Looking for the Best Prices on a New Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

New 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Overview

Chevrolet’s Silverado 1500 half-ton pickup stands as one of the best selling in a segment that is one of the most popular in America. Chevy holds a solid position in the market by offering a variation to suit just about any truck buyer’s purposes: three cab styles, two bed lengths, four engines, two- or four-wheel drive and two transmissions are spread across four trim levels. For 2013, the six-speed automatic now provides engine braking on long descents without engaging the tow/haul mode.

The Silverado 1500’s exterior styling fits within the look of other Chevy trucks with stout fender flares, stacked headlights, and a chrome grille. The shape is more aerodynamic than previous models but still masculine. Regular, extended and crew cab styles offer a variety of configurations, however some models only come in extended or crew. LTZ trims offer auto-dimming, heated side-mirrors with integrated turn signals, ground lighting, and curb tilt for better rearward visibility when backing up. A spring-loaded EZ Lift gate, towing mirrors and tailgate lock are available, as are front fog lights.

Chevy offers four engines for the Silverado 1500: a V-6 and a trio of Flex-Fuel V-8s. A 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter, V-6 engine with 260 pounds-feet of torque and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission make up the base powertrain and is limited to the Work Truck model. Next up is a 302-horsepower, 4.8-liter, E-85 capable V-8 producing 305 pounds-feet of torque, matched with the four-speed transmission with tow/haul mode. At the heart of the engine range is a 315-horsepower, 5.3-liter Flex-Fuel V-8 with 335 pounds feet of torque (available across all models), mated with the six-speed automatic. Topping things out is a 403-horsepower, 6.2-liter Flex-Fuel V-8 developing 417 pounds feet of torque. Available on extended and crew cab models, it’s fitted with the six-speed automatic and with the Max Towing package can pull 10,700 pounds. Payload capacities start at 1,550 pounds and top out at 1,937 depending on cab, bed length and drivetrain. A limited-slip locking differential, automatic 4WD transfer case, and trailer-brake controller are all available options.

Fuel economy is actually best with the 5.3-liter V-8, which gets help from cylinder deactivation management: 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. With the V-6, the EPA estimates fuel consumption at 15/20 mpg city/highway, while the small 4.8-liter V-8 returns 14/19 mpg city/highway. If your need is maximum towing and payload, the 6.2-liter V-8 is the choice, but delivers the lowest mileage: 14/18 mpg city/highway.

Inside, the 1500’s lower trim levels are designed to be easy for working people to live with. Handles and controls are large enough for use by gloved hands, the dashboard is designed to accommodate a bench seat and there are two glove boxes. The range-topping LTZ’s interior is designed with its own dash, door panels and center console to provide a more luxury-oriented atmosphere. A 60/40 split rear seat folds out of the way to provide an open load floor, and is standard on crew cab (optional on extended cab models). A variety of audio systems are on tap, however USB and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity are either optional or only offered on the LTZ, which can also be had with a power sunroof and power sliding rear window.

Safety features include six airbags, including front, front side-mounted and side-curtain for both rows; antilock brakes, stability control with roll mitigation and traction control. Front seatbelts include pre-tensioners and load-limiters. The impact-absorbing body is attached to a full-boxed frame with independent coil springs over shocks in front and independent Hotchkiss rear suspension.