Chevrolet sells the Silverado in multiple configurations. Buyers can select light-duty trucks in 1500 series and heavy-duty trucks in 2500HD and 3500HD series, each offered with rear- or four-wheel drive. Cab styles are regular, extended, and crew, combined with long- and short-bed cargo boxes. Trim levels include Work Truck, XFE, LS, LT, LTZ, and Hybrid. Availability of cab, bed, trim and drivetrain configurations is dependent on which series and cab the buyer selects, and because there are so many different Silverados available, this review will pertain only to the Silverado 1500 with the traditional gasoline powertrain.

Here is a summary of changes to the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
• New XFE model designed to maximize fuel economy
• Stability control is standard on all models with a V-8 engine
• More powerful, 403-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 offered on crew cab models
• Models with the 5.3-liter, 6.0-liter and 6.2-liter V-8 engines get a six-speed automatic transmission
• OnStar 8.0 debuts with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Destination Download capability
• New NavTraffic feature with XM satellite radio
• Rearview camera is now available on extended-cab and crew cab models
• Bluetooth wireless cell phone connectivity is standard
• Integrated trailer brake controller is now offered on regular cab models with a V-8 engine
• New chrome-clad 18-inch and 20-inch wheel designs
• New Black Granite and Imperial Blue color choices

Silverado Work Truck models are sparsely equipped, as they are designed primarily for a commercial buyer that needs an inexpensive truck for basic business use. Personal use buyers, and people who need to haul or tow larger loads, need to step up to higher trim levels with more powerful powertrain solutions. The Silverado LS is the first rung on the ladder, adding a standard V-8 engine, stability control, cloth seats, and chrome 17-inch steel wheels.

The Silverado XFE is designed for people wishing to maximize fuel economy, and it comes with a flex-fuel 5.3-liter V-8 with active fuel management and an aluminum block, a six-speed automatic transmission, an automatic locking rear differential, and a 3.08 axle ratio. Subtle styling modifications reduce aerodynamic drag, and the Silverado XFE is also equipped with a soft tonneau cover for the bed, a trailering equipment package, aluminum lower suspension control arms, and 17-inch aluminum wheels wearing low rolling-resistance tires.

The Silverado LT builds from the LS trim and includes GM’s Autotrac transfer case on 4WD models, a power rear glass window on Extended Cab models, premium cloth seats with a center armrest and storage area, locking underseat storage bins, and chrome bumpers. Selecting the Silverado LT is also the pathway to a greater variety of options. The Silverado LTZ is the top trim level, equipped with a unique interior treatment from the Tahoe and Suburban SUVs, 5.3-liter iron-block V-8, six-speed automatic transmission, leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, 10-way power adjustable front bucket seats, heated front seats, a Bose audio system, Bluetooth wireless connectivity for cell phones, 18-inch chrome wheels, and a body-color front bumper. A wide variety of factory and dealer-installed options are offered on the various Silverado models.

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is powered by the owner’s choice between V-6 and V-8 engines. The 4.3-liter V-6 (195 hp/260 lb.-ft.) is only offered with Work Truck trim. Silverado LS and LT include a 4.8-liter V-8 (295 hp/305 lb.-ft.), while LTZ models are equipped with a 5.3-liter V-8 with E85 flex-fuel capability (up to 320 hp/up to 340 lb.-ft.) and an active fuel management system that shuts down half the cylinders under low load conditions. A 6.0-liter V-8 (367 hp/375 lb.-ft.) with active fuel management is optional on the extended and crew cab models with LT or LTZ trim, and a new 6.2-liter V-8 (403 hp/417 lb.-ft.) with E85 flex-fuel capability is optional on crew cab models.

The 4.3-liter V-6 and 4.8-liter V-8 are connected to a four-speed automatic transmission. A new-for-2009 six-speed automatic is included with the 5.3-liter, 6.0-liter, and 6.2-liter V-8 engines. The optional 4WD system on the Work Truck and LS models is activated using a floor-mounted, manual shift-on-the-fly lever while other Silverados are equipped with Chevy’s Autotrac active transfer case with dash-mounted buttons. Properly equipped, a Silverado 1500 can tow as much as 10,700 pounds and haul as much as 1,909 pounds of payload.

Fuel economy across the Silverado lineup ranges from a low of 12 mpg in the city with the 6.2-liter V-8 and 4WD to a high of 21 mpg on the highway for the Silverado XFE with 2WD. During our test drive in a Silverado LTZ Crew Cab with 4WD, the 6.2-liter V-8 engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission, which is rated by the EPA to deliver 12 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, we averaged 12.5 mpg in mixed driving.

Standard safety equipment on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado includes dual front airbags and four-wheel ABS with dynamic rear proportioning. Stability control with rollover mitigation technology is standard on all models except the Silverado WT with the V-6 engine. Side curtain airbags with rollover protection come standard on Silverado LT and LTZ models. Every Silverado sold through retail channels includes OnStar 8.0 and a free one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound service with Advanced Crash Response, which automatically notifies rescue personnel of the Silverado’s location in the event of an airbag deployment. Other safety features offered on the Silverado include an optional ultrasonic rear parking assist system that can detect objects the driver cannot see, and an available reversing camera for even better rear visibility.

J.D. Power and Associates says the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado competes against other large pickups such as the Dodge Ram, Ford F-Series, Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra. The GMC Sierra is essentially a Silverado with restyled exterior panels and subtle revisions to the interior.