In a bid to fend off stiff competition from Ford’s aluminum-bodied F-150, Chevrolet has given its bread-and-butter Silverado 1500 truck a host of minor updates inside and out for the 2016 model year.
Outside, the 2016 Silverado stands apart from the outgoing two-year-old model thanks to a more sculpted hood, new-look headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, a new grille accented by a thin strips of chrome trim, and a redesigned front bumper that integrates a pair of vertical fog lights. Chevrolet is keeping pictures of the pickup’s rear end under wraps for the time being but we suspect the updates will include revised tail lamps and a model-specific bumper.
Similarly, interior pictures have not been published yet, but Chevrolet hints that the changes will be a lot more minor in the cockpit. Select models will ship with the latest version of Chevrolet’s touch screen-based MyLink infotainment system, which is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto. Additionally, more electronic driving aids and safety features are expected to join the list of optional equipment.
Chevrolet has not made any major modifications to the Silverado’s engines, meaning base models will continue to come with a naturally-aspirated 4.3-liter V6 that makes 285 horsepower and 305 foot-pounds of torque. The mid-grade mill is a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 ponies and 383 foot-pounds of twist, while the range-topping unit is a Corvette-derived 6.2-liter V8 that churns out 420 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque.
During the 2015 model year, the six-cylinder and the less powerful eight were bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 6.2-liter came with a fuel-saving eight-speed automatic. Chevrolet promises it has expanded the availability of the eight-speed for 2016, but more precise details have not been published yet.
The updated 2016 Chevrolet Silverado will go on sale across the nation this fall. The Silverado HDs and the GMC Sierra will also benefit from similar upgrades, but they won’t be detailed for another few weeks.
