Although the Silverado has been completely redesigned, what most separates it from the outgoing Silverado (Classic) is inside the cabin. The new interior offered on the top LTZ trim is similar to that currently offered on GM's full-size sport-utility vehicles such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, and offers standard luxury features like power heated front leather seats, six-disc CD/MP3-capable audio system, and heated windshield washers, while top crew cab LTZ models add rain-sensing wipers and a rear-seat audio system. LTZ models are further differentiated by a completely different instrument panel and door panels, a huge, 20.1-liter center console storage area, and upgraded five-liter glovebox. Ultrasonic rear parking assist is available.

The work truck and LT trims are equipped on more of a budget for those who plan to use their pickup for utility, with a more basic interior treatment. These trims have still been upgraded with a new double glovebox design, larger control knobs, and a lockable in-seat storage bin that's large enough for a laptop computer and has a built-in 12-volt power outlet. The LT adds most popular equipment like air conditioning, cruise control, and a CD/MP3 audio system, and an $895 1LT convenience package brings more luxury in the way of dual-zone climate control, a remote starting system, and steering-wheel audio controls.

Seating has been improved all around. A new stadium-style, folding rear seat, which is split 60/40 and has a fold-down center armrest, is standard on the crew cab and available on the extended cab. Rear legroom has been improved on extended cab models and access is now improved thanks to rear access doors that open 170 degrees.

Each trim level is available in either 2WD or an on-demand 4WD system with locking rear differential. A 195-hp, 4.3-liter V6 is standard on WT regular cab and 2WD extended cab models, while a 295-hp, 4.8-liter V8 is standard on WT 4WD extended cab, LT regular cab and extended cab models, and WT and LT crew cab models. A 315-hp, 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management, a system that automatically shuts down half of the cylinders during light-load driving, is standard on LT crew cab and all LTZ body types.

That 5.3-liter V8 is available as an option on all other models, while there's also a FlexFuel version that adds E85 compatibility. Thanks to Active Fuel Management, the 5.3-liter gasoline Silverado is rated at 16 city, 21 highway, the same as the base 4.3-liter V6 and one of the best figures in its class.

As part of the maximum trailering package, a 367-hp (and 375 lb-ft), 6.0-liter V8 is available on LT and LTZ extended and crew cab models. This engine has variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management. The package also includes a heavy-duty rear axle, locking differential, heavy-duty cooling system, and high-capacity transmission.

Each of the five suspension systems available on the Silverado are tailored for particular driving situations, and each has a completely different character. The Z83 delivers the best ride, while the Z85 upgrades for improved handling and towing capacity. The Z71 is the option for those who plan to take their Silverado off-road, and for those wanting optimized street performance there's the Z60, which includes 20-inch wheels.

Cargo bed lengths are 5'-8" for the short bed, 6'-6" for the standard bed, and 8' for the long bed, and rated payload goes up to 2,160 pounds when properly equipped.

The OnStar Generation 7 system is standard on all Silverados, including automatic crash notification and a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan.

Refinement

Interior Appointments

Fuel Economy

Tow Rating

Available Luxury Features

The Chevy Silverado has been completely redesigned for 2007, with more attention to interior appointments, luxury features, and driving refinement. More than before, it can be equipped to fit a wide range of roles, from casual hauler to weekend tow vehicle to serious work truck, because of a new packaging philosophy that allows two different interior themes.

Like its forbears, the new Silverado is available in a wide range of combinations, determined from three different cab styles, three cargo box lengths, three trim levels, five suspensions, and various V6 and V8 engines.

The new Silverado is built on a new fully boxed frame and is three inches wider at the front wheels and an inch wider at the back wheels for improved stability, while a new coil-over-shock front suspension design and new rack-and-pinion steering unit bring improvements in ride and handling. The Stabilitrak stability control system is available on the Silverado for the first time.

Warranty coverage is increased for 2007, with a new five-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty that's fully transferable and includes roadside assistance for the full period.

The former Silverado is still being sold for 2007 as the Silverado Classic, and to avoid confusion, the new trucks are being referred to by their factory designation, GMT900, by some dealerships.

To cater to the wide range of customers and uses for full-size pickups, Chevrolet is wisely offering two completely different interiors for the new Silverado, resulting in products that are both functional and as completely luxurious as the customer demands. Prices are very competitive, with extended cab models beginning at $22,705 while crew cabs start at $26,100 and the base regular cab in work truck trim starts at only $17,860.

Chevrolet claims that the Silverado is the most dependable and longest lasting pickup truck model, and points to J.D. Power's Initial Quality Survey (IQS) as evidence. For 2006, the model topped the IQS's Large Pickup category.

With the highest tow rating among light-duty pickups (up to 10,500 pounds), and class-leading V8 fuel economy of up to 21 mpg, the Silverado is very competitive among full-size pickups.