in ,

‘SHORTY SHORTY’ RETURNS: 2022 CHEVROLET SILVERADO AND GMC SIERRA 1500 REVIVE OLD BODYSTYLE

But Only As An Entry Level Work Truck

Chevrolet Silverado

As the vehicles evolve to better suit customer needs and meet American Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, trucks have gotten both bigger and more expensive. As a result, the regular cab, short box full-size pickup has almost entirely disappeared. That was up until 2020 when we learned that the Chevrolet Silverado regular cab would be returning but only with an 8-foot bed (and only as a work truck). During that time, we also learned that GM was debating whether offering a regular cab Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra with a short bed would keep their greenhouse gas portfolio balanced. Now, it seems that after two years, a decision has been made for the 2022 model year.

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT LTZ RST High Country ZR2 WT Custom Trail Boss
Image via Chevrolet

Regular Cab Short Bed Returns For 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra Pickup Trucks

“The new-for-2022 body style includes regular cab with both standard bed and long bed,” according to a Chevrolet spokesperson. “Please note that regular cabs are only produced on the work truck trim.” Similarly, the same can be said for the 2022 GMC Sierra.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado LTD regular cab with a long bed – that’s the outgoing model and not to be confused with the new 2022 Silverado – starts at $32,095. The standard bed of the new truck would theoretically be able to come in around that price. For that money, you get two doors, a cloth bench seat, and a built-for-work 2.7L L3B turbocharged four cylinder engine. No really, it’s designed to tow, haul, and do what you gotta do.

 

Why are shorty-shorty trucks so rare these days? CAFE standards have an overly complicated “footprint rule”, which refers to the area within the perimeter of the four wheels; the larger the footprint, the “easier” the fuel economy standard.

Unfortunately, by having a Chevrolet Silverado regular cab with a short bed, the area within the perimeter of the four wheels is relatively small. As a result, the fuel economy standard isn’t “easy.” However, we won’t complain since the shorty-shorty configuration returns, even though it’s only for the work truck trim. And even though tuners won’t be able to work with its ECU.

Even so, that should stop the aftermarket from diddling with suspension, off-road capabilities, wheels/tires, and brakes. And with the lightness of a four cylinder engine over the nose, 420 lb-ft of torque, and superior fuel economy, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado WT and 2022 GMC Sierra Pro look to be solid platforms for off-road upfitters like AEV and PaxPower.

2022 GMC Sierra AT4 AT4X 1500
Image via GMC

Written by Zac Quinn

Zac's love for cars started at a young age, after seeing the popular Eleanor from Gone In 60 Seconds. From there, fascination and enthusiasm blossomed and to this day the Ford Mustang remains a favorite. His first job started out detailing cars, but also provided the opportunity to work on restoration including an 1968 Ford Mustang, Pontiac Firebird, and a C3 Corvette, though he left that job before further work and experience could be had. From there, he was a detailer at a car dealership before quitting that job to try and finish college.

Much of his free time while studying was spent watching YouTube videos regarding new cars, or off-roading. 4WD247 is a personal favorite channel which rekindled a dying flame in car enthusiasm, now tailored towards trucks and SUVs and the fun that can be had building up an overlanding rig, and going on adventures, though, that chapter remains unwritten for the time being.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Steeda Performance V8 Ford Mustang GT S550 Coyote Muscle Car Mod Nationals Winner

STREET LEGAL STEEDA FORD MUSTANG: 8 SECOND QUARTER MILE WINNER AT MOD NATIONALS

Rivian R1T and R1S deliveries are slated to begin in July, marking a big step for the electric vehicle company R1X R1S Sport

LIFE AFTER IPO: RIVIAN PLANNING NEW U.S.-BASED BATTERY PLANT