2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 Review: Great Power and Compromise
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review:
- 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 – $36,300 – $69,800
- Pickup Truck of the Year – Four Wheeler
- Pros: Smooth power delivery, spacious cab, tons of configurations
- Cons: Underwhelming interior quality, rough ride compared to rivals, gets expensive in a hurry
- MotorBiscuit Score: 7.6 out of 10
The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 remains true to its roots by being tough as nails. It’s one strong and capable truck that’s well-equipped for work and play. There’s a long list of engine options and varying features to address diverse needs.
It’s excellent for towing and hauling but still seems rough around the edges. The Chevy Silverado 1500 was completely revamped for 2022 to provide a better ride quality and updated interior, but some rivals might be more comfortable.
What’s new for the 2023 Silverado 1500?
The 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 is primarily a carryover model, but the exterior and interior upgrades from 2022 still feel brand new. Also, the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 Durmax diesel engine got more power.
It cranks out 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase of 28 hp and 35 lb-ft of torque. The engine has a retuned turbo, new pistons, a revised combustion bowl, and new fuel injectors.
Which 2023 Silverado trim is best?
- 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT – $36,300
- Silverado 1500 Custom – $42,600
- Silverado 1500 LT – $46,700
- Silverado 1500 RST – $50,900
- Silverado 1500 Trailboss – $52,145
- Silverado 1500 LTZ – $55,700
- Silverado 1500 High Country – $60,800
- Silverado 1500 ZR2 – $69,800
The mid-range Chevy Silverado 1500 LT trim is the best option if you want a bang for your buck. It adds tons of value without having to cross the $50,000 line. It spices things up for comfort and convenience with a rear-locking differential, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and upgraded tech.
But there are tons of configurations to suit different price ranges. The basic WT or Work Truck trim gets the party started with more than just the basics. The ZR2 takes capability to the next level, and the High Country rides in luxurious style.
How does the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 drive?
The 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 provides a blend of engagement and convenience for a satisfying performance. We’ve tested the 3.0-liter V6 Duramax diesel engine and the 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Each engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
This truck has an instant acceleration and can reach 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds. The diesel engine is a little slower but has plenty of muscle. Also, the transmission shifts are precise and smooth.
While the handling and steering feel a little light, the Silverado 1500 is surprisingly agile. It doesn’t feel as large as it actually is or lumber around curves. The brakes could be a little firmer, but they’re easy to control.
Consider the Trailboss, Z71 Package, or ZR2 for off-roading upgrades. The suspension lift, enhanced tuning, larger tires, upgraded exhaust system, skid plates, tow hooks, and 360-degree camera view help conquer the wild.
Can the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 go off-roading?
Yes, there are a few different 2023 Silverado 1500 trims for off-roading. The Trailboss is a nice place to start. It has a 2.0-inch lift, a two-speed transfer case, skid plates, ranchero shocks, 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, an automatically locking rear differential, and hill descent control.
The ZR2 kicks things up a notch with 33-inch all-terrain tires, an auxiliary transmission cooler, off-roading specific adaptive dampers, and front/rear electronically locking differentials.
With the Trailboss, the off-roading modes seemed limited. A Terrain Mode applies automatic braking, and the Off-Road mode improves control in slippery conditions like gravel, sand, or mud.
Other trucks feature off-roading modes for mud/ruts, rock crawl, sand, and snow. But the Silverado is confident in slock situations with plenty of power for climbing over obstacles. The ride is a little bouncy on uneven surfaces, but larger impacts are quickly settled.
The off-roading stats allow you to see how much traction is going to each wheel, and there is an abundance of camera views to simplify navigating around obstacles.
How comfortable is the 2023 Silverado 1500?
The 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 is adequate when it comes to comfort. For the most part, it provides a smooth ride, but impacts may send rattles through the cabin. Gravel and dirt roads can be a bumpy affair.
There isn’t much wind or road noise at higher speeds, but you can hear an occasional engine roar. It sounds deep and attractive. Also, you may notice a smidge of body roll around sharp curves.
While the front seats are spacious and supportive, they’re a bit flat. The cloth upholstery is durable, but it’s a little rough. Plenty of adjustment controls are available for the driver’s seat, but you have to move up to the LTZ trim for passenger seat controls.
The rear seat has an abundance of room. Two large adults can fit in the back without any fuss. There’s tons of head space and legroom, plus the seat back sits at a relaxed angle. There are air vents in the rear too.
One advantage the Silverado has involves its dual-automatic climate control system. It reacts to the surrounding environment to adjust the heat or AC as needed. You can use the remote start system on cold mornings to get the heated steering wheel and seats going. The Silverado 1500 will keep drivers and passengers at perfect temperatures.
How is the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 interior?
Depending on your trim level, the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 interior ranges from drab to fab. Things may start a little spartan, but overall significant improvements have been made.
The vinyl seats are durable and stain resistant on lower trims, and the rubberized all-weather mats offer excellent protection. Moving up in trim levels provides access to plush leather upholstery and pops of authentic open-pore wood trim. Pops of aluminum trim and accent stitching attract the eye.
The layout is convenient, and everything you need is placed within reach. Shorter folks may struggle to reach the edges of the massive touchscreen, but there are physical controls and buttons on the steering wheel to provide closer access.
Our Trailboss model didn’t have a sunroof, but the large windshield provides tons of visibility. The thick c-pillars in the front get in the way around sharper turns, and visibility out of the back is limited. However, multiple camera views and large side mirrors make up for the difference.
Does the 2023 Silverado 1500 have advanced tech?
Yes, the 2023 Silverado 1500 is extremely advanced. A 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard, but you can upgrade to the massive 13.4-inch infotainment screen that’s powered by Google. It’s fast and easy to use with vibrant graphics.
The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster looks a little basic, but it provides tons of helpful information, such as off-roading stats, DEF and other fluid levels, driving range, and infotainment settings. The wireless phone charging pad is conveniently located near the center console and holds your phone in place.
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is standard. The optional seven-speaker premium Bose audio system is a slight upgrade. The Super Cruise semi-automated driving system is phenomenal, but it’s only available with the High Country trim.
How much does the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 do with towing and cargo?
The 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 shines when it comes to interior cargo space. There are plenty of trays and cubbies to take advantage of. The center console is massive, and there’s an extra cubby above the glovebox.
The back seats fold against the wall to create more room. The load floor in the back is nearly completely flat, and there’s an abundance of room under the rear seats. Other trucks take up space for organizational bins, but the Silverado keeps things open and free.
When properly equipped, the Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,300 lbs. The bed has a high liftover height, but built-in corner bumper steps and the Mulit-Flex tailgate provide easy access.
The Mulit-Flex tailgate turns into a step, bed extender, and tool shelf. It pairs with a retractable handrail and can hold up to 375 lbs. The reverse trailer guidance systems and multiple views make towing more convenient. There’s even an available in-bed camera view to take advantage of.
How safe is the 2023 Silverado?
The 2023 Silverado 1500 is pretty safe. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Silverado earned ‘Good’ scores in most of its crash tests. That’s the highest score. But it did get a few ‘Acceptable,’ ‘Poor,’ and ‘Marginal’ scores.
The seatbelt reminders got a poor ranking because the initial time is too long, and the reminder isn’t long enough. The child seats received a marginal ranking because the anchors are hard to find, too deep in the seat, and may be confused with other hardware.
You’ll find that the safety features provide confidence and peace of mind. The systems kick in as needed with a soft alert to get your attention. The safety features aren’t distracting or pushy.
Standard safety features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
How reliable is the 2023 Chevy Silverado?
The 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 is expected to be less reliable than the average new vehicle by some critics. However, Repair Pal gave the Silverado a score of 3.5 out of 5.0. That’s slightly above average.
You can expect the average Silverado model to make it to 200,000 miles. Some models make it between 250,000 to 300,000 miles. That’s a bit lower than the Toyota Tundra, which can keep on going after reaching 300,000 miles.
The average annual maintenance cost for the Silveraod hovers around $714. This is a bit higher than the average yearly maintenance cost of $652 for other full-size vehicles. While the average Silverado repair is severe, problems don’t occur as frequently.
MotorBiscuit awards the 2023 Chevy Silverado with a score of 7.6 out of 10
The experts at MotorBiscuit have provided the 2023 Chevy Silverado 2023 with a score of 7.6 out of 10. The Silverado is new and much improved, thanks to upgrades from 2022. It has plenty of power, tons of engine options, and the ZR2 has serious off-roading upgrades.
But other trucks feel slightly more refined due to having a smoother ride and a more upscale interior. However, the Silverado 1500 is still a comfortable as a daily driver with serious towing and hauling power.
We enjoyed testing the Trailboss on the pavement and in the woods. Hopefully, we will take the ZR2 for a spin soon to see if upgrading is worth it.
