Like the SUVs, though, the windshield has a steep rake (57 degrees),
which helps the aerodynamics (0.43 Cd, compared to the Tahoe at 0.36 Cd)
for good fuel economy. For the Silverado Extended Cab 4x2 with the standard
box and the 6.0-liter engine, EPA numbers are running about 15/19 mpg
city/highway.
The front-end
appearance will differ depending on trim level. The LT gets a chrome bumper,
while LTZ models will have body-colored ones. For stance, 17-inch wheels
and tires are standard, while 18s (standard with Z71 package) and 20s
(LT and LTZ) are available. Fenders on the Silverado are prominent, and
help deliver the muscular look the designers were after. Overall body-to-wheel
proportions have been improved as well; combined with the wider, lower
stance, the Silverado sports a more aggressive overall image than the
previous model. On the Extended Cab, while we’re not fans of rearward-opening
doors because of the difficulty in accessing the back if parked in a tight
spot next to another vehicle, it does open 170 degrees, and the rear windows
go down all the way. This definitely makes life a bit easier for those
who won’t get to enjoy the front-row amenities.
Speaking of amenities, those are something you’ll enjoy, since
the Silverado lacks for nothing if you go the LTZ (high-end) route. You
can get a power sliding rear window on Extended or Crew Cab models, the
rear seats are theater-style (you sit higher so you can see over the front
seats) and fold up quite easily, there’s more front-seat room than
ever before since the designers moved the dash and instrument panel down
and forward, and large controls and handles are easy to use even with
gloved hands. In order, the WT trim is for serious truck guys who like
to beat the heck out of their vehicles and not worry about “mussing”
the pretty insides. Chevy calls it the “pure pickup” interior,
but most of us would call it basic. It doesn’t have all the bells
and whistles of the LTZ because potential customers didn’t want
it to. It even looks different, but not sad. And by sad, I mean you won’t
find any blank plugs or holes where the good stuff goes. That’s
been a GM edict since the SUVs appeared. Seriously, who wants to be reminded
every time you look at the dash that you didn’t get—or couldn’t
afford to get—all the options?
The next
step up is the LT model, which also utilizes the pure pickup interior,
but adds more available features, like leather trim and a six-way power
driver’s seat. And while the WT only features a Dark Titanium interior
choice, the LT lets you choose between Ebony or Ebony/Light Titanium and
Ebony/Light Cashmere combo options.
The top-end LTZ’s interior is more familiar if you’ve seen
the new SUV’s insides. The IP, door panels, and large center console
storage box deliver good looks and functionality. The LTZ also features
a 12-way power leather driver’s seat, Bose speaker system, heated
washer system, and 6-disc CD/MP3-capable audio system. Choose the Crew
Cab LTZ, and you get rain-sensing automatic wipers, rear-seat audio, and
an oversized glovebox.
Overall fit and finish issues inside and out have been addressed, and
addressed well. The goal was to reduce body gaps overall, and you’ll
notice right away that tolerances are a lot tighter. For example, the
cab-to-box gap has been tightened 50 percent, while the hood-to-bumper
gap is reduced 9mm over the previous model.
