Most of the time, when automakers churn out a mid-cycle refresh for a vehicle, it’s something subtle. The design may be tweaked slightly, and a few additional features may round out the entire blend of refreshing. While the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado is a loose interpretation of what we’ve defined here, there’s been a lot of effort given to make this feel more like an all-new truck, rather than a refresh.
That’s immediately apparent when staring straight into the 2016 Silverado 1500’s new front fascia. Chevrolet was keen to give us a walk around of the truck’s styling, speaking about how much care went into redesigning a truck for some of Chevrolet’s most loyal customers.
And, according to Chevrolet, customers said chrome was no longer very important to them, something also evident from the Deep Ocean Blue Silverado we tested, complete with the Z71 package. Frankly, it’s a good look for the truck. Minimal chrome keeps the eye moving through the entire front end, leading into a thin-chrome stripping above the new signature LED lighting. But, should chrome still be your thing, Chevrolet will happily point you towards the High Country variant, which amps up the flashiness.
In the rear, a new taillight design keeps things fresh, yet familiar, tying in well with the extensive redesign of the front fascia. Anyone we spoke with seemed to be in agreement: the design is a winner.
Our 2016 Silverado was equipped with the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8, which has now been paired with the 8L90 eight-speed automatic, one of the largest additions to this refreshed Silverado.
First, the bad. The eight-speed isn’t standard across the entire lineup. Those looking for the extra cogs will have to step into the LTZ, Z71 or High Country trims. Also bad is the transmission’s low-speed confusion, quickly swapping cogs in a clunky fury around town occasionally.
Now, the good. We were able to muster 21.2 mpg from the 2016 Silverado with the eight-speed auto. That’s up four mpg from the current combined ratings for the truck. Although, our route did involve a bit more highway driving than in town cruising. Interestingly, Chevrolet said it does not plan on the EPA ratings to change much with the addition of the transmission. Rather, customers will notice the change in real world miles per gallon.
Also good is the overall performance of the gearbox. The gears are flipped through quickly and efficiently, and the transmission is always ready to drop a gear when the accelerator is buried. This was especially true when passing slow-moving traffic on the highway.
Among other notable features was Apple CarPlay, which worked seamlessly. There was also wireless phone charging. And, on high trim levels, the running boards may now rotate to the rear to allow easier access to the bed of the truck.
Chevrolet says the 2016 refresh of the truck was always a planned process, but admits its competition has aggressively entered new territory, meaning the design and engineering team listened carefully to Silverado customers to interpret what would make this current-generation Silverado a continued success.
And, as we approach the 100th anniversary of the Chevrolet pickup in 2018, the bowtie brand should have no problem selling its storied work horse. Only this time, it’s a little more efficient, and a lot more stylish.
Comments
Do we have to pay extra to get a more pictures that weren’t taken in shadows? lol
I think this updated style may look very good in a sport truck or SS trim, If Chevy decides to do it…
LOL Chevy use SS on a truck. unfortunately those days are long over.
It would be pretty sweet if they made some sort of sport package. They already sell the truck with a 420hp 6.2l, why not sell a sport / ss variant?
While a higher output version with different gear ratio axle and sport suspension would be nice to see I would be happy to see just a special trimmed midnight edition with a more aggressive exhaust, different tires, stitching in the seat,and maybe performance shocks. That would be cheap and easy for gm.
Even if its not a high volume seller performance models gets people attention and gets them looking at the vehicle and might settle for a lesser model. Catering to different groups of people helps the brands reputation. With what GM has they could certainly offer some more variants without breaking the bank. How about a off road package that more then shocks and all terrain tires? Make it sit 2″ or so higher and with a bit bigger tire. Lots of people love how the ford and ram sit higher. While its easy to level a truck most people just wanna buy the truck they way they want, not risk voiding warranty by lift kits.
Drop an LS7 in it and make a real SS
Maybe it will grow on me, but I don’t like it. Especially compared to the outgoing model.
I totally agree…I am curious who, and what demographic was solicited for the opinions, that led to the LTZ looking more like, the WT?? I can only hope, that a different Team, was on the freshening of The Professional Grade GMC. I was just Pre-Approved by our local Credit Union yesterday, to purchase a new GM Pickup…I will be up late this evening, searching out what’s left, in fully loaded 6.2 litre GMC and Chevy Pickups.
What rear end did you have and what can you say about throttle input and acceleration compared to the 5.3 6 speed?
I just went from an eco boost to an ltz 8 speed and I am extremely happy with the power, and mpg’$!
The 8 speed and 5.3 were made for each other! It works perfect in tight uphill city situations. The 3.42 and 8 speeds are great combo and I am truly impressed. I registered 25/26 mpg on 12 miles of back roads with 3 stop signs that I actually stopped at. The eco boost couldn’t do better than 16 on the same route.
I will also say that the 5.3 and 8 speed are strong enough for the 2500hd finally. I have a v10 Ford plow truck and this is very similar in power because of how the gearing pushes the truck. The transmission can feel slightly clunky but it is nothing to scare you away from a purchase. Ford’s 6 speed behind the twin turbo was far more confused in certain situations. I’m a Ford guy but this truck has changed my honest opinion on what is a good drive train.
Nice but should have put the 8 speed in all models including the V 6. Still a lot of unknown info such as rear HVAC vents., acceleration and load capacity. Need a more informed test results.
V6 probably won’t get the 8l90, since this is a high capacity transmission that’s very very similar to the one found in the 650hp corvette z06. Perhaps when they do the v6 it will get the 8l45.
Other people who have driven them have said the rear HVAC is the same as it is now, under the seat only.
Yeah whatever, i don’t see much – if any – of an objective improvement. Even the much lauded 8 speed is turning out to be just another sales gimmick (the multi-speed trans fad has long since been proven unnecessary – especially on large engines).
I actually like these and the 2015 trucks. But frankly it’s more of a “grow on you” type of unoffensive, pleasantness. Definitely not a style, or trend setter in anyway. Maybe the next gen trucks will be better.
Upgraded infotainment hardware as well as carplay and android auto, wireless charging and new front ends. Add 8 speed availability with the 5.3 in higher end trims. This is a nice year over upgrade by anyone’s (who is realistic) standards. On the styling front, I’m not wild about the Silverado too… But They did an awesome job on the Sierra.
Gm should have went with this grill when they first redesigned the silverado a couple of years ago.
I would love to see the classic embossed “CHEVROLET” on the lift gate again. Am I alone?
The “RAM” doesn’t work, it would be a good option to mock the failed branding
Less chrome, the better the result.
I think a Small Duramax diesel; the 2.8L if it is adequate, should be available on the 1500 to compete with the Ram Ecodiesel and Ecoboost 2.7 but without the massive surcharge.. I assume the 5.3 with the 8speed and the correct axle ratio will compete well enough without the risk tho
2.8L from the colorado I dont think will be impressive. If they can produce the 4.5l that was once planned, pass emissions, make the numbers they once planned (i think same as first 6.6l duramax 300hp/520ft/lbs or close) and get 4-5 mpg better then current 6.6l It would be a huge hit.
How about a ZQ8 with a 6-speed manual regular cab short box 2wd?
I like it! Great looking! And finally has the 8-speed available for the 5.3L. I too wish it was available across the board. And what’s with the transmission’s low speed shifting? Hopefully the 8-speed gets further development and refinement going forward….Any word on when the Ford/GM developed 9/10-speed transmissions will hit the market?
I still prefer the quad headlight, but those with chrome grills don’t look bad. But people need to call on GM, to prove the 1/2 tons aluminum front suspensions strength and durability. Ford, Toyota and Nissan all use a proven steel front suspension. Ram uses aluminum control arms on their 1/2 tons as well, but with a different design of course. GM’s long aluminum control arms, with no center brace need a good published youtube test, like the one Ford did for their F-150 suspension. Ram should publish a test as well.
Nice changes. I like this one.
I am so tired of the plastic chrome mini Kenworth look.
For the record, I do not think trucks should look like 58 Buicks…I am in the process of buying a new GM Pickup, within the next 10 days, and have walked away from Chevy’s High Country, due to the over done Interior, and yes, the lack of a chrome bumper. I also have dropped the GMC Denali from my list, because the Grille has become So Large in Appearance, with so much Chrome, it takes away from what the Denali originally represented…The old saying, ‘Everything in Moderation’…One last comment please, how about offering more Interior color options, in the LTZ and SLT models?? Example…an SLT Crew Cab in Deep Grey metallic, or Diamond White with a Red Leather interior??
I have a 15 crew cab Z71 AND A 15 Cadillac SRX , both black and all the factory chrome possible , no aftermarket additions . I have owned many new GM vehicles in my lifetime . GM’s survey did not include me . I have always thought chrome made a cars looks . Looking at the pictures …. I am not impressed with the 16
They still make high chrome packages, but the important thing is they make ones with a little chrome and ones with little to no chrome. Options are good. This one happens to have very little chrome but I assure you, you can get a 2016 with tons of chrome.
2016 takes away the bold chrome grill that looks diesel tough. This 2016 looks like a customized 2000-2006 Silverado
U have hit the nail on the head! Take those damn computers away from those snot nose babies and learn to design something that doesn’t copy everyone else or your own 2000-2006 truck! Ford comes out with a 10 spd and Ram already had 8 spd. Now for all u ford haters guess what GM is tooling up to make trucks in future!! Oh ya not high strength steel but aluminum!!! Never an innovator always a follower!
Don’t buy a Silverado without Googling “Silverado Vibration”. GM purchased back my 2015 because of vibration issues. I had to drive 6 2016s to find one without a vibration. By the time I hit 40 miles, I had the same exact vibration. There are far too many forums with people desperate for help and GM isn’t able to fix these trucks. According to people that have reached out to me via forums, it also applies to Tahoes and Suburbans, as well as the GMC and Cadillac equivalents.
It is a Shame do not incluye 8 speed transmission in al v8/5.4 motors i bought in México de imported double cab expecting the 8 speed transmission And in the manual says 8 speed but in USA Chevrolet web page And calling to get information with serial number sutil is the old 6 speed so ver y bad manegement of product information And brand vanguardist quality not comparable with gas eficciency. Whereis left your ecological suport
I have the new 2016 Chevy in a 1500 High Country 6.2L, 8sp Very nice truck! But what is weird, it does not have a rear sway bar!? Nor do they have that option available to buy and add.
After poor handling, nose diving and rolling in the turns I bought a rear sway bar, heavier front bar and Bilstein shock for like what came on my old Denali.
I will repost once completed.
Do not make the one issue I have stated in deterring you from buying this vehicle! It is very nice!
My last truck was a 2007 GMC Sierra Denali with 200,000 miles on it which to the last day I drove it I stated was the best vehicle I have ever owned!
Actually, I still own it detailing it and selling on Ebay soon
Nice looking machine. Drove a ‘05 Dakota since it was new. Couldn’t wait to trade it away.
Being a mid-size thought the Colorado would be a good replacement. Upon driving the Colorado it seemed like a good fit but a little snug. After a few more test drives I began to feel too closed in. I don’t know why but my eye began to wander and I decided to drive the Silverado. Much bigger but I grew into it. I was convinced it was the one and when I found the right deal I drove away. As it happened, I drove off in the ‘17 LT with a few bells and whistles. And I love it.