Key Specifications — 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Body Style
Truck
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.
5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL
Fuel (75,000 miles)
~$20,190 ($4,038/year at $3.50/gal)
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
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.
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.
Which Silverado 1500 SL years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Silverado 1500 SL years we've rated are 2016 (7.0/10), 2015 (7.1/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.6/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL
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