2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 V8 headbutts Ford F150 EcoBoost V6 with better MPG

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According to GM, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is new nose to tail.

The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes out swinging. General Motors is lacing up the gloves for another match-up with archenemy Ford trucks and their mighty F150.  Chevrolet’s 5.3-liter “EcoTec3” V8 gets 23 mpg highway (2WD) and 22 mpg highway (4X4). This engine can deactivate four cylinders when V8 power is not needed for maximum efficiency. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission and updated aerodynamics, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will be one of the most efficient pickups in its class.

Power is what it’s all about and the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will have a 355 horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 that makes 383 lbs-feet of torque. Over 300 lb-ft of torque is available from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm.  Equipped with the max towing package, 2WD 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s models have towing ratings of up to 11,500 pounds, which is best in class.

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“Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the new 2014 Silverado regular cab will start at $24,585, including a $995 destination freight charge, the same base price as the 2013 model. For that price, the 2014 Silverado regular cab, which starts production this summer, will include a number of major improvements:

  • A more powerful, more efficient EcoTec3 engine,
  • A six-speed automatic transmission,
  • A stronger, quieter cab with an all-new interior,
  • Four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife rotors
  • A new bed with standard box rail protectors and CornerStep bumper

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The base starting prices for the Silverado crew cab, the first model to launch later this spring, and for the new double cab Silverado, which replaces the extended cab, also will be the same as for the corresponding 2013 models.

The 2014 Silverado launches later this spring with crew cab models equipped with the all-new 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8, which is expected to power three out of four Silverado 1500s.” – – GM Media

The broadest portfolio, the right tools for the job

The 2014 Silverado 1500 crew cab will be joined later this year by a regular cab model and a new double cab model, which replaces the extended cab and features forward-hinged rear doors for easier access to the back seat. Also coming soon are new heavy duty pickups and an all-new midsize truck based on the successful global Colorado.

“Chevrolet will have the broadest portfolio in the business,” said Luke. “No one will be better positioned to offer each and every truck customer the right tools for the job.”

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Additional Details and Data

2014 Silverado base MSRP:

  • Regular cab: $24,585
  • Double cab: $28,610
  • Crew cab: $32,710

Includes $995 destination freight charge. Excludes tax, title, license and optional equipment.

Silverado 1500 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8

  • 355 hp (265 kW) @ 5600 rpm
  • 383 lb-ft of torque (518 Nm)@ 4100 rpm; more than 300 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm
  • Maximum available towing rating: 11,500 pounds*
  • Maximum available payload rating: 2,102 pounds
  • EPA estimated fuel efficiency:
    • 16 mpg city, 19 mpg combined, 23 mpg highway (2wd)
    • 16 mpg city, 18 mpg combined, 22 mpg highway (4×4)

Horsepower and torque ratings are SAE certified using 87 octane regular gasoline.

* With Max Trailer Package, available later this year

EPA fuel economy estimates, light-duty pickups with V-8 and turbocharged V-6 engines

City Combined Highway
Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 2WD 16 19 23
Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 4×4 16 18 22
Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 2WD 16 18 22
Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 4×4 15 17 21
Ford 5.0L V-8 2WD 15 17 21
Ford 5.0L V-8 4×4 14 16 19
Ford 6.2L V-8 2WD 13 15 18
Ford 6.2L V-8 4×4 12 13 16
Ram 4.7L V-8 2WD 14 16 20
Ram 4.7L V-8 4×4 14 16 19
Ram 5.7L Hemi V-8 2WD (6-spd) 14 16 20
Ram 5.7L Hemi V-8 4×4 (6-spd) 13 15 19
Ram 5.7L Hemi V-8 4×4 (8-spd) 15 17 21
Toyota 4.6L V-8 2WD 15 17 20
Toyota 4.6L V-8 4×4 14 16 19
Toyota 5.7L V-8 2WD 13 15 18
Toyota 5.7L V-8 4×4 13 15 18
Nissan 5.6L V-8 2WD 13 15 18
Nissan 5.6L V-8 4×4 12 14 17

Source: Model Year 2013 EPA Fuel Economy Guide111906_2014-Chevrolet-Silverado-LTZ-003

Maximum available towing ratings, light-duty pickups with V-8 and turbocharged V-6 engines

  Max available towing rating (lb.)
Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L EcoTec V-8* 11,500
Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 11,300
Ford 5.0L V-8 10,000
Ford 6.2L V-8 11,300
Ram 4.7L V-8 7,700
Ram 5.7L Hemi V8 10,450
Toyota 4.6L V-8 8,600
Toyota 5.7L V-8 10,400
Nissan 5.6L V-8 9,500

Will the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have the moxie to pull buyers of the Ford F150 away from one of the most popular vehicles sold in this country? It’s hard to say. The exterior is handsome, but not revolutionary. Everything about the new Sierra seems to be built to forego alienating current buyers.

I will reserve my judgement until I get behind the wheel. I can say this: General Motors knows how to build a sweet truck V8. Check out this video where Roman and I play with a GMC Sierra Denali 1500 in the mud. Fun stuff!

I hope the new one sounds this good!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.