Chevrolet continues to offer two completely different interiors for its Silverado 1500 family of pickups: Work Truck (WT), LS, and LT trims get a so-called 'pure pickup interior' that includes larger door handles and controls that are designed to be used with gloves on, while the LTZ trim gets the same more luxurious, softer, and more carlike interior that's used in the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. The LTZ instrument panel is a bit lower to afford a better outward view, while several special color and trim themes are offered with the LTZ exclusively.
LTZ models boast many more exclusive features in addition to the instrument panel; different door panels, a divided center console, heated power leather front seats, and an upgrade Bose sound system are included, while the top crew cab LTZ models get a rear-seat audio system, larger glovebox and rain-sensing wipers.
In most Silverado 1500 models, a stadium-style back seat is split 60/40, including a folding center armrest, and can be folded forward easily. The extended-cab versions have enough legroom for occasional use and access is aided by 170-degree back doors.
Regular cab, crew cab and extended cab versions of the Silverado how much cabin and passenger space you need, while cargo bed lengths are 5'-8" for the short bed, 6'-6" for the standard bed, or 8 feet for the long bed. The maximum payload rating is as high as 1,909 pounds.
Across most of the model line, the Silverado has very good ride and handles well compared to the full-size trucks of the past, with a well-tuned coil-over-shock front suspension, Hotchkiss-type rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Actually, five different suspensions are offered, each tuned for particular types of use: Z83 is for a smooth ride; Z85 is oriented for better handling and trailer towing; Z71 yields better off-road capability; Z60 is for top street performance; and NHT is for top towing capacity. Towing numbers range up to 10,700 pounds when configured with the extended cab, 6.0-liter engine and Enhanced Trailering Package.
The 2010 Silverado now offers three different engines--a 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6, a 302-hp, 4.8-liter V8, a 315-hp, 5.3-liter V8, and a 403-hp, 6.2-liter V8. The latter is not offered on standard cab models. The V6 comes with a 4-speed automatic, while all others get a 6-speed automatic. Fuel economy ratings are as high was 22 mpg on the highway.
The Silverado Hybrid is a good option for green shoppers who still need pickup capability as the two-mode hybrid system--incorporating a 6.0-liter gasoline V8, electric motor system, variable automatic transmission, and nickel-metal hydride battery pack, enables up to a 6,100-pound tow rating while it gets especially good fuel economy in city driving, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city, 22 highway.
Top options on the Silverado include Bluetooth phone connectivity, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a navigation system with XM Nav Traffic, plus a rearview camera system that aids visibility while parking this tall vehicle.
Top-notch Interiors To Suit Work Or Luxury Use
Extensive Features And Options
Fuel Economy
Strong Tow Ratings
The Silverado 1500 gets a number of changes aimed at improved fuel efficiency. The 4.8- and 5.3-liter V8 engines offers improved fuel economy through new variable valve timing, while the 5.3-liter versions get a taller 3.08 axle ratio and fuel-saver mode, along with a 6-speed automatic transmission, to increase EPA ratings. All three engines now have E85 Flex Fuel capability.
On the safety side, side-curtain airbags, seat-mounted side bags and Stabilitrak stability control are now standard on all Silverado 1500s, while the interior door trim has been redesigned for better side safety.
Feature content has been upped a bit, too. All models but the base Silverado now offer a USB connector for audio devices and gadget charging, and a rearview camera system is more widely available. Taupe Gray Metallic and Sheer Silver Metallic are new colors for the lineup.
Although the full-size trucks from Ford and Dodge have both been more recently redesigned than the Chevrolet, the Silverado is one of the most refined, best handling full-size trucks. EPA ratings for 2010 go as high as 22 mpg highway for the Silverado XFE version.
Full-size trucks are used in such a wide range of situations--from construction fleets to long-distance driving--and the two different interiors offered in the Silverado and the nearly identical GMC Sierra help satisfy shoppers better than most other competing models. LS and LT models are probably the best fit for buyers who need the sturdy, get-messy capability of a pickup at least some of the time, but the LTZ is the choice for those who need a pickup but won't compromise luxury. And for those who need a pickup but want to make a greener choice, with even lower operating costs, the Silverado Hybrid has 25-percent better fuel economy without sacrificing much towing or hauling ability.
