The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, a full-size pickup truck, has been a mainstay of the American automotive landscape for decades. The third generation, introduced in 2014 and receiving a significant facelift in 2016, continued this tradition. This article focuses on the 2016-2018 Silverado 1500 Double Cab Standard Box configuration equipped with the 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This particular variant occupied a middle ground in the Silverado lineup, offering a balance of capability, fuel efficiency, and affordability, appealing to buyers who didn’t require the higher towing capacity or performance of the larger V8 engines.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Silverado 1500 |
| Generation | Silverado 1500 III (facelift 2016) Double Cab Standard Box |
| Type (Engine) | 4.3 V6 EcoTec3 (285 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) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 285 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 414 Nm @ 3900 rpm (305.35 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | LV3 |
| Engine displacement | 4293 cm3 (261.97 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| 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 | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 15.1 l (15.96 US qt | 13.29 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2260 kg (4982.45 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 3130 kg (6900.47 lbs) |
| Max load | 870 kg (1918.02 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%) | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs) |
| Length | 5843 mm (230.04 in) |
| Width | 2032 mm (80 in) |
| Height | 1876 mm (73.86 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) | 215 mm (8.46 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 Double Cab Standard Box with the 4.3L V6 and automatic transmission represented a sweet spot for many truck buyers. Positioned within the broader Silverado lineup – which included extended cab, crew cab, and various bed length options, as well as 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines – this configuration offered a practical and efficient solution for everyday use and light-duty tasks. The facelifted Silverado introduced in 2016 brought updated styling, improved interior materials, and enhanced technology features, making it a more competitive offering in the increasingly popular full-size truck segment. Built on the GMT-900 platform, the Silverado aimed to balance ruggedness with modern comfort and convenience.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Silverado variant lies the 4.3L (262 cubic inch) EcoTec3 V6 engine, designated as the LV3. This engine is a naturally aspirated, aluminum-block V6 featuring direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VVT), and cylinder deactivation. The direct injection system optimizes combustion efficiency and power delivery, while VVT adjusts valve timing to maximize performance and fuel economy across the engine’s operating range. Cylinder deactivation allows the engine to operate on fewer cylinders during light-load conditions, further enhancing fuel efficiency. The engine produces 285 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 305 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm.
The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission (6L80-E). This transmission is known for its smooth shifting and durability. The gear ratios are tuned to provide a balance of acceleration and fuel economy. The automatic transmission contributes to the ease of driving, particularly in urban environments and for drivers less familiar with manual transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 4.3L V6-powered Silverado 1500 delivers adequate performance for most everyday driving scenarios. While it doesn’t offer the exhilarating acceleration of the V8 models, it provides sufficient power for hauling moderate loads and navigating city streets. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and predictably, contributing to a comfortable driving experience. Compared to the 5.3L V8, the 4.3L feels noticeably less powerful, especially when fully loaded or towing. However, the V6 offers a more responsive feel than the diesel options available in the lineup. The gear ratios in the six-speed automatic are well-matched to the engine’s torque curve, providing reasonable acceleration in most situations.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2016-2018 Silverado 1500 Double Cab Standard Box 4.3L Automatic was typically offered in LT and LTZ trim levels. The LT trim included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a USB port. The LTZ trim added features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, an upgraded infotainment system, and additional chrome exterior trim. Optional extras included a navigation system, a premium sound system, a sunroof, and various safety features like lane departure warning and forward collision alert.
Chassis & Braking
The Silverado 1500 features a fully boxed frame construction, providing a solid foundation for the vehicle. The suspension system consists of independent front suspension with coil springs and a multi-leaf rear suspension. The rear brakes on this configuration were typically disc brakes, offering improved stopping power compared to earlier models that used drum brakes. The steering system is a rack-and-pinion setup with electric power steering, providing responsive and precise handling. Standard tire sizes ranged from 255/70R17 to 275/55R20, depending on the trim level and wheel size.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally praised the Silverado 1500 for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and user-friendly technology. The 4.3L V6 engine was considered a capable option for buyers who didn’t require the extra power of the V8s. However, some reviewers noted that the V6 felt underpowered when towing heavy loads. Fuel economy was a strong point for the 4.3L, offering better mileage than the V8 engines. Compared to competitors like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, the Silverado 1500 offered a competitive package with a focus on practicality and value.
Legacy
The 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 paired with the six-speed automatic transmission has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain. While not without its occasional issues (such as oil leaks and timing chain wear), the engine is generally considered durable and long-lasting. In the used car market, the 2016-2018 Silverado 1500 Double Cab Standard Box 4.3L Automatic represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a capable and affordable full-size pickup truck. Its balance of fuel efficiency, practicality, and comfort makes it a popular choice for both personal and commercial use. The engine’s relatively simple design and readily available parts contribute to its continued appeal in the secondary market.
