The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado marked a key update in Chevy’s full-size truck lineup, combining traditional American toughness with modern styling and technology. Built on a reputation for reliability and performance, the 2016 Silverado introduced sharper looks, improved interior features, and advanced connectivity options—reinforcing its position as one of the most capable and versatile trucks on the market.
Exterior Design and Styling of 2016 chevy silverado
For 2016, Chevrolet gave the Silverado a bold mid-cycle refresh that made it stand out on the road and the job site. The redesigned front fascia featured a sculpted hood, a larger, more aggressive grille, and LED lighting on LTZ and High Country trims. The new headlights offered a distinctive daytime running light signature that made the truck instantly recognizable.
Other updates included:
- Redesigned bumpers and tailgate accents
- New aluminum wheel designs (ranging from 17″ to 22″)
- More aerodynamic body panels to improve efficiency
- Optional power-sliding rear window
Chevy’s engineers also improved the corrosion resistance with the use of high-strength steel throughout the body and bed, as well as aluminum in the hood—combining durability with weight savings.
Trim Levels and Configurations of 2016 silverado
The 2016 Silverado was offered in a wide range of trims, allowing buyers to match their needs and budget:
- WT (Work Truck):
- Designed for fleets and tradespeople.
- Features vinyl seats, rubber floor coverings, and basic infotainment options.
- LS:
- Adds chrome bumpers, cloth seats, and keyless entry.
- LT:
- Popular with retail buyers; includes MyLink infotainment, an upgraded interior, and more convenience features.
- LTZ:
- Focuses on luxury with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and advanced technology.
- High Country:
- The top-of-the-line trim, with premium leather, navigation, chrome accents, and exclusive interior details.
Each trim could be paired with different cab configurations — Regular Cab, Double Cab, or Crew Cab — and various bed lengths (short, standard, or long), allowing customers to customize their truck to suit work or lifestyle needs.
Performance and Handling
The Silverado’s strength lies under the hood. All three EcoTec3 engines balance power and efficiency using advanced technologies such as Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), Variable Valve Timing, and Direct Injection.
Engine Lineup:
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Max Towing |
| 4.3L V6 | 285 hp | 305 lb-ft | 6-speed auto | 7,600 lbs |
| 5.3L V8 | 355 hp | 383 lb-ft | 6- or 8-speed auto | 11,100 lbs |
| 6.2L V8 | 420 hp | 460 lb-ft | 8-speed auto | 12,000 lbs |
The 6.2L V8, shared with the GMC Sierra Denali, offered best-in-class power and towing capability — perfect for heavy trailers or hauling equipment.
Ride and Suspension
Chevy refined the Silverado’s coil-over front suspension and two-stage rear leaf springs to deliver a smoother ride, even when loaded. The electric power steering system provided improved handling precision, while available Z71 off-road package added:
- Rancho monotube shocks
- Skid plates
- Hill descent control
- All-terrain tires
These upgrades made the Silverado equally at home on rugged trails as it was on the highway.
Interior Comfort and Features
Chevrolet made a clear effort to make the 2016 Silverado’s cabin more comfortable and functional. The dash layout was straightforward, with large, glove-friendly controls and plenty of storage cubbies for work tools or personal items.
Notable Features:
- 7- or 8-inch Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (new for 2016)
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Optional Bose premium sound system
- Dual-zone automatic climate control (LTZ and above)
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Wireless phone charging (available on LTZ and High Country)
Noise insulation was significantly improved thanks to triple-sealed doors and thicker windshield glass, giving the Silverado one of the quietest cabins in its class.
Safety and Reliability
Safety has always been a Silverado strength. The 2016 model came equipped with advanced driver aids and earned top marks in government testing.
Standard and Available Safety Features:
- Rearview camera
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Safety Alert Seat (vibrates to warn of potential hazards)
- OnStar Automatic Crash Response
The NHTSA gave the Silverado a 5-star overall safety rating, underscoring its strong crash protection.
Reliability and Ownership
Chevrolet’s proven powertrains and rugged construction gave the Silverado a solid reputation for dependability. Routine maintenance was straightforward, and parts availability remained high across North America. The 2016 Silverado also benefited from Chevrolet’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, making it a confident choice for long-term ownership.
Fuel Economy
While large V8s are rarely efficient, the Silverado’s advanced engine management systems provided respectable mileage for a full-size pickup.
| Engine | Drivetrain | City | Hwy | Combined |
| 4.3L V6 | 2WD | 18 | 24 | 20 |
| 5.3L V8 | 2WD | 16 | 23 | 19 |
| 6.2L V8 | 4WD | 15 | 21 | 17 |
These figures kept the Silverado competitive with rivals like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
Competitors
In 2016, the Silverado competed in a fierce segment against:
- Ford F-150: Lightweight aluminum body and EcoBoost turbo engines.
- Ram 1500: Smooth ride with coil-spring rear suspension and available diesel engine.
- Toyota Tundra: Known for reliability but less fuel-efficient.
- GMC Sierra 1500: Silverado’s upscale twin with slightly different styling.
Despite tough competition, the Silverado remained one of the best all-around trucks for balancing power, comfort, and durability.
Verdict: A True All-American Workhorse
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado was more than just a truck—it was a symbol of strength, versatility, and modern craftsmanship. With its powerful engines, upgraded styling, and refined interior, it appealed equally to job-site professionals and families needing a dependable daily driver.
Whether towing a boat, commuting to work, or tackling off-road trails, the 2016 Silverado proved that Chevrolet’s commitment to “Find New Roads” wasn’t just a slogan—it was a promise delivered in steel, power, and precision.