The Silverado, and its twin the GMC Sierra, has been a good choice for years, and the redesigned 2014 model is an even better performer. With its overhaul, this new model has landed some solid punches in the ongoing pickup wars. Handling is more carlike than in most others. The cabin is as quiet as a luxury car's. An assist system makes the tailgate easy to lift and prevents it from dropping open, easing cargo-handling duties. And at 16 mpg overall with a 5.3-liter V8, our four-wheel-drive Crew Cab model got impressive fuel economy.
In addition, a relatively low ride height eases access, the dashboard controls are simple to use, and the Silverado provides impressive towing and payload capacities.
You can choose from three all-new engines, each mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. We opted for the popular 355-hp, 5.3-liter V8. The 285-hp, 4.3-liter V6 gets the job done, but towing and payload capacities are lower. If you want more oomph, go for the 6.2-liter V8 with a hearty 420 horsepower. New for 2016 is an eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be hooked up to either V8.
Our 5.3-liter V8 delivers ample power, but it lacks the thrust of the 5.7-liter V8s in the Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra. The transmission upshifts smoothly and quickly, but it's reluctant to downshift, making the truck feel underpowered. Neither is the Silverado's ride or seat comfort top-drawer. A final reservation is braking performance, where stopping distances on wet pavement are longer than they should be.
Overall, for day-to-day driving we feel the Ram 1500 is a more comfortable place to spend your time. But it can't quite match the Silverado's workhorse credentials.