2010 Chevrolet Silverado

Now that most folks who bought and drove pickups primarily for image reasons are wisely downsizing into more fuel-efficient cars and crossovers, the market for full-size trucks has settled into the smaller but still substantial segment of those who really need them for work and recreation. And while rivals Ford and Dodge have introduced newer trucks in the last couple years, GM’s 2010 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups remain highly competitive with class-leading EPA fuel economy.


Three cab styles (regular, extended and crew), three bed lengths and a half-dozen trim levels (WT, LS, LT, LTZ, XFE and Hybrid) are offered, while engine choices ranges from a base 195-hp 4.3-liter V6 to a brawny 403-hp 6.2-liter V8. The Silverado 1500’s range of 4.8-, 5.3- and 6.2-liter V8s offer E85 “flex-fuel” capability, and the 4.8s and 5.3s have efficiency-enhancing variable valve timing (VVT). All 5.3-liter V8 models also now come with GM’s Active Fuel Management (AFM), which disables four of the 5.3-liter V8’s cylinders to save fuel at light loads, plus a 6-speed automatic and a “tall” 3.08 axle ratio that also improves fuel economy.

Design

The Silverado’s styling is crisp, clean, broad-shouldered and powerful, and the big Chevy signature grille, bumpers, front fenders, vertically stacked reflector-optics headlamps, power-dome hood, tail lamps, box design and flared rear fenders are all unique to Silverado, not shared with mechanical twin GMC Sierra. One nice touch is the large, grab-style door handles designed for easy use with gloves. Another is easy rear-seat access thanks to extended- and crew-cab rear doors that open a wide 170 degrees, nearly flat against the bed.


Silverado also offers two completely different interiors: a bench-seat, column-shift “pure pickup” cabin in WT (work truck), LS, LT and XFE models and a bucket seat, big-console luxury interior (shared with Chevy’s top-of-the-line Tahoe SUV) in LTZs and Hybrids. Both offer a large double glovebox and ample storage capacity, including a huge console box in the LTZ and a laptop-size lockable bin in the pure pickup’s 40/20/40 bench seat’s center section.


The spacious front cabin offers easy visibility and reach to major controls, which (like the large, accessible door pulls) are designed for easy use with gloves. The crew-cab’s 60/40-split stadium-style rear seat can be folded up easily with one hand, without using a release handle, to provide an uninterrupted load floor, or either section can be stowed independently to provide room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger. The power rear side windows lower completely into the doors; a power sliding rear window is available.

Features

The 2010 Silverado comes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation; high-capacity brakes with four-channel ABS; side curtain, seat-mounted side and dual-stage front air bags; USB connectivity (all but the base radio); GM OnStar security and convenience system with Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (free first-year subscription); and a long list of additional standard stuff. Our test 1500 4wd Extended-Cab LT also featured standard remote keyless entry, power locks and windows, power heated outside mirrors, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, XM Satellite Radio, a driver information display, full instrumentation, cruise control and much more.