2014 Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado, the perennial number two selling pickup truck in America, was last redesigned for 2007. At that time, fuel economy was not a major concern for pickup truck buyers. But since then gas prices have steadily risen and both RAM and Ford have responded with more efficient, but capable V6 powertrains. So, when it was announced that the all new, 2014 Silverado would still use a V8 as its primary power, truck watchers wondered if Chevy didn’t get the message. Well, apparently they did.
Chevrolet not only got the message, they answered in triplicate, with three all new, totally modern engines. And, in the process wrestled the light duty pickup towing and V8 fuel economy crowns back into the GM fold.
But, what about the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado as a whole? Was this truck worth a 7 year wait? After all, the new Silverado doesn’t look radically different than last year. A taller, bolder twin-port grille, yes. A more rugged and upright stance, certainly. And a touch more modern with available projector beam headlights. Sure. But the big differences are in the details.
The hood is now made out of aluminum, just one of the Silverado’s many weight saving measures. Others include a roll formed steel box and aluminum suspension components. Though big pickup trucks will probably always resemble moving bricks, GM put a big emphasis on aerodynamics for both fuel economy and noise control, with triple-sealed inlaid doors, new body mounts, cab-to-box seals, and even a spoiler shaped tailgate top.
Still, Chevrolet is committed to the working man, as the new Silverado has added many features to help them carry out their daily tasks, including a damped EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, Avalanche-inspired rear bumper side steps and box grab handles, under bed rail LED lighting, box mounted upper tie downs, and standard box top caps.
But, what about those three new engines? All are up to date with all-aluminum blocks and heads, direct injection, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation.
The trio starts with a 4.3-liter V6, but the high volume power plant is a 5.3-liter V8 rated at 355-horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque. It also rates 23 miles-per-gallon Highway. That’s the best of any truck V8 and even beats the Ford F-150’s popular EcoBoost V6. It will out tow it as well, and all light duty V8s, hauling a max of 11,500-pounds. Top engine option will be a 6.2-liter V8.
One of the few carryover parts is the Hydramatic ZL60 six-speed automatic transmission, but each engine will get its own rear end. Both manual and AutoTrac hi-low four-wheel drive systems are again available. New on the Z71 is Hill Decent control. The rear suspension maintains its two-stage multi-leaf springs, but gets improved bushings and new shocks. Four-wheel disc are standard with new, longer life corrosion protection.
The interior gets a full-scale re-design including better, softer materials all around and a more functional layout with a very vertical dash and big handed controls. The shifter is still column mounted, which helps free up space in the cabin. The standard bench seat has a bucket style form, or you can opt for real buckets with a wide, deep center console between. New high-density seat foam delivers improved comfort.
The six-gauge layout is great. That plus an info screen provides all of the information you could want in a working truck that will also be spending a lot of time doing family duties. And the latest version of Chevrolet’s My Link infotainment system will help keep you connected as well as entertained.
Crew Cabs, now 60% of the market, have doors that open wider than before. Doors on the extended Double Cab model are now front hinged, opening car-like, instead of clam-shell style. That, plus a forward b-pillar makes the Double Cab rear seat now more suitable for adults.
Whether on the way to the job site or the weekend getaway, you’ll find the new Silverado to be much quieter than before. Silverado’s ride remains a smooth one, but now with better body control thanks to a stiffer but lighter structure and re-vamped suspension. The new electric power steering also delivers an impressive amount of feel through a grippier steering wheel.
So far, Chevrolet has only released Fuel Economy Ratings for the 5.3 V8, which are 16-City, 23-Highway, and 19-Combined in rear drive; and 16-City, 22-Highway, 18-Combined for the 4X4.
Regular cab Silverados will begin at $24,585. That’s the same price as the current model; and GM is looking to tow the pricing line with all cabs. Trims include Work Truck, LT, LTZ, and new premium High Country for the Silverado buyers who want it all.
Despite first impressions, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado is indeed a huge improvement over the current model, and it has certainly caught up with the pack when it comes to fuel economy and technology. But more importantly, everything seems to fit into one cohesive, tightly designed package. It’s not going to make an F-150 fan switch, but we are certain it will keep the Chevy faithful happy for years to come.
Specifications
- Engine: 5.3-liter V8
- Horsepower: 355
- Torque: 383 lb-ft.
- EPA: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
2025 Genesis G80
New Interior And New Tech Elevates G80 Sedan
Talk about bad timing. This second-generation G80 debuted at the height of a global pandemic. But that hasn’t stopped Genesis or this Bentley-on-a-budget sedan. In fact, since then, Genesis has unveiled a spectacular all-electric version and now given all G80s a makeover. So, let’s find out what a better and better-timed new G80 is ready to deliver.
Breaking into the luxury sedan scene requires going up against traditional brands with long pedigrees and legions of loyal buyers. But Hyundai has never shied away from a challenge, and has made steady progress with their Genesis brand, and hopes that a revised 2025 G80 midsize sedan will be their next step up.
Styling matters more when you’re the upstart, and the Genesis Athletic Elegance theme changes very little for ’25; just a new grille, slightly reshaped bumpers, new wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches, and an updated color palette. The G80’s unique two-line LED headlamps get revised Micro Lens Array technology that boosts performance while minimizing the brightness for oncoming drivers.
Changes inside are much more significant with an entirely new dash and console, eliminating both the hooded gauge panel and dashtop wide info screen. Merging them together into one 27-inch wide LG panoramic display than runs from behind the steering wheel to over the center stack. There’s a bigger and more comprehensive control panel in the center stack; while the console gets less armrest coverage, more space for storage, and reshaped cupholders. The wider display is still a touchscreen, but there is also a console mounted controller if you prefer to keep it fingerprint free. Both options work well, but the controller is still too easy to confuse with the dial-like shifter.
Materials are on par if not a notch above most European luxury rivals, and there are 18 speakers to crank out 1,400 watts of premium sound from Bang & Olufsen. Top Sport Prestige trim comes with Nappa leather seats, carbon fiber trim, micro-suede materials for the headliner and pillar covers, heated armrests, head-up display, and upgraded active safety features. Front seats are immensely comfortable without feeling overly soft, and there’s plenty of comfort and room for adults in the back seat.
More Bentley than Benz; streaking down the track with European-style solidity that gives you very little indication of the high speed you’re traveling at.
Same powertrains as last year. Base power comes from a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-four; the upgrade is this 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that outputs 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both are hitched to standard all-wheel drive. At our Mason Dixon Dragway test track, the AWD delivered enough grip for consistent slip-free launches. We hit 60 in 5.0 seconds flat. Run after run, the 3.5T pulled as strong as it sounds. All G80s work with the same paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission, and while shifting was silky smooth on the street, here on the track with Sport Mode and wide-open throttle they were noticeably firmer and quicker.
It was a very surreal experience in the cabin. More Bentley than Benz; streaking down the track with European-style solidity that gives you very little indication of the high speed you’re traveling at. For us, that was 105 mph in 13.4 seconds at the quarter. In addition to the G80’s Sport Mode that tightens steering, improves throttle response, adjusts shifting points, firms up the suspension, and reconfigures stability system parameters; Sport Prestige trim adds rear-wheel steering and an electronic limited slip differential. But, even with all of that, it didn’t feel overly sporty in our handling course. Now, we were able to comfortably carry quite a bit of speed through the cones, but there was just an overall soft, somewhat disconnected and heavy presence that had us unsure of how hard we could push. Sport Prestige also adds upgraded performance brakes. They were plenty capable, bringing this 4,600-lbs. luxury liner consistently down from 60 in just 104 feet with little fade.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the six-cylinder are 16 City, 24 Highway, and 19 Combined. We averaged a good 21.3 mpg of Premium. Still, that’s a slightly below average Energy Impact Score, using 15.7 barrels of oil annually with 7.8 tons of CO2 emissions.
Considering the amount of luxury packed into the G80, its $58,350 starting price, even though slightly higher than last year, remains pretty remarkable. It’s a substantial step up to the 3.5T though, as it begins at $70,850.
Genesis has existed as a standalone luxury brand for just less than a decade, and it has indeed been making steady progress into what is surely the hardest segment of all to master. The 2025 Genesis G80 sedan continues to impress and is a great option for luxury-minded buyers who prioritize true value over badges.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
- Transmission: eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 375
- Torque: 391 lb-ft
- EPA: 16 City | 24 Highway | 19 Combined
- 0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 13.4 seconds at 105 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg.): 104 feet
- MW Fuel Economy: 21.3 mpg (Premium)