Back to the road trip: For the next leg I took on three passengers and their luggage for a four-day trip. The Silverado's soft-tonneau-covered bed was filled to the top with duffel bags, fishing gear, and coolers topped off with nearly enough 12-ounce cans to sink a patio boat. (Guess how I know this!) We increased the speed a bit on this leg to around 75 mph to keep up with traffic and we had a few pit stops for snacks, fishing licenses, and the final winding roads that lead up to the lake. What was the result of the extra load and extra speed? The average dropped a whole 0.3 mpg, for an average on the next two tanks of 19.7 mpg.
To check out the economics of buying a Hybrid Silverado over a standard Silverado, we built a 4WD Crew Cab LS with a 5.3L V-8 on Chevy's website and optioned it accordingly. The MSRP was just over $37,000, making the two-mode about a $4,000 option. Take into consideration a federal tax incentive of $2,200 (according to hybridcars.com) and the difference is now only about $1,800. We typically got around 15mpg in our long-term Silverado, but let's just round up to 16mpg given the new six-speed transmission. With fuel at $2.50 per gallon and 15,000 miles driven each year, the Hybrid will save 187 gallons, or $468. However, if/when gas prices go up, and that's the way they're heading as we speak, $3.50 per gallon gasoline means a savings of $650 per year, which would mean the typical owner would see savings before the truck is even paid off.
Highs:
- Delivered 20 mpg combined, as promised solid.
- Quiet cabin with good ergonomics for a long haul.
Lows:
- Reduced towing capacity: 5,900 pounds for our 4WD model.
- Hybrid not yet available with LTZ trim level or any other cab configuration other than Crew.
The battery under the rear...
The battery under the rear seat is wired to the 2-Mode transmission via a controller under the hood. Photo courtesy GM.
Price (as tested)
$42,420 (including destination)
Engine
6.0L V-8 w/LIVC
Horsepower
332@5,100 rpm (SAE)
Torque (lb-ft)
367@4,100 rpm (SAE)
Transmission
Two-Mode Hybrid
Axle Ratio
3.08
Suspension
Independent with coilovers (f)
Multi-leaf live axle (r)
Brakes
Four-wheel ABS, traction control, stability control, regenerative braking
Max Trailer Weight
5,900 lbs
Seating
3/3