The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, in its third generation and specifically the 2016 facelift, represented a significant evolution of Chevrolet’s full-size pickup truck. Introduced for the 2014 model year, the third generation received a substantial refresh in 2016, focusing on exterior styling, interior refinement, and technological upgrades. The Crew Cab Short Box configuration, paired with the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine and a four-wheel-drive automatic transmission, occupied a premium position within the Silverado lineup, targeting buyers who demanded substantial power, capability, and a comfortable interior. Production of this specific configuration ran from 2016 through 2018.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 1500 |
| Generation | Silverado 1500 III (facelift 2016) Crew Cab Short Box |
| Type (Engine) | 6.2 V8 EcoTec3 (420 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5-6 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.7 l/100 km (15 US mpg, 18 UK mpg, 6.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.7 kg/Hp, 174.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.9 kg/Nm, 259.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 420 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 624 Nm @ 4100 rpm (460.24 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | L86 |
| Engine displacement | 6162 cm3 (376.03 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 103.25 mm (4.06 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.6 l (8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 15.7 l (16.59 US qt | 13.81 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2404 kg (5299.91 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3266 kg (7200.3 lbs.) |
| Max load | 862 kg (1900.38 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1512 l (53.4 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 98 l (25.89 US gal | 21.56 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 4128 kg (9100.68 lbs.) |
| Length | 5843 mm (230.04 in.) |
| Width | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1879 mm (73.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3645 mm (143.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 226 mm (8.9 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/70 R17; 265/70 R17; 275/55 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17; 9J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Silverado variant is the 6.2-liter L86 EcoTec3 V8 engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated, direct-injection powerplant featuring Active Fuel Management (AFM), a cylinder deactivation system designed to improve fuel economy during light-load driving. The L86 utilizes variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust valves, optimizing engine performance across the rev range. The direct injection system delivers fuel directly into the combustion chamber, enhancing efficiency and power output. Paired with the engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission (8L90), a significant upgrade over the six-speed units found in earlier Silverado models. The 8L90 provides closer gear ratios, contributing to improved acceleration and towing performance, as well as enhanced fuel efficiency. The transmission is electronically controlled and features a tow/haul mode for optimized performance when towing heavy loads.
Driving Characteristics
The 6.2-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic combination delivers a robust driving experience. With 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this Silverado offers strong acceleration and ample power for both daily driving and demanding tasks like towing. The eight-speed transmission keeps the engine in its optimal power band, providing smooth and responsive shifts. Compared to the 5.3-liter V8 option, the 6.2-liter provides a noticeable increase in power and torque, making it the preferred choice for those who frequently tow or haul heavy loads. While the 6.2L isn’t as fuel-efficient as the smaller engine options or the diesel variants, the performance trade-off is significant. The 4WD system provides excellent traction in various conditions, enhancing its capability in inclement weather or off-road scenarios.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Crew Cab Short Box 6.2L 4WD typically came well-equipped, often falling into the higher trim levels like LTZ or High Country. Standard features generally included a leather-appointed interior, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium audio system (often Bose), an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of safety features like lane departure warning and forward collision alert. Optional extras could include a sunroof, navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The short bed configuration offered a balance between cargo space and maneuverability.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 1500 utilizes a fully boxed frame, providing a solid foundation for its robust construction. The suspension system consists of independent front suspension with coil springs and a multi-leaf rear suspension. The rear brakes on this configuration are typically discs, providing improved stopping power compared to the drum brakes found on some lower trim levels. The steering system is an electric power rack-and-pinion setup, offering precise and responsive steering feel. The curb weight of approximately 5,300 pounds contributes to a stable and planted driving experience.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally praised the 6.2-liter Silverado for its powerful engine and refined driving experience. The eight-speed transmission was also well-received for its smooth shifting and improved fuel economy compared to older transmissions. However, the fuel economy was often cited as a drawback, especially compared to the smaller engine options and the diesel variants. Compared to competitors like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, the Silverado offered a competitive combination of power, capability, and features. The 6.2L variant was often seen as a direct competitor to the Ford F-150’s 5.0-liter V8 and the Ram 1500’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8.
Legacy
The L86 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 has proven to be a relatively reliable engine, with few widespread issues reported. The eight-speed automatic transmission has also demonstrated good durability. In the used car market, the 2016-2018 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Short Box 6.2L 4WD commands a premium price due to its powerful engine, comfortable interior, and capable features. These trucks remain popular choices for buyers seeking a full-size pickup with ample power and towing capacity. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and transmission fluid services, is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of this powertrain.
