It’s big, it’s brash, and it’s unapologetically American. The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ brings V8 charm and full-size ute presence to a segment that’s increasingly embracing efficiency-focused powertrain tech. While it won’t be for everyone, those looking for raw muscle and serious load-hauling credentials wrapped in a tough and well-rounded package will find plenty to like here.
When it comes to big V8 pickup trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most popular in the world. It’s also one of the longest-running nameplates around, and not just for a pickup truck. That means it has loads of experience under its belt.
But V8s are on their way out, with many of the latest big pickup trucks turning to smaller, turbocharged or hybrid systems to improve economy; RAM 1500 is now a 3.0L twin-turbo six, and the Toyota Tundra uses a V6 hybrid. Does this old dog still have what it takes? Or, perhaps more importantly, are there enough old-school-loving buyers around to maintain demand for this formula?
2025 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ: Specifications
Engine: 6.2-litre petrol V8
Output: 313kW@5600rpm / 624Nm@4100rpm
Gearbox: 10-speed auto
Drive type: RWD/4WD with low range
Wheels: F & R: 20×9.0, 275/60
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2485kg
Power-to-weight: 7.93:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 12.2L/100km
Our consumption: 11.9L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 91L/91 RONPower efficiency: 25.65kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.07 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.58 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.57 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.62 seconds at 157.9km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.832g*
100-0km/h braking: 44.44m in 3.50 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.120g*
Decibel at idle: 53*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 85*
Starting price: $130,500
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ: How much does it cost?
There are two variants of the Silverado on sale in Australia, from the LTZ to the ZR2. This is the LTZ, which is more of a touring trim level aimed at offering plenty of luxury and refinement, with some off-road capability. Either way, both get the full 4500kg towing capacity.
Prices start from $130,500 for the LTZ and from $141,500 for the hardcore ZR2 (excluding on-roads). That means the LTZ is one of the cheapest full-size pickups on the market in Australia.
2025 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ: Interior & packaging
You’re probably thinking this thing has a massive interior. And you’d be right. You’re greeted with a proper sense of scale. The cabin is vast in every direction, with lounge-like room in both rows and a clean layout that’s more SUV than work truck.
There’s loads of practical storage too, including a double glovebox, cavernous centre console bin, cup holders seemingly everywhere, and clever compartments tucked around the cabin. Materials feel solid and well-assembled, like it was made RHD from factory, and there’s a nice balance of soft-touch trims and functional surfaces.
A 13.4-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster headline the tech offering, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other highlights include heated and ventilated front seats, a seven-speaker Bose sound system, and plenty of power outlets for front and rear occupants. And a section in the rear seats flip open to reveal even more storage.
The tub is well thought out, with a spray-in bedliner, 12 tie-down points, LED lighting and a power tailgate. It’s all backed up by a max towing capacity of 4500kg (braked with 70mm ball), and payload of 757kg.
The GVM is 3300kg, which means towing a 4500kg trailer leaves you with 307kg for passengers and cargo (based on 10% towball download). But, you also have a GCM of 7160kg, which leaves you with just 117kg for passengers and cargo when adding 4500kg and the kerb weight of 2543kg together.
2025 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ: Powertrain & handling
Powering the Silverado is the beloved 6.2-litre naturally aspirated ‘small block’ V8 petrol engine – still one of the Silverado’s biggest calling cards. The L87 unit produces 313kW at 5600rpm, and a strong 624Nm at 4100rpm. It retains pushrods but it does feature a high compression ratio of 11.5:1, yet it can run on 91 RON petrol, and uses direct injection and cylinder-deactivation tech for efficiency.
This is matched up to a 10-speed auto and sends drive to RWD running gear with selectable four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, with a ‘4WD Auto’ mode so you can drive on tarmac with 4WD grip – perfect when towing a boat from a slippery ramp, or simply up a mountain road to maintain optimum stability and control.
That V8 rumble is as addictive as ever, and there’s a genuine muscle-car feel when you dig into the throttle. But perhaps more impressive is how civilised the Silverado feels on Aussie roads. Ride comfort is superb compared with typical diesel dual-cabs, particularly unladen even with its leaf-sprung rear end.
It soaks up rough edges with ease, feels composed on the highway, and doesn’t float around like some large American trucks. Steering is light and easy for low-speed manoeuvring, and while it’s a big unit, it doesn’t feel unruly or clumsy once you’re moving.
In terms of performance, we timed 0-100km/h in a dashing 6.58 seconds on a private road – not bad at all for a 2.5-tonne rig. It also crossed the quarter mile 14.62 seconds at 157.9km/h. For reference, the last time we tested a Subaru WRX manual (in 2024), it did 0-100km/h in 6.15 seconds and the quarter in 14.24 seconds at 158.9km/h. That’s not far off at all.
As for the fuel economy. The official average is 12.2L/100km, which is not bad actually. For example, the Y62 Nissan Patrol is rated at 14.4L/100km. On the highway it is possible to get this thing down into the 10s quite easily (we recorded 10.3L/100km on the highway). So if you’re spending a lot of time out in the sticks and on highways, fuel economy is almost a none-issue. Of course, it can drink like a pig in the city or if you’re sitting there doing burnouts all day.
With a 91-litre fuel tank, the theoretical average range is 746km. Our consumption averaged 11.9L/100km during our week (13.4 during urban driving and 10.3 during highway), which, again, is not as high as you might expect. There are some smaller SUVs and utes out there that use more, with smaller engines. Using our figure the range is about 764km.
2025 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- It’s a lounge room on wheels: The sheer size and comfort of the interior makes it ideal for long road trips or heavy-duty work roles. Practical measures aplenty as well.
- V8 power: That 6.2L V8 delivers more than just numbers; it sounds great, feels responsive, and offers effortless towing performance.
- Not as bad on fuel as you might think: It runs on regular 91 RON petrol, and the official average is 12.2L/100km. Real-world highway economy is surprisingly reasonable. Even when loaded up.
- Design: Tough, squared-off styling will suit Australian tastes at the moment, with no awkward lines or proportions.
2025 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ: Key considerations before you buy
- Big: At just over 5.9 metres long and 2 metres wide, this isn’t a ute you’ll easily squeeze into tight multi-level car parks.
- Big price: Although lower than most American pickup truck prices in Australia, it’s still a lot for what is essentially a large ute. Even with all that space, it should be $80-90k, not $130k.
- Engine tech: Gotta love that V8, but some rivals now feature more efficient packages and with more power and torque.
2025 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
For those who need serious towing muscle or just want to enjoy the sound and feel of a big-capacity V8 while still having comfort and tech to match, the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ delivers in spades. It’s a competent full-size pickup with real charm and usability baked in.
