• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for December 14, 2015

Driven: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT 4×4

December 14, 2015 by admin 10 Comments

Now in its third model year, the current generation Chevrolet Silverado continues to ride the crest for pickup trucks, as its sales are up by nearly 14 percent year-do-date through November. This comes even as demand for the brand’s new Colorado midsize pickup truck draws additional attention to Chevrolet trucks, without siphoning sales from the nameplate’s best selling product line.

Even so, Chevrolet is taking nothing for granted as some of its Ford, Ram, Toyota and Nissan competitors introduce new or updated models for 2016. This year, Silverado shoppers will find a truck outfitted with numerous improvements, including a new front design featuring a more striking horizontal layout, fresh LED lighting and a sculpted hood. Indeed, the Silverado’s grille also varies from model to model, a practice gaining wider use, including in the Toyota Tundra.

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT 4×4
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT 4×4.

A 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT 4×4 was a recent test project, a vehicle that pushes the upper echelon of the light-duty, full-size pickup truck segment. This model offers you your choice of 4.3-liter, V-6; 5.3-liter, V-8; and 6.2-liter, V-8 gasoline engines. The first engine comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission; the second engine offers a 6- or 8-speed automatic; the top-of-the line engine is paired with the 8-speed standard automatic.

As tested, the smaller V-8 was the engine supplied — as with the other two choices, active fuel management is also present. AFM represents technology that shuts down four cylinders (two in the V-6) when operating the truck at constant speeds, such as on the highway. AFM does not kick in when the truck is called upon for heavier duty work, such as when trailering.

Just how much fuel saved isn’t quite clear, but with a fuel economy rating of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, this 4×4 doesn’t gulp gasoline as much as some models, although you’ll still pay handsomely at the pump thanks to its 26-gallon fuel tank. Fortunately, gasoline prices nearly everywhere (at publication) are below $2 per gallon across much of the country and is diminishing “pain at the pump” with it.

Crew cab models are where its at too and these trucks are not just for work crews. Regular cabs, though still available, have a small audience and are available in standard and long box layouts. So-called “double” or extended cabs provide a somewhat happy medium between regular and crew cabs, but legroom and back seat comfort is often lacking. Thus, crew cabs have become the de facto choice for families and businesses alike — the former because of the sedan-like room, the latter for squeezing in as many as six guys to handle the work.

Exterior changes, including a remote locking tailgate and standard LED tail lamps in the LTZ and the High Country editions, and power-articulating assist steps available in the High Country, were among the other updates made for the 2016 model year. Inside, the more notable changes have everything to do with technology, including phone integration with the Chevrolet MyLink telematics system for improved connectivity, which should lead to safer driving. That means both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, making it easier to make calls, acquire driving directions, and listen to music, without taking your eyes off the road.

CarPlay, integrated with Siri voice control, kicks in by pressing and holding the voice control button on the steering wheel. The system doesn’t override your ability to control the system by means of the touch screen or knobs, but it does supply a preferable way to connect without requiring your eyes to dart back and forth between the screen and the road ahead. That’s a win for mitigating distracted driving.

All models offer a center console color screen — a 7-inch display is available in the WT and is standard in the LS, while an 8-inch screen is found in the LT, LTZ and other upper trim level models. As before, Chevrolet MyLink works amidst OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling office-like connectivity wherever you go.

Quite easily, you could pay upwards of $50,000 for this pickup truck, topping $60,000 with a High Country edition outfitted with the larger V-8 engine, a rear-seat entertainment system, a high-end audio system, and a bedliner. Fortunately, deep discounts usually kick in, as Chevrolet truck dealers dispense such savings and probably with not much prompting to do so.

Crew cab seating pegs the comfort quotient with oversized and stuffed bucket seats up front, and a split-folding bench seat in the rear. The front seats are made for the big guys, coming in larger than seats found in your typical sedan. That means you ride in comfort, with enough back and hip support to chase stiffness away, especially after a long day in the mobile office.

I’ve always appreciated the cabin layout of the large trucks, with all controls sensibly placed and uncluttered. Six analog dials mark the instrument panel, supplying a traditional look along with the requisite digital driver’s information display. To the left of the steering wheel is the panel containing controls for trailering, 4×2 and 4×4 management, as well as front lighting. Along the center console you have the display screen as well as switches and knobs for managing the audio and climate control systems.

Storage space is generous and goes well beyond the in-door pockets with beverage holders and the large glove box. Between the front seats are the connection points — 12-volt, USB and auxiliary input port — along with a smartphone holder, an open storage area, two cup holders, and an oversized as well as a deep covered storage holder-cum-arm rest. Additional pockets are found on either side of the console divide as well.

Shift this pickup truck in gear and you’re ready to roll. Depending on the model selected and the trailering package installed, the Silverado 1500 can pull up to 6 tons. That’s 12,000 pounds of towing capacity for your work trailer or camper, reaching the peak of light-duty towing. Its also a number wholly sufficient for most people, although others will consider HD 2500 and HD 3500 in an effort to extend that reach, with gooseneck trailering also possible.

The Chevrolet Silverado shifts through all six forward gears seamlessly, quickly moving up to highway speeds or at least as fast as you might expect with three tons of mass at work. Maintain your speed with the accelerator or cruise control and take note of the instrument panel — the V8 readout will switch to V4 whenever minimal performance is needed, enabling this pickup to achieve its maximum efficiency. The second you need the extra power, full V-8 power is regained and you’ll hardly notice the difference.

Pickup trucks are prized for outstanding utility, superior performance and interior comfort. Where such models don’t shine is with its on-road characteristics, although electric power-assisted steering makes taking tight turns a relative non-issue. Improved braking and a better controlled ride are additional stand out features of the Silverado and for most competing trucks.

Take this 4×4 off road and you’ll enjoy its full capabilities. With or without the Z71 off-road package, the Silverado effortlessly transitions from an on-road maven to an off-road beast. With the Z71 package you get many of the features serious 4×4 enthusiasts demand, including Rancho shocks, front and rear skid plates, and an automatic locking rear differential.

Much of my time with the Silverado was accomplished on smooth pavement, although one stretch of gravel road and a patch of clay slough allowed me to make the switch to 4×4, a transition accomplished in under 10 seconds with a flick of the dial. Throughout my romp, 4H was the choice with 4Lo at the ready, although it was never needed. The Silverado maintained its grip and composure throughout my all-too-short adventure.

What I really wanted to do was repeat the off-road experience I had the previous week in a Nissan Titan XD, an Arizona adventure with its share of ascensions, berms, and declensions. Alas, time was not on my side, but I must say I doubt there is much terrain beyond the Silverado’s reach.

Chevrolet makes carrying payload a snap with that capacity topping one ton in most models. All models come with standard rail protectors as well as an available spray-in bedliner. You can also get LED under-rail box lights and moveable tie-downs in a bid to better see what you’re doing and have the flexibility needed for whatever you’re carrying. The CornerStep (side step) bumpers along with the pocket hand grips enhance ease of bed access and egress.

One important fact about pickup truck shopping is that brand loyalty is strong, especially as owners fiercely defend their respective brands. Still, there is always a segment of people willing to make a switch and that’s something the truck brands work diligently to minimize. In the Silverado, Chevrolet continues to provide a model that refuses to play second fiddle to anyone, especially the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500 series.


2016 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab LT 4×4

  • Sticker price from $44,255
  • Price as tested: $50,000
  • Seats 5
  • 5.3-liter V-8 gasoline engine
  • 355 horsepower @ 5,600 RPM
  • 380 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,600 RPM
  • 3.78 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11.0-to-1
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 153 inches
  • Length: 230 inches
  • Width: 80 inches
  • Height: 74 inches
  • Passenger volume: NRt
  • Storage volume: 61 cubic feet (6.6-foot bed)
  • Towing capacity: 10,800
  • EPA: 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 26 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 5,544 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Moderate overlap front (good)
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/100,000 miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Flint, Michigan or Silao, Mexico

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2016 trucks, 4x4, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, CHEVROLET MYLINK, Chevrolet Silverado, four-wheel drive, GM, TELEMATICS

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All

Recent Comments

  • Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Minivan Surprise: 2016 Kia Sedona SXL — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on Compact, Luxury SUV: 2019 Volvo XC40

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
December 2015
S M T W T F S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Nov   Jan »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in