2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Review

Back for another attack, introducing the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid! It's a full-sized, full-powered pickup truck that implements an innovative Active Fuel Management system, along with an electric-assist power steering unit, that enables it to deliver a mind-warping 26 MPG. That's a 25% increase in fuel efficiency over last year's model. That may not seem like much when compared with today's highly-efficient hybrid sedans, but you have to remember that you're talking about a force to be reckoned with here. In fact, exterior dimensions measure 229.9 x 80 x 73.8 inches in length, width and height. It features a 26 gallon fuel tank as well. The ground is cleared by more than 9 inches and the 1500 Hybrid travels on top of its 143.5 inch wheelbase.

The 2010 Silverado Hybrid tips the scales at a whopping 5641 pounds of curb weight. Gross vehicular weight is reported at 7100 pounds. Its 6.0L OHV V8 engine cranks out 332 horses at 5100 RPM and 367 lb-ft of mid-spinning torque at 4100. It's the same hybrid engine that seen its debut with the 2008 Yukon and Tahoe. It works together with a 4-speed automatic Electrically Variable Transmission, a 300 volt nickel-metal hydride system for battery power, and two separate electric motors. There's no lacking power here. Notably, this truck is able to propel itself up to 30 miles per hour utilizing only the power from the battery pack.

The 2010 Chevrolet Hybrid Silverado is available in four trims: 1HY 4x2 Crew Cab, 2HY 4x2 Crew Cab, 1HY 4x4 Crew Cab and the 2HY 4x4 Crew cab. MSRPs range from $38,340 up to $47,820. 5-star frontal crash test ratings were granted from the NHTSA this year as well. Standard safety features include frontal, side impact, and side curtain airbags for both the first and second rows of seating; occupancy sensors, ABS and driveline traction control, OnStar roadside assistance, vehicle tracking, seatbelt pretensioners, daytime running halogen headlights, remote keyless entry, PASSLock II ignition disabling, THEFTLOCK theft deterrent radio and loads more. And of course, all of those safety features mean big savings on insurance premiums. New options for 2010 include a high-tech navigational system and rear view camera.

The Silverado 1500 Hybrid is spacious and comfortable on the inside. An arm-stretching 65 inches of shoulder room for both front and rear passengers along with 63 inches of frontal hip room (with 66 inches in the rear) abound. There's plenty of legroom presented as well. 1HY trims have standard seating for six while 2HY trims seat five. Payload capacity is 1459 pounds for the 4x2 versions and 1418 pounds for the 4x4. Towing capacity is rated at 6100 pounds (1HY) and 5900 pounds (2HY). A 23.6 foot turning radius is required.

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is confident to compete with the likes of the Ford F150, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra and the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid. It's heavy duty. It's bursting with power. It presents excellent fuel efficiency - and it's a Chevy. You've gotta love that. Climb up into the cabin of one and test drive it today. You too will be sold.