Overview
GM’s mid-year 2022 split for the Silverado and Sierra 1500 created one of the most confusing identification issues in recent truck history. Many owners—especially those with WT, Custom, or Sierra Pro trims—believe they have a “pre-refresh” truck simply because their interior looks like the older generation. In reality, thousands of these trucks are full Refresh / Global B architecture models under the skin.
This guide explains exactly how to determine whether your truck is a Refresh model, why the confusion exists, and the correct way to verify using the B-pillar QR code.
The Simple Rule for Determining Refresh vs. Pre-Refresh
For 100% of cases, model year alone determines whether your truck is a Refresh—except for one scenario.
Silverado / Sierra 1500
- 2023 and newer → Refresh (Global B / “Digital” architecture)
- 2022 → Mid-year split (requires verification)
Silverado / Sierra HD (2500/3500)
- 2024 and newer → Refresh
- 2015–2023 → Pre-Refresh
If your truck is a 2023+ 1500 or a 2024+ HD, it is definitively a Refresh model.
The ONLY trucks requiring investigation are 2022 Silverado/Sierra 1500, due to GM’s mid-year (2022.1 → 2022.5) production transition.
Why 2022 1500 Models Are Confusing
GM built two completely different versions of the 2022 Silverado and Sierra 1500:
2022.1 (Pre-Refresh)
- Older electrical architecture
- Older interior
- No J22 RPO
2022.5 (Refresh)
- New electrical architecture
- New interior on LT/LTZ/High Country/SLT/Denali
- BUT WT, Custom, and Sierra Pro kept the older interior design
- J22 RPO present
This is where most owners get misled:
A 2022 WT, Custom, or Sierra Pro can LOOK like a Pre-Refresh interior while actually being a full Refresh truck.
How to Positively Confirm a 2022 1500 Refresh
These trucks do NOT use the old glovebox RPO sticker. Instead, GM now stores RPO data behind a QR code on the driver-side B-pillar.
Steps to Confirm
- Open the driver’s door.
- Locate the QR code on the B-pillar (door jamb).
- Scan it with your phone.
- A webpage loads showing your VIN’s complete RPO list.
You are looking for one code:
→ J22
- J22 present = Refresh (2022.5)
- J22 absent = Pre-Refresh (2022.0)
This is the most reliable and GM-intended method of distinguishing between the two.
Alternative VIN-Based Check (Also Accurate)
If the QR code is damaged or inaccessible, you can use the last 8 digits of the VIN:
If the last eight begin with:
- NG5, NG6, NG7
- NZ5, NZ6, NZ7
→ You have a 2022.5 Refresh truck.
If they begin lower alphabetically/numbered than those sequences, it is likely a 2022.0 Pre-Refresh.
Why WT, Custom, and Sierra Pro Owners Struggle the Most
The “old-interior-on-a-new-architecture” design creates the #1 misconception:
Older interior ≠ Older electronics
Lower trims retained the earlier dash layout for cost and fleet reasons, but the underlying architecture in Refresh models is identical to higher trims.
This means:
- Programming behavior matches Refresh models
- Replacement parts follow Refresh rules
- Compatibility aligns with 2022.5–2024+ logic, not 2022.1 rules
Interior styling is irrelevant—architecture and build date are what matter.
Summary
- 2023+ 1500 and 2024+ HD = Always Refresh
- 2022 1500 = Must check J22 or VIN sequence
- WT, Custom, Sierra Pro interiors do NOT determine architecture
- J22 is the definitive GM indicator
- QR code on the B-pillar is the only official source
Correctly identifying your truck ensures you order the right parts, understand compatibility, and avoid the widespread confusion caused by the 2022 split.