By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country adds a new level of tough truck luxury to the lineup with a unique chrome grille with horizontal chrome bars, halogen projector headlamps and body color front and rear bumpers. Unique 20-inch chrome wheels with P275/55R20 all-season tires are standard, as are chrome body side moldings, door handles and mirrors.
It is Chevrolet’s first premium truck and one of the industry’s most capable, backing up an exclusive package of distinctive design elements, comfort and convenience features with segment topping capability including the segment’s most powerful V-8 and a 9,800-pound trailering rating.
Like a finely crafted saddle or pair of custom fitted boots, the 2014 Silverado High Country embodies rugged luxury craftsmanship, authenticity and functionality rolled into a truck that’s stronger, smarter and more capable than ever.
Inside, Silverado High Country features an exclusive saddle brown interior. Heated and cooled perforated premium leather front bucket seats with High Country logos on the headrests are standard, along with Chevrolet MyLink connectivity with an 8-inch touch screen, Bose premium audio and front and rear park assist.
Optional features include a sunroof, navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system with a BluRay/DVD player, as well as a High Country Premium Package that includes heated steering wheel, driver alert package, adjustable pedals and integrated trailer brake controller.
The EcoTec3 5.3L is the High Country’s standard engine, with SAE-certified at 355 horsepower, 383 lb.-ft. of torque, and class-leading V-8 fuel economy of up to 23 mpg highway (2WD models). The available, all-new EcoTec3 6.2L delivers is the segment’s most powerful V-8 engines, with an SAE-certified 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque.
Both engines feature direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing, producing refined power and torque truck customers demand and both seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to save fuel during light-load driving.
Each engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission featuring auto grade braking, which downshifts the transmission on downgrades to reduce brake wear. The brake system includes GM’s new Duralife rotors, which feature a hardened and strengthened surface to reduce corrosion, helping them last up to twice as long as conventional rotors and providing quieter braking with less vibration.
Additional chassis and powertrain details include, electric power steering, which helps save fuel and enables a more consistent, crisp steering feel and plenty of assist for parking maneuvers, a new, larger rear axles with the strength to accommodate the engines’ higher outputs, standard trailering package, with frame-mounted trailer hitch, seven-pin and four-pin connectors and trailer sway control is standard and works with StabiliTrak to provide an added measure of confidence when towing a trailer.
A fully boxed frame with the main rails and major cross members formed from high strength steel provides a rigid base for maximum hauling capability, as well as greater noise and vibration isolation contributing to the Silverado High Country’s balance of segment-best capability and industry-leading refinement.
The stiff chassis enables more precise tuning of the front and rear suspensions, giving the Silverado a more responsive feel with smoother performance and less vibration and shake, particularly on harsh terrain.
In conclusion Silverado High Country adds a higher degree of capability to the premium truck market and broadens the all-new Silverado’s lineup with a unique combination of exclusive features and purposeful technologies. Its class-leading power is matched with the strong chassis, new suspension and drivetrain elements that make the 2014 Silverado 1500 the strongest, most capable and most refined truck in Chevrolet’s history.
The Estimated fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway with the 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 engine. Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $48,880.00, the one I drove included the 6.2L V8 Ecotec3 Engine, Rear Seat Entertainment System, Power Sunroof, High County Premium Package, MyLink Audio System with 8” Diagonal Color Touch & Navigation, 6” Chrome Assist Steps, Led Lighting and Cargo Net, and it came in at $56.965.00 including destination charge.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
