2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Road Test
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ▼
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- MSRP: $19,375 - $41,355
- Invoice: $18,503 - $38,700
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Our road test for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 help you decide if a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.5 |
Acceleration with the 5.3-liter V8 is more than adequate at all speeds, aided by the smooth-shifting transmission that kicks down quickly for more power. The available 6.2-liter V8 has a surplus of highway response, though it feels only marginally quicker than the 5.3 V8. The standard tow and haul mode adjusts shift points for best performance with heavy loads.
Silverado Hybrid accelerates from a stop and passes much like a conventional 5.3-liter model, but a faint surge is felt and heard when it shifts between full electric and gasoline operation.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2.9 |
In Consumer Guide testing with the 4-speed automatic transmission, a rear-drive extended-cab with the 5.3-liter V8 averaged 15.6 mpg in city/highway driving. With the 6.0-liter V8, a 4WD extended cab averaged 14.4 mpg in mostly highway driving. With the 6.2-liter V8, we averaged just 13.0 mpg. No opportunity to measure a Silverado with the 5.3-liter V8 engine and 6-speed automatic. Premium-grade gas is recommended for the 6.2-liter V8. All other Silverados use regular. The 6.2 V8 and some versions of the 5.3 V8 can run on E85 ethanol.
A 4WD Silverado Hybrid averaged an excellent 20.1 mpg.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
The ride-oriented Z85 suspension is compliant and fairly comfortable, with less reverberation over bumps than in most pickups. The optional Z60 suspension includes 20-inch tires and is stiffer in all situations. Firmer still is the off-road-ready Z71, which exhibits much choppiness on-road over pavement cracks and washboard surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
With the Z85 suspension, Silverado handles similarly to other large pickups, with noticeable body lean in fast turns. The Z60 and Z71 suspensions improve handling slightly. The steering is nicely weighted, if a bit numb. The brakes are responsive, though one test example suffered from slightly spongy pedal action.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.7 |
A strength. The 5.3-liter V8 sounds refined, as does the 6.0-liter V8, though the latter is a bit louder at full throttle. The 6.2 V8 is the loudest of the bunch with a noticeable roar under hard acceleration. Road noise is kept in check. Wind noise is only a slight intrusion at highway speeds. The Hybrid is nearly silent at ignition and at rest, but a subtle electrical whirring noise is heard during acceleration and while decelerating.
CONTROLS
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
The Pure Pickup interior places radio and climate controls high on the dashboard, just out of easy reach. The available luxury interior mimics that of Chevy's Tahoe and Suburban large SUVs, with controls mounted lower but in easy reach. The optional navigation system absorbs some audio functions, but higher trim levels offer redundant controls on the steering wheel. The Hybrid's navigation screen features a helpful energy flow display that indicates the status of the vehicle's gas/electric system.
DETAILS
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Despite its work-truck intentions, the materials on Silverados with the Pure Pickup interior don't look bargain basement. The luxury interior has dressier trim. Despite ample use of hard plastics with the luxury trim, the ambiance is still upscale.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.4 |
Ample adult room. Bucket or bench, the seats are comfortable if somewhat lacking in side support. Visibility is generally good, though the extended cab has wide rear pillars that block the view to the back corners. Available power-adjustable pedals are a boon for shorter drivers.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
With front bucket seats, the center console restricts foot space for the center rear-seat passenger. Headroom is generous, however. Ditto for legroom in the crew cab. The extended cab's seatback is set at a comfortable angle, but legroom is tight even if the front seats aren't set far back. Extended's wide-opening rear doors are a convenience in tight spaces and offer power windows, but if fully open, the doors can't be closed by a seated passenger.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
In extendeds and crew cabs, the rear seat cushion flips back against the seatback leaving a large cargo area with a 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.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7.2 |
A lengthy list of available features, including 4WD that can be used on dry pavement, makes Silverado an excellent choice for anyone shopping large pickups. Unless you frequently tow heavy loads, the exceptionally refined 5.3-liter V8 should provide more than enough power. The Hybrid model's price premium is steep, but so are the potential gas savings versus a conventional Silverado.
Total Score
| 2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8 | 4WD ext. cab, Z60, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8 | 4WD crew cab, Z85, 6.2 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 58 | 63 | 59 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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