2010 Silverado 1500

Top-notch interiors to suit work or luxury use; extensive features and options; fuel economy; strong tow ratings

Chevrolet continues to offer two completely different interiors for its Silverado 1500 family of pickups: Work Truck (WT), LS, and LT trims get a so-called 'pure pickup interior' that includes larger door handles and controls that are designed to be used with gloves on, while the LTZ trim gets the same more luxurious, softer, and more carlike interior that's used in the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. The LTZ instrument panel is a bit lower to afford a better outward view, while several special color and trim themes are offered with the LTZ exclusively.

LTZ models boast many more exclusive features in addition to the instrument panel; different door panels, a divided center console, heated power leather front seats, and an upgrade Bose sound system are included, while the top crew cab LTZ models get a rear-seat audio system, larger glovebox and rain-sensing wipers.

In most Silverado 1500 models, a stadium-style back seat is split 60/40, including a folding center armrest, and can be folded forward easily. The extended-cab versions have enough legroom for occasional use and access is aided by 170-degree back doors.

Regular cab, crew cab and extended cab versions of the Silverado how much cabin and passenger space you need, while cargo bed lengths are 5'-8" for the short bed, 6'-6" for the standard bed, or 8 feet for the long bed. The maximum payload rating is as high as 1,909 pounds.

Across most of the model line, the Silverado has very good ride and handles well compared to the full-size trucks of the past, with a well-tuned coil-over-shock front suspension, Hotchkiss-type rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Actually, five different suspensions are offered, each tuned for particular types of use: Z83 is for a smooth ride; Z85 is oriented for better handling and trailer towing; Z71 yields better off-road capability; Z60 is for top street performance; and NHT is for top towing capacity. Towing numbers range up to 10,700 pounds when configured with the extended cab, 6.0-liter engine and Enhanced Trailering Package.

The 2010 Silverado now offers three different engines-a 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6, a 302-hp, 4.8-liter V8, a 315-hp, 5.3-liter V8, and a 403-hp, 6.2-liter V8. The latter is not offered on standard cab models. The V6 comes with a 4-speed automatic, while all others get a 6-speed automatic. Fuel economy ratings are as high was 22 mpg on the highway.

The Silverado Hybrid is a good option for green shoppers who still need pickup capability as the two-mode hybrid system-incorporating a 6.0-liter gasoline V8, electric motor system, variable automatic transmission, and nickel-metal hydride battery pack, enables up to a 6,100-pound tow rating while it gets especially good fuel economy in city driving, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city, 22 highway.

Top options on the Silverado include Bluetooth phone connectivity, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a navigation system with XM Nav Traffic, plus a rearview camera system that aids visibility while parking this tall vehicle.

Value

Although the full-size trucks from Ford and Dodge have both been more recently redesigned than the Chevrolet, the Silverado is one of the most refined, best handling full-size trucks. EPA ratings for 2010 go as high as 22 mpg highway for the Silverado XFE version.

Full-size trucks are used in such a wide range of situations-from construction fleets to long-distance driving-and the two different interiors offered in the Silverado and the nearly identical GMC Sierra help satisfy shoppers better than most other competing models. LS and LT models are probably the best fit for buyers who need the sturdy, get-messy capability of a pickup at least some of the time, but the LTZ is the choice for those who need a pickup but won't compromise luxury. And for those who need a pickup but want to make a greener choice, with even lower operating costs, the Silverado Hybrid has 25-percent better fuel economy without sacrificing much towing or hauling ability.

Changes

The Silverado 1500 gets a number of changes aimed at improved fuel efficiency. The 4.8- and 5.3-liter V8 engines offers improved fuel economy through new variable valve timing, while the 5.3-liter versions get a taller 3.08 axle ratio and fuel-saver mode, along with a 6-speed automatic transmission, to increase EPA ratings. All three engines now have E85 Flex Fuel capability.

On the safety side, side-curtain airbags, seat-mounted side bags and Stabilitrak stability control are now standard on all Silverado 1500s, while the interior door trim has been redesigned for better side safety.

Feature content has been upped a bit, too. All models but the base Silverado now offer a USB connector for audio devices and gadget charging, and a rearview camera system is more widely available. Taupe Gray Metallic and Sheer Silver Metallic are new colors for the lineup.

ENTERTAINMENT

• Audio system, AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and digital clock (Not available with (U2K) XM Radio.)

• Audio system feature, 4-speaker system (Requires Regular Cab models.)

• XM Radio, delete

SAFETY

• StabiliTrak, stability control system with Proactive Roll Avoidance and traction control

• Steering column, Tilt-Wheel, adjustable with brake/transmission shift interlock

• Daytime Running Lamps, with automatic exterior lamp control

• Air bags, frontal, driver and right-front passenger with Passenger Sensing System (Always use safety belts and the correct child restraints for your childs age and size, even in vehicles equipped with air bags. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. See the vehicles Owners Manual and child safety seat instructions for more safety information.)

• Air bags, head curtain side-impact, front outboard seating positions with rollover sensor (Head curtain side air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of head and neck injuries to front and rear seat occupants on the near side of certain side-impact collisions. Always use safety belts and the correct child restraints for your child's age and size, even in vehicles equipped with air bags. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. See the vehicle's Owner's Manual and child safety seat instructions for more safety information.)

• Air bags, seat-mounted side-impact, driver and right-front passenger for thorax and pelvic protection (Head curtain side air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of head and neck injuries to front and rear seat occupants on the near side of certain side-impact collisions. Always use safety belts and the correct child restraints for your child's age and size, even in vehicles equipped with air bags. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. See the vehicle's Owner's Manual and child safety seat instructions for more safety information.)

• OnStar, delete

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (does not apply to spare tire)

MECHANICAL

• Engine, Vortec 4.3L V6 MFI (195 hp [145.4 kW] @ 4600 rpm, 260 lb-ft of torque [351.0 N-m] @ 2800 rpm) (Requires C*10*03 or CC10753 models. Standard with C*10*03 or CC10753 models. Not available with (VYU) Snow Plow Prep Package or (Z82) heavy-duty trailering equipment.)

• Transmission, 4-speed automatic, electronically controlled with overdrive and tow/haul mode (On Crew Cab models, requires (L20) Vortec 4.8L V8 SFI Flex-Fuel engine. Not available on C*10953 models.)

• Rear axle, 3.23 ratio (Refer to Engine/Axle chart for availability.)

• Suspension Package, Solid Smooth Ride includes 35 mm piston twin tube shocks and 36mm front stabilizer bar

• GVWR, 6400 lbs. (2903 kg) (Standard on C*10703, C*10903 and CC10753 models.)

• Rear wheel drive

• Battery, heavy-duty 600 cold-cranking amps, maintenance-free with rundown protection and retained accessory power

• Alternator, 145 amps

• Frame, fully-boxed, hydroformed front section

• Suspension, front independent, coil over shock

• Suspension, rear 2-stage multi-leaf springs, semi-elliptic

• Steering, power, rack-and-pinion

• Brakes, 4-wheel antilock, front disc/rear drum

• Exhaust, aluminized stainless-steel muffler and tailpipe

INTERIOR

• Seats, front 40/20/40 split-bench, 3-passenger, driver and front passenger manual reclining with outboard head restraints and center fold-down armrest with storage

• Air conditioning, single-zone manual front climate control

• Seat Trim, Vinyl

• Floor covering, Black rubberized-vinyl

• Steering wheel, includes theft-deterrent locking feature

• Instrumentation, analog with speedometer, odometer, fuel level, engine temperature, and tachometer

• Driver Information Center with odometer, trip odometer and message center (monitors numerous systems depending on vehicle equipment level including low fuel, turn signal "on", transmission temperature and oil change notification) (Driver Information Center controls are operated through the trip odometer button unless (UK3) steering wheel mounted audio controls is ordered. On 1LT, 1SF and 1LZ, includes 8-point compass and outside temperature.)

• Warning tones headlamp on, key-in-ignition, driver and passenger buckle up reminder and turn signal on

• Cup holders, front (Also includes rear cupholders on Extended and Crew Cab models.)

• Power outlets, 2 auxiliary instrument panel-mounted with covers, 12-volt

• Mirror, inside rearview manual day/night

• Visors, driver and front passenger, sliding, with clip and passenger side vanity mirror with cover, Opal Gray-colored

• Assist handle, front passenger (Also includes rear assist handles in the headliner on Extended and Crew Cab Models.)

• Coat hooks, rear driver and passenger side

• Lighting, interior with dome and reading lights, illuminated entry feature and backlit instrument panel switches

EXTERIOR

• Wheels, 4-17" x 7.5" (43.2 cm x 19.1 cm) steel, 6-lug painted includes painted center caps (spare wheel will not cosmetically match the other 4 wheels)

• Tires, P245/70R17 all-season, blackwall includes a blackwall spare tire (Requires 2WD models.)

• Wheel, 17" (43.2 cm) steel spare (spare wheel will not cosmetically match the other 4 wheels)

• Tire carrier, outside spare, winch-type mounted under frame at rear

• Bumper, front Black (Includes Black bumper end caps.)

• Bumper, rear chrome, step-style with pad

• Air dam, Black

• Grille, Black surround

• Headlamps, dual halogen composite with automatic exterior lamp control and flash-to-pass feature

• Lamps, dual cargo area lamps

• Mirrors, outside manual, Black, manual-folding

• Glass, Solar-Ray light-tinted, all windows

• Wipers, front intermittent wet-arm with pulse washers

• Door handles, Black

• Pickup box, Fleetside

Engine

• Engine Order Code: LU3
• Engine Type: Gas V6
• Displacement: 4.3L/262
• Fuel System: MFI
• SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM: 195 @ 4600
• SAE Net Torque @ RPM: 260 @ 2800

Transmission

• Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
• Trans Order Code: M30
• Trans Type: 4
• Trans Description Cont.: Automatic w/OD
• First Gear Ratio (:1): 3.06
• Second Gear Ratio (:1): 1.63
• Third Gear Ratio (:1): 1.00
• Fourth Gear Ratio (:1): 0.70
• Reverse Ratio (:1): 2.29

Mileage

• Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG): 17
• EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG): 15
• EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG): 20

Electrical

• Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary): 600
• Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps): 145

Cooling System

• Total Cooling System Capacity (qts): 12.6

Weight Information

• Gross Axle Wt Rating - Front (lbs): 3200
• Gross Axle Wt Rating - Rear (lbs): 3750
• Curb Weight - Front (lbs): 2572
• Curb Weight - Rear (lbs): 1872
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap (lbs): 6400
• Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs): 9500

Trailering

• Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 4900
• Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 490
• Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs): 5000
• Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs): 735
• Maximum Trailering Capacity (lbs): 9100

Suspension

• Suspension Type - Front: Independent
• Suspension Type - Rear: 2-stage multi-leaf
• Spring Capacity - Front (lbs): 3200
• Spring Capacity - Rear (lbs): 3750
• Axle Type - Front: - TBD -
• Axle Type - Rear: - TBD -
• Axle Capacity - Front (lbs): 3200
• Axle Capacity - Rear (lbs): 3750
• Axle Ratio (:1) - Rear: 3.23
• Shock Absorber Diameter - Front (mm): 1.38
• Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm): 1.38
• Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in): 1.42
• Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear (in): - TBD -

Brakes

• Brake Type: Pwr
• Brake ABS System: 4-Wheel
• Disc - Front (Yes or ): Yes
• Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in): 12.99 x 1.18
• Drum - Rear (Yes or ): Yes
• Rear Drum Diam x Width (in): 11.61 x 2.36

Tires

• Front Tire Order Code: QU1
• Rear Tire Order Code: QU1
• Spare Tire Order Code: QU1
• Front Tire Size: P245/70R17
• Rear Tire Size: P245/70R17
• Spare Tire Size: P245/70R17
• Front Tire Capacity (lbs): 2004
• Rear Tire Capacity (lbs): 2004
• Spare Tire Capacity (lbs): - TBD -
• Revolutions/Mile @ 45 mph - Front: - TBD -
• Revolutions/Mile @ 45 mph - Rear: - TBD -
• Revolutions/Mile @ 45 mph - Spare: - TBD -

Wheels

• Front Wheel Size (in): 17 x 7.5
• Rear Wheel Size (in): 17 x 7.5
• Spare Wheel Size (in): 17 x - TBD -
• Front Wheel Material: Steel
• Rear Wheel Material: Steel
• Spare Wheel Material: Steel

Steering

• Steering Type: Pwr
• Steering Ratio (:1), On Center: 16.73
• Steering Ratio (:1), At Lock: 3
• Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft): 39.7
• Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall (ft): - TBD -

Fuel Tank

• Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal): 26
• Fuel Tank Location: Driver Side

Exterior Dimensions

• Wheelbase (in): 119.0
• Length, Overall w/o rear bumper (in): 205.6
• Width, Max w/o mirrors (in): 79.9
• Height, Overall (in): 73.6
• Overhang, Front (in): 39.4
• Overhang, Rear w/o bumper (in): 47.2
• Front Bumper to Back of Cab (in): 116.5
• Cab to Axle (in): 41.9
• Cab to End of Frame (in): - TBD -
• Ground to Top of Load Floor (in): 34.7
• Ground to Top of Frame (in): - TBD -
• Frame Width, Rear (in): - TBD -
• Ground Clearance, Front (in): 7.7
• Ground Clearance, Rear (in): 13.4

Cargo Area Dimensions

• Cargo Box Length @ Floor (in): 78.7
• Cargo Box Width @ Top, Rear (in): 61.5
• Cargo Box Width @ Floor (in): 62.4
• Cargo Box Width @ Wheelhousings (in): 50.6
• Cargo Box (Area) Height (in): 21.0
• Tailgate Width (in): 61.6
• Cargo Volume (ft³): 60.7

Interior Dimensions

• Passenger Capacity: 3
• Front Head Room (in): 41.5
• Front Leg Room (in): 41.3
• Front Shoulder Room (in): 65.2
• Front Hip Room (in): 62.5

Summary

• Vehicle Name: Silverado 1500 Pickup
• Body Style: Reg Cab 6.5' Wideside
• Body Code: E63