2014 Chevrolet Silverado

It’s a Best Buy because:

Silverado offers a full range of models that combine class-leading capability and surprising refinement with good fuel economy.

But…

Ride comfort and interior ergonomics, while good, can’t match those of the Ram 1500.

Worth noting:

Extended cabs now have conventional front-hinged rear doors rather than less-convenient rear-hinged ones. Full-time 4WD is available on all but the base WT (Work Truck) models, which offer part-time 4WD, and the optional 6.2-liter V8 is the most powerful engine offered in the class.

What Is It?

Chevy’s full-size pickup is the second-best-selling vehicle in the country behind the Ford F-150. It’s available in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab body styles with a range of V6 and V8 engines and a choice of rear-wheel drive, part-time 4WD (only on base WT models) and full-time 4WD.

What’s New?

Almost everything. Silverado is redesigned for 2014, with fresh styling, new interior designs, added features, and revised engines. A line-topping High Country trim level has been added, and, as mentioned above, the extended cab gets more-convenient front-hinged rear doors. The 4.8-liter V8 has been dropped, but all other engines (4.3 V6, 5.3 V8, and 6.2 V8) gain high-tech features that provide more power with better fuel economy.

Fuel Economy

In a 2WD crew cab with the 5.3-liter V8, we averaged 18.6 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving; the EPA rating is 16 city/23 highway. The standard 4.3-liter V6 is rated at 18/24, while the 6.2-liter V8 is rated at 15/21. All can be run on regular-grade gas, though Chevy recommends premium for the 6.2 for best performance.

Value in Class

Chevrolet’s redesigned 2014 Silverado benefits from refined powertrains, lots of in-cab storage areas, and comfortable, quiet, interiors. It also rides well and doesn’t feel as lumbering as some of its competitors, though it’s not quite up to the level of the Ram 1500 in this regard.

Ram 1500
GMC Sierra