Top Truck Advancements for 2022

The future of new trucks for sale is green, semi-autonomous…and quite likely delayed.

Startups and disruptors like Rivian and Tesla have pushed major manufacturers toward innovation, especially in hybrid and plug-in electric engine advancements. But a computer chip shortage affecting the entire automotive industry put the brakes on production.

That doesn’t mean we’re not excited to see what truck advancements automakers have in store for 2022.

Super Cruisin’ Down the Highway

General Motors announced that it’s made improvements to its Super Cruise technology with plans to expand it to its truck lines. This advanced autonomous technology—now active on over 200,000 miles of roads in the United States—includes hands-free driver assistance while towing a camper, trailer, or watercraft.

GM is making this available on 2022 trucks, including the GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, and the Hummer EV truck. The tech also includes an upgrade to the in-vehicle navigation to show drivers which highways are available for Super Cruise.

Plugged Into the Future

Thanks to global government pressure, green automotive startups, and increased consumer demand, 2022 is the year of Hybrid and Plug-in Electric trucks. And with the advances in battery technology, these trucks have a range that reaches over 300 miles.

For traditional truck enthusiasts, Ford debuted the F-150 Lightning all-electric pickup. But it’s not the only all-electric truck hitting the highway in 2022. General Motors is introducing the Hummer EV truck, which will be built alongside the Chevy Silverado EV.

Newcomer Rivian offers an exciting mid-size pickup that comes with a ton of features, including…the kitchen sink? Rivian has been teasing an optional “camp kitchen.”

Of course, if you’re looking for something less traditional and more, “Mad Max,” Tesla offers the Cybertruck. Or it will, eventually, as the automaker is suffering the supply chain issues that have plagued the rest of the industry.

Although Toyota doesn’t currently offer hybrid or electric trucks, they announced plans to expand their EV models to their truck line. Likewise, Jeep expects to expand its 4xe (pronounced “four-by-e”) plug-in hybrid technology in the Wrangler to the popular Gladiator pickup.

More than Infotainment

Many automakers, including Ford, GM, and Honda, have upgraded their infotainment systems for 2022, adding larger touchscreens and functionality. General Motors upgrades now include the suite of Android Automotive Services: Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. This is NOT the same as Android Auto, which, like Apple CarPlay, will continue to integrate with the infotainment system.

Chevy Gives the Silverado a Lift

Chevrolet also made upgrades to off-road capability for 2022. Chevy recently introduced the Silverado ZR2, its off-road flagship, to the lineup of Chevy trucks for sale near you. In addition to Super Cruise, the ZR2 takes aim at aftermarket lift services by including a factory-installed suspension lift system.

Coming to a Showroom Near You…Hopefully Soon

There’s no question: we Americans love trucks. And with advances in safety, infotainment, and battery technology, pickup enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to in 2022, pending some resolution to supply chain issues.

While many truck manufacturers hope to ship these innovative truck models to showrooms in late 2021, we may have to wait a little longer to get behind the wheel of some 2022 models.