2011 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Reviews
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid Trucks. The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, and its twin, the GMC Sierra Hybrid, are the only hybrid options for full-size truck buyers. Luckily, most reviewers say the Silverado gives up little capability while chasing fuel economy.
Compared to the gas-only Silverado, the Silverado Hybrid has a 40 percent increase in city fuel economy, and achieves gas mileage similar to a midsize sedan's. Since the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is available in only one body style, its consumer appeal is limited.
Details: The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is available in two well-equipped trims. For 2011, the Silverado Hybrid gains enhancements to help reduce wind noise.
Interested in a Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid?
The Silverado Hybrid's impressive around-town fuel economy -- typically 6-7 mpg higher than competitive non-hybrids -- is arguably the best reason to buy. The two-mode hybrid powertrain on the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is no small engineering triumph. A nickel-metal hydride battery pack (located underneath the rear bench seat) provides the charge for the electric motors, and a regenerative braking system recharges that battery pack during deceleration.
With the electric motors kicked in, the combined output is 379 horsepower. Even the miserly Silverado XFE is rated just 1 mpg less than the Hybrid's 23 mpg highway rating, while the standard 5.3-liter V8 Silverado still rates a respectable 21 highway mpg. For most people, though, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid will likely remain an overpriced curiosity.
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is a full-size crew cab pickup available in either 1HY or 2HY trim. Available in either two- or four-wheel-drive, the Silverado 1500 Hybrid is powered by a 6.0-liter V8. EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 21 combined.
Safety
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the 4WD Silverado Hybrid came to a stop from 60 mph in 144 feet, below-average performance for trucks of similar heft.
The Silverado Hybrid has not been tested using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedure. Inside, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is all work truck.
Driving Impressions
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid doesn't feel as powerful as 6.0 liters and a claimed 379 hp would suggest.
The electric power steering is transparent enough not to highlight itself as in other hybrids.
The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is a full-size pickup boasting 22 MPG freeway fuel efficiency. Powered by GM's 2-Mode Hybrid system and a 6.0 liter gas V8, the Silverado Hybrid provides all-electric driving at low speeds and fuel savings while fully loaded and towing up to 6,100 pounds.
With the fuel mileage savings of the hybrid system and Silverado's 26-gallon (98-liter) fuel tank, the Silverado Hybrid has a cruising range of more than 500 miles.
With an MSRP of $39,015 the Silverado Hybrid isn't an inexpensive truck.
