Since their inception, pickup trucks have been built specifically for work, servicing farms, construction crews, and the logging industry, among others. However, over the past several decades, automakers like Chevrolet have been turning motorized horses into cars worthy of the luxury label.
Now, even Chevy’s least expensive trim, the Work Truck or WT, stands out as pickup trucks are becoming increasingly comfortable while maintaining the strong work ethic they’re known for.
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However, truck-based SUVs have some disadvantages compared to pickup trucks.
First, truck-based SUVs cost more to produce, as pickup trucks don’t have three rows of seats, and truck beds are cheap compared to the cargo area behind the back seats of an SUV.
Then, carrying dirty gear and pets inside the SUV makes a mess after camping, fishing, sporting events, and biking. Finally, pickup trucks offer more versatility because truck bed covers range from flat truck covers to fiberglass covers to slip-on campers with kitchens and bathrooms.
Is the Chevy Silverado Work Truck Good for Families?
While the regular cab is the least expensive option starting at $38,195, it only seats three people, including the driver. Stepping up to the double cab brings the price to $41,495. Ultimately, he says, the $43,895 crew cab equipped with a short bed is the most popular package.
The 2023 Chevy Silverado WT Crew Cab features a 2.7-liter I4 engine that makes 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. An optional 355-hp 5.3-liter V8 with 383 lb-ft of torque and a ten-speed automatic transmission adds $1,940. The Silverado WT’s drivetrain is a rear-wheel drive configuration.
On the outside, there are seven color options including a deluxe Glacier Blue Metallic for an additional $395. 17-inch silver-coated steel wheels come standard, or opt for the bright silver-coated aluminum option for $395. Black bumpers, matching side mirror caps, and Chevy Durabed complete the WT’s muscular look.
Inside the cab, you’ll find rubberized vinyl floor coverings and Jet Black seat trim in either cloth or vinyl upholstery. The 40/20/40 split front seat includes:
- Storage under the seat.
- Reclining driver and front passenger seat backs.
- Folding central seat back.
The standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes AM-FM stereo, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Of the seven option packages available, the $795 Convenience Package, $1095 Step Assist Package, and the Tonneau Value Package make the most attractive additions for families. The Convenience package includes cruise control, tinted glass, a rear window defogger, and heated electric mirrors on Double Cab and Crew Cab models.
As the name suggests, the Step Assist and Tonneau Value package offers black side steps and a soft, fold-down truck bed cover.
For comparison, the 5.3-liter V8-equipped model starts at $63,995, $18,000 more than the WT. However, while it comes with nicer wheels, leather-upholstered seats, and more options to drive up the price, it’s no more practical or reliable than the WT.
How do most pickup truck owners use their trucks?
In a study of Ford F-150 owners, I found that shopping and running errands represented the most common use of pickups. Driving pleasure and commuting also occur frequently for the majority of survey respondents.
More than 70% only occasionally, rarely, or never used their truck to haul any large load, and only 7% used their truck frequently to tow a trailer.
As truck makers pay attention to these trends, they’ll continue to offer more comfortable pickups that also maintain the workhorse power that attracted buyers in the first place. The first wave of pickups demonstrates this with powerful towing capabilities, heavy-duty payload ratings, excellent horsepower and trunk-pulling torque, as well as advanced technology and driver-assistance features.
