2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid - Review

By Robert Scardino

Robert Scardino

Author BIO

I'm a writer stuck in an engineer's brain with a debilitating case of autoholism. While studying at the University of Illinois I discovered my... More

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Silverado Hybrid Front Quarter

Regenerative braking is employed to charge the Silverado's battery pack. While the brakes were more than reliable, the pedal feel took some getting used to. Steering was direct and responsive, although the 47.2' turning radius is high compared to most other trucks in this segment. The ride was more comfortable than expected, possibly due to the added weight of the hybrid components.

My four-wheel drive tester allowed me to choose between 2WD, 4HI, 4LO and Auto. I used the Auto mode on wet pavement and the Silverado handled it with ease. 9-inches of ground clearance in front are enough to tackle any off-roading sane people can do. While I didn't have the opportunity to test the 5,900 pound towing capacity, our parent site found it to be 'drama free.' It's worth noting, however, that an appropriately equipped non-hybrid Silverado can pull 10,500 pounds.

All in all, the Silverado Hybrid performed well, but one exemplary factor sets it apart from its class. A week of mixed driving yielded an average of 19.1 miles per gallon. Plenty of mid-size sedans offer worse economy.

Exterior: Trucks are about masculinity and the Silverado Hybrid is no exception. Parking a vehicle this size in the driveway is usually fodder for negative commentary from the better half, but for a fraction of a second, my wife thought we should keep it. Anyone with a better method of determining how good a truck looks should leave a comment at the end of this article.

The flared wheel wells give the side profile dimension and the hybrid badges are subtle and clever. The chrome front bumper wears Chevy's candy-eating company grin, which seems to say, "I use less gas than you do." The tops of the headlamps angle down slightly, giving the truck a pensive stare. The Imperial Blue Metallic paint looks beautiful from any angle.