Overview

The 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 is a full-size pick-up truck that offers tremendous power, capability and strength. The Silverado 1500 comes in three cab styles, three bed lengths, two-wheel and four-wheel-drive versions and five trim levels - WT, LS, LT, XFE and LTZ, all available in 2WD and 4WD (except XFE, which is 2WD only). The WT and LT trim levels comes in Regular, Extended, and Crew Cab models. The LTZ is offered in Extended and Crew Cab styles, while the LS trim is available in only Crew Cab. Its competitors include the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan and the Dodge Ram.

Powertrain And Performance

Buyers can choose from the following engine variants: 195-hp 4.3-liter Vortec V6; 295-hp 4.8-liter V8; 315-hp 5.3-liter V8 with active fuel management technology; 367-hp 6.0-liter V8; 403-hp 6.2-liter V8; and a 315-hp 5.3-liter Vortec FlexFuel V8 engine. Two transmissions are available: a standard four-speed automatic and an optional six-speed automatic with overdrive. Rear-wheel-drive is standard on all Silverado 1500 trucks. The fuel economy ranges from 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined for a crew cab XFE down to 12/19/14 mpg for a 4WD Silverado 1500 fitted with the 6.2-liter V8. A lineup of powerful V-8 engines and six-speed automatic transmissions complement the strong chassis by enabling a maximum payload capacity of 1,980 pounds (898 kg) on the 2WD crew cab (with the enhanced trailering package). It is also an efficient powertrain lineup, with the Silverado XFE (2WD crew cab) delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg on the highway and a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg).

Build And Styling

The 2012 Silverado 1500 comes with restyled front grilles/bumper fascias for LS and LT models, an updated navigation system (now hard-drive-based) and the inclusion of trailer sway control as part of the stability control system. The Chevy Silverado 1500 sports bold, chubby lines on the exterior. Exclusive automatic locking rear differential is standard on LTZ trim and optional on others. A family of 17-inch painted-steel, 18-inch chrome styled-steel and 20-inch chrome-clad wheels are available on the Silverado 1500. For the front fascia, the Silverado 1500 gets stacked headlights, cargo box, tail lamps and a wide grille that is highlighted by a large, gold Chevy "bow-tie". The interior quality is top-notch. Features such as power windows, remote start and sonar park assist enhance its image as a near-luxury truck. There is flexibility in seating configurations - the front bench seats three and splits 40/20/40, the middle can be folded down to get converted into a center console or armrest. There is surplus leg, head and shoulder space. AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player; and an XM radio with three trial months will keep you entertained throughout your drive. The exteriors are more aerodynamic; the grille is more pronounced, the windshield is pushed back and the nose is taller and squarer. While all LTZ trims have body-colored bumpers, LT trims come with chrome bumpers. One can choose from cargo bed sizes from 5 foot-eight inches; six foot-eight inches to eight foot long ones on this truck.

Safety Features

Standard safety features of the Silverado 1500 include driver airbags; side guard door beams; four-wheel anti-lock brakes with dynamic rear proportioning; StabiliTrak electronic stability control system; tire pressure monitor; right-front passenger airbags with Passenger Sensing System; and OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound Plan. StabiliTrak stability control system now includes electronic trailer sway control and hill start assist.