“I like the electronics of the vehicle but hate the seats. Everything sticks to them and they sit too low.”
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. Its headline change is a restyled front end with a squarer grille, new hood details and revised lighting.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
3rd gen (2014-2018), mid-cycle refresh year
The 2016 Silverado 1500 is Chevrolet's full-size pickup for buyers who need real towing and hauling ability but want more comfort and technology than a stripped-down work truck. Chevrolet sells it on wide choice: regular, Double and Crew Cab bodies; multiple bed lengths; V6 or V8 power; and trims that range from basic fleet duty to leather-lined luxury. A quiet cabin, strong V8 options and broad trim spread are key reasons buyers choose it.
The 2016 lineup stretches from the jobsite-focused Work Truck to the everyday LT, trail-ready Z71 models and luxury-oriented High Country. The newly added Custom pairs body-color exterior trim with a 7-inch touchscreen, while LT centers on an 8-inch touchscreen and an easier-to-lift tailgate. High Country brings navigation, Bose audio, wireless phone charging, and heated and ventilated leather front seats.
What changed, by category
Styling
Chevrolet revised the front end across the lineup with a squarer grille, new hood details and updated lighting. LTZ and Z71 LTZ received standard full LED exterior lighting, and the style-focused Custom trim joined the lineup.
Tech
Touchscreen-equipped trucks received quicker hardware and smartphone integration. The 8-inch touchscreen became standard on LT and Z71 LT; Apple CarPlay was included, and Android Auto arrived later in the model year. On LS, satellite radio changed from standard to optional.
Safety
The Enhanced Driver Alert package gained lane-keeping steering assistance.
Powertrain
The eight-speed automatic became more widely used on upper V8 trims, including LTZ models with the 5.3-liter V8 and certain Z71 LTZ Crew Cab models. The engine, cab and bed choices otherwise carried over.
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, EcoTec, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, FF, 5.3L | V6, EcoTec, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, FF, 5.3L / V8, eAssist, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V8, EcoTec3, FF, 5.3L / V8, EcoTec3, FF, 6.2L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter | V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, FF, 5.3L | V6, EcoTec, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, FF, 5.3L | V8, EcoTec3, FF, 5.3L / V8, EcoTec3, FF 6.2L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter | V6, EcoTec, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V6, EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, FF, 5.3L | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Auto, 8-Spd HD Overdrive / Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive / Auto, 8-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Auto, 8-Spd HD Overdrive / Auto, 8-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 8-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 2WD | 4WD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–18 mpg | 16–18 mpg | 15–16 mpg | 16–18 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 15–16 mpg | 16–18 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22–24 mpg | 22–24 mpg | 21–22 mpg | 22–24 mpg | 22 mpg | 21–22 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 285–355 hp | 285–355 hp | 355–420 hp | 285–355 hp | 285–355 hp | 355–420 hp | 285–355 hp | 355–420 hp |
| Torque | 305–383 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8900–9800 lb | 8600–11000 lb | 11700–11800 lb | 9100–9200 lb | 8600–10900 lb | 9100–11900 lb | 8900–9800 lb | 9100 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 40.9 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 3–6 | 6 | 6 | 3–6 | 6 | 3–6 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||||||
| Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 fully redesigned?
No. The 2016 Silverado 1500 received a mid-cycle update within the generation introduced for 2014. Chevrolet changed the front-end styling, lighting, touchscreen systems and selected equipment while retaining the core cab, bed and engine choices.
What touchscreen changes did the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 receive?
The 2016 Silverado received quicker touchscreen hardware and smartphone integration. The 8-inch touchscreen became standard on LT and Z71 LT, Apple CarPlay was included, and Android Auto arrived later in the model year.
Did the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 add lane-keeping assistance?
Yes. For 2016, the Enhanced Driver Alert package gained lane-keeping steering assistance, which can help guide the truck back toward its lane.
Did the eight-speed automatic become more common on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Yes. Chevrolet expanded use of the eight-speed automatic on upper V8 trims for 2016, including the 5.3-liter V8 in LTZ and certain Z71 LTZ Crew Cab models. High Country also pairs a V8 with the eight-speed automatic.
Was the Custom trim new for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Yes. Custom joined the Silverado 1500 lineup for 2016 as a style-focused step above the basic trucks, with body-color exterior trim, a 7-inch touchscreen and everyday convenience features.
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
4.2
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
(553 reviews)
“The Chevy half ton is a great tow vehicle. Smooth consistent acceleration, great visibility, and good gas mileage even while towing. A very quiet and comfortable ride while towing or not. Rear camera makes hookups much quicker and easier. The extended cab's rear seating is more suited for storage than actual ride seating but it is comfortable in a pinch.”
“One of the smoothest riding pick-ups I've experienced. Comfortable ride, with just enough bells and whistles for modern life. Great family or work truck.”
Sources
- media.gm.com — 2016 / Fastfacts / 2016 FF Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Double Cab 5 3L
- media.gm.com — Download 0 / File.Res / 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Specifications
- media.gm.com — 2016 / Fastfacts / 2016 FF Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS Crew Cab 4 3L
- media.gm.com — 2016 / Fastfacts / 2016 FF Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Double Cab Z71 5 3L
- media.gm.com — 2016 / Fastfacts / 2016 FF Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country 6 2L