2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was slated to receive a new turbodiesel V8 engine, but its introduction has been indefinitely delayed. Otherwise, the 2010 Silverado 1500 is largely unchanged. GM continues to offer this large pickup truck in regular-, extended-, and crew-cab body styles. It lends its basic design to the GMC Sierra 1500. Extended cabs retain their rear-hinged doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Regular cabs seat up to 3 passengers, while extendeds and crews seat up to 6. Bed lengths of 5.8, 6.6, and 8.2 feet are offered. Note that the extended cab offers only 6.6- and 8.2-foot beds; the 5.8-foot bed has been dropped. Available engines, depending on cab and bed configuration are as follows: 195-horsepower 4.3-liter V6; 302-horsepower 4.8-liter V8; 315-horsepower 5.3-liter V8; and 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. New for 2010, all conventional V8 engines are now capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. The 5.3 V8 has GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. V6 and 4.8 V8 Silverados use a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed automatic is standard with the 5.3 and 6.2 V8s. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Two four-wheel-drive systems are offered: a part-time setup that should not be left engaged on dry pavement and GM's Autotrac that can. Both have a low-range gear for off-roading. Some rear-drive Silverado crew cabs equipped with the 5.3-liter V8 are available as the XFE, which stands for Xtra Fuel Economy. XFE has specific wheels and tires, along with other mechanical and aerodynamic treatments designed to increase fuel economy. Maximum towing capacity is 10,700 pounds.

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid has a 6.0-liter V8 that pairs with an electric motor for 332 horsepower total. It can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The hybrid has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic. The Hybrid's maximum towing capacity is 6,100 pounds.

Silverado is available with several different suspensions. The Z83 and Z85 versions are designed for ride comfort. The Z60 is a "street-performance" suspension, and the Z71 is for off-road use. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado is available with two interiors, dubbed "pure pickup" and "luxury inspired." A navigation system, remote engine start, and a wireless cell-phone link are among the available features.
COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.

Our Best Buys are the Dodge Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Toyota Tundra. New or significantly redesigned models in the class include the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 and Toyota Tundra.