• 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

• 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Repairs Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Scorecard

Overall:	2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 U.S. News Best Cars 8.1
Critics' Rating:	8.4
Performance:	8.1
Interior:	8.2
Safety:	8.2
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Notable for 2013

• Powertrain grade braking keeps brakes from overheating
• Heated and cooled front seats optional in LTZ

Pros & Cons

• Strong V8 engine options
• Straightforward, intuitive controls
• Comfortable ride 

• Underpowered base V6
• Aging design 

Research Other Years

• 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks 4 out of 10 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 83 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Despite an aging design, test drivers say the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 remains a strong choice among full-size pickups, with good towing and hauling capacities, powerful engine options and a comfortable interior and ride.

The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is available with four engines, ranging from a base V6 that most reviewers find mediocre, to three V8 engine options that provide different levels of pulling and hauling power and fuel economy. Most reviewers say the Silverado has a comfortable, refined ride for a pickup and a strong chassis that enables the Silverado to have one of the highest towing capacities in the class. However, they gripe that a large turning radius makes the Silverado difficult to maneuver in parking lots. With the optional 5.3-liter V8, the Silverado manages 15/21 mpg city/highway, which is fairly good for a V8 pickup. Keep in mind that the Silverado's safety scores are a bit below-average for the class.

Inside is where auto writers notice most that the Silverado has a more aged design among full-size pickup trucks. Still, reviewers say that the Silverado’s seats are comfortable, and many appreciate that the Silverado’s radio and climate systems are operated by simple knobs rather than touch-screen interfaces and infotainment systems found in newer competitors. As with most pickups, the Silverado 1500’s base trim is sparsely equipped with manual windows and mirros, air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. Upper trims are better equipped, though, with power accessories, an upgraded stereo, available satellite radio and power front seats.

• "GM's full-size pickup trucks (Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra) are aging in the face of newer trucks from Dodge and Ford. Despite this, the GM twins are still compelling because of their excellent engines, tasteful styling, and spacious interiors. Configurable in a zillion different ways, one can be made just the way you want it." -- Car and Driver
• "The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is something of an enigma. Last revised back in 2007, this Chevy goes up against recently redesigned trucks from Ford and Ram. Nevertheless, the Silverado remains fully competitive, even as it, too, is about to be redesigned." -- Edmunds
• "When it comes to full-size pickups, it's hard to find fault with what Chevrolet has done with its 2013 Silverado 1500." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "A lengthy list of available features, including 4WD that can be used on dry pavement, makes Silverado a Recommended choice for anyone shopping large pickups." -- Consumer Guide (2012)

Other Trucks to Consider

The Ram 1500 is a reviewer favorite in the class, thanks to its high-quality, upscale interior and comfortable ride. The Ram’s rear suspension is built differently than that of the Silverado or other full-size pickup trucks, and reviewers say the unique setup gives the Ram 1500 a more compliant, forgiving ride over rough roads than other trucks have. Like the Silverado, the Ram can be configured with multiple engines, bed lengths and cab styles that seat from three to six people. Its towing and hauling capacities are similar to that of the Silverado 1500.

The Ford F-150 is another reviewer favorite for its solidly-built interior and innovative cargo and business solutions. Ford’s Work Solutions computer system is helpful to those who use their trucks for business, as it allows for tracking of tools, other vehicles in the fleet and can print invoices. The F-150 also has a range of available body and engine configurations, as well as an off-road model, called the SVT Raptor.

Compare the Silverado, 1500 and F-150 »

Details: 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes in five trim levels, ranging from the bare-bones Work Truck to the fully loaded LTZ. An Extra Fuel Economy (XFE) model ekes out a bit better highway fuel economy, and there is also a hybrid model, which is reviewed separately. The Silverado is available with a three-seat regular cab or six-seat extended and crew cab variants. There are three available bed lengths and four engine options: a V6 and three optional V8s. For 2013, the Silverado 1500 only receives minor updates and was last fully redesigned in 2007, so this review uses research from 2007 to 2013. A fully-redesigned Silverado 1500 is expected for the 2014 model year.

See the full 2013 Chevrolet Silverado specs »