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For this generation the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra do not share near-identical appearance. Lamps and trim vary but so do fenders, boxes and the hood; mechanical bits are shared. Dual-rear-wheel pickups have a hydroformed sheetmetal pickup box with integral overfenders and better paint finishing.
With the big chrome crossbar and bow-tie logo the Silverado HD heavy-duty pickup is immediately recognized as a Chevrolet and maintains visual relationships to the Silverado 1500 light-duty pickup. The hood could have been drawn by a snowmobile designer, with upswept shelves at the sides ending in plastic trim louvers (that serve a vent function on diesels) and Vortec (gas) or Duramax (diesel) badging. Label the look evolutionary refinement rather than a design revolution.
Useful features include an optional tailgate lock and lift assist, dual-element towing mirrors, a cargo management system with multiple adjustable tie-down points (500 pounds per) and a wealth of dealer-supplied toolboxes, and a 2.5-inch receiver hitch capable of towing 13,000 pounds on the top-rated models.
The Silverado HD matches up against other heavy-duty pickups in most dimensions as they all carry the proverbial 4x8 sheet of plywood flat in long-box models. However, the Silverado tends to have a lower roofline and high load deck, especially on 4WD models, worth noting if you visit commercial garages or have a low door at home.
Interior Features
Regardless of cab size the Silverado HD offers two distinct styles inside: Pure Pickup, which is what you historically expect in a truck, and a Luxury-inspired version that essentially duplicates a Tahoe or Suburban. Either level is a marked improvement over the previous generation, as even the faux wood trim is well-done and the cabin is squeak and rattle-free.
For recreational towing the luxury version may be the choice, but the pure pickup level gives up nothing in build quality, function (it has a second glovebox, the luxury does not) nor appearance.
We did note interior color has an effect on how inviting any version is.
Seats are supportive and are easily adjusted. Adjustable pedals and tilt wheel are available. The steering wheel is offset slightly from the seat center, however, which may fatigue your shoulders or upper arms on long drives. Those truckers who add myriad lights and accessories will note a lack of dedicated switch blanks while others will appreciate the cohesive design.
The Extended Cab back seat is suited for smaller adults and kids. For better access, the side doors swing 170 degrees for easier loading in tight parking spaces. And the windows in those small doors now roll down (completely) for more comfort and venting options. The moonroof cover is a solid material on most trim levels. The luxury version has a semi-transparent shade that might require a baseball cap in bright conditions, not our favorite feature.
All controls are plainly laid out, the only nitpick being the number of similarly shaped and sized black buttons, some of which large-fingered individuals might find hard to push without hitting the adjacent one by mistake. Instrumentation is complete, responsive, and easier to see at a glance for 2008. Dual-zone climate control supporting a side-to-side delta of 30 degrees (Fahrenheit) is offered on many models (diesels get a fast warm-up function), and the navigation system is available only on LTZ models. Turn-by-turn navigation instruction is included with the standard OnStar, but once past the introductory time frame OnStar has a monthly service charge.
Of the heavy-duty pickups, the Silverado is the most car-like inside and will consequently find favor with many buyers. Visibility is good because you're nearly six feet off the ground, though the large hood and lower dash present an imposing view forward. The higher box sides haven't compromised rear visibility, and the new towing mirrors are a big improvement.
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