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2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid Overview

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado enters a year witnessing a tough slog for SUV and truck sales. To its credit, the new line of Active Fuel Management-equipped V8 engines offered in the Silverado give it segment-leading fuel economy. A number of engine choices are now Flex-Fuel E85-capable for those with an ecological bent. The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is a half-ton pickup that achieves 25 percent better overall fuel economy and 40 percent better city fuel economy than a gas-powered Silverado. The Silverado Hybrid 2011 is available exclusively in the crew cab body style, and it is expected to use one-quarter less gas than a regular Silverado.

You'll Like This Pickup If...

If you need to tailor your pickup truck to your exact requirements, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado enables you to do just that with a wide variety of configurations, trim levels and bed lengths. The Silverado's V8 engine lineup offers Active Fuel Management technology, Hybrid model and Flex-Fuel E85 capability. Chevy Silverado 1500 Hybrid can reach 20 mph just on electric engine with 5,000-pound trailer.

You May Not Like This Pickup If...

2011 Silverado 1500 Hybrid available as crew cab only, and tows up to 6,100 pounds. No power outlet in cargo bed.

What's Significant about this car?

New standard features on all 1500 models include StabiliTrak stability control as well as front seat-mounted and side-curtain side-impact airbags. A 6-speed automatic transmission is available on Regular and Extended Cab models with the 5.3-liter engine. The 4.8-liter, 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines are now E85 Flex-Fuel compatible; the 4.8- and 5.3-liter engines also gain variable valve timing. The Silverado Hybrid's 6.0-liter V-8 teams with GM's Electrically Variable Transmission, which integrates two electric motors into the transmission housing.

Driving Impressions

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado offers a markedly better ride-and-handling combination than many of its rivals due to its rigid frame and advanced construction techniques. The Silverado platform includes a coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and fully-boxed frame, and the result is a comfortable and surprisingly maneuverable pickup. A lengthy test drive over rough, washboard gravel roads revealed a quiet and composed cabin. The Silverado can also be equipped with a variety of V8 engines, most with 5.3-liter displacement. Power delivery with each V8 engine is more than sufficient, and the electronically-controlled 6-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission delivers it smoothly and without hesitation.

Favorite Features

Electrically variable transmission
Seamless switching between gas and electric modes.

Big Knobs
The Silverado has knobs, switches and door handles that can be easily operated while wearing gloves.

Interior

The Silverado features two distinct interiors. The LTZ trim has a «luxury-inspired» interior, the WT and LT trim levels feature the «pure pickup» interior with double glovebox and larger controls, while the LTZ trim has a «luxury-inspired» interior. Both instrument panels are mounted low and farther forward for an increased feeling of spaciousness and visibility. The back-seat area in the Crew Cab models offers significantly improved room and comfort, and the stadium-style rear seat has a 60/40-split design and folding center armrest. A lockable storage bin is built into a big 40/20/40-split bench front seat. The bin can accommodate a laptop computer and features a 12-volt power outlet. Depending on the Silverado Hybrid's seating configuration, the crew cab can seat five or six people.

Exterior

The Silverado Hybrid 2011 looks like its gas-only sibling. The rocker panels and cab glass can be plastered with special «Hybrid» graphics. Hybrid badges on the front fenders and the tailgate are standard. Standard tonneau cover, deeper front air dam than regular Silverado, low-rolling-resistance tires.

Notable Standard Equipment

The StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on all 1500 models. Two-mode hybrid drivetrain, electrically variable transmission, low-rolling-resistance tires, 6.0-liter V-8 now compatible with E85.

Under the Hood

The RWD Silverado Hybrid can tow up to 6,100 pounds, while the 4WD model can pull 5,900 pounds. Both figures trail the maximum ratings of the regular crew cab by significant margins such as 10,000 pounds and more. The Chevy Silverado Hybrid 6.0-liter V-8 collaborates with GM's Electrically Variable Transmission, which integrates two electric motors into the transmission housing. Those motors are powered by a 300-volt hybrid battery pack under the backseat. The truck can accelerate on electric power alone with this system, like the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and other hybrids. E85 flex-fuel compatibility was introduced last year. Regenerative braking and cylinder deactivation are means of additional energy-saving.

Pricing Notes

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price starting around $38,300 for a base two-wheel drive Crew Cab. 4WD Crew Cab with all the options can run as high as $47,800. The Silverado Hybrid offers good resale value within its segment, taken in the context of the current market. It is higher than the projected residual values for the Nissan Titan and Dodge Ram, below that of the Toyota Tundra, and is on par with the Ford F-150.

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