Acceleration

2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab. Z60, 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.1

Note that evaluations of models listed are based on test drives of V8 Silverado 1500s with the 5.3- and 6.0-liter engines and previous 4-speed automatic transmission. No 6-speed versions or Hybrids have been made available for testing so far. 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 6.0-liter V8 has a surplus of highway response, though the transmission sometimes hesitated to kick down for appropriate passing punch. The standard tow/haul mode adjusts shift points for best performance with heavy loads.

Fuel Economy

2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab. Z60, 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
4	3	3	3	3.3

Silverado is among the most frugal large pickups. 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. 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.

Ride Quality

2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab. Z60, 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
4	5	6	4	5.7

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 ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
4	4	3	3	3.6

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 ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6

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. Road noise is kept in check. Wind noise is only a slight intrusion at highway speeds.

Controls

2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab. Z60, 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
5	5	7	7	6.5

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.

Details

2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab. Z60, 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
5	5	7	7	6.2

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 ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
9	9	9	9	8.7

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 ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
4	4	8	4	6.3

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 ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
3	3	4	3	5.4

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 ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
7	8	8	7	7.3

A lengthy list of available features, including 4WD that can be used on dry pavement, make 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 for most needs.

Total Score

2WD ext. cab, Z71, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab. Z60, 5.3 V8	4WD crew cab, Z85, 5.3 V8	4WD ext. cab, Z71, 6.0 V8	Class Average
57	58	67	59	65.1

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		57
Average Score		65
High Score		70