Acceleration

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8	Class Average
6	6	6	5

Only extended and crew cabs with 5.3-liter V8 made available for testing. Acceleration more than adequate at all speeds, aided by smooth-shifting transmission that kicks down quickly for more power. Tow/Haul mode adjusts shift points for best performance with heavy loads.

Fuel Economy

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8	Class Average
4	3	3	2.5

Test rear-drive extended-cab Silverado with the 5.3-liter V8 averaged 15.6 mpg. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for all engines.

Some versions of the 5.3 V8 can run on ethanol-blended fuel, called E85.

Ride Quality

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8	Class Average
4	5	6	4.4

Compliant and fairly comfortable with standard Z85 suspension, with less reverberation over bumps than in most pickups. Ride somewhat stiffer with optional Z60 suspension, which includes 20-inch tires vs. standard 17s. Available Z71 suspension is suited to off-road duty only, exhibits much choppiness on road over pavement cracks and washboard surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8	Class Average
4	4	3	3.5

Noticeable body lean in fast turns and quick changes of direction with Z85 suspension, but on par with other large pickups. Z60 and Z71 suspensions improve handling slightly. Steering nicely weighted if a bit numb. Responsive brakes have fine pedal feel.

Quietness

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8	Class Average
6	6	6	4.9

A strength. Road, engine noise well muted. Wind noise intrudes only above 60 mph.

Controls

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

Gauges clear and easily read. Pure Pickup interior places radio and climate controls high on dashboard, just out of easy reach. Despite work-truck intentions, materials don't look bargain-basement. Luxury interior mimics that of Tahoe/Suburban, with controls mounted lower but in easy reach, and materials that look about as classy as hard plastic can look. Optional navigation system absorbs some audio controls, but higher trim levels offer redundant controls on steering wheel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8	Class Average
9	9	9	8.3

Ample adult room. Bucket and bench seats both comfortable if somewhat lacking in side support. Visibility generally good, though extended cab has wide rear pillars that block view to back corners. Newly available power-adjustable pedals a boon for shorter drivers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8	Class Average
4	4	8	5

With front bucket seats, center console restricts toe room for center rear-seat passenger. Generous head room. Ditto for leg room in crew cab. Extended cab's seatback set at a comfortable angle, but leg room is tight even if seats aren't set far back. Extended's wide-opening rear doors a convenience in tight spaces and offer power windows, but if fully open, doors can't be closed by a seated passenger.

Cargo Room

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8	Class Average
5	5	6	5.2

In extendeds and crew cabs, rear seat cushion flips back against seatback leaving a large cargo area with nearly flat floor. Pure Pickup interior features upper and lower gloveboxes; Luxury version has only the lower one. Bucket seats come with a roomy console bin. Bench seat is available with flip-down center armrest that doubles as a large storage bin. Few other cubbies.

Value within Class

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8	Class Average
6	8	7	6.4

GM's already-good pickups get better with their '07 redesign, most notably in quietness and interior refinement. A lengthy list of available features, including 4WD that can be used on dry pavement, make this Recommended pick a must-see for anyone shopping large pickups.

Total Score

2WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z71 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab w/Pure Pickup int., Z60 susp., 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab w/ Luxury int., nav. sys., Z85 susp., 5.3 V8	Class Average
55	57	61	51.5

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		7
Average Score		51
High Score		64