Was 2016 a good year for Chevy Silverado?
Yes. 2016 was generally a solid year for the Chevy Silverado, delivering strong towing and hauling capability, a refined interior for its class, and ongoing technology upgrades that helped keep it competitive among full‑size pickups.
In the sections that follow, we examine what made 2016 stand out, the strengths buyers could expect from that model year, and practical considerations for someone looking at a used 2016 Silverado today.
What made 2016 stand out for the Silverado
Before diving into the details, this list highlights the core factors that contributed to 2016 being viewed positively in reviews and market performance.
- Strong engine lineup and towing capability: With options including a capable V6 and robust V8s, the Silverado offered ample power for everyday driving plus substantial towing and payload when properly equipped.
- Modern tech and connectivity: The Silverado 2016 era introduced updated infotainment with Chevy MyLink, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims, along with available touchscreen displays and connectivity features.
- Improved interior and ride for a pickup: Compared with earlier generations, the 2016 Silverado delivered a more comfortable cabin, better sound insulation, and a user-friendly layout, especially in crew cab configurations.
- Versatile configurations: A wide range of cab styles (Regular, Double, and Crew Cab) and bed lengths allowed buyers to tailor the truck to work or family needs.
- Competitive resale and presence in a strong segment: As part of a popular full-size pickup lineup, the Silverado generally held its value well and remained a top choice for buyers in the segment.
Overall, the combination of power, technology updates, and configurability helped 2016 Silverado models earn positive impressions from buyers and reviewers, particularly for customers prioritizing capability and modern amenities.
Potential considerations for buyers and owners
In this section, we outline factors that shoppers and owners should weigh when evaluating a 2016 Silverado, especially in the used-truck market today.
- Age and maintenance: By now the 2016 Silverado is several years old, so a used purchase should focus on service history, documented maintenance, and any model-year specific wear items (brakes, tires, suspension components, etc.).
- Electrical and infotainment concerns: Some owners reported issues with infotainment software or electrical components; a thorough test of MyLink functionality and a check for any related recalls is advisable.
- Fuel economy versus newer rivals: While the Silverado offered competitive efficiency for its time, newer pickups often surpass it in mpg, particularly with advanced engines and hybrid options now available in the segment.
- Ride quality and cabin noise on base trims: The base configurations can feel stiffer and noisier compared with higher trims or some rival models, so test drives across trim levels are important.
- Safety tech availability: While standard rearview cameras were common, some advanced driver assistance features were optional in 2016; verify which features your chosen truck includes.
- Recall history and VIN-specific checks: Check the NHTSA recall database and obtain a VIN-specific recall history to ensure any outstanding campaigns have been completed.
In short, a well-kept 2016 Silverado can still serve well for buyers seeking solid capability and modern conveniences, but as with any aging pickup, careful inspection and a clear maintenance record are key to long-term reliability.
Summary
2016 stands out as a favorable model year within the Silverado’s fourth-generation era due to strong powertrains, improved technology, and broad configurability. For prospective buyers or current owners evaluating a used truck, the best outcomes come from thorough verification of maintenance history, recall status, and overall condition, plus a test drive across trims to gauge ride quality and feature availability. Taken together, these factors support the conclusion that 2016 was indeed a good year for Chevy Silverado, especially for those prioritizing capability and technology in a full-size pickup.
