Teen Who Survived A Tornado in His Silverado Gets a Brand New One

A Fort Worth, Texas Chevrolet dealership gifted a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado to a teenager recently. What would make a dealership do this?

The teen is Riley Leon and he survived a tornado. Not only did he survive it, lived inside the storm for a brief period of time and lived to tell the tale. After a storm chaser caught video of Leon and his truck being tossed around by the storm, Riley became an overnight social media sensation and so did his Silverado.

Unpredictability Results in a Wonderful Gift

Storms happen every day and we can’t expect to stop our lives for them. Riley Leon was on his way home from a job interview when the fateful tornado struck. The video captured shows his truck flipped on its side, spun around in the air, and then put back down right side up again. Amazingly, Riley was able to drive away from the storm area and make it home. Both he and his truck sustained injuries but nothing life-threatening. The sensation brought on by these events gave the nearby Chevy dealer the idea to give Riley a new truck, which they did.

Which Truck did the Dealer Give Riley Leon?

The truck gifted to this sixteen-year-old who was in the wrong place after looking for a job is a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT All Star Edition. The color is Cherry Red, which is an absolutely gorgeous truck for this young man to drive. Certainly, this gift will give him and his family some necessary transportation for many years to come.

What Does the 2022 Silverado Offer?

Several Impressive Power Options

Across the lineup for the Silverado, you’ll find four engines and two transmissions to give you the driving power you need. Chevy deleted the V6 engine and the six-speed automatic after 2021. The current lineup gives you:

2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, 310 horsepower, 420 lb.-ft. of torque, 19 city/22 hwy mpg (2WD), 17 city/20 hwy mpg (4WD)

5.3-liter V8 engine, ten-speed automatic transmission, 355 horsepower, 383 lb.-ft. of torque, 16 city/21 hwy mpg (2WD), 15 city/19 hwy mpg (4WD)

6.2-liter V8 engine, ten-speed automatic transmission, 420 horsepower, 460 lb.-ft. of torque,14 city/19 hwy mpg (4WD only)

3.0-liter turbocharged diesel six-cylinder engine, ten-speed automatic transmission, 277 horsepower, 460 lb.-ft. of torque, 23 city/31 hwy mpg (2WD), 22 city/26 hwy mpg (4WD)

This Truck Has the Towing You Need

The maximum tow rating for the Chevrolet Silverado is 13,300 pounds. This comes from the model with the largest V8 engine. You’ll also find a Max Trailering Package that makes it much easier to hook up your trailer, check your lights, and put the trailer right where you need to when you arrive at your destination. The capability and this package make the Silverado an easy truck to use when it’s time to haul a heavy load to wherever you need to go.

Several Trims with Excellent Features

You’ll find lots of excellent ways to make this truck the one you want to drive. Here’s what you’ll find at each trim of the Silverado:

Work Truck (base model)

• Single-zone air conditioning
• 17-inch wheels
• Two USB ports
• 12 cargo tie-downs
• Cargo lamps
• 6-speaker audio system
• Tilt steering wheel
• Power windows
• Chevy Safety Assist Suite
• Automatic emergency braking

Custom

• Power windows/door locks
• Cruise control
• 20-inch wheels

Custom Trail Boss

• Z71 off-road suspension package
• Recovery hooks
• Skid plate
• Auto-locking rear differential
• Trailering package
• Custom Convenience and Infotainment Package
• EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate
• LED bed lighting
• Remote engine starting

LT Trim

• Chrome bumpers
• New, upgraded interior package
• Digital gauges
• 13.4-inch color touchscreen
• Chrome mirror caps
• OnStar connected services
• Semi-automatic single-zone climate controls

RST Model

• Black bumpers
• LED taillamps
• LED fog lights
• Keyless entry
• Push-button starting
• Rear window defogger

ZR2 Trim

• Dual-zone automatic climate controls
• 7-speaker Bose audio system
• High-intensity LED headlights
• 33-inch All-terrain tires
• Oil cooler
• Transmission cooler
• Driver-selectable locking differentials
• Multimatic DSSV shocks
• Skidplates
• Unique bumpers
• Terrain mode

LTZ Trim

• 10-way power driver’s seat
• Dual-zone climate controls
• Leather upholstery
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Heated seats
• heated steering wheel
• High-def rearview camera with hitch guidance
• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
• Heated side mirrors
• Integrated trailer brake controller
• 120-volt power outlets
• Automatic locking rear differential

High Country

• Leather upholstery
• Open-pore wood trim
• Body-color bumpers
• Bose premium audio system with stainless steel speaker grilles
• Heated/ventilated front seats
• 20-inch wheels
• Chrome assist steps
• Spray-on bedliner
• HID headlights
• Power-operated tailgate
• Navigation system
• Bose premium audio system
• Super Cruise
• Multi-Flex Tailgate

The Chevrolet Silverado Handles Well

The steering and handling of this truck feel great, especially for a truck. You’ll be pleased to have the right driving position when you step up into this truck to take it for a drive. the pedals are right where you need them and the braking is superb. It’s easy to get familiar with and enjoy the benefits of the Silverado once you have the right trim for your drive.

You’ll Find Comfort in this Truck

The relaxed driving helps you get comfortable, but the large seats with the support you need truly give you the experience you’re after in this impressive truck. The Crew Cab models are made for your family to enjoy the drive, giving you a great way to feel the comfort you want when you take them out for an adventure.

The Right Truck for a Very Lucky Teen

Many things could have gone wrong when Riley Leon was launched into the air inside his Silverado. Thankfully, he was wearing his seatbelt, had the windows closed, and the truck protected him. He was able to drive home to tell his story and receive an impressive gift from his local Chevy dealer. Don’t you want a truck that’s tough enough to protect you when the worst happens? Find your Chevrolet Silverado at your local dealer and let this truck take care of you for many years.