With the discontinuation of the Colorado, the Silverado is left to carry the torch for Chevrolet pickups – a responsibility that the Silverado is more than capable of handling. Like most modern pickups, the Silverado is highly customizable. Three cab styles and three bed sizes measuring up to eight feet long are available to suit the needs of any truck-buyer. The Silverado also offers five engines to choose from, which is more than any of its competitors. The Silverado manages better fuel economy than one might expect from a pickup, though this is highly dependent upon how the vehicle is outfitted. The LTZ trim level is available for those looking for a little bit of luxury, and allows the Silverado to compete with other luxury offerings in the full-size pickup market, such as the Ford F-150. Flexibility of options and solid performance are the earmarks of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado, keeping it in line with Chevy’s tradition of high-quality trucks.
New For 2013
Models fitted with the six-speed automatic transmissions now have powertrain grade braking. On downhill grades, the transmission downshifts to lessen the need for long braking applications and to reduce rotor strain. Ruby Red Metallic and Blue Topaz Metallic exterior colors have been added for 2013.
Exterior
A full-size pickup truck, the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado is available in a variety of configurations for the cab and cargo bed. It features a handsome and rugged design which is competitive in the pickup market, though its design hasn’t seen any revisions since 2007 and doesn’t feature all the details as its competitors. Regular, extended, and crew cabs are available. Regular and extended cabs feature a choice of a standard 6.5-foot bed or an eight-foot bed. Crew cabs are limited to a 5.8-foot bed. Regular cabs are only offered in the Worktruck and mid-level LT trim, while the extended and crew cabs are offered in the LS, LT, and the top-of-the-line LTZ trim levels. Standard features include 17-inch wheels for all models but the LTZ, which features 18-inch wheels, and 20-inch wheels are available as well. Nine body colors are available, including Mocha Steel Metallic, Deep Ruby Metallic, and Blue Topaz Metallic. A number of exterior options are available for the Chevrolet Silverado, including several styles of wheels, a power sliding rear window, chrome tubular assist steps, and much more.
Interior & Cargo
The interior is decent and functional, though the LTZ model makes a number of upgrades available, including a premium Bose sound system, a larger center console, and available heated and cooled front seats. The LTZ also features one glove compartment as opposed to the two featured in the other trim levels. A Wi-Fi system can also be outfitted, bringing the convenience of a small office to the vehicle. The split-bench rear seat can be folded in order to create more cargo space. For the extended cab models, the second row of seats sit a bit higher up for better road visibility. The extended and crew cabs both offer an ample amount of legroom for rear passengers. Standard features include air-conditioning, AM/FM sound system with an available CD player, and cruise control on the steering wheel. The LTZ includes even more goodies for the interior, including Sirius XM satellite radio, navigation system, and dual-zone climate controls. The LTZ also features memorized settings for up to two drivers.
Safety
The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado includes all the standard safety features one would expect, plus a few extras not found on many vehicles today. Standard fare includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, and stability and traction control. Front and rear head airbags are included, as well as a remote anti-theft alarm system for added peace of mind. More exotic safety selections include a rear vision camera, stolen vehicle tracking, and emergency service. Structurally the same as the previous year, the Silverado received a rating of ""Good"" for frontal-impact tests, ""Acceptable"" for side-impact protection, and a rating of just ""Moderate"" for its roof strength, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Silverado four out of five stars for all body styles, and an impressive five-star rating for its side-impact protection.
Driving Experience
The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado delivers a solid performance no matter how it is outfitted. Pleasant to drive, the Silverado provides excellent steering with capable suspension. Overall it is a more comfortable ride than one might expect from a full-size pickup truck. On the downside, the Silverado has a poor turning radius and can be tricky when it comes to tight maneuvering. Ideal as a work horse, the Silverado can be outfitted with up to five available engines. At the bottom of the heap is a 4.3-liter V-6 capable of producing 195 horsepower (hp) and 260 lb-ft of torque. Next is a 302-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 which produces 305 lb-ft of torque. Two mid-range, 5.3-liter, V-8, flex-fuel engines are available: one that puts out 403 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque, and another that produces 326 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. Finally, a 6.2-liter, V-8, flex-fuel engine is available, which can produce 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. Depending on how it is equipped, the Silverado ranges from 11-20/16-23 mpg city/highway. Known for its towing capacity, a heavy-duty Silverado model can haul up to 18,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado
- Ford F-150
- GMC Sierra
- Nissan Titan
- Ram 1500