The volume model in the Chevy truck line, the Silverado 1500 wears many hats: light-duty hauler, blue-collar commuter, chromed luxury sled, and so on. You can tailor the Silverado to any of these ends without compromising its rugged, all-American character.
The Silverado 1500 receives a front-end makeover featuring a resculpted hood, fresh grille, and updated lighting. An eight-speed automatic transmission makes its way into more models. The MyLink infotainment system gets full smartphone integration. Newly available features include lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a remote locking tailgate.
Like most pickups, the Silverado is available with three cab styles: Regular, Double, and Crew. The Double Cab features a rear seat and narrow rear doors, while the Crew Cab is a bona fide four-door with adult-size legroom in back.
Regular and Double Cabs come with a 6.5-foot bed; an 8-foot bed is optional on the Regular Cab only. As for the Crew Cab, the standard box is slightly shorter than the others at 5.75 feet, but the 6.5-foot bed is available as an upgrade.
| 5.75-foot Bed | 6.5-foot Bed | 8-foot Bed | |
| Regular Cab | N/A | Standard | Optional |
| Double Cab | N/A | Standard | N/A |
| Crew Cab | Standard | Optional | N/A |
The engine roster starts with a 285-horsepower 4.3-liter V6. Beyond that, there are two V8s: a 5.3-liter with 335 horsepower and a 6.2-liter that makes a stout 420 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission comes standard with the V6 and 5.3-liter engines. An eight-speed unit is optional for the 5.3-liter and standard with the 6.2-liter.
Four-wheel drive is available across the board. Towing capacity maxes out at 7,600 pounds with the V6, 11,500 with the 5.3-liter, and an even 12,000 pounds with the 6.2-liter.
Like all full-size pickups, the 1500 covers an enormous swath of market territory across its five trim levels:
Comes with basic equipment like air conditioning, cruise control, power locks, a four-speaker AM/FM sound system, and 17-inch steel wheels. Double and Crew Cabs also get power windows. Interiors start out with vinyl upholstery and rubber flooring (cloth and carpeting optional). The WT Convenience package adds a rearview camera, tinted window, keyless entry, a remote locking tailgate, a household-style power outlet, and power windows for the Regular Cab. Exclusive to the WT is a Black Out Edition package with black 20-inch aluminum wheels and black body trim.
Builds on the WT with standard cloth seating and full carpeting, Chevy's EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate, the MyLink infotainment interface, alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and two additional audio speakers. The contents of WT Convenience package are also standard, except for the rearview camera and power outlet, which come in the available LS Convenience package.
Adds a revised front seat with storage underneath and body-color door handles and mirrors. The available LT Convenience package includes a power driver seat, remote start, a rear window defogger, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control (Double and Crew only). You can also add the LT Plus package with a rearview camera, power-adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors, a power-sliding rear window, and a universal garage door opener.
Gets the 5.3-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic as standard equipment, along with most of the LT options. Other upgrades include leather upholstery, heated power front seats with driver memory, a power sliding rear window, and dual-zone automatic climate control. You also get abundant chrome trim and a larger touchscreen for the MyLink system. The LTZ Plus package tacks on power-adjustable pedals, a premium Bose sound system, front parking sensors, and a heated steering wheel. The LTZ comes in Double and Crew configurations only, and the 6.2-liter V8 is available as a standalone option.
Tops off the Silverado with a unique grille, 20-inch wheels, cargo tie-downs, power entry steps, and ventilated front seats with expanded controls. The High Country comes as Crew Cab only, and is available with your choice of all three engine.
Available on the LT and above, the Enhanced Driver Alert package provides forward collision alerts, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a vibrating safety alert seat. The LT and LTZ are eligible for the Z71 off-road package, which adds special shock absorbers, a heavy-duty air cleaner, hill descent control, skids plates, and styling tweaks throughout. Power heated towing mirrors are optional for the LS and LT. A rear video entertainment system can be added to the LTZ and High Country.
All things considered, the LT is the most appropriate choice for civilian use and can be equipped up or down to suit your taste. No wonder it's the best-selling Silverado by a mile.
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