Car Review: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Redesigned in 2014 With More Choices

The best thing to know about the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is that there are lots of choices. There is a diverse range of body styles to choose from and the engine is pretty fuel efficient for such a large vehicle as well.
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The best thing to know about the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is that there are lots of choices. There is a diverse range of body styles to choose from and the engine is pretty fuel efficient for such a large vehicle as well.
Since the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was completely redesigned this year, there have been some nice tweaks for saving money on gas to a smaller engine.2014-01-26-CIMG7967.JPG

Competition for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 includes the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra and the Ram 1500.

This Chevrolet is a full-size pickup truck, but there are a few choices in regard to the cab and cargo-bed in two- and four-wheel drive. The body comes as a regular cab that is either a 6.5 or eight foot bed, extended cab, a double with a 6.5 foot bed or the high end crew cab with a 5.75 or 6.5-foot bed.

Note too that the regular cabs are the basis work trucks with the LT trims or the crew cabs choice of LS, LT, luxury LTZ or Z71 trims.

Additional choices break down into the fact that the work trim has either a 1WT or 2WT to choose from with the 1WT offering 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks, tilt steering wheel, vinyl seats, rubber floor and a 40/20/40-split front bench seat and basic stereo.

If you go for the 2WT then add stainless steel finish wheels, chrome bumpers and grille, tinted windows and power/heated mirrors, as well you get OnStar and MyLink.

For the LT version there is a chrome grille feature, "E-Z" lift/lower tailgate, cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For the LTZ you add chrome trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, remote starting, power folding mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rearview camera, 110-volt power outlet, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory and the MyLink system.

The Z71 trim is for off roading and on this trim you get special shocks, hill descent control, underbody shields and hooks.

Also keep in mind some of the higher end features can be added as options on the lesser trims as well including towing packages, a sunroof, side steps and the Max Trailering package comes with integrated trailer-brake controller and heavier-duty suspension calibration.

There is also the Driver Alert package with additional safety options and the All Star Edition, Texas Edition and Custom Sport Edition with different wheels, safety and towing options available.

Under the hood it is a 4.3-liter V6 engine that gives out 285 horsepower with 305 pound feet of torque except on the LTZ trim. It is a six-speed automatic and you can opt for rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The LTX offers a 5.3-liter V8 engine, and this also optional on other trims too. The engine on this has 355 horsepower with 383 pound feet of torque.

Safety includes the inclusion of antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear seat side and side curtain airbags. There is also OnStar with automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and other options depending on trims are rearview camera, front and rear park assist and lane departure warning and collision alert.

One thing Chevrolet did for the redesign was make the interior of the lower trims more aesthetically pleasing using better materials overall. There are lots of storage bins available inside and USB ports to spare on several trims.

You can choose between a bench or bucket seats and for long trips these seats are comfortable for the long haul. As for driving, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado has plenty of power even with the V6 so you never worry about a stiff ride and you always have enough acceleration to get ahead of the pack.

Should You Need to Know: With the right equipment you can tow up to 11,400 pounds with the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but towing capacity begins at 9,900 pounds.

Miles Per Gallon: On the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab 2WD I drove it came in at 24 miles per gallon on the highway and 18 miles per gallon in the city.

Cost: The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab 2WD I drove had a price tag of $37,620.

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