Yahoo Autos The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 6.2L Packs a Big Engine in a Big Truck
In redesigning its full-size Silverado pickup for 2019, Chevrolet proceeded with caution. The styling isn't quite as staid as last time but not terribly daring, either The materials mix has evolved but isn't revolutionary, and the chassis and suspension have been updated rather than rethought. There are changes in the engine room, but they're on the periphery, with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four as a new engine for some models and a six-cylinder turbo-diesel set to join the mix soon. Traditional V-8s are again the mainstays and are available in two sizes: 5.3- and 6.2-liter. The latter is the largest engine offered in a half-ton pickup, aimed at buyers who hold fast to the tenet that there's no replacement for displacement.
Silverado's Big V-8 Means Big Numbers
Aside from its cylinder-deactivation programming, the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 carries over largely unchanged from the previous Silverado. It sits at the top of a six-rung ladder and is exclusive to the high-level LTZ and High Country models, where it's an optional upgrade ($2495) over the 5.3-liter V-8 and only available with four-wheel drive. Its 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque earn barstool-bragging rights over not only Ford's 5.0-liter and Ram's 5.7-liter Hemi but also Toyota's 5.7 and Nissan's 5.6. None of those engines can muster 400 horsepower, and the nearest competing torque figure is the Ram's 410 lb-ft. Ford's Raptor-strength twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 making 450 hp and 510 lb-ft is newly available in the F-150, but it's exclusive to the Limited model.
Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the 6.2-liter's numbers make this Silverado quicker than its V-8–powered rivals. This all-wheel-drive crew-cab High Country lunges from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, beating similarly configured versions of the F-150 Platinum V-8 (5.9 seconds), the Hemi-powered Ram Laramie (6.1 seconds), and the 5.7-liter Tundra (6.4 seconds). Its quarter-mile time of 13.9 seconds at 100 mph also leads the V-8 field, with the Ford the next closest at 14.4 seconds and others further behind. The EcoBoost-powered F-150 Limited, however, is quicker still, hitting 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and vanquishing the quarter-mile in 13.7 at 102 mph.
The 6.2 is meaningfully quicker than the 5.3-liter V-8, which needs 6.1 seconds to pull a Silverado RST to 60 mph and 14.7 seconds to complete a quarter-mile. The 6.2-liter also earns a slightly higher tow rating than the 5.3 with 9300 pounds in the case of this truck, though a rating as high as 12,200 pounds with the 6.2 is possible versus 11,600 with the 5.3-liter. But this big-displacement V-8 doesn't have a big personality. The engine is felt but not much heard except when you really open it up, and then the sound is more induction roar than showy exhaust burble. Frankly, the Ram's 5.7-liter Hemi has a much richer V-8 soundtrack.
The 6.2-liter pairs with a 10-speed automatic, one of only two Silverado engines that use this transmission (the upcoming 3.0-liter diesel is the other one); the others get eight- or six-speed automatics. The 10-speed shuffles through more gears than seems necessary during gentle acceleration, and when you call for more urgent movement it's not always decisive in selecting the right ratio. Shifting is done via an old-school column gearshift-anachronistic, maybe, but ultimately more satisfying to use than a wonky dial; to manually jump up or down a gear, there's a plus/minus button on the shifter handle.
This Pickup Drives Big
Typical of full-size pickups, the Chevy's high-sidewall tires help mask the harshness of broken pavement. Yet, riding on heavy 22-inch wheels like our test truck's, the ride can get bouncy and the suspension hops over broken pavement, with midcorner bumps sending shudders through the Silverado's chassis and causing the truck to skip sideways. From behind the wheel, this half-ton pickup drives bigger, almost like a HD model, and is not nearly as refined as the latest F-150 or Ram 1500.
This is a big, blocky machine with lane-filling width that makes it seem oversize on narrow roads and in most parking lots. The steering, at least, inspires some confidence with its appropriate heft. The multi-angle cameras (bundled with a head-up display as part of the $1625 Technology package) are critical in docking maneuvers, since the high, bluff hood hides anything near the front of the truck. The camera view pops up automatically when you shift into reverse and can be called up manually via the touchscreen, but a dedicated hard button would be more convenient.
The High Country is the apex of pickup finery at the Chevrolet store. Our test truck was supplemented with the redundant-sounding High Country Deluxe package ($3440), which brings all manner of active driver assists (forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, automatic high-beams, and GM's vibrating Safety Alert Seat) along with a sunroof and 22-inch polished aluminum wheels. And while the whole concept of "pickup finery" might be relatively recent, the High Country already trails the cowboy-luxe interiors of the fanciest Rams and Fords. It has leather, a two-tone color scheme, a perfunctory bit of fake-wood trim, and not much else. Maybe Chevrolet didn't want to step on the snakeskin boots of the GMC Sierra Denali, even though that truck brings only a slightly nicer level of polish.
While it lags in finery, the Silverado cabin excels in functionality. The wide center console has multiple stowage cubbies (including one that wirelessly charges your inductive-capable smartphone), so you'll actually be able to use the cupholders for beverages. But the neatest stowage might be that tucked behind hidden doors in the rear seatbacks. Chevrolet's touchscreen infotainment interface is easy to use and modern-looking, and the presentation of this pickup's various knobs, switches, and buttons is logical and gimmick-free.
Even after a fresh redesign, the Chevrolet Silverado (and its GMC Sierra sibling) remain the most traditional among the Big Three's full-size pickups. The Silverado's available 6.2-liter offers additional grunt over the smaller V-8, although it doesn't otherwise have a big presence. For buyers shopping the top trim levels, it may provide a reassuring affirmation that even in these changing times, one can still get a big pickup with a hearty V-8.
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