2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

In the cabin, the Silverado wears two looks; "pure pickup" versions have a high dash with low-gloss black plastic and no center console, for three-across seating. Upscale LTZ versions get a wide console, bands of wood grain trim, and metallic-painted pieces that look far richer and more appealing. It's almost carlike compared to the more upright design on base versions, which also get larger door handles and controls to make operation easier for big hands with gloves. Both interiors share large, clearly marked gauges and soft blue backlighting, a meaty steering wheel, and humongous cup holders tucked either into the dash or the fold-down armrest or molded into the console. ConsumerGuide sums up the difference: "The Pure Pickup interior places radio and climate controls high on the dashboard, just out of easy reach. The available luxury interior mimics that of Chevy's Tahoe and Suburban large SUVs, with controls mounted lower but in easy reach."

The base V-6 and base V-8 are teamed with a four-speed automatic; all other versions have a six-speed automatic that shifts very smoothly, helps achieve better fuel economy, and cuts down on noise. The Silverado gets from 15/22 mpg in the XFE to 12/19 mpg in top versions.

The lineup also is offered with either rear- or four-wheel drive-with a single-range transfer case this year, while dual-range 4WD is now an option-or on top versions, electronically controlled four-wheel drive. The most capable Silverado can tow 10,700 pounds with an available towing package, just 600 pounds shy of the most rugged Ford F-150. It does it all with uncanny steering and ride for a big truck; Motor Trend reports it "takes a set as flat as any modified tuner truck we've driven," and it has "the smoothest road feel and most confident turn-in of any full-size pickup." Autoblog proclaims that the Silverado's "steering and brake feel defies comparison to other half-ton pickups," and adds, "There is a quiet, understated confidence to the Silverado's dynamic behavior that should be very pleasing to those who find themselves intimidated by older pickup trucks." ConsumerGuide finds the comfort-oriented Z85 suspension "compliant and fairly comfortable, with less reverberation over bumps than in most pickups," while the Z60 and off-road-oriented Z71 calibrations produce a stiffer ride. However, Edmunds finds the braking performance of their truck, which weighs almost 5,500 pounds unloaded, a bit unimpressive.

The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is a vastly different beast. Its advanced two-mode hybrid powertrain starts with an all-aluminum 6.0-liter V-8 featuring variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation, to which GM adds an electrically variable transmission (EVT) with two electric motor/generators and four fixed-ratio gears, as well as a 300-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. In all, the hybrid system is rated at 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque, which pushes EPA fuel economy to 21/22 mpg for two-wheel-drive models, and 20/20 mpg with 4WD. Performance feels like that of the 5.3-liter V-8 engine-ConsumerGuide mentions that the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid "accelerates from a stop and passes much like a conventional model, but a faint surge is felt and heard when it shifts between full electric and gasoline operation"-except for the almost absurd smoothness and quietness as the Silverado runs up to 27 mph on battery power alone. "You can get it up to 30 mph without burning a drop of gas," the Detroit News points out. Autoblog contends "the electric power steering felt surprisingly normal, with just the right weighting for a vehicle carrying this much mass." Ride quality is quite good in the Silverado Hybrid; ConsumerGuide calls it "compliant and fairly comfortable, with less reverberation over bumps than in most pickups," and MotherProof reports the same, deeming it "sturdy but much less bumpy" than expected.

The Silverado Hybrid's brakes are powerful and recapture energy to charge the batteries, and even saddled with more weight, the Hybrid tows 6,100 pounds with 2WD, or 5,900 pounds with automatic dual-range four-wheel drive. The Detroit News adds, "the bed can handle just more than 1,400 pounds."

The stadium-style rear seat on Crew Cabs has a 60/40-split design and can be folded up for more cargo space, enabled by the flat load floor. Jalopnik calls the flat loading floor "one of the coolest features on the truck." For extra versatility, either section of the split seat can be stowed independently, allowing room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger, and the rear access doors on extended-cab models open 170 degrees. ConsumerGuide notes of the Crew Cab body style, "With front bucket seats, the center console restricts toe space for the center rear-seat passenger." TheCarConnection.com's editors also point out that the Crew Cab backseat sits more upright than in some other trucks and are less comfortable over long trips as a result.

The Hybrid's interior and seating are much the same as the standard Crew Cab; the backseat is compromised a bit since the battery pack is stored under the second-row bench. Seat comfort isn't affected, but batteries consume some of its utility. Automobile notes "the space available for cargo in the back of the crew cab is diminished by the battery pack," which runs the entire width of the truck under the rear bench.

Across the Silverado 1500 / Hybrid lineup, bed sizes range from 5'8" on Crew Cabs and Hybrids; 6'6" on all versions except the Hybrid; and 8' on all versions except the Hybrid. Autoblog notes the Silverado has a deep cargo box and torsion bars in the tailgate that allow it to be closed with one arm. Car and Driver points out that the Silverado's interior storage spaces lack organizing dividers, though, and aren't as innovative as those of competitors. (The work-oriented Pure Pickup interior has separate upper and lower glove boxes, while the luxury version featured in the LTZ only has the lower one.)

GM's efforts to improve the quality perceptions of its big trucks have paid off, according to reviewers from around the Web. "Nearly every exterior component shows remarkable attention to detail," comments Autoblog, "and the result is a truck that's assembled like a fine piece of furniture." ConsumerGuide says even the Pure Pickup interior and the materials used in it "don't look bargain basement." Jalopnik sums it up well: "There's still plenty of cheap n' flimsy to go around, but new fabrics and plastics and a deft designer's touch make the cab feel less institutional and more familial." ConsumerGuide points out that rear-seat passengers aren't left out either, as the "rear bench is comfortable and supportive," while the available "headroom is generous." Edmunds considers noise at highway speeds "minimal," and finds interior sound levels at 70 mph are lower than those in an Audi A6 sedan. Motor Trend cites the attention to tighter seals, smaller door gaps, and increased sound deadening and attests that "wind noise is almost eliminated." The Detroit News asserts the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid in particular is "extremely quiet at all speeds," while ConsumerGuide states that the "Hybrid is nearly silent at ignition and at rest," and aside from a "subtle electrical whirring noise" during acceleration, "most other noise sources are well squelched."

Visibility is a critical safety system in pickups, which sit higher than other vehicles in traffic and have a less complete view of smaller vehicles in other lanes. ConsumerGuide says "visibility is generally good," on the Silverado 1500, "though wide rear pillars partially block the view to the back corners." Autobytel says big mirrors help: "With mirrors properly adjusted, small cars stand little chance of getting lost from view when merging, and the tall rear window affords a good look at what's going on behind you." However, Car and Driver criticizes the "cheesy mirrors," which occupy space in the driver's peripheral vision.

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid includes "all of the features a pickup owner expects," according to the Detroit News. Silverado Hybrid pickups start from about $39,000 and come equipped in a simpler cloth-seat version with dual-zone climate control; remote keyless entry; and steering-wheel audio controls. There's also a $48,000 leather-lined edition with Bluetooth, DVD navigation, and a high-end audio system with XM NavTraffic. Automobile reports the "premium trim package adds leather trim, power front bucket seat adjusters, a center console, a Bose sound system with navigation, a hard bed cover, and several minor convenience items."

USB connectivity has been added to most Silverado audio systems for 2010.