Looking at the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Ever since the Chevy’s Silverado 1500 (2010) was announced to get a turbodiesel V8 engine, the release was postponed indefinitely. In any case, the 2010 Silverado hasn’t changed much. The GM pickup truck still comes in either regular, extended, or crew-cab body styles.

The basic design of the body was lent to the Sierra 1500 version of the GMC. The ones with the extended body style still have their doors with rear hinges – those which depend on the front doors to open.

While the regular cabs can seat 3 people, the crew and extended -type ones can hold up to 6 passengers. They also offer bed lengths in variations of 5.8 ft., 6.6 ft., and 8.2 ft. The 5.8 foot beds, however, are no longer available for the extended cab versions.

Depending on the bed and cab configurations, the following engines are available: 4.3 liter V6 (195 hp); 5.3 liter V8 (315 hp); 4.8 liter V8 (302 hp); 6.2 liter V8 (403 hp). Since 2010, all the V8 engines can be used with the ethanol blended fuel E85.

The 5.3 V8 uses the cylinder deactivation system called Active Fuel Management by General Motors. While the V6 and 4.8 V8s use 4-speed automatic transmission, the 5.3 and 6.2 V8s have a 6-speed version. It also has a rear-wheel drive.

The 4WD systems are either a part-time setup which should not be left to engage on dry pavement, or GM’s Autotrac, which could be left otherwise. Both options have low-rang gear when it comes to off-loading. The 5.3 liter V8 have XFE or Xtended Fuel Economy, which features wheels, tires, and other mechanics that are designed to economize fuel use. It has a maximum of 10,700 lbs towing capacity.

Chevrolet Silverado’s 1500 Hybrid features the 6.0 liter V8, which comes with a 332 hp electric motor and has the ability to run on either or both of its power sources with no plug-in charging required. It has a continuous variable transmission or CVT that works like an automatic. It has a 6,100 lbs towing capacity.

Silverado comes in different suspensions. Z83 and Z85 are meant for riding comfort, while the Z60 is optimized for “street performance” and the Z71 for off-road driving. For safety features, there’s the traction control, ABS, antiskid system, as well as front and curtain-side airbags. The Chevrolet can come with either “pure pickup” or “luxury inspired” interiors with added features of a wireless cell-phone link, a navigation system, and a remote engine start.

As reported by expert ratings, the 2WD ext. cab model of the Silverado’s best asset is the fact that it has great front seat comfort (a rating of 9). In comparison to the average rating of a large pickup truck, which got a total score of 62.5, the Silverado gets a 58.