Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Chevrolet has improved the Silverado 1500, with increased payload and towing capacities, plus a deeper bed versus the previous model. But the redesign doesn’t match the fancy cabin or comfortable ride of some competitors.

The Silverado’s biggest change is in the powertrain. Its 5.3-liter V8 engine can now be paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, and the combination provides better throttle response and quicker acceleration, answering one of our chief criticisms of the dull, flat-footed previous generation. The new eight-speed automatic transmission and the loss of about 300 pounds help the Silverado achieve 17 mpg overall, a 1-mpg gain over the previous truck.

Drivers can’t escape the Silverado’s huge size when taking corners, but for a full-sized pickup truck it has responsive steering and little body lean. But the Silverado’s ride is stiff, choppy, and uncomfortable, even by pickup-truck standards, and especially so when the bed is empty. Road and engine noise are impressively muted, though. The optional power-opening tailgate is a nice touch; high-end trims have one that can even be closed remotely. We recommend adding running boards because it’s a tall climb up into the spacious cab.