Chevrolet Silverado
2016 Chevrolet Silverado
2015 Chevrolet Silverado

2018 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ

Pros: Expansive passenger and cargo room; well-designed technology features; broad range of models, body configurations, and powertrains to choose from

Cons: Prices rise quickly as options are added; ride comfort doesn’t quite match Ram 1500—it’s a bit jiggly over rough pavement

CG Says: For 2018, the Chevrolet Silverado’s eAssist hybrid system has wider availability. Sometimes called a “mild” hybrid, eAssist provides additional torque during acceleration via a motor/alternator/generator located on the gasoline engine itself. The eAssist system will not propel the vehicle on electric power alone, but it does provide automatic stop/start capability–and some extra power. Previously only LT models in California were available with eAssist. Now eAssist is available nationwide on both LT and LTZ models. All models now have a standard rearview camera and the tire-pressure monitor now has an audible tire-fill alert. The Silverado is a full size pickup with a choice of three engines: a 285-horsepower 4.3-liter V6, a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8, or a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8. The V6 and most 5.3-liter V8s have a 6-speed automatic transmission. In LTZ Z71 and High Country trims, the 5.3-liter gets an 8-speed automatic. The 5.3-liter with eAssist and 6.2-liter V8s also have the 8-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard and full-time 4-wheel drive is available. Available features include forward collision alert, low-speed emergency automatic braking, lane-keep assist, hill-descent control, locking rear differential, rear-seat entertainment system, and heated steering wheel. The Silverado benefits from refined, efficient-for-the-class powertrains; lots of in-cab storage areas; and comfortable, quiet crew-cab interiors. It rides well and we like that it doesn’t feel as lumbering as some of its competitors do on the road. Overall, it’s a really nice truck that does most everything pretty well. Silverado lags the Ram 1500 in handling and ride quality (as do all other full-size pickups), but it’s still a Best Buy in this class.

The Facts
Class Large Pickup Truck
Body Style(s) regular cab, extended cab, crew cab
Passenger Count rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive
Drive Wheels 3 to 6
Manufacturer Chevrolet
Nation of Manufacture USA, Canada, Mexico
Base Prices (only select models listed)
WT reg. cab, 6.6-ft bed: $29,580
LS Double Cab, 6.6-ft bed: $35,355
Custom Crew Cab, 6.5-ft bed: $39,360
4WD LTZ Crew Cab, 5.75-ft bed: $49,120
4WD High Country, 6.5-ft bed: $56,870

Base Engine
4.3-liter V6
Horsepower
285
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic transmission
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
17-18
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
22-24

Optional Engine
5.3-liter V8
Horsepower
355
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
8-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
16
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
22-23

Optional Engine
6.2-liter V8
Horsepower
420
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
15
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
20-21

Optional Engine
5.3-liter V8 eAssist Hybrid
Horsepower
355
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
16-18
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
21-24

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