The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, in its third generation and specifically the 2016 facelift, represented a significant evolution of Chevrolet’s full-size pickup truck. Produced from 2016 to 2018, the Regular Cab Long Box configuration with the 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine and four-wheel drive offered a compelling blend of capability, comfort, and value within the highly competitive American truck market. This variant occupied a middle ground in the Silverado 1500 lineup, appealing to buyers who needed substantial towing and hauling capacity but didn’t require the added space or luxury of crew cab models or the higher performance of the 6.2L V8 option.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 1500 |
| Generation | Silverado 1500 III (facelift 2016) Regular Cab Long Box |
| Type (Engine) | 5.3 V8 EcoTec3 (355 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 2-3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.3 kg/Hp, 158.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm, 231.3 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 | 2244 kg (4947.17 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3175 kg (6999.68 lbs.) |
| Max load | 931 kg (2052.5 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 2161 l (76.31 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 129 l (34.08 US gal | 28.38 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2948 kg (6499.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 5701 mm (224.45 in.) |
| Width | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1874 mm (73.78 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3378 mm (132.99 in.) |
| Front track | 1748 mm (68.82 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 223 mm (8.78 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| 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 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Silverado 1500 variant lies the 5.3-liter L83 EcoTec3 V8 engine. This engine represented a significant step forward in Chevrolet’s engine technology, featuring direct injection, variable valve timing (VVT), and cylinder deactivation. The direct injection system allowed for more precise fuel delivery, improving both power and efficiency. Cylinder deactivation, marketed as Active Fuel Management, enabled the engine to operate on four cylinders during light-load conditions, further enhancing fuel economy. The L83 produced 355 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4100 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel-drive-based architecture were typical for American full-size trucks. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, chosen for its smooth shifting and ability to handle the engine’s torque output. This transmission was a workhorse unit, designed for durability and reliability in demanding applications.
Driving Characteristics
The 5.3L V8 and six-speed automatic combination provided a balanced driving experience. While not as quick as the 6.2L V8, the 5.3L offered ample power for everyday driving and towing. Acceleration was respectable, and the automatic transmission shifted smoothly, providing adequate response for merging and passing. The six-speed transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for both fuel efficiency and towing capability. In real-world conditions, the Silverado 1500 with this powertrain felt capable and composed, even when hauling heavy loads. The four-wheel-drive system provided enhanced traction in inclement weather and off-road conditions. Compared to manual transmission versions, the automatic offered greater convenience, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. However, some drivers preferred the more direct control offered by a manual gearbox.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2016-2018 Silverado 1500 Regular Cab Long Box 5.3L 4WD typically came standard with features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels, such as LT and LTZ, added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies. The interior design was functional and durable, with a focus on practicality rather than luxury. Optional extras included a navigation system, a trailering package, and various appearance upgrades.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 1500’s chassis was a fully boxed frame, designed for strength and rigidity. The suspension consisted of independent front suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. This setup provided a comfortable ride and good load-carrying capacity. The braking system featured ventilated front discs and rear discs, providing adequate stopping power. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard. The rear disc brakes were a notable upgrade over previous generations, offering improved braking performance and fade resistance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 and automatic transmission was generally well-received by critics and consumers. It was praised for its strong engine, comfortable ride, and capable towing capacity. Fuel economy was considered average for a full-size truck, but the cylinder deactivation technology helped to improve efficiency. Compared to the 4.3L V6 version, the 5.3L offered significantly more power and towing capacity. Compared to the 6.2L V8, it provided a more affordable option with slightly lower fuel consumption. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the infotainment system.
Legacy
The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine proved to be a durable and reliable powertrain. Silverado 1500s equipped with this engine continue to be popular on the used car market, offering a good balance of capability, affordability, and fuel efficiency. The L83 engine, while not without its minor quirks, has earned a reputation for longevity, and well-maintained examples can provide many years of service. The 2016-2018 Silverado 1500 represents a solid and dependable full-size pickup truck that continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
