The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid which only comes in a crew cab style, uses a 6.o liter V8 engine which has an Active Fuel Management component which helps the truck to move as an economical V4 when the complete power is not required.
This engine is mounted with two electric motors and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity of the Silverado Hybrid 1500 is 6,100 pounds, which is just enough. This pickup has a calm ride, considering the fact that it has an electric steering.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hybrid Pick Up | Base Price: $39,640.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons (98l) | MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy |
| Length: 229.9 in. (583.9 cm) | Wheel Base: 143.5 in. (364.4 cm) |
| Height: 73.7 in. (187.2 cm) | Width: 80 in. (203.2 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5573 lbs (2527 kg) | Ground Clearance: 9 in. (22.8 cm) |
| Towing Capacity: 6,100 lbs (2767 kgs) | Maximum Seating: 6 people |
| Engine: Vortec V8 SFI VVT 2WD Hybrid | Displacement: 6.0 Liter |
| Horsepower: 332 HP | Max RPM: 5100 RPM |
| Torque: 367 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | Transmission: 4-Speed Shiftable Automatic |
| Option:HY 4WD | MSRP: $48,840; MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy |
| Option:2HY 2WD | MSRP: $46,420; MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy |
| Option:2HY 4WD | MSRP: $49,620; MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy |
Performance
The Silverado Hybrid comes in standard 2-wheel drive, although there is an option for a 4 wheel drive. Both trim levels get 23 mpg on highway and 20 mpg when driving in cities.
With the addition of a nickel metal hydride 300-volt battery pack, the engine is capable of making 332 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque. This car also uses Regenerative braking system, which aids in recapturing some energy to charge the batteries.
Exterior
The Silverado 1500 Hybrid comes with an updated front end, updated to include a chrome bumper and a chrome mesh grille for a stylish, contemporary look. The truck is also available in several exterior color finishes which include: Graystone metallic, Black granite metallic, silver ice metallic and Mocha steel metallic among others.
Other key external features which are worth noticing include: heated-power door mirrors, delay-off headlights and trailer hitch receiver.
Interior
The interior of the 1500 Hybrid is similar to the regular Silverado, except for the fuel economy gauges. The Silverado 1500 Hybrid (2012) is offered in 6 seating capacity on all base models, except the 2HY trim which has a 5 seating capacity. The back seat has an ample space for the passengers.
Other interior features include: steering wheel covered with leather, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a basic stereo. In addition to that, there is an auto stop position on the tachometer which allows the driver to know when the engine shuts down and is running fully on electric power. The interior color choices consist of: dark titanium with light titanium color and Light Cashmere color.
Safety & Reliability
This truck is backed by a 3 year/ 36,000 mile basic warranty and an extra 5-year/ 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. This is better than most pickup warranties, considering that electric components like motors, computer and batteries are backed with an 8-year/ 100,000 mile warranty.
The safety of the driver and the passengers is not compromised at all in the Silverado 1500 Hybrid. This is due to the many safety features which include: electronic stability control, child safety locks, driver and front passenger air bags, side head and rear head air bags, 4-wheels ABS, traction control, 4-wheel disc brakes and daytime running lights.
Pros
- Smooth ride
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Well equipped
- Can accelerate to about 30 mph on electric power only
- Excellent fuel economy for a truck
Cons
- Limited towing capacity
- Expensive
- Slow acceleration
- Only available as a crew cab
With all the safety features incorporated in this truck, its no wonder that it qualifies to be used by families with small kids. The fuel economy of this pickup truck is also much better compared to some midsize crossover SUVs and trucks like the Ford F-150 Ecoboost.
Competition
The Ford F150 (MSRP $33,285; 17 city / 23 hwy) and the Ram 1500 (MSRP $33,220; 14 city / 20 hwy) may be alternatives to the 1500 Hybrid if your are looking for a truck that is less cost prohibitive, the Toyota Tundra (MSRP $40,535; 14 city / 18 hwy) is the most expensive.
Overall Rating
65 out of 100
What others say:
“City gas mileage is considerably high for a big truck; can accelerate to nearly 30 mph on electric power alone…Questionable value; only available as a crew cab; limited options; quirky power delivery; slow acceleration; limited towing capacity”Edmunds
