2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review
Front-End Styling Upgrade for 2016
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has always been a high-selling model for Chevy and an equally popular choice for buyers. The Chevy Silverado has the ability to be a luxury suburban or a Work Truck (WT).
While following in Ford’s footsteps, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado has received quite a bit of front-end styling. The redesign consists of:
- Multiple grille designs
- LED accent lighting
- 7-inch touch screen – enable quick response times and integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (Included for LS trim models, but optional on a work truck)
- Lane departure intervention system for enhanced safety (with the Enhanced Driver Alert Package)
- An 8-speed automatic transmission, with 5.3-liter V8 on upper trim levels available on High Country and LTZ models.
- Exterior refresh, including specific trim grille
- CarPlay functionality on the upper trim level for the 8-inch screen
With all of these extra features, the full-size light-duty pickup becomes even more enjoyable. The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado is now extremely capable and comfortable, while becoming the quickest of its class.
Cab Styles & Other Options
Cab Styles
Along with front-end styling updates, the new Chevy Silverado will have three cab styles:
- Regular two-door cab (seats three, with 6-foot, 6-inch standard or 8-foot long bed) – Only for LS, LT and WT trims.
- Extended four-door, double cab (seats six, with 6-foot-6 bed) – Available in LS, LT, LTZ and WT trims.
- Crew cab (Increased rear-seat legroom and full-size rear doors, with 6-foot-6 bed or 5-foot, 8-inch short bed) – For all trims levels, including Plush High Country and Silverado Custom.
For two-wheel or four-wheel drive, you can choose from all cab or cargo bed configurations.
Other Options
Options include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors and the Enhanced Driver Alert package. This suite of driver aids adds a lane departure warning and intervention system, a forward collision warning system and the Safety Alert seat that buzzes the driver seat bottom as an additional form of warning.
Silverado WT
If you are purchasing the Work Truck, you’ll be happy to see that it comes with some great interior options including:
- Auxiliary output
- USB port
- Color audio, with 4.2-inch display
- Front bench seat, with a 40/20/40 split
- Floor Coverings (rubber)
- Seating (vinyl)
- Information display for drivers
- Tilting steering wheel column
- Power-locking door system
- Cruise control capabilities
- A/C
- Daytime running lights (LED)
- Headlights (Xenon)
- Steel Wheels (17-inch)
- Bed light
- Tinted Windows
Depending on your cab configurations, your standard equipment may change slightly. If you’re purchasing an extended cab model, you will also receive a folding rear bench (full width). There will be a 60/40-split folding bench for crew cabs. Both extended cab and crew cabs come with a six-speaker audio system and power windows. Regular cabs do not offer power windows or a six-speaker audio system, only manually operated windows and a four-speaker audio system. If you are hoping to have a tow hook included, your model would have to be one of the four-wheel-drive models.
Should you decide to opt-in for 7-inch touch screen, if not already included with your purchase, you will also receive several other options, such as:
- An infotainment system upgrade
- The MyLink interface offered by Chevrolet
- 4G, Lite and WiFi with your On Star
- Smartphone capabilities with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Phone connectivity and Bluetooth audio
- Six-speaker audio system (regular cabs only)
- Voice Controls
Silverado LS & Custom
With both LS and Custom models you can expect to see new wheels with stainless steel finish, chrome grille and bumpers, power windows and power and heated mirrors, tinted windows, an upgraded infotainment system, and keyless entry. The only thing that really sets these two models apart is the special 20-inch alloy wheels and exterior trim for the Custom.
Silverado LT
The Silverado LT provides drivers cloth upholstery, with lumbar support that’s adjustable for greater comfort. On top of this, the alloy wheels, door handles and mirrors (body-colored), carpeting, upgraded driver info display, built-in audio controls on the steering wheel (also wrapped in leather), satellite radio, 8-inch touch screen with high-definition radio, CD player, Apply Car Play, and adjustable tailgate, provide you with all you could ever need and want.
Silverado LTZ
Chevrolet has added the 5.3-liter V8 engine to the Silverado LTZ model. This sweet ride also offers 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim, LED headlights, foglights and taillights, front tow hooks, a remote starter, locking rear differential (heavy-duty), a trailer hitch, power folding mirrors, security system, auto-dimming driver mirror, steering wheel that is tilt-and-telescoping, power-sliding rear window (with defogger), rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, 110-volt power outlet, leather upholstery, two-way adjustable lumbar and driver seat memory settings, and heated 8-way power driver and passenger front seats.
Silverado High Country
Get the Silverado High Country and enjoy 20-inch chrome wheels, cargo box tie downs, seven-speaker audio system (Bose), ventilated front buck seats (with 4-way power lumbar), wireless phone charging, grille that’s unique, front and rear parking sensors, spray-on bedliner, a navigation system, and second-row floor mats.
Packages
The LT and LTZ (with four-wheel-drive) has an off-road suspension package, also known as a Z71. It includes hardware features that are ideal for an optimum off-road experience, such as an air cleaner (heavy-duty), underbody shields, a few unique styling tweaks (interior and exterior), special shock absorbers, hill descent control, and recovery hooks.
Some of the features offered on the upper trim levels are also offered as stand-alone options or on lower trim levels. However, some other features include various axle ratios, larger wheels, side step rails, parking sensors, navigation systems, a rear seat entertainment system with a Blu-ray DVD player, off-road tires, a power sunroof and power-adjustable pedals, LED cargo box lights, and a rear under seat storage bin.
Safety Features
The 2016 Chevy Silverado comes with standard safety features, including traction and stability control, anti-lock disc brakes, and front and rear seat side airbags, along with side curtain airbags. On Star standard is included for all models except the WT. On Star included vital safety services such as roadside assistance, automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle assistance, and remote door unlocking.
For additional safety you can purchase an Enhanced Driver Alert package that includes front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, intervention system, a review camera, a forward collision warning system, and additional warning systems such as Safety Alert. The Safety Alert system warns you by buzzing your seat. The Chevy Silverado has received a perfect 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 makes driver feel comfortable, safe and confident when driving with well-weighted steering. It’s the perfect off-road vehicle due to its outstanding composition when on the rocky trails. Not only is it comfortable and perfect for off-road driving, but it’s also extremely safe and tested to be so as well. On Star does add an additional sense of security too for those of you who would consider a lack of safety features a deal-breaker. This ride it guy’s ride, but it’s also safe for the whole family too.