Acceleration

2WD Base reg. cab, V6	2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8	4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8	AWD SS	Class Average
4	5	6	7	4.7

Silverado or Sierra, the V6 struggles except in light-duty work. We recommend a V8. Smooth, alert automatic transmission's useful Tow/Haul mode adjusts shift points for best performance with heavy loads. Models with the Performance Edition package, Silverado SS, and similarly powered Sierra Denali deliver quick standing starts and impressive passing power. Hybrid powertrain does not affect acceleration. Its engine-restart feature suffers a short delay when driving away from a stop. We have not yet tested a model with the high-output 5.3 V8.

Fuel Economy

2WD Base reg. cab, V6	2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8	4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8	AWD SS	Class Average
3	3	3	3	2.3

Par for the class. Test 2WD regular cab with 4.8-liter V8 averaged 16.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 4WD extended with 5.3 V8 averaged 13.7-16.2 mpg. Test Silverado AWD SS averaged 14 mpg. Denalis averaged 13.3-14.5 mpg in city/highway mix. All models had automatic transmission. Chevy says Hybrid's engine-shutoff feature improves fuel economy by 10 percent vs. conventional V8 counterpart. Test Hybrids averaged 16.0-16.7 mpg. Regular-grade fuel is recommended for all Silverados.

Ride Quality

2WD Base reg. cab, V6	2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8	4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8	AWD SS	Class Average
4	5	5	4	4

Generally more compliant than equivalent Ford F-150s, but still stiff and bouncy except on glass-smooth surfaces. As with any pickup, the tail stutters some over bumps with an empty bed.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD Base reg. cab, V6	2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8	4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8	AWD SS	Class Average
3	3	3	5	3.4

Good overall balance for big trucks--a match for any rival. Steering accurate, though less precise than Ford's. Traction control and Autotrac 4WD are both important aids on even moderately slick surfaces. Quadrasteer provides carlike maneuvering ease in tight spots and enhances towing stability, but it's pricey.

Quietness

2WD Base reg. cab, V6	2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8	4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8	AWD SS	Class Average
5	5	5	4	4.3

Road, wind, engine noise unobjectionable.

Controls

2WD Base reg. cab, V6	2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8	4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8	AWD SS	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.5

Top-notch gauge layout. Ditto switch placement and feel, though windshield wipers deserve their own control instead of being crowded onto turn-signal lever. Unusual engine-hour meter supplements odometer. Decor ranges from utilitarian vinyl to soft leather, but all interiors use plastic trim panels with a budget-grade look and feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD Base reg. cab, V6	2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8	4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8	AWD SS	Class Average
7	9	9	9	8.3

Ample big-American space. Even regular cabs have good rearward seat travel, seatback recline, and adequate clearance to rear window. Supportive seats have integrated safety belts most testers find comfortably positioned, easy to reach.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD Base reg. cab, V6	2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8	4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8	AWD SS	Class Average
0	5	5	5	4.8

Good leg clearance, comfortably angled seatback make GM's extended cabs among the most-accommodating large pickups. The Crew Cab's rear compartment is even more spacious.

Cargo Room

2WD Base reg. cab, V6	2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8	4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8	AWD SS	Class Average
1	5	5	5	4.9

Extendeds and Crews have ample in-cab storage with rear bench seat folded, but lack bins, nets, or protective flooring. Slim behind-seat space in regular cab.

Value within Class

2WD Base reg. cab, V6	2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8	4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8	AWD SS	Class Average
7	9	10	6	7.1

These Chevy and GMC trucks offer models to fit most every need, top-flight powertrains, hospitable interiors, and the advantage of available 4WD that can be used on dry pavement. Competitive pricing ices their Best Buy status.

Total Score

2WD Base reg. cab, V6	2WD LS ext. cab, 4.8 V8	4WD LT ext. cab, 5.3 V8	AWD SS	Class Average
41	56	58	55	50.3

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		37
Average Score		50
High Score		60