2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid
Based on analysis of 16 Silverado-1500-Hybrid reviews and test drives.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid ranks 3 out of 8 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 16 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2010 Silverado 1500 Hybrid is not only good for the environment, but also extremely practical -- and capable enough for most truck buyers. Unless gas prices spike, however, it may take buyers a while to recoup the extra cash they'll lay out for the hybrid over the gas-only Silverado.
The green movement may have finally made it to the greenest place of all -- the great outdoors where enthusiasts hunt, fish, boat, and hit off-road trails. With the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, people who need a truck for their work or outdoor activities finally have a hybrid option. While the fuel economy isn't going to set Al Gore's heart aflutter, the Silverado Hybrid and its corporate cousin, the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid, is the most fuel-efficient truck you can buy and the most capable hybrid to boot. As Motor Trend says, "Despite the eco-friendly gasoline-electric drivetrain and miserly (for a truck, at least) fuel economy that goes with it, this is a legitimate full-size pickup."
The Silverado Hybrid has similar capabilities to the conventional Silverado. Though it tows and hauls less, it has a 40 percent increase in city fuel economy, and achieves gas mileage similar to a midsize sedan's. At the same time, it has a comfortable and roomy cabin and a useful cargo bed. While it may not be able to out-tow or haul a gas-only truck, its capabilities are certainly in line with what most buyers need.
Reviewers are impressed with the Silverado Hybrid's high-tech powertain and fuel economy. However, with a price tag that starts well above a gas-only Silverado (despite a $2,200 hybrid tax credit), some reviewers say that while the Silverado hybrid is neat, it doesn't make much sense for buyers who don't do a lot of stop-and-go driving or who need stronger towing capabilities. What's more, several point out that unless gas prices increase substantially, Silverado Hybrid drivers will be hard-pressed to recoup the Silverado Hybrid's price premium.
The Silverado Hybrid is available in two trims: the work truck-oriented HY1 and more luxurious HY2. Unlike most other trucks, it is only available in one configuration: a four-door crew cab with a six-foot short bed. A 6.0-liter V8 is standard. The Silverado Hybrid was introduced in 2009. For 2010, it gains flex fuel capabilities.
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- "Want a guilt-free rig that can handle all but the heaviest-duty jobs? This is the truck for you." -- Consumer Guide
- "Neither Honda nor Toyota has a full-size pickup capable of performing a good day's work and matching the Silverado Hybrid's 20-21 combined mpg. . . . the Volkswagen New Beetle and the Scion tC - two subcompacts that cringe at the prospect of towing anything - score 20 mpg, the same as a four-wheel-drive Silverado Hybrid, in EPA city mileage tests." -- Automobile Magazine
- The "Chevrolet Silverado hybrid cuts a new trail for pickups. It's the real deal, man about town, call us producing, planet cooling, pickup truck. . . . Save the Earth? Yeah, that's just the way I roll; now let's go shoot something." -- Detroit News
+"If you have serious work to do and want to burn less fuel doing it, this is your truck. While Ford and Dodge full-sizers are new and improved for 2010 Chevy's recently redesigned Silverado remains fully competitive, is the only hybrid and by far the most fuel efficient on the road." -- Kelley Blue Book
Silverado-1500-Hybrid Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)
Reviews of the Chevy Silverado 1500 Hybrid's performance are generally good, with most reviewers impressed with the truck's technical sophistication. Automobile Magazine says "GM's two-mode hybrid system could be the most complex powertrain ever produced," because it combines a powerful V8 with a versatile transmission and smart electric motors. Read More
Silverado-1500-Hybrid Exterior - NA
In terms of looks, there aren't many differences between the gas-only Silverado and the gas/electric Silverado Hybrid. Conventional or hybrid, reviewers say the Silverado is an attractive truck. Read More
Silverado-1500-Hybrid Interior - 7.6 (Good)
With a basic work interior or one with upscale finishes and accessories, reviewers are generally pleased with the Silverado Hybrid's interior. In fact, a few reviewers muse that the interior may be too similar to the regular Silverado's. The Detroit News says, "Really, I wanted more inside the cabin to remind me I was in a hybrid -- other than the extremely quiet ride. But I certainly don't need it and taking what you need is often better than what you want." Read More
Silverado-1500-Hybrid Safety - NA
The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado hybrid has very good crash test scores. Read More
Silverado-1500-Hybrid Reliability - NA
The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is backed by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The electric components of the hybrid drive, like the batteries, motors and computer, are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. Read More