Used 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid for Sale near California

A hybrid drivetrain coupled with features like Bluetooth, a Bose stereo with XM satellite radio, a backup camera and 18-inch chrome wheels hints at anything but a pickup truck. Add some new aerodynamic enhancements and things only get more confusing. The old idea of a truck as a purely utilitarian purchase hasn’t changed, but our use for it has. Previously, as long as it had a large engine and a larger towing capacity, a truck could be a veritable stripper and people would be happy. Today trucks are used as mobile offices in addition to their more-rugged duties. On top of that, they’re expected to get good gas mileage as well.

We really expect a lot from our trucks.

And Chevrolet has delivered with its Silverado Hybrid. Only small changes show up for 2011, including noise-reducing aerodynamic enhancements and improved voice recognition, but that merely cements its status as the #1 hybrid full-size truck out there. Of course, along with its twin, the GMC Sierra Hybrid, it’s the only hybrid full-size truck out there.

A pair of electric motors team with a 6.0-liter V8 engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a combination that bests the conventional Silverado in both power and fuel efficiency. That’s 332 hp and a 21/22 mpg rating for those keeping score at home. Chevy contends you’ll be able to accelerate up to 30 mph with electric power alone, although testers have noted a slight surge when switching to gasoline power. The engine will also shut off when stopped, for instance at a red light, and then start again when depressing the accelerator. The 300-volt battery is recharged through regenerative braking, which can make the pedal soft but doesn’t negatively impact braking performance. The truck stops fine, it just feels like it won’t.

In an effort to woo buyers with more than just environmental responsibility, Chevrolet loads the Silverado Hybrid up with many standard features. Dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated power mirrors, automatic headlights, a tonneau cover and chrome bumpers are all standard in addition to the premium features mentioned above. Add four-wheel drive to the mix and you’ll also get a full tow package, bumping up the maximum towing capacity to 6,100 pounds. There’s also an upscale 2HY trim that adds features like a luxury-inspired trim, leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals and a navigation system. Unfortunately the different configurations of the conventional Silverado aren’t available here, as this is solely a 4-door Crew cab with a 5.8-foot bed.

While the Silverado Hybrid isn’t cheap at an entry price of almost 40 grand, it boasts a 40% increase in fuel economy over its conventional cousins, but sadly it no longer qualifies for the $2,200 tax credit to help offset the price of your conscience. However, the hybrid equipment includes an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty that covers the entire hybrid system including the batteries, and this is on top of 5-year/100,000-mile drivetrain and 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranties.

You pay more, you get more. You’re certainly paying more with the Silverado Hybrid, but you will be compensated for that expenditure in the way of higher fuel economy, luxury features and the comfort of knowing you’re the most ecologically minded contractor on site. Whether or not the cost is worth the gain for you is a personal matter, but we can confidently say the Silverado Hybrid is the best full-size hybrid truck on the market.