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
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota’s Go Anywhere Globetrotter Returns To U.S.
Every once in a while, we all need a reset. A time to get back to basics and prioritize the things that really matter. Well, for the Toyota Land Cruiser that time is now. So, let’s find out if that means bigger and better things for Toyota’s iconic off-roader.
The Toyota Land Cruiser’s status among the global off-road community is legendary, and it’s hard to imagine there’s any corner of the earth where a Land Cruiser hasn’t kicked up a little dust or mud. Well, 2024 sees the return of the Land Cruiser to the U.S. market after a 3-year hiatus, getting a major reset for the journey.
The reset comes mostly by no longer being based on the large three-row “300-series” chassis, but a new version of the smaller “200-series,” now known as the J250. As with the latest Tacoma, it uses the Tundra pickup’s full-size steel frame.
While the main Land Cruiser model, which goes by simply Land Cruiser, is packed full of luxury and convenience features, there is also a stripped-down model known as the 1958, honoring the first year the Land Cruiser made landfall here in North America. And it is that 1958 we have here, and we were glad to see it, as it also celebrates the original’s back-to-basics approach as a blank canvas for you to personalize as you tackle more and more adventures.
Not that it’s fully stripped down, as 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, a 7-inch full-color multi-information display, and automatic climate control are still standard. Plus, some seriously durable materials, and great heated cloth front seats that throw off some get serious 1990s Tacoma vibes.
But outside, there’s a definite lack of flashy trim and basic looking 18-inch wheels with Yokohama Geolander all-season tires; plus, big chunky bumpers and tilt-up back glass, which is a rarity that we appreciate. Though there is a little too much plastic in places that are sure to see some abuse if you do any significant off-roading.
It even feels a little rough around the edges, but for us it just adds to the rugged old-school utility vibe in a good way.
We did just that, both here in the Mid-Atlantic as well as in the California desert; and while there are some tech-forward driving aids, the actual hardware is in most cases plenty to get things done. That includes standard full-time dual-range four-wheel-drive, locking center and rear diffs, and 8.7-inches of ground clearance. A front stabilizer bar disconnect is also available to allow for increased articulation.
Who needs a V6 or even a V8 when you’ve got Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX setup at your disposal with 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque coming from a 2.4-liter turbo-four with an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and its eight-speed automatic transmission. Low speed torque delivery is impressive. It even feels a little rough around the edges, which may be a turn off to some, but for us it just adds to the rugged old-school utility vibe in a good way.
And it certainly feels quicker than an off roader needs to be, with an instant torque dump as soon as we eased on the throttle at our Mason Dixon test track; helping us get to 60 in 8.1 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds at 86 mph. Considering the Land Cruiser’s terrain conquering mission, it behaved quite well in our handling course; it was plenty responsive to inputs, with less body roll than we expected and plenty of grip from the tires. The steering was light and quick but as expected didn’t provide much feel. Other than significant nosedive, braking performance was exceptional. Only 107-feet to panic stop us from 60 mph.
With the shift to the smaller size, there’s no more third row available, and cargo capacity now comes in at 46.2 cubic-feet with a max of a still healthy 82.1. Now, the best part of the Land Cruiser’s return is the entry price of $57,445. That’s about 30-grand less than what the last Land Cruiser went for back in 2021.
Whether it’s over the top fashion trends, mullets, or zombies; just when you think they’re dead, they come roaring back to life. Of course, we’re much happier to see the resurrection of this 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser than any of those things. Toyota is one brand that still recognizes the value of full-framed rugged rigs and has also acknowledged that sometimes less really is more. The Godfather of Toyota off-roading is back and better than ever.