When Chevrolet first revealed their fourth-generation full-size Silverado
they dangled it from a helicopter onto a massive stage.
Hey, our reveal is just as extravagant. Okay so maybe we need more helicopter
budget, but we're on dirt and those used to be pine trees. So here it is the
fourth-generation Chevy Silverado.
Okay, I can't.
You know I'm not sure this looks that different from the previous model. There
are four grille options, this is one of them and it's bigger and beefier than
the previous generation, but other than that it looks pretty much like a
Silverado. It does have a steeper windshield and adds a roof spoiler for
better aerodynamics, but also rides an inch higher than the third generation.
Thanks to its new bigness the second row in the crew cab expanded. There are three
more inches back here of space for your legs, but if you prefer to haul stuff
inside the 60/40 seats fold up. There are a lot of cool storage spaces.
Check out that cubby. It's pretty neat. This is bigger than some apartments I've
lived in. Bed size also benefits from the
Silverado's expansion to the tune of seven inches of width thanks to GM now
stamping the beds into pieces. It's also stronger, which is a good thing for tough
payload.
Even the 12 standard tie-down loops are stronger, and there's an optional power
tailgate, which we think is cool. The Silverado comes in eight models. The Work Truck
comes with vinyl or cloth seats and 17-inch wheels, remote keyless entry,
a USB port, seven-inch touchscreen and Chevrolet's Infotainment 3 system with
Apple CarPlay and Android Audo. Optional safety features include front and rear
parking assist, lane change alerts with blind zone warnings, and rear
cross-traffic alerts. Those are some good options for a base model truck. The
Custom trim adds 20-inch aluminum wheels and LED tail lights. The Trail Boss adds
a 2-inch lift and the optional Z71 off-road package, which of course
requires four-wheel-drive and includes a locking rear differential, skid plates,
and 18-inch Goodyear Duratrack tires for off-roading. Step up to the LT trim
and there's the aforementioned optional off-road equipment, an
eight-inch touchscreen comes standard as well as a step up to the 8-speed
automatic transmission from the 6-speed in lower trims. Hill descent control is
also a good option for when you're coming down from all those mountains
you're driving over. The LT Trail Boss includes the off-road capabilities of
the custom Trail Boss. Looking for a sporty or Silverado the RST trim
includes body coloured exterior trim LED lighting and 22s.
This high country is at the top of the Silverado trim mountain, and it is swank
at the summit. Everything is covered in leather and it's pretty comfy in here in
a truckie kind of way. Both front seats are heated and ventilated and the
driver's side has 10-way power adjustment including lumbar. Micah!
It's wireless charging capable and the storage in the center console is so big
you could probably fit a whole bucket of fried chicken in there.The Bose audio
system is awesome, you know what, if I went camping I would probably just stay
in here. Six powertrain choices are offered on the Silverado. Those larger
two are new options and include GM's new dynamic fuel management system which is
able to use as few as two cylinders cutting fuel to the rest for improved
fuel economy. The diesel option is new too. Some EPA numbers weren't available for
various power trains at the time of this videos making, but here are those that
are.
The 4.3-liter V6 offers up 285 hp and 305 pound-feet of torque.
The 6.2-liter V8, which is in this High Country crew cab I'm driving has 420
horses and 460 pound-feet of torque. With a curb weight of 5,000 pounds, a payload
capacity of a little over 2,100 pounds, and towing capabilities of 12,000 pounds
I'd say that power is going to come in really handy. That's cute.
Incidentally that's less towing capacity than a similarly powered Ford F-150 but
more than the RAM 1500 and the same as the GMC Sierra, which makes sense because
they share power trains. But how does it drive I hear you ask? You know what? I
have a really good way to find out. Why thank you.
On the road the Silverado feels sturdy and solid but surprisingly un-trucky. It
actually drives like a much smaller vehicle. That might be thanks to Chevy
shaving off up to 450 pounds depending on which Silverado you
drive. The Silverado makes easy work of curvy mountain roads and is maneuverable
enough to not get you in too much trouble when parking in relatively tight
spots. The High Country's more refined road manners are partly due to a 10-
speed automatic transmission with which it is equipped. Shifts are quick and
smooth. It's tight ratios keep the engine closer to peak power when at full
throttle. It also makes for easier operation when towing. It's too bad this
transmission is only an option on the LT trim and above with the diesel or 6.2-
liter engine. The cabin is quiet. I don't hear the road and there's no notable
vibration or noise coming from the engine when that DFM system is doing its
thing. You know if someone was looking for a midsize crossover alternative with
more utility and towing capacity then the Silverado drives nicely enough that
it should be considered an option. Base price on the Work Truck will cost
you around $31,200 including destination. Our tricked-out High Country,
which is at the top of the spending spectrum is more like $67,000. This one
also has the Deluxe package that includes safety features like forward
collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, low speed forward
automatic braking. It also has a sunroof, all-season tires, as well as the Tech
package that gives us the surround vision camera and head-up display. Those
safety features come in handy especially in a big truck like this. Sometimes
little things like Miatas or cyclists are really hard to see. You know, I kind of
feel like the blind spot warning is pretty much on all the time in this
thing.
The purchasing sweet spot though is probably the LT trim that starts at just
under 40 large and comes standard with the 5.3-liter engine and the 8-speed
transmission, but is optional with the diesel engine mated to the 10-speed. It
also opens up more optional packages that include tilting and telescoping
steering wheel and navigation. If you're in the market for a full-size truck the
fourth-generation Silverado has a lot of competition to check out including the
F-150, Sierra, Ram 1500 and even the Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra,
but the Silverado has a lot of great qualities to consider. It's well equipped,
nicely powered and a good-looking truck that rides nicely on the road. See no
splashy helicopter entrance necessary.