With small changes for 2010, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 remains much the same vehicle we’ve seen since its 2007 redesign. A V8 turbodiesel engine was slated to debut this year, but has been understandably if disappointingly killed, due to some sort of “economic issues.” Regardless, for 2010 all Silverado engines are now capable of running on E85 fuel.

With four conventional and one hybrid engine setup, not to mention three cab configurations, two interior styles, three bed lengths, four suspensions, and three drive systems, the Silverado 1500 represents a deluge of options, leaving the vehicle you walk away with as wholly your option.

The first engine is a 195-hp, 4.3-liter V6 that offers 260 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm and 15/20 mpg with rear-wheel drive (RWD). Choosing either of the Silverado’s 4WD systems – either the part-time system that cannot be left engaged on dry pavement or the Autotrac system that can – drops mileage down to 14/18. The first of the V8 offerings is a 4.8-liter, 302-hp example with 305 lb-ft of torque coming in at 4,600 rpm. There is only a slight penalty with this upgrade in regard to mileage, coming in at 14/19 with RWD and 14/18 with either 4WD system. Both of these engines come with a four-speed automatic transmission, but the remaining conventional V8s all come with a six-speed automatic.

In addition to the six-speed transmission, the 5.3-liter V8 utilizes GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation, which accounts for an impressive 15/21 EPA rating in RWD guise and 14/19 with 4WD. It should be noted, however, that the 15/21 figure is with a Silverado set up in the XFE style, with low-rolling resistance tires, aerodynamic features, and more, deletion of which will result in a the loss of 1 mpg on either end with RWD. Power output is 315 hp and 338 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.

The final conventional V8 is a 403-hp, 6.2-liter engine that produces 417 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm, for a maximum towing capacity of 10,700 pounds. Mileage doesn’t drop significantly, still showing an EPA estimated 13/19 with RWD and 12/19 with 4WD, although strangely, despite a significant increase in both hp and torque, a resultant increase in power is only slightly felt. A 6.0-liter hybrid V8 is also available, producing 332 hp and a 21/22 EPA rating, paired with a CVT.

The Silverado is available in regular, extended and crew cabs, with the extended cab offering rear-hinged doors that open only when the front doors are ajar. While extended cabs are only available in the 6 1/2- and 8-foot bed lengths, the other two cabs also come with the option of a shorter, 5-foot, 8-inch bed. Buyers get to choose either a “Pure Pickup” or “Luxury Inspired” interior, the latter of which copies that of the Suburban and Tahoe.

Four suspensions are offered, with the Z83 & 85 versions designed with ride comfort primarily in mind, while the Z60 is an on-road performance-inspired suspension, and the familiar Z71 provides off-road acumen. Regardless of suspension, the NHTSA has awarded the Silverado 1500 five stars in all tests excepting rollover, which earned a four-star rating.