2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Overview

The Silverado 1500 is a capable and highly configurable full-size pickup, with powertrain options that are highlighted by a pair of strong and refined V-8 engines. The mac-daddy 6.2-liter V-8 provides class-leading horsepower (420) and maximum towing (12,500 pounds). Every Silverado has an excellent infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it currently plays second fiddle to the more advanced Ford F-150, Chevy has a an excellent pickup-truck formula in the Silverado.

What's New for 2018?

The Silverado 1500 has low-key changes for 2018. Every model now has a backup camera, and the tire-pressure monitor has an audible alert. Previously only available on the LT trim, the eAssist package is now optional on the LTZ. This mild-hybrid system has a single electric motor that doesn’t operate as a typical hybrid, meaning it cannot power the truck on its own. A Centennial Edition—celebrating 100 years of Chevy trucks—is also available for 2018 only. The package adds a unique appearance that includes the exclusive Centennial Blue paint color and heritage-inspired badging.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

• WT: $29,795
• LS: $31,895
• Custom: $35,695
• LT: $36,095
• LTZ: $43,795
• High Country: $53,495

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Silverado 1500 comes standard with a 4.3-liter V-6 that produces 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque; it’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-liter V-8 delivers 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque; a six-speed automatic is standard, and an eight-speed is optional on some models. The 6.2-liter V-8 rings in with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque, backed by the eight-speed automatic. The 5.3-liter Silverado equipped with the optional eight-speed proved sluggish in acceleration, but the 6.2-liter V-8 was a rocket, quick enough to outgun many a sporty passenger car. The Silverado is not going to dance down a country road like a sports car, nor will it ride as if you’re wafting along on a cloud. But it’s poised and stable in corners at any reasonable speed, it steers accurately, and it cruises comfortably on the highway. Badly broken pavement, choppy gravel, and potholes do make for uncomfortable moments, though. The Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150, however, are more settled over bumpy surfaces.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Functional design and good build quality make the Silverado 1500 cabin a pleasant environment, especially in the well-equipped LTZ and High Country versions. But the interior suffers from seats that are not especially comfortable, an off-center steering position, and a rear cabin devoid of USB ports. Massaging seats haven’t yet found their way into the Silverado’s cabin, but most every other piece of luxury fare you might desire has. Front-seat passengers can stay connected to their personal devices via an array of USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt household receptacle. There is voluminous stowage inside the crew-cab model, which boasts a large bed and offers more combined cubby space than any competitor.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system is one of the best on the market. Its robust features, attractive looks, quick response times, and straightforward configurability make it likable and easy to use. Available tech includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM satellite radio and four USB ports in the front console. An optional rear-seat DVD/Blue-ray entertainment system includes a single 9.2-inch screen that flips down from the headliner, plus two pairs of headphones and a handheld controller. The center-stack infotainment screen responds to inputs quickly. You control it either by touching the screen icons or using the hard buttons conveniently located below it.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

For more information about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.