterior. Where "Silverado" is affixed to the lower body, there will be 1500/2500/3500, followed by the initials that signify your trim level.
What Is The Top Of The Line Silverado?
Until recently, the LTZ was considered the top trim level of the Chevy Silverado. While still a premium trim level, the High Country is now at the top of the food chain for comfort and luxury among this line of Chevy pickup trucks.
Earlier, we outlined all of the standard features the LTZ comes equipped with. In addition to those, the High Country has the following:
- Eight-inch infotainment display screen
- Bose sound system
- Front center counsel
- Ventilated front seats
- Front bucket seats
- Heated rear seats
- Spray-on bed liner
- Powered tailgate
- Park assistance
- Lane change alert
Is LTZ The Same As Premier?
As we pointed out earlier, the LTZ is one of two premier trim levels for the 2022 Chevy Silverado. But why continue to refer to it as the LTZ when it is a premier truck?
When Chevy's marketing director Sandor Piszar was asked why Chevy continued to use the name LTZ instead of switching to "Premier," he had the following to say:
"We tested that. We looked at Premier for Silverado, and what our truck customers told us is that they like LTZ. They understand what it means and how it fits into the lineup, and felt it was more ‘truck-like’ than Premier. So we stuck with LTZ."
What Is The Most Reliable Chevy Silverado?
Chevy has a long history of reliable manufacturing vehicles, and the Silverado has been no exception to this. With solid consumer and critic ratings on their side, they have consistently produced trucks that have garnered high ratings in reliability, safety, and comfort.
But every truck line has a model or two that stand out above the rest.
Consumer Reports rates the 2012 Silverado as the most reliable to date. With only two recalls and minimal consumer complaints, it leads the pack to be a dependable pickup truck. And if it has proper care and maintenance, you can expect this vehicle to last upwards of 200,000 miles on the road.
U.S. News rated the 2012 Chevy Silverado as the #1 pickup truck of the year. They gave it an overall rating of 8.9 out of 10.0. They cited the solid 5.0 out of 5.0 from J.D. Power and Associates for reliability.
To Wrap It All Up
The differences between the engines and the standard onboard features and equipment significantly separate the 2022 Chevy Silverado LT and LTZ trim levels.
This is normal between a mid-tier trim level and a premium one, as premium trim levels typically offer a lot more as far as safety, comfort, and power are concerned.
Ultimately, what you need from a vehicle and what your budget can afford are the two factors that will determine what trim level is right for you.
If you found this post on the Chevy Silverado to be helpful, we believe you'll find the following posts on this popular model pickup truck useful too:
Chevrolet Silverado Trim Levels Explained
How Long Can A Chevy Silverado Last [Inc. How Many Miles]
Can A Chevy Silverado Be Flat Towed? Here's What Truck Owners Need to Know