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2012 Chevrolet Silverado Philadelphia

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The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado sees only minor changes. Among them are 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 base engine is a 4.3-liter V6 (195 hp/260 lb-ft of torque) with a four-speed automatic, offered only on Regular Cabs and 2WD Extended Cab models with the standard bed. The 4.8-liter V8 (302 hp/305 lb-ft of torque) and four-speed automatic are standard on Crew Cab and 4WD Extended Cab models with the standard bed, and on many LT models.  The 5.3-liter V8 (315 hp/338 lb-ft of torque, or 326 hp/348 lb-ft of torque on E85), with active fuel management that shuts off cylinders to save fuel, and iron or aluminum block, is standard on most LTZ models and is matched with a six-speed automatic.  The top engine is a 6.2-liter V8 (403 hp/417 lb-ft of torque) available on Extended Cab and Crew Cab models; it uses the six-speed automatic.  The Hybrid, available only in the Crew Cab body style, uses a 6.0-liter V8 (332 hp/367 lb-ft of torque), battery pack, and four-speed automatic with two electric motors in it.

Driving Impressions of the '12 Silverado

Suspension choice is key to the driving characteristics of the Chevy Silverado. The basic Z83 suspension is best chosen for budget constraints (or if you plan to make modifications and throw away the stock parts). The Z85 is similar except that it uses better shock absorbers and is calibrated for how today's light-duty pickups are often used as daily transportation. The Z71 package is designed for off-highway use and makes maximum use of suspension travel to keep the wheels on the ground when on the trail or dirt roads; this off-road package frequently provides the best ride quality on anything worse than glass-smooth interstates. The Z60 street package replete with 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires is best used for the highway and smooth two-lanes but can be used on a dirt road. The NHT package is designed for maximum loads; ride compliance is good based on how much weight it can carry and tow but driving it around empty may be firmer (harsher) than you want for everyday use.

Interior Features of the '12 Silverado

The pure pickup interior is more driver and work oriented, includes two glove boxes in the dashboard, one of them just about the right size to hold a pair of work gloves and a few small items, and a 40/20/40-split front bench seat with the center section of the seat back folding down to form a wide arm rest with lots of storage capacity. This interior features large switchgear controls and interior door handles designed to be easily manipulated even while wearing bulky gloves.  The more luxury-oriented interior includes bucket seats with a permanent center console with 20 liters of storage capacity. The center stack puts ventilation and audio controls within easy site and reach of the front seat passenger. This version has a single glove box in the dash.  XM Satellite Radio with current traffic conditions and Bluetooth may be ordered, or alternately, OnStar with destination download and turn-by-turn navigation. 

Exterior Features of the '12 Silverado

The hood has a wide power dome. Bulging front fenders wrap over the front wheels and incorporate the headlights within their forward sweep. Likewise, the rear quarter panels are punctuated by large faired wheel wells.  The rear view of the truck features stacked tail lights on either side of a tall tailgate that has a sculpted center section that mimics and inverts the shape of the fender flares.  The front suspension uses coil-over shock absorbers and the rack-and-pinion steering gear is mounted to the engine crossmember to provide enhanced control and feedback. The Silverado benefits from a rear axle design featuring shock absorbers mounted outboard and more upright for better dynamic control than that of the previous-generation models.

Model Lineup

The 2011 Chevy Silverado is available in four trim levels: WT, LS, LT, and LTZ. Packages often upgrade amenities without upgrading engines or body styles.

Silverado WT is a basic work truck that comes with a driver information center, AM/FM/XM stereo, 40/20/40 split-bench, vinyl-covered front seat, dual glove boxes, two auxiliary power outlets, tire pressure monitoring system, OnStar and a four-speed automatic transmission. The LS Crew Cab offers lots more in the way of features.

Silverado LT adds a cloth-covered front seat with lockable storage under the seat, a CD player and MP3 compatibility, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature displays, chrome front bumper and 17-inch styled steel wheels, and power folding and heated exterior mirrors. LT models can be upgraded with premium cloth front bucket seats with six-way power adjustment, dual-zone automatic temperature controls, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, fog lamps, aluminum wheels, chromed bumper, and a spare tire lock.

Silverado LTZ adds heavy-duty trailering equipment, an automatic locking rear differential, body-colored bumpers, reclining and heated leather front seats with 12-way power, an in-dash six-CD changer with Bose speakers, 18-inch wheels, turn signal indicators in the exterior rearview mirrors, and heated windshield washers.

Extended Cab and Crew Cab models have back seats and windows in the side doors that power down. The Crew Cab has four front-hinged doors, much like a sport utility vehicle. The Extended Cab has rear access doors hinged at the rear that open to 170 degrees to provide full access to the rear seating area. The Regular Cab can be outfitted with a standard bed (6-foot, 6-inch) or long bed (8-foot). The Extended Cab also offers a short (5-foot, 8-inch) bed. The short bed (5-foot, 8-inch) is the only bed available on the Crew Cab.

Five suspensions are available: Z83 is the standard setup designed for a smooth ride; Z85 is a little firmer for enhanced handling and towing; Z71 is for off-road driving and includes 18-inch wheels; Z60 is for maximum street performance and includes 20-inch wheels; NHT is for maximum towing capacity (bigger rear axle with locking differential, HD cooling, and so forth) and includes high-capacity rear springs as well as all-terrain tires.

Option prices vary by trim level and body style. Among them: A power sliding sunroof, a power sliding rear window, rear-seat entertainment system, and AM/FM with navigation system. Options on lesser models include the locking differential and various levels of towing packages.

Conclusions

The Chevy Silverado offers more choices in light-duty pickup variations than any other, except perhaps GMC and the Ford F-150. It is among the smoothest riding and quietest of all full-size pickups, and can be counted on to get the job done. To learn more about the 2012 Chevrolet Silerado, click here.

Some of the information for this review was obtained through newcartestdrive.com