2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is unchanged. This large pickup truck shares its basic design with the GMC Sierra 1500. Three cab styles are offered: regular, extended, and crew. Extendeds retain rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Regular cabs seat up to 3 passengers, while extendeds and crews seat up to 6. Bed lengths of 5.8, 6.6, and 8.2 feet are offered, depending on cab and trim level selection. Those models include base Work and LS, volume LT, and top-line LTZ. Available engines, depending on cab and bed configuration are as follows: 195-horsepower 4.3-liter V6; 302-horsepower 4.8-liter V8; 315-horsepower 5.3-liter V8; and 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. All conventional V8 engines are capable of running on gasoline and/or E85 ethanol-blended fuel. V6 and 4.8 V8 Silverados use a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed automatic is standard with the 5.3 and 6.2 V8s. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Two four-wheel-drive systems are offered: a part-time setup that should not be left engaged on dry pavement and GM's Autotrac that can. Both have a low-range gear for off-roading. Some rear-drive Silverado crew cabs equipped with the 5.3-liter V8 are available as the XFE, which stands for Xtra Fuel Economy. XFE has specific wheels and tires, along with other mechanical and aerodynamic treatments designed to increase fuel economy. Maximum towing capacity is 10,700 pounds. The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid has a 6.0-liter V8 that pairs with an electric motor for 332 horsepower total. It can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The hybrid has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic. The Hybrid's maximum towing capacity is 6,100 pounds. Silverado is available with several different suspensions, including versions for trailering and off-roading. Safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Silverado is available with two interiors, dubbed "pure pickup" and "luxury inspired." A navigation system, remote engine start, and a wireless cell-phone link are among the available features. LTZ models have leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat memory, and dual-zone automatic climate control; cooled front seats are optional. Rear-obstacle detection and power-adjustable pedals are optional on the LT and LTZ.