2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review

When you think of American cuisine, you might picture a hearty burger or ribs dripping with sauce, a true feast for the senses. Similarly, if you’re after an American pickup truck, a powerful V8 engine seems like the natural choice.

For Australian drivers, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 may soon be the only factory-backed, right-hand-drive pickup offering a V8. Despite General Motors pushing forward with electric vehicles, the company is doubling down on its V8 engines, with a hefty investment of US$854 million (A$1.2 billion) in 2023 to continue production of its renowned small-block V8s.

Other manufacturers have been shifting focus. Ford no longer offers V8-powered F-150s in Australia, prioritising V6 engines. Ram is moving away from its Hemi V8, replacing it with new inline six engines, and Toyota’s Tundra is now available solely with a V6 hybrid powertrain. As such, the Silverado remains the go-to choice for those wanting the power and sound of a V8 in their pickup.

Traditional V8 Power in a Modern World

Though the Silverado 1500 in the US is available with a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, Australian buyers are offered only the high-spec 6.2-litre V8 engine. The Silverado is available in two premium variants, both converted to right-hand drive by Walkinshaw Automotive Group. With a 2023 update bringing refined styling and cutting-edge technology, the Silverado is keeping pace in an increasingly competitive pickup market.

2025 Pricing

The Silverado 1500 is available in Australia in the following variants, though GMSV has yet to confirm changes for 2025:

• Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium: A$130,500 (before on-road costs)
• Silverado 1500 ZR2: A$138,000 (before on-road costs)

To compare the Silverado against its rivals like the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500, GMSV provides an easy-to-use comparison tool.

Inside the Silverado: Comfort, Style, and Function

Stepping into the Silverado is effortless, thanks to its chunky side steps and helpful grab handles. The interior impresses with a mix of premium materials, soft-touch trims, and metallic accents. The dashboard and doors are well-appointed with stitched detailing, balancing the more utilitarian elements with an air of luxury.

The 2023 update introduces a tech-forward cabin, featuring a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamlessly connect, and features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel add to the comfort. The cabin is spacious, and thoughtful touches like illuminated USB ports and a wireless charging pad keep things practical and convenient.

The rear of the cabin offers ample space, with a flat floor, air vents, and multiple USB outlets for passengers. The Silverado’s cargo tub is easily accessed, thanks to rear bumper steps, and its dimensions provide generous space for your gear.

Tub Dimensions: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ

• Length: 1776mm (1400mm from roller shutter)
• Width: 1813mm
• Width between wheel arches: 1286mm
• Depth: 569mm
• Cargo Volume: 1781L

On the Road: V8 Power and Smooth Handling

With a 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque, the Silverado 1500 offers effortless acceleration and performance. The ride is plush, effectively absorbing bumps, though the live rear axle can feel a little unsettled on rougher roads. The steering feels slightly heavier and slower compared to rivals like the Ford F-150, but once you’re accustomed to it, driving the Silverado is a breeze.

Fuel efficiency is solid for a V8, with a claimed 12.9L/100km across mixed driving conditions. Real-world testing saw the Silverado matching this figure, outperforming competitors like the Ram 1500 in terms of efficiency.

Towing and Off-Road Performance

With a maximum braked towing capacity of 4500kg, the Silverado is built to handle heavy-duty tasks. It includes a dedicated tow mode, trailer light checks, and GCM alerts to ensure that every towing job goes smoothly. Off-road, the Silverado is equipped with selectable 4H and 4L modes, providing the flexibility to tackle rugged terrain. The ZR2 variant adds mud-terrain tyres, locking front and rear differentials, and Multimatic DSSV dampers, making it even more capable in challenging environments.

Specifications: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium

• Engine: 6.2L naturally aspirated petrol V8
• Power: 313kW
• Torque: 624Nm
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Drive Type: Full-time four-wheel drive
• Features: Auto locking rear differential, selectable low-range gearing
• Fuel Economy (Claimed): 12.9L/100km
• Fuel Economy (Tested):
  • 12.9L/100km (inner-city, suburban, and highway loop)
  • 13.8L/100km (over the course of a week)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 91 litres
• Fuel Type: 91 RON regular unleaded
• Weight:
  • 2552kg (kerb)
  • 2494kg (tare)
• Payload: 748kg
• Braked Towing Capacity: 4500kg
• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): 3300kg
• Gross Combined Mass (GCM): 7160kg

Equipment Highlights: LTZ Premium and ZR2

Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium features include:

• 20-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres
• Rancho Twin Tube shock absorbers
• LED reflector headlights, automatic high-beam, and LED tail lights
• Z71 skid plates and chrome exterior highlights
• Power-operated tailgate and sliding rear window
• Spray-on bedliner and single-pane sunroof
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a wireless charger
• Bose seven-speaker premium sound system
• Black leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats
• Dual-zone climate control and rear camera mirror
• Tow bar with a 12-pin wiring harness and electric trailer brake controller

Silverado 1500 ZR2 adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler mud-terrain tyres
• Multimatic DSSV dampers and enhanced two-speed transfer case
• Electric locking front and rear differentials
• ZR2 skid plates and front recovery hooks
• Jet Black and Greystone leather upholstery

Safety Features and After-Sales

The Silverado comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert. It lacks an ANCAP rating but received a ‘Good’ overall rating from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

As for after-sales support, the Silverado offers a three-year/100,000km warranty, though this is more limited compared to the five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranties offered by Ford and Toyota. Servicing intervals are 12 months or 12,000km.

Safety Features

Standard safety features across the Silverado 1500 range include:

• Six airbags
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control
• Surround-view camera
• Front parking sensors (LTZ Premium) and rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure monitoring system

Ready for MRT Canopies

As soon as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 arrives, MRT will be ready to enhance it with a range of ute canopies and trays, our products will be expertly tailored to the Silverado’s dimensions and load requirements, ensuring you can maximise the potential of this powerful truck.

Our MRT packages for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will include:

• Initiator Package: A practical starting point for essential storage and usability, combining style with function.
• Explorer Package: Designed for adventurers, this package offers robust canopies and additional storage to carry all your gear.
• Tradesman Package: Built tough for tradies, this package provides secure storage for tools and equipment.
• Companion Package: Ideal for everyday versatility, with storage solutions for everything from camping gear to sports equipment.

Each MRT package is crafted to transform the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 into not just a vehicle, but a powerful, practical companion for work, play, or family adventures.