2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Truck Highlights

2013 Chevy Silverado

 Chevrolet

Chevrolet introduced a new version of its Silverado pickup truck in 2014, so there weren't a wide array of changes for the 2013 model year. 

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2013 Silverado Truck Cab and Bed Options

  • 2013 Silverado trucks are available with a standard cab, extended cab or crew cab.
  • Choose a 5'8" bed, 6'6" bed or an 8" bed depending on cab style.

 

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Silverado Trim Levels and Special Packages

  • Choose from one of six trim levels, starting with the basic work truck, the WT.
  • Climb the scale with the LS, LT and LTZ trucks -- each model tacks on additional features as standard equipment.
    • Chevrolet's Z71 off-road package is available on 2WD and 4WD LT and LTZ trucks. The package includes high-pressure gas off-road shocks, off-road suspension jounce bumpers to soften the impact of bottoming out, a skid plate and on/off road tires.
    • If you use your pickup truck for towing, check out the NHT trailering package, also offered on LT and LTZ pickups. The package includes a 6.2 liter V8, heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential, Z85 suspension and 17-inch aluminum wheels with on/off road tires. Other features: four wheel disc brakes and a 9.5 inch rear differential with a 3.73 gear ratio. Silverado trucks with this package are rated to tow 10,700 pounds.
  • The Silverado XFE is a 2WD truck designed to deliver improved fuel economy. Its front air dam, bed cover, low-rolling-resistance tires, 6-speed automatic transmission, 5.3L V8 engine, and other aerodynamic enhancements boost the MPG rating to 20 city and 23 highway. The truck will tow 7,000 pounds.
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Silverado Truck Engines, 2013

 Along with the hybrid, 2013 Silverado trucks could be built with one of the following five engines:

  • 4.3 liter V6 -- 195 horsepower/260 pound feet of torque
  • 4.8 liter V8 -- E85 compatible, 302 horsepower/305 pound feet of torque
  • 5.3 liter V8 -- Flex Fuel, E85, Active Fuel Management (AFM), cast iron block, 315 horsepower/335 pound feet of torque
  • 5.3 liter V8 -- Flex Fuel, E85, AFM, aluminum block, 315 horsepower/335 pound feet of torque
  • 6.2 liter V8 -- Flex Fuel, E85, variable valve timing (VVT), 403 horsepower/417 pound feet of torque (available only in extended and crew cabs trucks)
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2013 Silverado Transmission Choices

Chevrolet offered two transmission choices for 2013 Silverado trucks, the 4-speed automatic, primarily for the V6 and some 4.8 liter V8s, and the 6-speed automatic for everything else.

All transmissions have a grade braking feature (with or without tow/haul mode). Grade braking downshifts the transmission when you are descending a hill with your foot off of the accelerator, but still picking up speed. The system automatically downshifts, helping the engine slow the vehicle and reducing the amount of braking required (brake wear is reduced, too).

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Truck's Safety Features

  •  Roof-mounted head curtain side air bags are in place for all seats.
  • Driver and front passenger seats have side impact airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners
  • Stabilitrak stability control uses sensors and the anti-lock brake system to control the vehicle if it detects that the truck starting to slide or skip. The system also senses if a trailer is being towed and and monitors trailer sway.
  • A rear view camera is available to help monitor activity behind the truck and helps when you're connecting a trailer
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Bottom Line

Chevrolet's 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 built on the strengths of prior years. The truck's exterior trim was tweaked, but the addition of grade braking for all trucks was the most important update for 2013.