2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

If you are looking for a workhorse of a truck, consider test-driving the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd. The Silverado is, without a doubt, GM's best-selling truck, and it's easy to see why. The Silverado 1500 4wd is highly customizable, so there is something for everybody. You can take your pick between three well-designed cab layouts, engine options, and bed sizes. While the 1500 4wd doesn't have the smoothest ride quality and sometimes feels a bit heavy, the cabin is always quiet, and the seats are extremely comfy.

What's New for 2018?

New on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd is the now-nationwide availability of the hybrid eAssist package. Also, a 7-inch touchscreen display and rearview camera now come standard.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD – The Pros

1. Comfortable Seats

Seat comfort reigns supreme on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd. All of the seats are well-bolstered and offer plenty of lateral and lumbar support. The front seats are highly adjustable, so the driver won't have a problem finding a good driving position. Also, the rear seats are surprisingly comfortable and spacious.

2. A Quiet Ride

For a truck of its size with a hefty V6 or V8 engine equipped, the Silverado 1500 is a quiet runner. The cabin is well-insulated from wind and road noise, and the engine only makes a small amount of noise when you take the engine up to full-throttle on the highway.

3. Swift Acceleration

Many trucks in this class struggle with acceleration due to their size. This is not so for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd. This truck can get from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds, which is one of the best times you will find in this class.

4. The Towing Capacity

One of the biggest selling points for the Silverado 1500 4wd is its maximum towing capacity. When properly equipped with the Max Trailering package, the Silverado 1500 can tow up to 12,500 pounds, which leaves a lot of the competition in the dust.

5. Many Customization Options

It is easy to customize the Silverado 1500. You can take your pick between multiple bed and cab configurations, and the three engine options are all solid. Also, there are a number of optional stand-alone features and packages that can be equipped on various trim levels. Whether you need the truck to be a workhorse or just a strong daily driver, there is something that is just right for you.

6. The Brakes Perform Well

Although the brakes have a slightly soft feel to them, they feel pretty secure once you really get the truck up to speed. In fact, the Silverado 1500 can make a panic stop from 60 mph in just 125 feet, which is quite decent for this segment.

7. The Z71 Package Enhances Off-Roading

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd is a capable off-roader on its own, even though it can be hard to navigate along narrow pathways due to its size. However, with the optional Z71 package, you get hill descent control, specially-crafted shock absorbers, and underbody shields. Overall, this package is highly recommended if you plan on doing any off-roading in this truck.

8. Excellent Climate Control

It takes a moment for the A/C to pump out cool air, but when it does, it works extremely well. Airflow is evenly distributed throughout the cabin. The split-heating seats (which separately heat from the back and bottom) are a nice touch, and the ventilated front seats come standard on the High Country trim.

9. User-Friendly Controls

The dashboard is simple in its design, and every physical control is well-labeled, making them easy to use. Even the infotainment interface is user-friendly. All controls are conveniently placed well within the driver's reach, and just the right amount of buttons are mounted on the steering wheel.

10. Plenty of Small Item Storage and Cargo Space

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd is riddled with massive storage bins and containers. The center storage bin up front is huge, and the three cupholders in the middle can hold large cups and water bottles. Also, there is a ton of cargo space, which can easily be maxed out by folding the rear seats down, and they have a nice, flat fold to them.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD – The Cons

1. Feels a Bit Bulky

The biggest drawback to the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd is also it's most obvious - its size. It feels as big as it is when you get behind the wheel. While those who are accustom to driving large vehicles won't mind, first-time truck drivers will need time to adjust to its bulky handling.

2. Lacks a Smooth Ride Quality

The ride quality is another major drawback. You will feel some vibrations that don't get smoothed out by the tires and the suspension. Of course, this isn't unheard of for a truck in this class, and the vehicle is otherwise pretty calm.

3. The 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Isn't Standard

If only the 8-speed automatic transmission was standard! While the 6-speed automatic transmission isn't completely awful, the 8-speed gives an added touch of power that really gets the Silverado going. If the Silverado wants to remain at the top of the pack, however, Chevy needs to consider standardizing the 8-speed, as other automakers are doing in this segment.

4. Some Materials Look Cheap

While the cabin is well-organized, a few of the materials look a bit cheap. There are a lot of hard plastics, and the cabin doesn't have as contemporary of a design as some of its competitors.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd vs. 2018 Ram 1500 4wd

The 2018 Ram 1500 4wd is a smooth runner thanks to its standard 8-speed automatic transmission. It also provides a quiet ride and is overall very comfortable to drive. However, the Ram lacks some driver assist features and has a pricey diesel engine option.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd vs. 2018 Ford F-150

The 2018 Ford F-150 is a bit rough at times and doesn't get top-notch fuel economy for its class. Still, the F-150 offers an amazing off-roading experience and has impressive towing and payload capacities.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd is a strong and capable workhorse. It might not be the most upscale-looking truck in its class, but it has a lot of rugged grit that is perfect for those who need to haul a lot of items or want to take the vehicle off-roading.