For 2013 the full-size Silverado pickup comes in regular, extended and crew-cab iterations. Standard 6-foot, 6-inch and longer 8-foot cargo beds are available on regular and extended cabs; crew cabs have a short 5-foot, 9-inch bed. Silverados with the six-speed automatic transmission now get engine braking on downgrades without using Tow/Haul mode. Additionally, the 2500HD models have an optional 6.0-liter V-8 that runs on compressed natural gas or gasoline.
Engine choices include the following: A 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 with 260 lb-ft of torque, a 302-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 rated 305 lb-ft of torque; a flex-fuel 315-hp (gas) or 326-hp (E85), 5.3-liter V-8 with 335 lb-ft of torque (gas) or 348 lb-ft of torque (E85); a flex-fuel 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with 417 lb-ft of torque. Choose from a four- or six-speed automatic transmission and two- or four-wheel drive. For the 2500HD and 3500HD, buyers can select a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V-8 engine that’s rated 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque. An available smart exhaust brake provides greater control on downward grades and reduced brake wear.
The LTZ offers heated and cooled front seats, a Bose stereo and large console.
Most V-8 1500 models are rated to tow around 9,000 pounds, but some models manage more than 10,500 pounds with an enhanced trailering package. Silverado Hybrid is a 1500-series pickup with better fuel economy than a gas-powered Silverado, but can still tow a 6,100-pound trailer. For trailerists who need to tow more than 20,000 pounds, there are the 2500HD and 3500HD versions with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel. Silverado’s 2500HD trailer hitch receiver enables conventional towing of 18,000 pounds when properly equipped. The 3500HD is rated to tow up to 23,100 pounds with a fifth-wheel trailer.
Interiors of the WT, LS and LT are more Spartan, while the LTZ is more luxurious. The LTZ offers heated and cooled front seats, a Bose stereo and large console. Interior amenities include standard air conditioning, AM/FM stereo and tilt steering wheel. Integrated trailer brake controls are available and a dealer-installed Wi-Fi system brings internet access. Safety features include four-wheel ABS brakes, traction control, stability control, available OnStar, trailer-sway control and hill start assist.
