The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is not the largest trucking package offered from Chevy, but the extended cab and crew cab options make this one of the most popular of all truck models that Chevrolet is offering. The ability to carry more passengers in a truck only makes since, if you own a truck just for work this can be a crazy expense, but when you can bring the family along in the extended cab after the work day is done the Silverado seems like 2 vehicles in one.
The economy has really affected the sales of big trucks mainly due to their low gas mileage. The Silverado was considered to be the best in its class before the economy slowed as did the R & D team that was putting this amazing truck on the map. This is still a very solid truck that offers a huge amount of durability and rugged performance. The Silverado 1500 can pull up to 10,700 pounds and you can
The standard model comes with a Vortec V-8 engine that can provide as much as 300 horsepower and 300 foot pounds of torque. These powerful trucks are starting at $20,850 and can be almost $30,000 if you equip them well.
The Range
Bodystyles: Truck
Engines: 4.3L V-6, 4.8L V-8, 5.3L V-8 (2), 6.2L V-8, 6.0L V-8 with electric motors
Transmissions: Six-speed automatic, four-speed automatic
Models: WT, LS, LT, LTZ, XFE.
What's New
While heavy-duty versions are all new, the Silverado 1500 enters its fifth model year with minor changes. It benefits from wind noise enhancements, and also gets the ninth generation of OnStar. Steel Green Metallic replaces Carbon Flash Metallic as an exterior color. And there are two new special model and promotional exterior paint colors, Victory Red and Magna Steel Metallic.
Exterior
The LT trim level comes with chrome bumpers standard, while the LTZ uses body-color front bumpers. The Z71 off-road package features unique body side identification, and gets the Victory Red color listed in "What's New."
Interior
WT, LS and LT get a "pure pickup" interior with larger controls and door handles and a double glovebox. LTZ gets its own instrument panel, larger center console, heated leather front seats and Bose audio.
Performance & Handling
The Silverado's Z83 suspension features monotube front and twin-tube rear shocks. Z85 is tuned for enhanced handling and trailer towing. The Z71 offroader has specific monotube shocks. The Z60 street package has 20-inch wheels. NHT is for maximum towing, with monotube rear shocks, off-road tires on 17-inch wheels and high-capacity rear springs. The XFE includes aerodynamic enhancements for optimum fuel economy.
Safety
StabiliTrak with rollover mitigation, roof-mounted rollover-capable head curtain airbags and safety belt pretensioners are standard. Remote vehicle starting, Autotrac active transfer case, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, a rearview camera and tire pressure monitoring are options.
EPA Fuel Economy
WT, LT, LTZ regular cab, 4.3L 2WD: 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway
WT, LT, LTZ regular cab, 4.3L 4WD: 14 mpg city/18 mpg highway
WT, LT, LTZ regular cab, 4.8L 2WD: 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway
WT, LT, LTZ regular cab, 4.8L 4WD: 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway
WT, LT, LTZ regular cab, 5.3L 2WD: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
WT, LT, LTZ regular cab, 5.3L 4WD: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
WT, LT, LTZ extended cab, 4.3L 2WD: 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway
WT, LT, LTZ extended cab, 4.8L 2WD: 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway
WT, LT, LTZ extended cab, 4.8L 4WD: 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway
WT, LT, LTZ extended cab, 5.3L 2WD: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
WT, LT, LTZ extended cab, 5.3L 4WD: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
WT, LS, LT, LTZ crew cab, 4.8L 2WD: 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway
WT, LS, LT, LTZ crew cab, 4.8L 4WD: 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway
WT, LS, LT, LTZ crew cab, 5.3L 2WD: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
WT, LS, LT, LTZ crew cab, 5.3L 4WD: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
WT, LS, LT, LTZ crew cab, 5.3L 2WD: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
WT, LS, LT, LTZ crew cab, 5.3L 4WD: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway
WT, LS, LT, LTZ crew cab, 6.2L 2WD: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway
WT, LS, LT, LTZ crew cab, 6.2L 4WD: 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway
WT, LS, LT, LTZ crew cab, 6.2L AWD: 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway
XFE crew cab, 5.3L 2WD: 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Hybrid: 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Work truck capability
- Interior quality
- Torquey V-8s
- Configuration variety
- Hybrid economy
You Won't Like
- Aging design
- Confusing trim levels
- Hybrid sticker price
Sum Up
Holds up against the competition
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford F-150
- Ram pickup
- Toyota Tundra
- Nissan Titan