Standard six-speed automatic transmission's ratios are too widely spaced for optimal towing performance.
What’s new
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 gets a new eight-speed automatic transmission for the optional 6.2-liter V8 engine. Also, what was known last year as the 2WT (Work Truck) is now the LS.
Edmunds says
A wide range of body styles, an impressive interior and a lineup of powerful and fuel-efficient engines make the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado a top pick in the full-size pickup class.
The full-size pickup truck class has seen a lot of positive change lately. Many of the best-known trucks have been redesigned, making impressive gains in power, fuel economy and all-around refinement. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received a total overhaul just last year. The latest Silverado boasts exactly the strengths most buyers have come to expect from full-size Chevy trucks: considerable towing and hauling capabilities and lots of available configurations. But what really sets this generation apart from its forebears is a comfortable and well-built interior and an overall excellent daily driving experience.
Step inside the Silverado and there's nothing trendy about the design, but there's space everywhere, especially in the popular crew cab body style, and the quality of the materials is high. On the move, the cabin remains noticeably serene, and ride quality is smooth bordering on relaxing on most versions. If you're planning to use your truck for real work, one of the three available engines will meet your needs. The standard V6 shouldn't be overlooked, as it allows the Silverado to tow up to 7,600 pounds when properly equipped. If you do need one of the two V8s, though, they come with fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology for low-load situations when you don't need all the power. New for 2015 is an eight-speed automatic paired to the larger 6.2-liter V8 engine. Chevy Silverados with this powertrain are able to tow up to 12,000 pounds when properly equipped, and the two extra forward gears should add up to better performance and fuel economy when you're pulling a trailer.
Unfortunately, just like last year, the 6.2-liter V8 is available only on the upper trim levels, and the same goes for the available eight-speed automatic transmission, so you'll pay a premium for the extra capability. The six-speed transmission that comes standard on the 2015 Silverado 1500 has widely spaced gear ratios, which makes towing near the maximum with either the V6 or the available 5.3-liter V8 a difficult enterprise.
Even with these minor complaints, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is still an extremely likable truck. Keep in mind, though, that its recently updated competitors are just as likely to meet your needs in most cases. The Ram 1500 is one of our top picks, as it, too, offers a refined driving experience and a well-trimmed cabin with lots of high-end amenities on the upper trim levels, along with the only available diesel engine in the 1500 class. The 2015 Ford F-150 is completely redesigned this year, too, with a lighter aluminum body, an impressive new V6 engine and a vast array of body styles and configurations. For the weekend dirt enthusiast, the Toyota Tundra can be equipped with an optional TRD Pro package, which makes it extremely adept at off-roading. Ultimately, your choice for a full-size truck might come down to styling preferences or equipment availability, but know that the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 should be on your short list.
Performance & mpg
Standard on all but the LTZ trims is a 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. It comes matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The EPA's fuel economy estimates stand at 20 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway) for two-wheel drive. With 4WD, EPA estimates drop to 19 mpg combined (17/22). Maximum towing capacity, when properly equipped and depending on body style, ranges from 5,500 to 7,600 pounds.
The 5.3-liter V8, which is standard on the LTZ trims and optional on other Silverados, makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a six-speed automatic and the choice of two- or four-wheel drive. Properly equipped, trucks with this engine can tow anywhere from 6,200 to 11,500 pounds. With rear-wheel drive, the EPA says Silverados with the 5.3-liter V8 will achieve 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway). With 4WD they rate 18 combined (16/22). In Edmunds testing, a 2WD Silverado 1500 LT Z71 Crew Cab with the 5.3-liter V8 went from zero to 60 in just 6.8 seconds.
Optional on the LTZ and High Country trims is a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. It's paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and maximum towing capacity ranges from 9,100 to 12,000 pounds when properly equipped. Trucks with the 6.2 V8 earn an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway) with either 2WD or 4WD.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Also standard on all trim levels except the Work Truck is OnStar, which includes services such as automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen vehicle assistance.
Options include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors and a suite of driver aids that include lane departure and forward collision warning systems.
In government crash tests, the Silverado earned a perfect overall five-star rating, with five stars awarded for both total frontal-impact and side-impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Silverado earned the top rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal offset crash test.
During Edmunds' braking test, a Silverado Crew Cab 2WD came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet, a good performance and a few feet shorter than average for a full-size pickup.
Driving
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado's standard V6 engine provides more than enough power for most simple tasks. As you'd expect, the 5.3-liter V8 delivers even more thrust with good manners, though there's still a bit of vibration during hard acceleration. More seamless than ever, however, is the 5.3-liter engine's fuel-saving cylinder deactivation system, which swaps between V8 and V4 modes with complete transparency.
The six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and timely gearchanges in normal driving. However, we've noticed that there's still too big a gap between the transmission's gear ratios when towing near the maximum. With its closer gear ratios, the new eight-speed automatic is a welcome addition, but it's available only with the 6.2-liter V8. That said, we've used a Silverado with the 5.3-liter V8 and the Max Trailering package to tow a trailer with an 8,600-pound load, and there was plenty of reserve grunt.
Overall ride and handling dynamics are some of the best available in any full-size truck. The 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 feels robust structurally, yet most versions are compliant and comfortable over broken pavement. Take note, though, that the ride is noticeably stiffer on trucks with the Max Trailering package. The Silverado earns an Edmunds.com "B" rating, and one of the areas it scores highest in is quietness. Road and wind noise are minimal, even at highway speeds. In our long-term test of a Silverado 1500, we found this truck extremely livable for daily commuting and long road trips alike.
Given its size and focus on utility, the Chevy isn't exactly agile around turns, and there's plenty of body lean if you push it harder. But in normal driving it feels confident, and the steering is well-weighted. Off-road, the Silverado exhibits excellent composure when bouncing around on rocky trails.
Interior
Inside, all versions of the Chevy Silverado have high-quality materials, and we've been impressed by the build quality in all the trucks we've tested. There are numerous bins and cubbies, a deluge of cupholders and, depending on the trim level, up to five USB ports to keep all your devices charged and happy. Available on most versions, the optional 8-inch touchscreen infotainment interface features straightforward menus and effective voice commands, although the system can occasionally be slow to respond to inputs.
With a choice of bench or buckets up front (depending on trim level), as well as available heating, ventilation and adjustable lumbar support, the Silverado's thickly padded seats promise plenty of long-trip comfort. When you go with the crew cab, there's plenty of room for full-size adults in the front and backseats. In addition, the current Silverado is better insulated from noise than ever before, and city potholes and grooved highway pavement seldom intrude on the cabin's calm. Finally, clambering into the cargo bed is made easier by clever steps and handholds built into each rear corner.
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup offered in a variety of cab/cargo-bed configurations in both two- and four-wheel drive. Body styles include regular cab, extended ("Double") cab and crew cab. Regular cabs can be had with either a 6.5-foot standard bed or an 8.2-foot bed. Extended cabs come only with the 6.5-foot standard bed, while crew cabs can be had with either a 5.75-foot short bed or the 6.5-foot standard bed.
Regular cabs are limited to the Work Truck (WT), LS and LT trims. The extended cabs come in WT, LT, LS and LTZ trims while the crew cab comes in all the aforementioned trim levels, plus the plush High Country and off-road-oriented Z71 trims.
The WT comes with 17-inch steel wheels, tinted glass, air-conditioning, cruise control, power door locks, a tilt-only steering column, vinyl seating, rubber floor covering, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat and a four-speaker AM/FM sound system with USB and auxiliary inputs. The LS adds stainless steel finish wheels, chrome bumpers and grille, power and heated mirrors, deep-tinted glass, power windows, keyless entry, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, OnStar with 4G LTE WiFi and an upgraded MyLink audio system with a 4.2-inch color display, satellite radio, Pandora radio, a CD player and voice control functionality.
Stepping up to the LT adds a chrome grille insert, an "E-Z" lift/lower tailgate, alloy wheels, cloth upholstery (with adjustable lumbar support for the driver), carpeting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and six speakers for the audio system.
The LTZ piles on chrome trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, remote starting, power folding mirrors, a power sliding rear window, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, a 110-volt power outlet, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated eight-way power driver and passenger front seats with two-way adjustable lumbar, driver seat memory settings and an 8-inch touchscreen display for the MyLink interface.
In addition to the LTZ features, the High Country includes a unique grille, 20-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, cargo box tie-downs, a spray-on bedliner, a Bose audio system, 10-way power front seats and ventilated front seats.
The Z71 trim, which is available for the LT or LTZ, features off-road-oriented hardware such as special shock absorbers, a heavy-duty air cleaner, hill descent control, underbody shields, recovery hooks and a few unique exterior and interior styling tweaks.
Many of the features on the upper trim levels are offered on the lower ones as options, while other available features (depending on the trim level and configuration) include various axle ratios, a power sunroof, side step rails, parking sensors, a navigation system and a rear seat entertainment system with a DVD/Blu-ray player. Notably, the Max Trailering package features an integrated trailer-brake controller, heavier-duty suspension calibration and a higher-capacity radiator.
Another key option group is the Driver Alert package that features lane departure warning, forward collision alert, a safety alert seat and front and rear parking sensors. There are also the All Star Edition, Texas Edition and Custom Sport option packages, whose highlights (depending on the package) include 20-inch wheels, one of the available towing groups, remote starting, a power driver seat, a rearview camera and, of course, unique badging.
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
Reliability
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 11 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #5 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#5 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$630/yr
vs. $752/yr for Average Fullsize Truck
Frequency
0.69x/yr
vs. 0.98x/yr for Average Fullsize Truck
Severity
19.1%
vs. 19.9% for Average Fullsize Truck
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
11 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
21V504000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202324251
Number of vehicles affected:
410019
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Defect Consequence:
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.
Recall Number:
21V245000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N212330040
Number of vehicles affected:
2568
Defect Description:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have received an incorrect replacement tensioner cable assembly as part of a previous recall remedy or a subsequent repair. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
Defect Consequence:
A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat belt lap pretensioner, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212330040.
Recall Number:
20V736000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N202309680
Number of vehicles affected:
9279
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
Defect Consequence:
If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 10, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.
Recall Number:
19V761000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N192261050
Manufactured from:
2013-10-30 to 2019-09-16
Number of vehicles affected:
652967
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Defect Consequence:
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Recall Number:
19V645000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
N192268490
Manufactured from:
2013-09-19 to 2017-08-01
Number of vehicles affected:
3456111
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Defect Consequence:
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 27, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Recall Number:
18V586000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
18289
Manufactured from:
2013-09-19 to 2015-07-17
Number of vehicles affected:
1015918
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
Defect Consequence:
If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18289.
Recall Number:
18V578000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
18278
Manufactured from:
2013-10-01 to 2016-01-30
Number of vehicles affected:
42052
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
Defect Consequence:
If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.
Recall Number:
18V291000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
18156
Manufactured from:
2014-03-01 to 2016-06-06
Number of vehicles affected:
23004
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe Police Pursuit and Special-Service vehicles. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
Defect Consequence:
If the pretensioner cable becomes fatigued or breaks, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pretensioner cable and seat side-shield, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18156.
Recall Number:
17V437000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
17287
Manufactured from:
2013-12-04 to 2016-08-15
Number of vehicles affected:
40683
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Defect Consequence:
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Recall Number:
16V651000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
16007
Manufactured from:
2013-09-30 to 2016-08-15
Number of vehicles affected:
3640162
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Defect Consequence:
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Recall Number:
16V069000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
20760
Manufactured from:
2013-10-01 to 2016-02-01
Number of vehicles affected:
430771
Defect Description:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
Defect Consequence:
If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 20760.
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
I purchased this pickup new toward the end of 2015, at a great price. I had the 6ft bed on the Crew Cab LT 4x4 with the 5.3L V8. I've since traded it in.
The pros: it was exceptionally comfortable, especially for a tall driver like my (I'm 6'4"), with tons of headroom, legroom and adjustments in the driver's side seat; it was very quiet; it was generally smooth and well behaved on the … road, especially for a full sized pickup; it was convenient with the bed for hauling whatever we needed, and had a great deal of storage in the cabin; and it was good in the snow even with the stock tires. It also got surprisingly good gas mileage on the highway thanks to the cylinder deactivation - at times I'd get 26+ mpg on flat trips, with three people in the cab and a bunch of stuff in the bed. I loved the hillstart feature, so I'd never worry about rolling backward down a hill (and there are some bad ones around me)..And the rearview camera (when it worked right - see below) was absolutely essential maneuvering in an urban environment.
Cons: I had a leak from day 1 that turned out to be the shark's fin antenna - that was replaced under warranty, and the dealer told me it was a common issue and they were replacing them left and right, leaving me to wonder...why not just fix it from the start? I had several recalls on the truck, e.g. the seat belt tensioner. Right after the warranty ended the pickup started having electrical gremlins. The rearview camera would fail to turn off after shifting back into drive sometimes, leaving me unable to use the head unit for anything (e.g. radio, phone). A few times the head unit was just unresponsive to any input, regardless of the rearview camera, until I shut the truck off. The driver's side window would fail to roll up all the way about 90% of the time by the time I traded in the pickup (it would go all the way up, then back down about 2 cm); I usually could *not* get it to stay up until I shut the engine off completely and restarted, meaning (if I was driving and couldn't stop) I'd get rain coming in. I also found water on the steering wheel toward the end of the time with the pickup and could not locate where the drips were coming from - perhaps the shark's fin again (no moon/sun roof in this pickup)...Finally, the resale value was terrible. GM has put out so many incentives to drive sales that I could not get nearly as much for the truck as I figured, even after quoting Kelly Blue Book and trying multiple dealers.
I've driven GM trucks for years. I had a 1992 GMC Sierra 2500, a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, and a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab. I love the comfort - like I said, for a tall driver, GM truck's can be hard to beat. The reliability is what gets me hung up now. I just don't have the same faith in the GM trucks anymore. That '92 GMC went 10 years hauling horse trailers and campers and the biggest issue we had with it was a dead alternator and a thermostat that went out about years 7 and 8, respectively. The 2015 Silverado was a more advanced truck in nearly every way, far quieter with a smoother ride (although the 92 Sierra's captain's chairs were better) but those electrical issues, leaks and recalls caused me to lose the GM faith. I miss this pickup in many ways, but I don't miss the nagging little problems that seemed poised to turn into big, expensive repairs.
I'm writing this because I use reviews on Edmunds and other places when looking at cars for myself and my family. You may have a very different experience with your pickup, but definitely be aware of the risks when you buy. Have a mechanic you trust go over any used pickup you're thinking of buying. YMMV.
Love This Truck
4.75 out of 5 stars
jgperegrine, 11/04/2014
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 LTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
I read many of the negative reviews regarding the 2014 model so I waited for the 2015 to come out. I really like this truck. It is very quiet and rides great. The interior fit and finish is excellent. I have 1200 miles on it now with no problems. I drove several 2014 models and they all had a bit of a vibration to them. I believe it was due to flat spots on the Good Year Wrangler tires. … I went ATV riding with my sons over the weekend and there was no internet or phone service, so the hotspot in the truck really came in handy. The truck gets great mileage when it utilizes the 4 cyl mode (I think it could stay in 4 cyl mode longer) but seems just OK in 8 cyl mode.
2015 Z71 6.2L PILE OF GARBAGE
1 out of 5 stars
Aaron Rivera, 04/27/2016
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 LTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
Do not buy a Chevy truck period!!!!!!! After spending thousands on the fully loaded Z71 with the 6.2L engine, I had test drove many, so when I saw a certain dealership had one available, I went and bought it. I have had it for a year now and after taking the hunk of junk back to the dealership 5 different times the transmission was still slipping. The truck is back at the dealership and … now they tell me it needs a new transmission. Funny how they waited until the time to enact the lemon law passed by one month to admit there is something wrong with the truck. Back to Toyota, after 30 years of Toyota trucks and Honda cars for the wife. We are both going back to Toyota ASAP
So I purchased my silverado in april of '15 and have had nothing but issues with it since. Around June '15 the high pressure AC line ruptured and caused an AC failure, ok its hot in Texas. Both factory Goodyear tires ruptured in August after only 10k miles and nearly destroyed both factory 20's on the passenger side, GM would not replace, again its Goodyear. Now in January my rear main … seal "failed", my service guy's words, caused an large oil puddle in my driveway. This caused the dealership to have to remove the engine and replace the seal and cover, cover? yes the cover had to be replaced as well, because the tech mentioned that he had to perform a seal replacement on another same year truck and the cover was warped. And lastly we are in March of '16 and now my transmission is slipping....bad, I hate this truck and will never buy another Chevy as long as I live.
Chevrolet Silverado vs Chevrolet Colorado | The Battle of Chevy Trucks
It's the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado vs the all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. Which Chevy truck should you buy? Editors James Riswick and Mike Monticello debate the merits of each truck, including their performance, comfort, interior quality, cargo, value, fuel economy and which is more fun to drive. Which Chevy truck is best: the Silverado or the Colorado?