The battle for pickup truck popularity is always in flux, with each competitor coming out with its new models to change up the game every so often.
In the 2013 model year, Ram trucks got a lot of attention, and with a new redesign, Chevy is hoping its 2014 Silverado pickup trucks will be the main attraction this year.

I recently drove a 2014 Silverado 1500 and I’ll let you know about my experience and what this upgrade could mean for Chevy’s standing in the pickup battle.

LOOKS
Overdue for a redesign, the Silverado gets a bit of a new look for the 2014 models (though nothing too drastic).
Lighter materials are used to reduce weight while increasing strength, but it still looks very much like a tough truck, perhaps even moreso due to the bigger, in-your-face grille. The new design was also done with aerodynamics in mind, to keep down fuel mileage. Rear doors are also larger and easier to get in and out of.
My test truck had 18-inch aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires.
The interior got a big overhaul, with extra storage spaces added, and lots of technology-friendly options (some versions have up to 5 USB ports).
In terms of cab size, you have regular cab, crew cab and double cab options.
(One minor note: The side step rails on my truck did not go all the way back; nothing huge, but it would have been nice, and you do get this on some of the competiton).

In terms of bed sizes, regular cab trucks feature either a 6.5-foot bed or an optional 8-foot bed. The double cabs can only get the 6.5-foot bed, and the crew cabs can get either a 5.75-foot bed or a 6.5-foot bed.

ENGINE
The engine is another area that is very different on the 2014 Silverado.
For starters, there is a V6 option that is quite strong and will be sufficient for a lot of folks who might not do a lot of heavy lifting with their truck. That engine option features 285 horsepower.

I had a test truck with a V8 engine, one of two offered. Mine was a 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3 engine that featured a powerful ride offering 355 horsepower and 383 foot-pounds of torque. Towing on my vehicle had a max of more than 11,000 pounds, when properly equipped. Maximum payload is just under 2,000 pounds.

There is another V8 engine offered that boasts 420 horsepower if you want even more power.
The Silverado features a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Electric power steering also contributes to an overall smooth ride, not an easy feat with this type of vehicle.

MPG
One area where all this weight-trimming came in handy was fuel mileage. The V8 2014 Silverado I tested is listed at 16 mpg city/22 highway, and 18 combined -- best in its class. You’ll do a couple miles per gallon better if you get the V6 engine. The fuel tank holds 26 gallons.

Another element of the redesign that Silverado drivers will notice is the materials used lead to a much quieter cabin, as the outside world is pretty much kept out. This isn’t something you normally associate with a truck, but it’s definitely the case here.

TECH
The Chevrolet MyLink system offered in the Silverado features connectivity to your phone, voice commands and more. Some versions feature a 4.2-inch touchscreen, while others get the upgraded 8-inch screen. The system features Bluetooth, allowing you to connect your phone and other devices to the car wirelessly. And you’ll get USB ports and a SD card slot for connecting devices and media in a wired way.
OnStar is an included feature (free initially for 6 months, then you’ll pay a monthly fee if you want to keep it). This is a system that can be helpful both in emergencies, and when seeking info on a daily basis; whether it’s worth the cost is up to each truck owner.

Other tech features offered on some versions of the 2014 Silverado include: Remote keyless entry, remote vehicle start, and dual-zone climate control.

You get 3 months of free satellite radio, then you must pay a fee to keep it (I would recommend this; beats terrestrial radio by a mile).

SAFETY
The 2014 Silverado got top rankings in government crash tests (five stars in all areas except rollover, which was four stars). It comes with six standard air bags; front safety belt pretensioners with load-limiting retractors; optional forward collision alert and lane departure warning; Stabilitrak electronic stability control with traction control; optional rearview camera system; hill descent control; tire pressure monitoring system; locking tailgate, and more

PRICE
There is a wide range of pricing on the Silverado, with the most basic, no-frills work truck version beginning around $26,000. Depending on what you’re willing to spend, there are a lot of options to explore and you can double that amount.

My test vehicle came in just over $49K. It started at about $43,500, but included options such as the $845 Driver Alert package (park assist; lane departure warning; forward collision alert; Safety alert seat), $770 LTZ Plus package (power adjustable pedals, Bose Audio system, heated steering wheel), $795 Chevy MyLink with 8-inch touchscreen and Navigation, $700 for 6” chrome assist steps $650 for heated and cooled front seats, and a couple other touches.

BOTTOM LINE
Based on my time in the truck, I can say with confidence that the redesigned Chevy Silverado has made big improvements on the previous edition in terms of ride quality, looks and performance.
Truck owners are pretty loyal, but the numbers and overall driving experience put up here by Chevy are good enough to get some of the drivers of the competition’s trucks second-guessing what their next purchase should be. There should be some gains for Chevy, but time will tell just how much the battle is about to tighten up, and it will depend largely on what the folks who use their trucks to make a living decide to do.