2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid Review
Posted in Chevrolet Trucks, Truck Reviews on November 5, 2009
Introduction
The 2009 Chevy Silverado priced at $38,020 – $47,305 is now available with two mode hybrid system. This hybrid model offers good fuel efficiency and tremendous trailering capability. It uses one quarter less gas than the regular gasoline edition. This Chevy edition offers tough competition to Ford F-150, Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra.
What’s on offer?
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is the first full size pick up truck which uses hybrid technology.
Silhouette
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is a well styled eco friendly pick up truck which looks quite similar to its gas engine sibling. At a closer look we can see ‘Hybrid’ embossed with special graphics on the windshield, rear window and on both sides of the truck. The Hybrid badges are well placed on the front fenders and the tailgate.
The body is well dressed with low rolling resistance tires that are wrapped around 18 inch aluminum wheels. The front air dam is deeper and the truck comes with a tonneau cover to offer better aerodynamics.
Inside the Cabin
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is designed to seat five or six people. Its interiors are appealing as the exterior. The interiors offer an upscale feel and intelligent layout. There are minor changes done to the instrument panel .They have placed radio and climate controls high on the dashboard which is not easily accessible and is a point of concern. The instrument panel also includes a gauge that tracks optimal fuel efficiency. A navigation system is also available in this edition.
Feature
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is available in either 1HY or 2HY trim. The base 1HY features 18 inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, a soft bed tonneau cover, full power accessories, a leather wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary audio control, OnStar, power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth and six speaker stereo with satellite radio.
The 2HY adds feature like fog lamps, a hard bed tonneau cover, a navigation system with real time traffic updates, leather upholstery, auto dimming rearview mirror, floor mounted centre console, upgraded Bose system, rear audio controls, power adjustable pedals and power front bucket seats.
Powertrain
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is available in two wheel or four wheel drive options. It is powered by 6.0 liter V8 engine which combines with two 60 kilowatt electric motors. It can also accelerate to 29 mph solely on electric power. This hybrid edition generates 332 horsepower with combined power. It offers a towing capacity of 6,100 pounds which is similar to the 4.8 liter and 5.3 liter V8 engine.
This hybrid edition offers fuel economy of 21mpg city levels and 22 mpg highways on two wheel drive while the four wheel drive offers a fuel mileage of 20 mpg city as well as highway limits.
Safety
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is equipped with standard safety features such as full length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes and OnStar.
There are no crash tests that are conducted to check the efficiency of the safety features.
Conclusion
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is an eco friendly truck which will help in saving gallons of gas every year. The main advantages of this edition are, it offers good gas mileage, accelerates even on electric power. The main disadvantages are it is available only in one body style; dash board layout is not very driver friendly and is a little expensive to the pocket.
