Although the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado looks a bit outdated compared to its rivals, it entirely holds its ground against the competition. The V8s available for the Silverado offer impressive fuel consumption rates with active fuel management technology.
Key Points
- The only V6 offered for the 2013 Silverado 1500 Work Truck model outputs just 195 horsepower, which is a lot lower than its competition.
- The Xtra Fuel Economy (XFE) model offers a potent V8 while being on par with the V6 engine in fuel efficiency.
- The 2013 Silverado 1500 Hybrid features a Vortec 6.0L V8 SFI Hybrid engine that can tow 6,100 pounds thanks to its 367 lb.-ft. of torque.
- The Vortec 6.2L V8 available for higher trims of the 2013 Silverado 1500 is the most potent engine among other options with 403 horsepower.
With Underwhelming Performance and Average Efficiency, the 2013 Silverado 1500’s Base V6 is Inferior to Top Rivals Entry-level Offerings
Chevrolet offers the base model Vortec 4.3L V6 (internally named LU3) engine only for the 2013 Silverado 1500’s Work Truck trim. The LU3 engine is dated and falls short of its competitors in providing a significant amount of power.
With 195 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the V6-equipped 2013 Silverado is not a truck you’d want to use for heavy-duty work frequently. The compression ratio for the V6 sits at 9.2:1. A four-speed automatic transmission system transfers the V6’s power to the wheels, which might not be the best option out there if you intend to go off-road frequently. The V6 offers 5,400 lbs. of towing capacity.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2WD V6 variant puts out 17 mpg combined (15 city/ 20 highway), whereas the 4WD model rates at 16 mpg combined (14/18).
In comparison, the 3.6L V6 mounted in the 2013 Ram 1500 produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, features an eight-speed automatic, and puts out 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway), making it a far better V6-equipped truck than the 2013 Silverado 1500.
2013 Silverado 1500’s Flex-fuel V8 Engines Provide much Better Performance and Efficiency, Offering up to 403 hp with the 6.2L
The V8 engines restore the Silverado’s reputation as one of the most potent trucks in the U.S. Besides offering impressive performances, the three V8 engines for the 2013 Silverado feature active fuel management technology, variable valve timing, and the freedom to switch from regular gasoline to E85 ethanol.
Available for the Work Truck, LS, and LT trims, the Vortec 4.8L V8 engine outputs 302 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque and can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly configured.
Similar to the V6, only a four-speed automatic is available for the 4.8L V8 engine. When paired with this V8, a 2WD-configured Silverado puts out 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway), while the 4WD model does a mile less per gallon (13/18).
The Vortec 5.3L V8 offers the best of both worlds in the 2013 Silverado Xtra Fuel Economy and LTZ trims. It produces 315 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque while featuring an EPA-estimated fuel consumption rate of 15 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. With a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs.
Of course, a bigger, more potent V8 is also available. The Vortec 6.2L V8 available for the LT and LTZ trims boasts 403 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. of torque. Although it produces about a hundred units of horsepower and torque more than the 4.8L V8 engine, its maximum towing capacity is moderately higher than the 5.3L at 10,700 pounds.
The 6.2L V8 puts out 14 mpg combined (12 city/18 highway) with the 4WD configuration in terms of fuel economy.
The 2013 Silverado 1500 Hybrid’s Two-mode System Make it a Great Grocery-getter, while Still Being a Capable Hauler
All 2013 Silverado 1500 Hybrid trims come with a Vortec 6.0L V8 with 332 horsepower and 367 lb.-ft. of torque, plus two 60-kilowatt electric motors for an added 12 hp. All this allows the Silverado Hybrid to tow a modest 6,100 lbs. As you might expect, fuel economy is where the Hybrid shines the most, putting up an impressive 20 mpg around town and 23 at highway speeds. The unique two-mode hybrid system allows the pickup to be driven at low speeds using just electricity, and when you need some extra oomph, like when passing or towing a trailer, the engine kicks in.
For the Best Experience, Pick a 2013 Silverado with a V8 Engine Under the Hood
If you’re in the market for a V6 truck, there are better options than the 2013 Silverado to consider. Not only because the engine is not competent enough, but also because other trucks offer much more inviting interiors, even for their base trims.
For most, the 5.3L V8 is the winner, offering the best combination of power and efficiency. However, if you do end up with a model housing the smaller 4.8L, know it’s a solid workhorse with capable specs. For a bit more horsepower, a slightly higher max tow, and some extra rumble from the exhaust, the 6.2L makes for an enjoyable experience, with or without a trailer attached.
Photos: Chevrolet
