A truck is a great vehicle for a range of different drivers. It can provide you with a means of hauling large items, getting work done and can even be used as a daily driver. The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado is a perfect example of this easy blend.
When considering a vehicle for purchase, specs are an important part of the process. We have compiled some of the most notable about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado that we think you need to know.
Notable specs:
- Decent gas mileage for a full-size truck, 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway
- Three different engine types to choose from
- Superior suspension and transmission for a smooth ride
Where Did the Silverado Come From?
The Silverado started its modest journey as a trim level package for the C/K work trucks that were sold by Chevrolet in the early 1970s. This truck was never meant to be a model and a family of vehicles all on its own.
That being said, its popularity and the need for Chevy to come out with a truck to replace the C/K work trucks lead to the creation of the Silverado line.
Silverado has been in production since 1975 and has only grown in popularity. With each new model year, the truck gets an exterior facelift and some great new interior updates to help bring it into the current times. The Silverado is a great truck all around and may be just what you have been looking for.
Unparalleled Power
The 2018 Silverado comes with three different engine options. The first is the 4.3L V6 VVT DI with active fuel management. This engine gets 285 horsepower and 305 pounds per foot of torque. This is a great engine if you want power but you do not want something that is going to use up a ton of gas or simply be too big for the job.
The next engine option for this model year was the 5.3L V-8 VVT DI with active fuel management. This engine gets 355 horsepower and 383 pounds per foot torque. It is perfect for those that want a bit more power or that are expecting more from their trucks.
The last engine that was offered for this model year was the 6.2L V-8 VVT DI with active fuel management. This engine gets 420 horsepower and 460 pounds per foot torque. This is perfect for those that are hauling very heavy loads or that want even more from their vehicle.
Now all three engines have active fuel management, what does that mean? This is a technology that was created by Chevrolet to help make sure your truck is not burning more fuel than it needs to. Many drivers are deterred from choosing a truck simply because it does not get as good of gas mileage as smaller options.
This technology makes it possible for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado to get 18 miles per gallon city and 24 miles per gallon highway for the 4.3L engine. 16 miles per gallon city and 23 miles per gallon highway for the 5.3L engine and 15 miles per gallon city and 21 miles per gallon highway for the 6.2L engine.
Safety and Handling
The Silverado has always been a safe truck and has always been considered one of the top trucks in its class. The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado has a 4-star safety rating and does offer some great safety features to make sure both driver and passengers are safe during their travels.
The Silverado comes standard with multiple airbags, impact warning systems and more to help make sure you are ready for whatever the road sends your way.
The transmission in the 2018 Silverado is either a 6-speed automatic, available for the 4.3L and the 5.3L engine or an 8-speed automatic transmission for the 5.3L and the 6.2L engines. Suspension is superior to help make sure that the road, even when bumpy, is not going to negatively affect your ride.
The suspension is independent from the coil-over shock suspension and the rear is two-stage multileaf suspension. Both are designed to minimize road shaking and vibration so that even if you are off-road or even if you are on a bumpy stretch of road, your ride is not going to be compromised.
It comes with an automatic braking system to help make sure you are safe in the event of a crash and also comes with a roomy interior to help make your trip even more comfortable.
Hauling Capacity
Silverado has always been known for superior hauling capacity, and the 2018 model is no exception. The regular cab is capable of holding a 1980 payload in the bed and trailering 9800lbs. The double cab is able to hold 7400 in the bed and trailer 12,500lbs and the crew cab can hold the same.
The Silverado line of trucks is designed to hold a great deal so that it can replace the work trucks that were once so popular with Chevrolet. Though these are considered light-duty trucks simply because they are not work trucks, that does not mean that they sacrifice a great deal of strength or ability.
Is the Silverado Right for You?
Silverado is a great range of trucks, that being said they are not right for everyone.
Pros:
- Decent gas mileage, 18 mpg city on average and 24 mpg highway on average
- Good engine choice, 4.3L, 5.3L or 6.2L engine
- Good hauling capacity, up to 9800 towing for a single cab and 12,500 for double and crew cabs
Cons:
- Exterior is not that streamlined; the older model Silverado is a bit more square than newer models
- Pricey for base models, $33,000 for a base model
Not a ton of extras; this is a rather basic model truck that does not have a ton of extra technology
No matter what your ultimate opinion on the Silverado is, it is always best to get as much information as possible before you make a decision.
Vehicle History is a great resource to help you find out more about the vehicle you are considering and to help you determine what car is right for you. Trucks are great and can be a fantastic asset when it comes to the vehicle that you choose.
You just need to take the time, do your research, and find the vehicle that is going to work best for your needs, tastes, and driving style.
