Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid Review

With fuel prices ever soaring higher and higher there is very little on the market to help out the consumer who requires a full size pickup truck. Chevrolet has stepped up with a measured response in the 2007 Silverado 1500 Hybrid. Not what most would consider a wonderful solution considering a 10% gain in mileage is the most that can be expected from Chevy's "Mild Hybrid" but any savings at this point are probably very welcome.

If the meager savings at the pump is the bad news however, the good news would be that there was no loss of power in a vehicle whose segment in which hauling power is greatly important.

High Points

 * Unhindered engine power.
 * 10% fuel savings.
 * Portable generator with A/C outlets.
 * GM quality.

Low Points

 * Only 10% fuel savings.

Performance and Handling
No compromises were made to impliment a hybrid system into the Silverado 1500 Hybrid. For this reason customers can expect the same power and performance as any other Silverado truck on the dealer lot.

Gas Mileage
The 2007 Chevy Silverado Hybrid uses what is considered a Light Hybrid System utilizing three fuel saving methods:


 * Engine off at idle.
 * Deceleration fuel cutoff.
 * Regenerative braking.

FuelEconomy.gov lists the 2007 Silverado Hybrid 4x2 average fuel economy at 18 MPG City/ 21 MPG Hwy.

Reliability
Chevrolet is renown for its reliability throughout their vehicle segments but trucks in particular stand out for their quality and toughness.

Interior and Comforts

 * Dual zone climate control.
 * Cruise control.
 * AM/FM CD sound system.
 * Rear window defroster.
 * Remote keyless entry.
 * Power locks, windows and mirrors.
 * Cup holders.
 * Driver information center.

Exterior

 * Chrome rear step bumper.
 * Automatic headlamp control.
 * Chrome grille surround.
 * Solar-Ray deep tinted windows.
 * Dual cargo area lamps.
 * Wheel flares front and rear.

Models

 * 4x2 Extended Cab 6.5' box 143.5" WB 1LT
 * 4x2 Extended Cab 6.5' box 143.5" WB 2LT


 * 4x4 Extended Cab 6.5' box 143.5" WB 1LT
 * 4x4 Extended Cab 6.5' box 143.5" WB 2LT

Optional equipment on the Silverado Hybrid is for the most part identical to the regular Silverado’s with some minor variations. When all is said and done Chevrolet believes that consumers who are interested it the new technology would shy away if there were large sacrifices to make.

Even though fuel savings are limited Chevrolet has found another attractive feature that can be utilized from the hybrid power system. A pair of 110V outlets are available located in the rear bed sidewall and under seat which can prove very useful when power outlets are unavailable such as on a job site or a fishing trip.

Options
1LT Factory Options:


 * Upgraded audio system to CD or 6-disc CD changer.
 * Dual zone climate control.
 * OnStar or OnStar Plus Package.
 * Leather seat trim.
 * Bucket seats with a power seat adjuster.
 * Steering wheel controls.
 * XM Satellite Radio.
 * Fog Lamps.
 * Exterior power or camping style mirrors.
 * High capacity air cleaner.
 * Heavy duty locking differential.
 * Skid plates (4x4 only).
 * Trailering package.

2LT Factory Options:


 * Upgraded audio system to CD or 6-disc CD changer.
 * OnStar or OnStar Plus Package.
 * Leather seat trim.
 * XM Satellite Radio.
 * Exterior power or camping style mirrors.
 * High capacity air cleaner.
 * Heavy duty locking differential.
 * Skid plates (4x4 only).
 * Trailering package.

Main Competitors
As of yet there are no other full size trucks with hybrid systems on the market, though Toyota eager to get into the fray.