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Completely redesigned last year, the 2015 Silverado not only attracted attention and new buyers, but also won awards. Now, Chevrolet’s pickup is bestowed with a few additional updates for 2016, including an eight-speed transmission that is standard or optional depending on the model, upgraded safety technology, and integrated infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The light-duty pickup has kept its distinctly Chevy exterior with added contours to the hood, new headlights, a new muscular streamlined profile, and three new paint colors.
We just drove the latest version of this popular model, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado. It starts at $26,655 in two-door, extended double, and crew cab configurations; cargo boxes are available in 5-foot, 8-inch, or 6-foot, 6-inch lengths.
Our model was equipped with Chevy’s towing package for a top tow rating of 12,000 pounds, with other features that included trailer sway control, an integrated trailer brake controller, and hill start assist. We liked the driving feel from the standard electric variable-assist power steering and the truck’s compliant-but-tough suspension.
New and worthy of mention are articulating running boards that give access to both the cabin and the bed; placing your foot under the running boards makes them articulate to the cargo box. Also noteworthy is the remote locking tailgate.
Outside, minor adjustments add more hood contours, while lights wrap around the corners to make a more streamlined profile. All models feature LED daytime running lights with a new, edgy shape; taillights have been wrapped farther around the corners for increased visibility and sleekness. It is the first pickup to offer LED fog lights that flood the ground with light but don’t blind oncoming drivers.
Inside, the dashboard and controls carry over from last year’s redesign. The entry-level Silverado is fitted with vinyl or cloth bench seat, while the upper trim levels offer heated and cooled bucket seats in cloth and leather; maximum capacity is six with bench seat and five with buckets. Storage is plentiful, with a center console that can hold a laptop or hanging files. The six-gauge analog and digital cluster are straightforward and easy to read; a 3.5-inch or 4.2-inch color display shows vehicle statistics and alerts.
For 2016, safety features have been augmented with an Enhanced Driver Alert Package; High Country has lane keep assist, forward collision alert, front and rear park assist, IntelliBeam auto headlight control, and Safety Alert Seat. StabiliTrak, Chevy’s electronic stability and anti-rollover feature, comes standard with all trims and also works in conjunction with Silverado’s towing package.
Under the hood are three EcoTec3 engines; all boast Active Fuel Management, which automatically shuts down cylinders under light loads. The new entry-level engine is a 4.3-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque. It gets 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway with 2WD; 4WDs achieve 17/22 mpg.
– Sue Mead, Motor Matters