2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pros vs Cons

One of the most enduring full-size pickups on the market, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 combines excellent power and performance with a long list of convenience amenities. The 2015 model boast a refined interior that is incredibly comfortable, and the ride is very quiet. 

The difference between what Chevrolet offers and what the competition dishes up is the amazing amount of configurations from which to choose. Aside from the three distinct body designs - cab, double-cab, and crew - there are plenty of package options. Building one's very own package is as fun a driving the vehicle once it is purchased. 

For those wanting lots of towing power, the Silverado 1500 can't be beat. It is also a ruggedly built vehicle that stands up to whatever the driver or nature can throw at it. For the price paid, this is a top-quality vehicle that will, in many cases, provide more than 200K miles of dependability.

What's New For 2015

The uplevel trims come with an available 6.2L engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle itself got a major overhaul just last year, with improvements to the fuel efficiency as well as the interior materials. What was once designated as the 2WT Work Truck trim is now known as the LS.

Reasons You May Want to Consider a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - The Pros

1) Towing Capability

Few competing models can easily tow 6,000 pounds or more. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with its standard V6 engine can haul more than 7,600 pounds. The larger 8-speed automatic transmission paired with the 6.2L engine allows for towing of up to 12,000 pounds, very impressive for any full-size pickup.

2) Three Different Cab Designs

Buyers should have no trouble identifying the configuration that is best for them. The smaller 1500 model standard cab is certainly roomy enough, and the larger extended cab version offers a great deal more storage space. The crew cab model offers the choice of a standard 6.5-foot bed or a shorter 5.7-foot bed. The regular cab has a rather long 8.2-foot bed, with a shorter 6.5-foot bed available as a smaller vehicle size option.

3) Off-Road Z71 Trim Available

This is a variant of the High Country Trim, and has a number of specially designed performance-enhancing features. Specialized shock absorbers, hill descent control, and underbody shielding are a few of the added equipment features of this uplevel version.

4) Plenty Of Horsepower

The standard engine on all but the LTZ trims and special package vehicles is a 4.3L V6 that delivers a total of 285 horsepower. The 24 mpg highway fuel efficiency estimate for the regular cab 1500 equipped with this engine is more than satisfactory. The available 5.3L V8 is optional on all Silverado trims and standard on the LTZ version. The ultra-powerful 6.2L V8, available on the LTZ and package versions, provides a whopping 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

5) Beautifully Arranged Interior

Not long ago, interiors of even the upscale, hard-working pickups lacked most of the convenience features seen on today's crossovers. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has an exceptionally well-designed interior, with excellent quality materials found throughout the cabin. The bins, cup holders, and storage slots seem to be everywhere, but these pockets do not in any way diminish the roominess of the cab. 

The seats are thickly padded, meaning total comfort on even the longest trips. Most trims offer the choice of either bench or bucket front seats. The uplevel packages include a total of five USB ports.

6) A More Comfortable Ride

Last year, Chevrolet introduced a new suspension system and plenty of noise-reduction/dampening refinements. The result is one of the quietest rides of any domestic pickup truck. The suspension is superb, with practically no cabin shock when driving over potholes.

7) Newly Designed Driver Interface

The uplevel trims include a MyLink audio system with a 4.2-inch display screen. The luxurious LTZ trim adds a larger, 8-inch touchscreen that controls the audio system, air conditioning, and satellite radio. 

8) Top Safety Ratings

The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has earned a perfect score for overall collision protection. The vehicle scored five stars on both the front- and side-impact collision tests. OnStar is now standard on all but the Work Truck trim, and all of the uplevel trims feature the optional safety package that includes a rearview camera and driver alert system.

9) Competitive Price

Price is always the deal breaker when it comes to deciding on a pickup trim level. the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado starts out at around $25,000 for the Regular Cab, and the uplevel trims compete favorably with the competition, with the average dealer price for the double-cab LTZ being around $40,000.

10) Lasting Quality

Unlike some earlier versions, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 now competes with all other heavy-duty pickups in the depreciation department. This model holds its value better than most other domestic vehicles in this segment.

Reasons You May Not Want To Buy A 2015 Chevrolet Silverado - the Cons

1) Lethargic Acceleration When Towing

This model struggles somewhat when towing large loads with the smaller, standard V6 engine. The gear ratios are widely spaced, meaning hesitation and even momentary deceleration.

2) Big Price Jump For The 8-Speed Transmission

This is something that turns many potential buyers away. Those who want the smoother acceleration better not settle for the base trim.

3) Stiff Ride With The Trailering Package

This optional package offers plenty of convenience and practical features, but the handling is strange, with turning requiring a bit more effort.

How It Stacks Up To The Competition

The Silverado 1500 has some competition from the Ford F-150 and RAM 1500. Ford's offering has better outward visibility, although it cannot tow quite as much. The RAM 1500 offers excellent handling as well as good fuel economy thanks to its diesel engine. However, neither of these models offer quite the luxurious interior or trim/configuration combinations that Chevrolet boasts.

Conclusion

The Silverado 1500 has more than proven its worth over the years. It has evolved slowly but steadily, and today's version has all the latest high-tech additions now seen in today's luxury sedans and SUVs. If towing heavy loads and riding in comfort are key, then this is the truck to consider.