In 2013, Chevrolet performed a major overhaul on its bestselling model, the Silverado 1500. Just two years later they have given the pickup a makeover along with a few new technology items. We reviewed the top-of-the-line High Country Silverado last year and earlier this year we tested the Z71 1500. We spent last week driving the 2016 Silverado High Country.
The first High Country we tested, the 2014 model, had the “old” transmission in it while the last two Chevy 1500s we have received were outfitted with the new eight-speed automatic gearbox and each was mated to the beefier Ecotec3 6.2-liter V-8 engine. This configuration makes for a very powerful powertrain in the form of 420hp, 460 lb. ft. of torque (this does the real work), max payload over 2,000 lbs., and to tow up to 12,000 lbs.
The new stuff for 2016 includes an all-new front end design, power articulating side assist steps, remote locking tailgate, wireless phone charging in center console lid, Intellibeam high-beam assist, Lane Keep Assist (the truck almost steers itself between the road stripes), cargo convenience package with spray-on bedliner, and Chevrolet MyLink enhancements including Apple CarPlay now with Android Auto arriving mid-model year.
Our tester arrived with just about every option that can be had on a 2016 Silverado 1500 High Country including all of the items mentioned above. It rolled in on the 4WD chassis in Crew Cab configuration in gorgeous deep ocean blue paint with the saddle leather interior that is an obvious strike against Ford’s King Ranch and Ram’s Laramie Longhorn packages. The truck also featured factory trailer brake controller with sway control and the Duralife brake rotors.
Some of the modern amenities I have become spoiled on that this truck featured include heated steering wheel, climate control front seats, power adjust pedals, remote vehicle start and keyless entry, power sliding rear window, rear vision camera, front and rear park assist, and enhanced driver alert package with forward collision alert, safety seat alert and that active safety lane keep assist I mentioned. And I really, really dig the new power articulating side steps. Really.
Everyone always asks me which truck they should purchase, who has the best truck on the market today. The market is ever-changing and Chevrolet just altered the game again with the updates arriving on this model year. The truck that is right for you may just come down to your lifestyle combined with your dealer experience and that is what I tell everyone who asks for buying advice. Where do you live? How do you live? What the heck will you do with this truck?
This truck rides mighty fine despite its 4WD underpinnings. It offers smooth stability on any of a wide variety of road surfaces. Most won’t be putting the truck into the nasty stuff but the Chevy can take it. Inside, occupants are bathed in pickup serenity with an experience that rivals luxury SUVs.
By the numbers, this 2016 Silverado High Country Crew Cab 4WD has a starting MSRP of $52,340 and this truck arrived with a final sticker of $59,645. The bigger powertrain is rated for 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
Paying nearly sixty grand is certainly not for every truck buyer and there may be a few things on this truck that you will never, ever use. Fortunately, Chevrolet offers the Silverado 1500 in a host of configurations and trim levels for a wide range of budgets. One thing though is for sure: if you need to treat yourself to a very fancy truck that is quite capable of nearly anything you throw its way the 2016 Chevy Silverado High Country won’t disappoint.