Is Chevrolet Silverado 1500 A Good Car?
Overview
The full-size Chevy Silverado 1500 is the stuff of trucking dreams. Boasting an impressive 310hp turbo four-cylinder, two V-8 engines and a Duramax turbodiesel with 495 pound feet of torque, it’s ready to take on any challenge – from Monday through Sunday. The 6.2 liter V8 with 420 horsepower offers lightning fast responses when needed for some Corvette cosplay; however its sometimes rough ride ensures you stay grounded and focused at all times!
With so-so material quality, the interior design of this pick-up may not be flashy but it more than makes up for it with an enormous infotainment screen - a feature that is only available on some trim levels. The Silverado's towing capacity reaches 13,300 pounds--which surpasses its GMC sibling and Ram 1500 cousins but lags behind Ford F-150. All in all, the Chevrolet Silverado stands out in highly competitive truck market.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Whether it's for work or play, the Silverado 1500 has an engine that can fit your needs. A turbocharged four-cylinder, two V-8s and a Duramax diesel 3.0-liter inline-six give you plenty of options to choose from. When we tested the 6.2 liter with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque on our High Country model, it took only 5.4 seconds to reach 60 mph - far quicker than its 355 hp counterpart at 5.3 liters which needed 6.1 seconds!
The turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine in the Silverado offers an impressive 420 pound-feet of torque. Although it had the slowest acceleration out of all versions, its operation was impressively smooth and quiet. The 305 horsepower 3.0L Duramax inline six now has a whopping 495 lb.-ft torque! Every version we drove felt much more nimble than what you would expect from its size - with handling that is surprisingly agile and brakes that offer dependable feedback when applied firmly to the pedal.
If you're seeking a vehicle that is designed to handle more rugged terrain, then the Trail Boss model of the Silverado won't disappoint. It comes with an impressive 2.0-inch lift and robust tires, providing adventure seekers with extra freedom and entertainment when taking on remote paths. For even more intense off-roading capabilities, there's also the new ZR2 - our exclusive review awaits!
What's New for 2023?
The Chevy Duramax diesel powertrain is revamped for 2023, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that now generates an outstanding 305 horsepower and 495 pound feet of torque - 28 more horsepower and 35 additional pounds feet of torque than the previous model! The improved output was achieved thanks to a refurbished turbo, new pistons featuring an altered combustion bowl, as well as fresh fuel injectors. This beastly powertrain can be found in Custom Trail Boss, LT RST LT Trail Boss models along with both High Country and LTZ trims.
For those who are on a budget, the Work Truck and Custom trims offer great value. However, if you're looking for a more sophisticated interior, we urge you to go with the LT model. To get the most cargo and passenger space available, opt for the 5.3-liter V-8 engine in combination with crew cab and standard bed; it's both quick AND affordable! Finally don't forget about selecting Z71 Off Road Package - it will make any offroad adventure easier by offering upgraded hardware components that let your Silverado perform its best!
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Silverado 1500 might not be a money-saver at the pump, but it does have multiple powertrain options that can offer efficient fuel economy. The optional diesel engine is by far the most economical with EPA estimates ranging from 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway (26 mpg when using all-wheel drive). In our 75 mph test route we were able to match its impressive rating of 26 mpg on highways. Not too shabby for those who don't want to opt for the gas fed turbo 4 AWD which has ratings up 20/22 MPG city/highway!
The thriftiest 5.3-liter V-8, all-wheel-drive powertrain is rated up to 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway; our real-world testing revealed that it was actually more efficient than the Silverado's smallest engine, the turbocharged four-cylinder: in our testing the V-8 achieved 21 mpg whereas the turbo-four returned 18 mpg. The 6.2-liter V-8 has city/highway estimates of up to 16/21 mpg, and on our real-world highway test it also proved impressively easy on fuel compared with the turbo-four by delivering 19 mpg. For more information about the Silverado's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every Silverado comes with an impressive list of standard driver-assistance technology, and it can be fitted with a host of towing assists that make pulling and hooking up a trailer easier. The top-tier High Country can even be equipped with Super Cruise, GM's hands-free-driving technology that Chevy says even works while pulling a trailer. For more information about the Silverado's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Are Chevy Silverado 1500 reliable?
Is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reliable? The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What year Silverado 1500 is the most reliable?
What year is the most reliable Chevy Silverado? The 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 series is typically regarded as the best year to get in terms of overall reliability and quality. They are known to last a long time and there are not many complaints that have been filed about them.
Is the Chevy Silverado worth buying?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a beast on the roads with a solid frame and plenty of storage space, and the fourth generation even includes aluminum doors, hood, and tailgates. Most Silverados in the first, second, and fourth-generation models are pretty good and reliable and will be solid purchases.