Chevrolet redesigns its half-ton pickup trucks for 2007, giving them a new look, more power, and additional features. Silverado shares its design with the GMC Sierra.

The redesigned Silverados are unchanged in wheelbase, but are 3 inches longer overall and 1.5 inches wider. Regular, extended, and crew cab body styles return. Extendeds have rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts, but now open wider than before. Extendeds and crews include a three-person rear bench seat and offer front bucket seats or a bench; regular cabs come only with a front bench. Regulars are available with a 6.5- or 8.1-ft cargo bed. Crews have a 5.8-ft bed. Extendeds are offered in all three bed lengths. Two interior designs are offered: Chevy calls them "Pure Pickup" and "Luxury Inspired." Available engines, depending on cab/bed configuration, are a 195-hp V6, or V8s of 295, 315, and 367 hp. All V8s gain power for 2007. Some are E85-capable and feature GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Automatic transmission is standard; manual transmission is no longer offered. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Two 4WD systems are available: a basic setup that should not be left engaged on dry pavement, and GM's Autotrac that can. Both include low-range gearing.

Standard on all models are ABS and, for '07, OnStar assistance. Newly offered on select models are curtain side airbags and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors. Also newly available are a power-sliding rear window, remote engine start, navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, rear obstacle detection, and power rear side windows for extended cabs. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.