The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, in its third generation and specifically the 2016 facelift, represented a significant evolution of Chevrolet’s full-size pickup truck. This iteration, produced from 2016 to 2018, continued to be a mainstay in the highly competitive North American truck market. The Crew Cab Standard Box configuration, paired with the 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3 engine and an automatic transmission, was a popular choice for buyers seeking a balance of capability, comfort, and value. This particular variant occupied a mid-range position within the Silverado 1500 lineup, offering more power and features than the base models but remaining more accessible than the top-tier trims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 1500 |
| Generation | Silverado 1500 III (facelift 2016) Crew Cab Standard Box |
| Type (Engine) | 5.3 V8 EcoTec3 (355 Hp) 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) | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.7 kg/Hp, 149.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm, 218.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 355 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 519 Nm @ 4100 rpm (382.79 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | L83 |
| Engine displacement | 5326 cm3 (325.01 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| 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 | 2380 kg (5247 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3175 kg (6999.68 lbs.) |
| Max load | 795 kg (1752.67 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1727 l (60.99 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 98 l (25.89 US gal | 21.56 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2858 kg (6300.81 lbs.) |
| Length | 6085 mm (239.57 in.) |
| Width | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1873 mm (73.74 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3886 mm (152.99 in.) |
| Front track | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 216 mm (8.5 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 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 |
INTRODUCTION
The 2016-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Standard Box with the 5.3L V8 and automatic transmission was a cornerstone of Chevrolet’s truck sales during those years. Building upon the foundation of the K2XX platform introduced in 2014, the 2016 facelift brought revised styling, enhanced interior materials, and updated technology. The Crew Cab configuration offered a spacious cabin accommodating up to six passengers, making it suitable for both work and family use. The Standard Box provided a practical cargo bed length for a variety of hauling needs. This combination aimed to appeal to a broad spectrum of truck buyers, from contractors to families needing a versatile vehicle.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Silverado variant lies the 5.3-liter L83 EcoTec3 V8 engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated, direct-injected powerplant featuring Active Fuel Management (AFM), a cylinder deactivation system designed to improve fuel economy by shutting down four cylinders during light-load driving conditions. The L83 boasts aluminum cylinder heads and a cast iron block, contributing to its durability. The engine produces 355 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4100 rpm. The direct injection system, coupled with variable valve timing (VVT), optimizes combustion efficiency and power delivery. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission (6L80-E), known for its smooth shifting and reliability. This transmission is electronically controlled and features a tow/haul mode for improved performance when towing trailers or heavy loads.
Driving Characteristics
The Silverado 1500 5.3L Automatic delivers a comfortable and capable driving experience. While not as quick as the 6.2L V8 equipped models, the 5.3L provides ample power for everyday driving and hauling. The six-speed automatic transmission is well-tuned, offering smooth and predictable shifts. The AFM system is generally seamless in operation, though some drivers may notice a slight vibration when transitioning between V8 and V4 modes. The truck’s suspension is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. Compared to manual transmission versions, the automatic offers greater convenience, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. However, it may result in slightly lower fuel economy due to the transmission’s inherent inefficiencies. The gear ratios are optimized for towing and hauling, providing strong low-end torque.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Silverado 1500 offered a range of trim levels, with the 5.3L automatic typically found in the LT and LTZ trims. Standard equipment on these trims included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a rearview camera, and a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display. Higher trims added features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies like lane departure warning and forward collision alert. Optional extras included a sunroof, navigation system, and a trailering package. Interior upholstery typically consisted of cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 1500 utilizes a fully boxed frame constructed from high-strength steel, providing a solid foundation for the vehicle. The front suspension features independent coil springs, while the rear suspension employs leaf springs. This configuration offers a good balance of ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and discs at the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. Steering is rack-and-pinion with electric power assist, providing precise and responsive handling. Tire sizes varied depending on the trim level and wheel size, ranging from 255/70R17 to 275/55R20.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Silverado 1500 5.3L Automatic was generally well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and capable powertrain. Fuel economy was considered average for a full-size truck, with the AFM system helping to improve efficiency. Compared to the 5.3L models with a manual transmission, the automatic offered greater convenience but slightly lower fuel economy. The 6.2L V8 models provided more power but came at a higher price point. The Silverado also competed with the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, both of which offered similar features and capabilities. The Silverado often stood out for its value proposition, offering a competitive price and a comprehensive feature set.
Legacy
The L83 5.3L EcoTec3 engine and 6L80-E transmission combination has proven to be relatively reliable over the long term. While some owners have reported issues with the AFM system, such as oil consumption and lifter failure, these problems are not widespread. The Silverado 1500 from this generation remains a popular choice in the used car market, offering a good balance of capability, comfort, and affordability. Its robust construction and proven powertrain make it a dependable workhorse for years to come. Parts availability is excellent, and maintenance costs are generally reasonable, contributing to its continued appeal among truck buyers.
