2014 Chevrolet Silverado: A Question of Perception

When Chevrolet unveiled its mid-size pick-up a couple of weeks before the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, most of the people present at this event saw it as but a slight makeover of the model that had been on the market for several years. And since the three engines offered had the same capacity at the ones they were replacing, it was very easy to think that the changes were minor. Naturally, most of the questions asked had to do with the similarity of the old and new versions. Chevrolet’s brass promised that once we drove it, we’d see that this pickup was brand new.

So, I eagerly headed to San Antonio, Texas to finally be able to drive the 2014 Silverado. I was going to see for myself what this pickup that looked so much like its predecessor was all about.

• Also: GM unveils its 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra
• Also: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado: All-New For 2013

One question, Mister Peters…

After the customary product presentations, I hurriedly made my way toward Tom Peters, the person responsible for the exterior design. My first order of business was to ask him why the new version looked so much like the old. Smirking, he led me to a section of the parking lot where the two Silverados were parked side by side. Mischievously, he answered my question with a question: “So, the two versions are identical?” I must admit that I looked a little foolish because once these versions were compared directly, their many differences become obvious.

The new generation is equipped with a much more imposing grille that puts greater emphasis on the division between the top and bottom elements. Moreover, the headlights are completely different. The raised wheel wells are a lot more prominent than before, while the vehicle is a tad wider to give it a more solid base on the road. The tail end includes a bumper equipped on each of its ends with a hole used as a running board. As for the tailgate, it’s equipped with a torsion bar that makes it very easy to open and close. As for the aluminum hood, it’s surprisingly light.

Gone is the extended cab, replaced by the double cab. Of course, the regular single cab will also be sold as will the crew cab, a must for this category.

Although the exterior doesn’t seem to have changed much to the naked eye, once you take a seat in the cab, you’ll immediately see that the dashboard, one of the main weaknesses of the previous version, has undergone a complete metamorphosis. It now has better quality materials, certain versions feature a dashboard covered with smooth materials and stitching and the central screen is the focal point. This large screen displays all of the MyLink system’s pictograms that help easily manage the pickup’s primary settings as well as the audio and navigation systems. What’s more, a row of controls located below this console simplifies the task and helps control various functions with one finger. The gauges are large and easy to consult. On the upper part of the pod, there’s the battery gauge, thermometer, fuel gauge and oil pressure indicator.

The front seats are comfortable, although a little more lateral support would have been nice. On some versions the console also serves as an armrest and partially transforms into a seatback to accommodate a third person in the middle. The crew and double cab versions have a folding rear bench to increase the interior loading capacity. The final point about the passenger compartment is that the quality of the materials and finish is very good.

Identical engine capacities, except...

There are three engines in the catalogue: a 4.3-litre V6, a 5.3-litre V8 and a 6.2-litre V8. True, the engine capacities are identical to those of the previous generation, but they are new engines and all are equipped with an engine bloc and cylinder heads made of aluminum. Furthermore, they benefit from direct injection that increases power and reduces fuel consumption. They are also equipped with a cylinder deactivation system that helps them switch to V4 mode when the engine isn’t overtaxed. It produces 285 horsepower (90 hp more than before) and 305 lbs-ft of torque. As for the exceptional 5.3-litre V8, it now features 355 horsepower (and increase of 28 hp) and 385 lbs-ft of torque. At present, the power and torque of the 6.2-litre has not yet been announced, since this engine will only be unveiled in a few months time. In terms of towing capacity, the V6 has a 6,400-pound maximum (2,903 kg), while the V8 tops out at 10,200 pounds (4,626 kg). All engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Of course, all-wheel drive is available and is accompanied by a special suspension in order to optimize off-road handling. The 4X4 versions are also equipped with Hill Descent Control.

It still uses a ladder frame chassis made using closed, partially hydroformed side rails. The engineers spent a great deal of time perfecting the aerodynamics, specifically the flow of air beneath the vehicle.

Silence and comfort

In recent years, the competition managed to develop and produce pickups with a noticeably quiet ride and comfortable suspension. The Silverado now compares favorably and even surpasses the competition in some ways. The soundproofing of the cabin excellent and the suspension is much less likely to kick on rough roads. In addition, we have nothing negative to say about the power steering. Sure, the V6 is powerful, but it has to rev higher to deliver the goods. In some circumstances, many will consider this characteristic a shortcoming. As for the 5.3-litre V8, its performance is better than before while the fuel consumption, according to GM, is 13.0 L/100 km in town and 8.7 litres on the highway. In fact, the two units we test drove felt more like big cars than they did pickups. And towing neither slowed us down nor affected handling, both for the V6 and V8 versions.

Finally, the honchos in marketing added an even more luxurious version to the line-up: the High Country. The hierarchy of Silverados is now as follows: LT, LTZ and High Country, all of which are able to be fitted with the Z71 configuration that equips the all-wheel drive versions.