Chevrolet Silverado: An Overview

In 2007, two models of Silverados were available. Chevrolet did introduce a new design of the Silverado, but carried over the 2006 design for one last year, which would be referred to as a Silverado Classic.

Visually the Classic trucks were a bit more round in design whereas the 2007 would have a more squared angular design. The trucks would also be notably different mechanically. In an effort to keep focused on the 2007 and up models we will just go over the engine options made available that year and on. The options were as follows:

• WT-or “Work Truck”: This package is the entry level. Limited features, basic interior.
• LS: The next step up and sort of an entry level as a luxury package. This features more comfort options in comparison to the WT but still won’t break the bank.
• LT: The LT is the next step up. These trucks feature some of the same options as an LT with a few more luxuries added.
• LTZ: This is the top of the food chain when it comes to Chevrolet trucks. It’s armed to the teeth when it comes to luxurious features.

The 2014 model year was a year of change yet gain. Chevrolet brought the Silverado 1500 onto the scene with an all new design.  The new design is sleeker and more powerful. Some of the prior generation’s engine platforms and trim levels did carry over but altogether it was a brand new truck.

The trim levels on the table today are:

• Custom
• High Country
• WT
• LS
• LT
• LTZ

The four trim levels available on earlier trucks are here again and follow the same principles. The biggest differences are the availability of the new High Country and Custom trucks.

The High Country is on the same track as the LTZ but a bit more powered up when it comes to features including custom leather seats and the Custom is a slight step up above the LS double cab trucks with its most notable difference being the wheels.

The engines available for 1500 trucks are:

• 4.3L V6 (285 hp; 305 lb/ft)
• 5.3L V8 (355 hp; 383 lb/ft)
• 6.2L V8 (420 hp; 460 lb/ft)

Though the displacement may be similar to previous years these engines are quite a bit more powerful. These are big trucks and big trucks and with the engine options available to them their sure to get up and out of their own way with little effort.

Speaking of big trucks, here are the engine options available to the 2500 and 3500 of this generation:

• 6.0L V8 (360 hp; 322 lbs/ft)
• 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel (397 hp; 765 lbs/ft)

More power means more capabilities. One massive area that is most notably improved is the towing capacities of these trucks. As you can see their capabilities have exploded upwards with all that muscle:

• Silverado 1500: 5500 - 9400 lbs.
• Silverado 2500: 13,000 - 14,500 lbs.
• Silverado 3500: 13,000 - 14,500 lbs.

Power and performance are night and day in comparison to the previous generation of Chevrolet Silverados.  Not to mention being newer trucks newer bells and whistles are available to them from both the factory and the aftermarket.

Picking a trim level is a massive step when looking for a truck. It directly impacts the type of truck you are looking into, and may even dictate what powertrain options are available. Naturally, the size of the truck also plays a major factor in what powertrain options are available. For the 1500 series Silverados, the following engines were available:

• 4.6L V6 (195 hp; 260 lbs/ft of torque)
• 4.8L V8 (285 hp; 295lbs/ft)
• 5.3L V8 (315 hp; 338 lbs/ft)
• 6.0L V8 (367 hp; 375 lbs/ft)

Alternately larger trucks, namely the 2500-3500 trucks, arrive with:

• 6.0L V8 (353 hp; 373 lbs/ft)
• 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel (365 hp; 660 lbs/ft)

As you could imagine the powertrains and the size of the truck changes the tow rating. They are as follows:

• Silverado 1500: 4400 – 7500 lbs.
• Silverado 2500: 9600 - 10,400 lbs.
• Silverado 3500: 9200 - 10,100 lbs.

Cab options on these trucks are the crew cab, extended cab, and standard cab. Bed options were 5.5, 6.5 foot, and 8 foot. Though the 1500 would be the only truck available with all three options; the larger trucks are not available with the shorter 5.5-foot bed.

Cabs on trucks don’t seem to be an area that could be subject to improvement, but Chevrolet pushed that theory to the max when they introduced the double cab to their fleet of pickup trucks. At first glance you could easily mistake a double cab for a crew cab as it appears to have full doors in the rear.

In a side-by-side comparison, you can easily identify the shorter doors than the crew cab would have. This set up replaced the extended cab which is something of a savior to the guys being jammed in the backseat for any ride.

The double cabs are larger in size, saving kneecaps; the doors can be opened independently, and they even have functioning windows. These cabs are a fantastic addition but you can easily opt for a crew cab or standard cab if you so choose.

Despite a brand new cab, the bed sizes available would pretty much carry over. Now, these new beds can come with cargo light options separating them from the prior generation, but again the 5.5, 6.5, bed 8-foot bed would return with only the 1500 series trucks suited with the 5.5-foot bed.

In conclusion, the Silverados are easily one of the best bangs for your buck when it comes to today’s pickup trucks. Out of the gate, they come on strong, and the aftermarket heavily supports these applications for when you want to really make something special.

They hold high in ranking not just among the big three but the world and after almost 20 years in the making, they are showing no signs of slowing.