All-New 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is Just Plain Good

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Images courtesy Chevrolet

Images courtesy Chevrolet

‘New from hood to hitch.’ What a way to begin a marketing campaign but that is how Chevrolet leads in for the 2014 Silverado 1500 pickup, a truck they claim to be stronger, smarter and more capable than any before it thanks to new engines, new styling, new interiors and revised steering, suspension and brakes.

These 55 words pretty much sum up all one needs to know about the 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 pickup, but what fun would it be if I did not wane on for another 600 or so words going into a bit more detail on all that is new from hood to hitch?

From a design standpoint the new truck is very similar to the outgoing models in that styling is not taking a “shock and awe” approach so that current customers will recognize Chevy DNA in the new trucks. From there, things only get better…much better.

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The test unit that arrived in my driveway was a 2014 Silverado Z71 4WD LTZ Crew Cab edition in blazing victory red paint. Appropriate name perhaps as designers and engineers have truly outdone themselves on this truck.

Settling oneself inside the 2014 truck offers an entirely new Silverado experience. The new interior materials and design is masterfully better over the previous generation, which itself was leaps and bounds better than the one before it. The dash is clean, linear, modern and features large buttons underneath the center display that are easy to decipher and easy to operate even if one were wearing work gloves.

Seating is spacious, supportive and comfortable with more rear legroom than in any previous Silverado. Crew models are the first launched by Chevrolet with Regular and new Double Cab models following soon. The new Double Cab replaces Extended Cab configurations and moves the rear door hinge from the rear to the front for true four-door operation and easier access.

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Chevrolet has made the new cab stronger and quieter as well thanks to extended use of high-strength steels, hydraulic body mounts on Double and Crew cabs and great attention to eliminating noise, vibration and harshness. One trip down the road and occupants quickly appreciate these enhancements.

The 2014 Silverado is the first rollout of a trio of all-new EcoTec3 engines in the form of a 285hp 4.3-liter V-6, 355hp 5.3-liter V-8 and later this year a new 6.2-liter V-8. All three engines feature direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation under lighter load conditions) and continuously variable valve timing. These technologies combine to bring enhanced fuel economy and improved power in the new engines, something Chevy has been in dire need of to remain competitive.

All three engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions and our test model outfitted with the 5.3L engine in 4×4 running gear is rated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

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The 2014 Silverado features revised front and rear suspension systems and wider wheels to provide a more comfortable ride and improved handling while new electric power steering reduces fuel consumption cuts road surface harshness thanks to the mechanical disassociation involved. Also new for 2014 is four wheel disc brakes with Duralife rotors that not only improve brake feel but potentially double the life of brake rotors on the Silverado.

The new truck is available with Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning with Active Safety Seat and Front and Rear Park Assist and all Silverados will include Stabilitrak with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist.

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Chevrolet Silverado will eventually be offered in seven trim levels to include two work truck models as well as new range-topping High Country premium model. Crew Cab models will offer a longer 6’6” cargo box in addition the the 5’8” box and rear bumpers feature the new CornerStep step insert, a feature carried over from Avalanche models.

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For model year 2014, Silverado base pricing has been carried over ($32,710 for the Crew Cab models currently available). Our Z71 4×4 LTZ tester arrived with a final sticker of just under 50 grand thanks to a host of add-ons including Driver Alert package (optional driver safety technologies), LTZ Plus package (power adjustable pedals, heated steering wheel and Bose premium audio system), Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with 8-inch monitor and navigation, heated and cooled front seating with leather and more.

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The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is certainly new (and improved) from hood to hitch and to put it simply is just plain good.

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About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.

1 Comment on "All-New 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is Just Plain Good"

  1. sounded like a paid ad! The new styling (I didn’t know until taking some hard looks) doesn’t drive me to explore more of the all-new model.

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