The 2010 Silverado 1500 Hybrid combines improved fuel economy with decent truck capabilities. However, it may take you a while to recoup the extra cash you'll lay out for the Silverado Hybrid's price premium over the gas-only Silverado.
Full size pickup trucks have long been a target for green-based complaints but the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid makes that target a little harder to hit. While the fuel economy isn't going to set Al Gore's heart aflutter, the Silverado Hybrid and its corporate cousin, the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid, is the most fuel-efficient truck you can buy -- and buying it requires little sacrifice in terms of capabilities. Motor Trend says, "Despite the eco-friendly gasoline-electric drivetrain and miserly (for a truck, at least) fuel economy that goes with it, this is a legitimate full-size pickup."
However, the Silverado Hybrid starts at the high end of the full size pickup class (though it does come very well equipped for the money). Even with an available $2,200 tax credit for buying the truck, the Silverado Hybrid's price tag means it doesn't make sense for every buyer. People who drive in a lot of stop-and-go traffic are likely to get the most benefit from the Silverado Hybrid, because it can run on electric power alone at slow speeds, and its engine shuts off when it's stopped in traffic, which saves a lot of fuel. Still, even with the tax credit, if gas prices stay below $3.00 a gallon it should take about four years to save enough on gas to cover the Silverado Hybrid's price premium. Of course, if you spend more time in traffic or gas prices go back up, the payoff comes a lot sooner.
Compared to the gas-only Silverado, the Silverado hybrid has a 40 percent increase in city fuel economy, and achieves gas mileage similar to a midsize sedan's. At the same time, it has a comfortable and roomy cabin and a useful cargo bed. While it may not be able to out-tow or haul a gas-only truck, its capabilities are certainly in line with what most buyers need, and its fuel bills are in line with what most buyers want.
Other Trucks to Consider
The Silverado Hybrid has similar capabilities to the conventional Silverado, but if you frequently tow or haul large loads, the gas-only Silverado may make more sense. At its beefiest, the Silverado can tow over 10,000 pounds, while the Silverado hybrid tops out at just over 6,000. If your truck needs are more than the Silverado Hybrid can handle, you should also check out the Ford F-150. The F-150 can out tow and haul the Silverado Hybrid, and while it only uses gasoline for power, it does have an ultra-efficient (for a truck) SFE trim that maximizes fuel economy. The Silverado is also available in a non-hybrid, super efficient XFE trim. Both the Silverado XFE and F-150 SFE get 15 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway.
Details: The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
The Silverado Hybrid is available in two trims: the work truck-oriented HY1 and more luxurious HY2. Unlike most other trucks, it is only available in one configuration: a four-door crew cab with a six-foot short bed. A 6.0-liter V8 is standard. The Silverado Hybrid was introduced in 2009. For 2010, it gains flex fuel capabilities.
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