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2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid 4WD

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is a full-size crew cab pickup truck available in either 1HY or 2HY trim. It is all new for 2009 and the first full-size pickup truck with true hybrid technology, available with 2WD and 4WD configurations. A true dual-mode hybrid, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid accelerates to 29 mph only on the strength of its twin 60-kilowatt electric motors. It employs the same dual-mode hybrid technology employed in GM’s full-size SUVs, delivering a remarkable 20 mpg city/20 mpg highway. It mostly shines in the city where most full-size trucks are rated at 14-15-mpg.

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Power and performance

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The four-wheel-drive 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid 2HY derives power from a 6.0-liter hybrid V8 engine rated at 332 horsepower. However, the GM claims that the twin 60-kilowatt electric motors enhance the peak horsepower to 379 horsepower with electric motors taken into account. The 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack gets charged from a regenerative braking system during deceleration, and a cylinder-deactivation function turns the large V8 engine into a four-banger for efficient cruising under light loads.

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The electrically variable transmission (EVT) employs four fixed ratios along with planetary gearsets, resulting in a Frankenstein transmission that alternately functions like a conventional automatic and a CVT. Thus, the EVT gives out a fair impression of a predictable four-speed automatic, but it’s actually a complex cross between a regular automatic and a CVT. However, this advanced powertrain performance does not meet the things promised. To put it precisely, the whole transmission system is complex.

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The Silverado Hybrid falls behind its normal V8-powered lineup and is not like the Toyota’s Camry Hybrid which improves on the performance of an ordinary Camry. Maximum towing capacity is satisfactory around 6,000 pounds. Brakes do not impress much but the handling is about what one would expect from a full-size truck and satisfactory given the vehicle’s purpose of utility. The main plus of the Silverado Hybrid is fuel economy - 20 mpg city/20 highway.

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Comfort

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The Silverado Hybrid does not go away much from the standard Silverado styling equation and is can be distinguished only by the “Hybrid” badges and standard 18-inch chrome wheels.

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The leather-trimmed front bucket seats are comfortable. There is sufficient space for occupants of all sizes. The high rear seat cushion gives rare under-thigh support for longer-legged riders as well as decent legroom. The seatback angle is fine; not as in old trucks but the rear headrests are not adequate. Wind and road noise are considerably low, even while cruising at highway speeds. The steering wheel is not telescopic but absence of a dedicated driver footrest is irritating, especially on longer drives. The sound coming out form the Bose audio system is above-average for a truck. The front compartment has four cupholders and two gloveboxes. Overall, Silverado Hybrid gets a passing grade in terms of comfort.

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