2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $37,193–$48,337
Fuel Economy 13 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $4,038/yr

Key Specifications — 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$37,193–$48,337

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.8/10, while Value at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.5/10 for reliability, this truck trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.8/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.5/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $37,193–$48,337, 13 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and reliability and value scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL ranks #425 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,193 starting price is about 6% above the segment's median of $35,138.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking → · Best Trucks under $50k →

Which Silverado 1500 SL Year Should You Buy?

Across the Silverado 1500 SL model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.6/10$50,406 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$48,938 Read review →
2023 7.6/10$47,469 Read review →
2022 7.5/10$46,001 Read review →
2021 7.3/10$44,532 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$43,065 Read review →
2019 7.2/10$41,597 Read review →
2018 7.3/10$40,128 Read review →
2017 7.2/10$38,660 Read review →
2016 (this review) 7.0/10$37,193
2015 7.1/10$35,724 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 13 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Common Questions — 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL reliable?

We rate the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL's reliability 6.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL worth buying?

It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #425 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 18% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL cost?

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL starts at $37,193 and ranges up to $48,337 across trims (MSRP when new). At 13 MPG, expect roughly $4,038/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

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