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2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 Buyer’s Guide

Overview

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a high-functioning and capable vehicle with multiple configurations available. It makes the car range from a full-size work pickup truck to a luxury cruiser. The upper trims come with powertrain options and well-refined V8 engines. The Silverado has an amazing in-built infotainment system equipped with AppleCarPlay and Android Auto.

This versatile vehicle is considered to be a jack of all trades and is a concrete choice in comparison to its rivals like the Ford F 150 or the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. In terms of utility, the Silverado offers three different bed lengths according to the cabin style, amounting to an adequate amount of cabin storage space, cubbies, and under-seat locking storage. The front passenger seats are very spacious as well, making it a very desirable vehicle to spend a lot of time on the road with.

Another aspect that makes the Silverado so coveted is that this vehicle strikes the right balance in terms of features and pricing. It comes in WT, LS, LT, LTZ, High Country and Custom variants, with an affordable starting price as compared to its competitors. This vehicle has a 6.2-litre V-8 which provides class-leading horsepower (420) and a towing capacity of 12,500 pounds.

Overall, the Silverado has been ranked high in terms of safety features, however, safety technology is available only for the top-of-the-line trims.

In terms of engine, transmission, performance, interiors, and cargo space, the Chevy Silverado is a desirable car and provides a comfortable ride on most roads. The clever infotainment system, roomy seating, and refined engine make even the base model popular.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pricing and Trims

TrimsOriginal MSRP
WT$29,795
LS$31,895
Custom$35,695
LT$36,095
LTZ$43,795
High Country$53,495

The Chevy Silverado starting MSRP is highly affordable compared to its rivals. There are several trim levels offered: WT, LS, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country. The variety of trim levels makes it easy for a buyer to find one within their budget and requirements.

Exterior

Dimensions (Regular Cab)

Length205.5 / 5221
(6’ 6” box)
224.4 / 5701
(8’ box)
Height74 / 1879
(2WD – 6’ 6” box)
74.1 / 1883
(4WD 6’ 6” box)
73.5 / 1867
(2WD – 8’ box)
73.7 / 1874
(4WD – 8’ box)
Width80 / 2032
Wheelbase119 / 3023
(6’ 6” box)
133 / 3378 (8’ box)
Ground Clearance8.2 in

Styling

The Silverado 1500 has a single body style across the 3 different cabin variants and box configurations. It comes in Regular Cab, Double Cab and Crew Cab options with a Short Box, Long Box and Standard Box bed options.

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is roomy, efficient and performs well on highways. It’s a great vehicle for functional use and the exterior has a bold and brash look available in multiple colours.

A full-size and light-duty pickup truck, it is a great vehicle for towing and hauling requirements. The lower trims have vinyl floorings which are upgraded as you go higher. With an aluminium hood, tailgate and doors, the frame and overall body are made using high-strength steel, making the vehicle withstand rough conditions. The interior styling suits a traditional palette.

Interior

Here’s an overview of the 2018 Chevy Silverado Interior (Regular Cab).

Dimensions

Head Room42.4 / 1077
Leg Room45.3 / 1150
Front Shoulder Room66 / 1677
Hip Room60.7 / 1543

Quality, Space, and Comfort

With seating for up to 9 people, the Chevrolet Silverado is one of the roomiest full-size trucks available. The quiet and neatly trimmed cabin makes it a hit among families and individuals alike.

If you choose to sit in the first two rows or the crew cab, there is plenty of space in the Silverado. The interiors are quite attractive – be it the central touchscreen, instrument panel, or the array of stylishly made buttons and knobs which are also labelled functionally: hence, easily navigable. However, as compared to rival cars, the design is a little bit outdated and conventional.

As a very liveable full-size truck, the Silverado is a friendly companion for anyone that spends a lot of time on the road. However, if you’re using this vehicle inside the city, it may not ensure as smooth a driving experience as it tends to overlook bumps and potholes.

Cargo

Available in 3 different bed lengths, the Silverado 1500 comes with different cabin styles which are conveniently built to help one mount into the car easily. Each corner of the rear bumper has an in-built step and the tailgate can be seamlessly opened with the help of the EZ-lift and lower tailgate. An adequate amount of cabin storage, locking under-storage and cubbies.

Entertainment.

The Silverado is equipped with an easy-to-use touch-screen infotainment system. The upgraded variants of the car have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well and can be connected to your smartphone so you can easily navigate the menus to access entertainment. One does not need to take their gloves off to use the knobs and buttons on the Silverado as well, making it highly functional.

In terms of other infotainment features, the car also has a 7-speaker Bose audio system, voice-activated technology, satellite radio, HD radio, wireless phone charging, WiFi hotspot and OnStar.

Features

WT

The entry-level Silverado includes:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels (customizable to 20-inch).
  • HID headlights.
  • Vinyl upholstery.
  • Full-size spare tire.
  • 3.5-inch instrument cluster info display.
  • Rearview camera.
  • 7.0-inch touchscreen MyLink infotainment system.
  • Bluetooth, USB.
  • 6-speaker audio system.
  • Android Auto, AppleCarPlay.
  • The model can be customized to include body-coloured headlight bezels and grille surrounds, front recovery hooks, and a locking tailgate.

LT

In addition to the entry variant, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT comes with bright alloy wheels, a 4.2inch cluster info display, an 8.0-inch touchscreen (larger than the previous variant), EZ lift and lower tailgate, cloth upholstery for the interiors including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 40/20/40 split-folding bench seat.

LTZ

The LTZ Silverado variant boasts upscale trims. With bright 18-inch alloy wheels, the vehicle has complete LED headlights, as well as dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. The front seats also have a 10-way power adjustment available, and the vehicle has a remote start option with a 110V outlet. The styling is also slightly more aesthetic with chrome door handles, side mirror covers, and door and beltline mouldings.

High Country

This top-of-the-line trim of the Silverado features a luxury-oriented interior. In addition to heated steering and ventilated front seats, the vehicle also has 12-way power adjustable front seats. The wheels are 20-inch alloy and the infotainment system includes a Bose audio system, wireless charging dock and easy navigation. The interiors have a beautiful two-tone Saddle and Black finish.

Some other features that can be customized into the Silverado (LT and LTZ variants) include

  • Underbody skid plates.
  • Automatic locking differential.
  • Hill descent control.
  • Rancho monotube shocks.
  • High-capacity air cleaner.
  • Customizable gauge clusters, door plates, grille, and bumper.

What’s the best Trim Option on the 2018 Silverado1500?

In terms of popularity, the LT variant in the Silverado range is the cherry on the cake. High on both substance and style, most buyers go in for upgrades and configurations in this variant. With the LT, owners can upgrade to a voice-activated 8-inch MyLink touchscreen, 17-inch aluminium wheels, rear wheelhouse liners (crew cab & double cab models), E-Z Lift & Lower tailgate, and even luxurious power steering wrapped in comfortable leather.

When it comes to picking a variant, it becomes imperative to understand the features and the cost because upper trims are power-packed with features, but are slightly costlier. We recommend going in for the LT or the LTZ variant. The 1500 Silverado, though comes with certain upgrades, is consistent in terms of the models – each model comes with a tire pressure monitor, backup camera, and audible alert system. Both LT and LTZ variants also come with the e-Assist package.

Both trims offer excellent features at a slight price difference, and it comes down to a matter of preference and requirement. The trims are also equipped with adequate safety features and top-end technology.

If you don’t want to spend a fortune, you could consider sticking to the WT or LS trims.

Engine and performance

  • 4.3-liter V-6.
  • Power: 285 hp.
  • Torque: 305 lb-ft.
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic (8-speed automatic optional available).
  • Drivetrain: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive.

In terms of the engine and performance, the Silverado 1500 has a standard six-speed automatic transmission with a 4.3-litre V-6 which produces 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. With some models, one can opt-in for the eight-speed transmission.

The optional 8-speed has proven to be slightly sluggish in terms of acceleration, nonetheless, the 6.2-litre variant is quick to outshine a passenger sports car. The vehicle is stable, poised and reasonable with accurate steering which offers the driver a comfortable cruising experience, especially on the highway. However, the truck is a little tough to manoeuvre on bumpier roads that have choppy gravel or potholes.

Ride and handling

The Silverado feels highly appealing when it comes to handling a full-size pickup truck. While it feels big when manoeuvring or parking at a slow speed, the interior makes the overall ride very comfortable. The big Chevy can easily push large amounts of snow, drive into forested areas or offroad as compared to a smaller vehicle, and at the same time, is easy to navigate, and depends entirely on personal taste.

The independent suspension on the Silverado has a stabilizer bar diameter of 1.35 which helps strike a good balance when it comes to riding comfort and easy navigation. So if you’re looking for a comfortable and quiet ride, you can easily make this car your priority. When riding on the highway, the vehicle offers a quiet drive.

Fuel Economy

Generally, the Silverado is highly fuel-efficient, mainly depending on the configuration and trim level. The tank capacity of the car keeps it going for longer durations with an offering of about 20 mpg on the highway and about 15 mpg in the city.

Safety

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Ratings

Crash TestRating
Frontal CrashFive-Star
Side CrashFive-Star
RolloverFive-Star
Overall RatingFive-Star

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Safety Ratings

Crash TestRating
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating (Overall)Superior
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating – DriverSuperior
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating – PassengerSuperior
Side Crash Rating (Overall)Superior
Side Barrier RatingSuperior
Side Barrier Rating – DriverSuperior
Side Pole Rating Driver – Front SeatGood
Combined Side Rating – Front SeatSuperior
Rollover RatingFour out of Five

Safety Features

Standard advanced safety features:

  • Air Bag-Frontal Driver, Frontal-Passenger, Side Body-Front, Side Head-Front, Side Head Rear.
  • Brakes-ABS.
  • Daytime Running Lights.
  • Traction Control.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Available advanced safety features:

  • Back-Up Camera.
  • Stability Control with Proactive Roll.
  • Rear Vision Camera.
  • Teen Driver Mode.

Here’s how the 2021 Chevy Silverado compares to its rivals:

Vs Ford F-150?

Both the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado are full-size pickup trucks, and most people struggle to choose between the two. Both vehicles have strong and capable engines, and their fuel efficiency is remarkably similar. Additionally, both cars come in a variety of configurations to meet the needs of the buyer. Both vehicles have received updates and have delivered reliable performance, earning them both favorable market reputations. The Silverado however has a slight edge in terms of the newness of its turbocharged 4-cylinder base model and has been able to close the gap with the Ford F-150 with a slightly bolder exterior and better interior. Having said that, in terms of these vehicles, the ultimate decision comes down to preference.

Vs GMC Sierra 1500?

The GMC Sierra offers bold luxury features and is a close rival to the Silverado. Both trucks have similar dimensions, bed lengths, towing capacities, platforms, and engines. However, in terms of pricing, the Silverado is slightly more affordable than the GMC Sierra and has more traditional styling. The Silverado also offers special edition trucks with configurations like sports bars and different colours, making it a unique purchase, even when compared to the Sierra.

Conclusion Review with Pros & Cons.

Pros

  • Excellent performance.
  • Quick acceleration.
  • Quiet interiors even at highway speed.
  • A lot of comfort especially for front-seat passengers.
  • Extensive customization is possible.

Cons

  • Ride quality could be smoother.
  • Some features like 8-speed automatic exclusive to upper trims.
  • Some budget interior plastics.
  • Less agile behind the wheel than rivals.

Verdict

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado is one of the best-selling vehicles out there, simply because at the end of the day, it’s a great pickup – something the American market loves. The Silverado comes with a lot of configuration and customization possibilities, making it a sought-after vehicle across a range of extremes – whether you’re looking for a car that offers luxurious cruising or a truck that helps you get the work done. With 3 engine choices and cab layouts, just zone in on the trim requirement to get the Silverado you need.

FAQs.

Should you buy a used 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

The Silverado offers a range of possibilities – from being a pickup truck to a luxury cruiser, and all the solutions you need are available with this vehicle. If you’re looking for the right vehicle for your family, a used 2018 Chevrolet Silverado may not be the best option. Many drivers have reported some common issues across airbags, suspension, transmission etc. However, a used 2018 Chevrolet Silverado could be a good bet if you’re looking to use the vehicle as a pickup truck or for bare-bone work.  

Where Is the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Built?

The Chevy Silverado is manufactured across North America in cities like Michigan, Fort Wayne, Flint, Indiana, Ohio, Springfield, and even in Silao and Mexico.

What are the most important features of the 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500? 

TIMELESS LOOK: The Chevy Silverado boasts a bold and brash timeless exterior, while the interiors are soothing and organized in contrast to the exterior.
REAR VISION CAMERA: Standard availability across all trims with an image display of the area behind the touchscreen.
MANY TRIMS AVAILABLE: The Chevy Silverado 1500 comes with a range of trim options with the lineup ranging from work to luxury requirements. The truck trim has all the basic offerings – vinyl flooring and seating, roll-up windows, cruise control etc. The upper trims have more features like LED headlights, keyless entry, remote start, better upholstery on the interiors, power windows, and even active lane control and emergency braking to name a few.