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Charismatic Chev – Silverado LTZ Premium review

We all know someone that’s so charismatic that they can grab your (and others) attention the moment they arrive. For NZ roads, that attention-getter is a Silverado LTZ Premium – especially in metallic silver ice.

A couple of months back we took GM Specialty Vehicle’s Silverado ‘Trail Boss’ for a spin and were impressed with its sheer size and dominance – it didn’t hurt that under the bonnet was a gruff 6.2L V8 either. But as the name suggests, although it has a ‘domestic’ side, the Trail Boss is a model that’s very much at ‘home on the range’. So what if you want something more refined on your driveway, well maybe the LTZ Premium is what you need.

2021 Silverado LTZ Review NZ

When it comes to its footprint, the LTZ and Trail Boss are equal, they’re both the size of a small stadium, however, at 1.92mm tall, the LTZ Premium sits over 76mm lower than its off-road sibling – so no need to duck when going into downtown shopping malls – parking in the spaces is another matter though.

2021 Silverado LTZ Review NZ

As I said, our review model came in a bright and shiny silver and with its chrome grille, bumpers, wheels (20-inch polished alloys) and trim, it was a sunlight magnet. But rest assured it’s not all show without go, for although the tailgate can be opened automatically using your keyfob (it can be started that way too), at 760kg the bed can carry more gear than you can load and at 4.5-tonnes, it can actually tow more than the highly-capable Trail Boss.

2021 Silverado LTZ Review NZ

The LTZ is equally powered by the 6.2L V8 (313kW/624Nm) and mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission accessed via a column shift lever. Chevrolet boasts that the EcoTec 3 is their most efficient V8 yet, but even with its smart cylinder shut down system, we still averaged 14.1L/100km. 

2021 Silverado LTZ Review NZ

As expected, the LTZ’s interior is more refined than the Boss. Leather furniture (vented too), greater tech and more cameras (including one in the rear view mirror for better rear visibility). There’s a sunroof too, offering more light into the large cab. The sounds are provided by Bose and with one extra speaker and there’s head up display so you can keep your eyes on the road ahead. Basically you are still sitting high and lording over (most) other road traffic, but now you’re doing it more luxuriously. 

2021 Silverado LTZ Review NZ

The ride itself is more improved too, with the Z71 Suspension Tune Rancho featuring twin tube shocks for your riding/rebound pleasure. It actually sits on the road well with a chassis that’s lighter than before and it’s more aerodynamic than ever, but there is a fair amount of wind/road noise that enters the cabin – best to rev that V8 or turn up the Bose.

2021 Silverado LTZ Review NZ

My test week was more family based than ever, with a focus on using this large V8 beast as a domestic tool and to many a degree it worked well. Sure the rear end hangs out at the supermarket, but I feel like I could have shopped for the neighbourhood and still had room.

2021 Silverado LTZ Review NZ

The large and spacious cabin offers an unbelievable amount of rear leg room meaning that my family of three didn’t argue at all about who sat where. Football training/games made for a couple of hairy carpark moments, but my son’s stinky footie boots were kept well out of the way at the rear of the flat bed which meant that we all managed to breath a little easier.

2021 Silverado LTZ Review NZ

The biggest thing throughout was the wow moments expressed by all that came in the Silverado LTZ’s vicinity. It commands attention and has people wanting to hop (ok climb) inside and get a feel for it. In all honesty, it’s a little impractical for the inner city streets and narrow thoroughfares but when did anyone last come up and ask about your mundane compact? This is one big charismatic Chev.

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