Review: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 might be the 'smaller' brother to the 2500, but with it's cosmetic updates and upgraded technology it still makes you feel like the King of the Road. In the States they might call it a regular size truck, but locally it dwarves many dual cab utes.

INITIAL IMPRESSION

Luckily they’ve fitted the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with side steps as standard and are the cabin handles sturdy, because you’ll be using them a lot when getting in and out of this massive truck. The gold-cross badge almost sits at eye height and when seated in the broad driver seat anybody driving next to you looks to be in a go-kart. Chevrolet has put over 100 years of pickup truck know-how into the all-new Silverado 1500 and its bold proportions and broad-shouldered appeal, it does really own the road. A longer wheelbase and wide, muscular stance give it a powerful base, while the chiselled hood and striking horizontal elements let you know this truck shares the Chevy truck bloodline, with distinct grille, front fascia and wheel design.

DRIVEABILITY

As American as the Silverado looks, it also drives. Powered by the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 it puts out no less than 313kW of power – and 624Nm of torque. Yet it only consumes 12.3L/100km. It gives the Silverado the possibility to tow 4,5 tonnes but you’ll need a heavy duty pintle tow hitch to do so. It's is made for towing the biggest boat in the marina, the largest caravan in the park or practically, a complete horse stable instead of just a carriage. You understand why there are so many buttons to assist you with doing this. The 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and automatic locking rear differential together with options like Exhaust Brake, Trailer Assis, Tow/Haul mode, Trailer Sway Control, Hill Start Assist and auto grade braking on your side.and much more technology keeping your heavy load under control.

Chevrolet fitted the Silverado with a 10-speed automatic transmission, operated by a column shifter mounted on the steering column. Compared to the 6-speed in its bigger brother the gearbox gives you enhanced acceleration and torque delivery while towing and comes standard with auto stop/start technology and Dynamic Fuel Management.

LIVEABILITY

The outside dimensions of the Chevrolet Silverado make for a very spacious cabin. The front seats are designed to fit large American bodies, so you expect plenty of cushioning and a surprising amount of support. The heated and ventilated perforated leather-appointed bucket seats have 10-way power driver seat adjustment and 2-way power lumbar control, which makes it possible to mould them exactly to your preference.Space abounds inside the Silverado, noticeable in the oversized mid-console and door pockets. Just as American are the six cup holders in front and additional four in the back, where the passengers have plenty of space as well.

The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system with multi-touch display and advanced voice recognition is included, as is a high-definition Rear Vision Camera. Two USB ports provide power and connectivity for your mobile devices, while two in the rear support charging devices

In regards to safety, the Silverado is leading the ute-pack with Forward Collision Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Forward Collision Alert, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control, Following Distance Indicator and Safety Alert Seat also come standard, as are StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control and hill-start assist.

The cargo bed can carry over 700kg and comes with 12 standard tie-downs, and innovative features like an industry-first power-up/-down tailgate, helping Silverado owners load up their ute.

COSTS

Consider the local Silverado program started in late 2018 and involved 45 members of HSV’s engineering group who devoted 21,000 hours to it. They developed around 500 new parts and put them through 1600 hours of durability, rig and environmental testing. This makes the price of $128,000 understandable. Whilst the price is up there, you do get a unique vehicle for it in return. It will turn heads and you won’t likely see another one around the corner. With the highest towing capacity, biggest engine, most torque and road presence like no other, the Silverado is big in all the right places!

CONCLUSION

It’s fair to say that the Chevrolet Silverado is ‘sizeable’. It’s very American and feels like that inside and out. The nice thing is that it doesn’t look like an awkwardly converted vehicle, but actually seems to roll out of the factory like this. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes with all the bells and whistles in regards to technology. In combination with a powerful engine and smooth gearbox you are guaranteed of a comfortable ride which won't let you down no matter what you're towing.