2016 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Z71: First Drive

We test drive the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71 off-road in the desert to see how its new improvements and new 8-speed transmission stack up to competitors. Full review inside and out.
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[@elcuh9506]

I prefer the column shifter and key in the ignition

[@brandonmagers1]

I have a ‘19 Z71 and love it but this body style is still my favorite, the 16-18 refresh made it even better.

[@gizmoman2008]

the real seller for me with this vehicle would be the 6.2 v8, its a good solid truck

[@brianteeple899]

I wish GM would finally get their head out of their arse and make the Z71 a true off road package....I get tired of hearing "you get decals". I'd like to see the package have more aggressive tires, a bit of a lift, a winch and the skid plates....instead of the city dweller off road package. That hood with the dip in it will most likely gather water and here in the north, when that freezes, you'll have a huge ice cube on the hood just waiting to dislodge and crash into the windshield. Besides that, nice truck.

[@gregorytrane7828]

I had to laugh when I saw him bouncing around like a jack n the box. I have the Silverado 1500 LT and am completely satisfied with the ride with all seasons. Good video.

[@isaiah2091]

the 2016 silverado is my most FAVORITE truck

[@theplayernkc]

I really like the aggressive looks of this truck. I also like that Chevy has stayed with the traditional truck look, not a city slicker like others.

[@theplayernkc]

@D Laza Eh no, my comment was made 4 years ago.

[@frenchfrysz6695]

I own a 2018 with the 5.3, It has been such a good ride. Just broke 40,000 miles. Major upgrade from my 2009 with the fit/finish and reliablility.

[@joseph6254]

Your comments at the end were invaluable. So many people get caught up in brand loyalty that they start spewing tag lines from commercials along with there heavy insults. I for one know better and look at them like their too simple an missing out. I've personally owned over 20 cars and trucks, many GM's many Ford's and with my family, we've owned everything. I'll tell you right now it all breaks sooner or later. Even your famous Asian vehicles. If you like something, buy it and screw what everyone thinks. There much more attention deserving issues in the world than brand loyalty on anything...... Peace!

[@elliottmanning4116]

Sam, I loved your story at the end. As someone that's from Detroit, I know all about brand loyalty when it comes to cars. Your dad sounds similar to mine. My dad still works for ford and even if I say I like a car made from Japan, my dad gets on my case.

[@elliottmanning4116]

Heartagram Yeah, living in Detroit, I thought it was so odd hearing how the Camry was the best selling sedan when all I saw were Malibus and Fusions and then I went to other cities and barely saw an American made vehicles, unless it was a truck.

[@c-grunt6853]

Great review. I think the new GM trucks are the best looking trucks out right now. But when I bought a truck late last summer I got a Tundra.

[@SacredSoldier13]

Sam, you're channel is shaping up to be one of the best out there. great, fair review.

[@weekendwarrior8179]

I'm really enjoying all your off and on road reviews of these trucks. I still think full size is too expensive.

[@hellodlo]

completely agree about brand loyalty, I also went my own way from growing up and do not regret it at all. I plan on getting something completely different too next time. Great review, really like fire road/trail you test on too.

[@90JoeVandal]

Great little talk on brand loyalty at the end. "Chevy guy" and "Ford guy" drive me nuts sometimes.

[@gmcdenali7178]

I like GM because they're the most reliable, best looking and highest quality overall. And, anyhow, does Ram Trucks or the Ford series got the option for cooled seats? Many people could care less about cooled seats, but I don't want a truck without cooled seats. One of the most important features to me.

[@gmcdenali7178]

The suspension is stiff specifically because of the Z71 package.

[@gmcdenali7178]

A Borla exhaust is available as an accessory. But, I like your idea of Flowmasters. They're the best. That truck needs a true dual Flowmaster exhaust system with Flowmaster Super 40 mufflers and a K&N 77 series cold air intake.

[@slowokan]

Perfect review. So honest. Congrats!!!

[@lastcall170]

Mine had paint corrosion and I traded it in in just 3 months. Lost 8 grand. But love my 2020 RST/z71.

[@balreadysaid]

I have a 2016 ltz. I've put 2500 hard miles on it. Its just breaking in the seats. truck will get much better over time. 5.3 has more low end torque climbing hills with steeper than 8% grade than a hemi. my eco boost was custom tuned. the 5.3 stock is very powerful. the 8 speed makes the motor run awesome. I'm a Ford guy. I won't buy a Ford till they get a v8 with more gears. turbo tows better than just about anything. v8 needs the gearing to make up for no turbos. After owning this 5.3 since December 1st I'm very impressed. The eco boost only impressed me once it was custom tuned by mpt. I don't care to tune this one! it's got the power I like stock. not something that has ever happened once till I bought this 5.3 8 speed a few months ago.

[@moparcharger8642]

Brandon Dumblewski how’s so far? Is it comfortable ride?. Any mechanical issues?. I’m trying to purchase one.

[@choyfamilyadventures]

Great story at the end. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Its a damn shame both Ford and Chevy cant make a basic working mans truck that regular folks can afford. Nobody buys these new 40-50 gran trucks accept old retired men with money to burn. How about a single cab, crank up windows, manual door locks, stick shift, no fancy stuff at a price average folks can afford. Nowdays a working man cant afford a truck until somebody else has already put 200 thousand miles on it and its 10 years old.......and even then they think its still worth what it was new for pete sake!! A man is better off to just buy a 1970s classic and slap a new engine, transmission, ect and have a longer lasting truck without the technological headaches.

[@hernanavila3626]

Awesome review

[@fromcalifa01]

great video Sam!

[@danielc5205]

$52,500 is a lot for a 1/2 ton, even if it is loaded.

[@ddamx]

Always enjoy your reviews, Sam. Do you have anything on the 4.3 V6 Silverado? I'd be interested on what you think about the new small Ecotec. Keep up the great work!

[@ironsaber2]

the stiff suspension is because the chevs are great trailer haulers. when you max them out they don't squat like fords, ram or god knows why you would use a tundra as a work truck

[@Smokey298]

fucking A right it is. Men don't buy trucks for smooth suspensions and trim levels, all those fancy gadgets or 20 inch rims. I think 16" was big enough.

[@ironsaber2]

+Smokey298 as a carpenter I can tell you it is more for our customers then the company. my boss drives a 2015 Silverado HD Ltz because it looks good when he shows up to a meeting with a customer driving the newest most expensive truck. gives the customer the image that this is a quality successful company

[@jesusroman5813]

ironsaber2 tundra comment had me lol

[@ironsaber2]

its a great reliable truck for light work and your average consumer but towing and hauling all day long from home depot to the job site or the gravel pit or to the dump you want something like a silverado. company vehicles get replaced evey 4-5 years anyways so long term reliability isn't an issue they are always under warranty so you just want the most capable truck for the job. toyota doesn't even make a heavy duty

[@muhammadsarmad222]

great review sam plz make review of silverado hd truck

[@TestDrivenTV]

+muhammad sarmad Thank you. We have one on the GMC Sierra 2500HD kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpa5pn97hZZ9j7s

[@asselinpower]

Solid review

[@stevenwitt2555]

Well done. I liked this review .

[@thashoeboy]

Great review!

[@kencoleman163]

Great review. I have a 2014 Tacoma TRD off road which I love, but my next truck will be the full sized. Contemplating this and the Ford F-150. I really like both. I think it's going to come down to my own test drive.

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

Ken Coleman I am a Ford guy, all of my trucks have been Fords. With that said, I use my trucks, and I don't want an aluminum bed. Ford really disappointed me with the bed, today I bought a 2016 Z71.

[@xray111xxx]

I had to laugh at your rebel soul. I love it. I am a rebel too. You are so right. There is allot of world out there. Savor it. I don't even want to start about how many cars my folks didn't dig. So what? I loved them, and that is what counts. Thanks for your great review on the Z71 Silverado. I always wondered how it would do off road. I suspected it might be a bit rough. I am glad you confirmed it for me. I am looking at a Tacoma, or maybe an F150 4 x 4, just don't know. So much to chose from, and yes I will take it off the pavement for some fishing trips and so on. I am glad your channel is here. I love your review format. Please keep them coming.

[@alandominguez1707]

Hey Sam, no one really understands those rear hvac vents more than us Arizonians! Specially if you have kids lol

[@jctai100]

Don't laugh! Those graphics are made of special polymers for streamlining the dollars out of your wallet. Nice vid and like the personal story

[@teneshiayellow1137]

The Silverado has a rear stiff suspension for payload reasons. When there is payload in the bed, the ride quality is hard to beat when loaded. Ram, Ford, and Tundra ride with the front end raised up when loaded. That ride is not fun. The rear end feels stiff due to the over loaded feeling. I enjoy my silverados. I like the stiff rear suspension, especially when loaded with my horse trailer. A relative of mine has a 2015 ram 1500. The rear end sags tremendously when loaded. I'm not a big fan of that at all. Rear suspension is coil over shock... Good ride quality but then again, it's a pickup truck. Not a car.

[@mygiftmatters]

I own a $58,000 High Country. I can't afford to fix it and Chevrolet wants nothing to do with me. Next truck will be an F-250. You have been warned. Best, Robert

[@brolyassasin8354]

What happened to your truck ?

[@ryansvloggingit5492]

great review sam do th out have one on the malibu ltz 2015

[@gmcdenali7178]

That truck is much better with the 420 HP 460 torque 6.2L V8. And for those people that actually care about MPG, it's down only one MPG for the City, Hwy and combined with the 6.2L V8. It's worth it.

[@edclemonsjr]

The rear vents are under the seats.

[@azphilip1960]

great video

[@sarcopanama]

do you prefer this silverado or the f150? is very importan your opinion. I need a strong car for work in Panama central america in mud condition and off roud.

[@sothickitssickk]

which are u getting? and why?

[@sarcopanama]

mi english is not so good, but a need a strong can for driving a long trip. a meak more thand 150,000 miles in a year driving mi toyota for work and visit mi family. but a need more safety and nice trip. i wok in mud condition road, and i prefer a better car that give me less problem and safety. that way a need a good opinion of and expert. because sellers just need to sell the car but none of them now wath the owner trie to spect .

[@sarcopanama]

i prefer the better car for intensive wor. les than 55,000 $$

[@harryrist6964]

when you combine GMC sales, a chevy pickup with lockwashers, the sales are the same or slightly more than ford.

[@TestDrivenTV]

Not true at all. Q1 sales: Ford F-Series = 203,797 > Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra = 189,508

[@harryrist6964]

@@TestDrivenTV 2020 GM 847,000 ford 787,000 so what's not true at all? I don´t care but facts are facts.

[@hellcatdjmopar8189]

My dads got the same exact truck like that but the interior is black and the exterior is white

[@IDontKnowHer212]

I miss that vpl… 🫦😢

[@Utubeisazzho]

Left hand on wheel is more natural looking for brake on right hand

[@gregmckay567]

Whoopsie on the Buick but the Avalanche came Through Yeah..

[@thanglieu9268]

fully loaded and no push button start??? no air vent in the back seats??? or heated seats in the rear??

[@aaronkellar6583]

+Thang Lieu why the fuck would you need push button start? its a pickup truck not a porsche.

[@Enzo87325]

No rear ac vent ?

[@jamesnorris9637]

I love Sam Haymart!

[@gmcdenali7178]

Later, there will be Android car play, or whatever it called. You can take it to your dealership and they will program it in the computer.

[@hukites]

you forgot to mention how the wireless charger is more a gimmick than anything. yes it's there, but it doesn't work like 99% of the time, and dont feel left out with the apple car play because android auto is supposed to work now, but that too is finicky 99% of the time. This coming from a somewhat disappointed 2016 Sierra buyer with those said gimmicky options

[@iSina93]

I like this guy

[@gmcdenali7178]

That truck is actually 4 wheel drive.

[@user-pj3nr4uf6r]

Ltz z71 5.3 or 6.2 ?

[@MrBobbyBrown2006]

Those keys slamming around going over those bumps is quite annoying. Looking forward to GM starting to be a little more generous and start putting push starts in all of their vehicle at the base level.

[@TestDrivenTV]

+Mr Bobby Brown Even at the high level trims we'd welcome the start button ;)

[@ericd5266]

+TestDrivenTV so a $750 FOB can go bad, etc. no thanks, stick with the key.

[@andrewc9234]

+D Nice they should use the style key they use in their cars, and ford uses in everything the fob slapping around is my biggest gripe on my 2015 colorado

[@andrewc9234]

***** drive a truck over bumpy terrain you'll get it

[@andrewc9234]

***** it annoyed me on 2008 silverado it annoys me on my 2015, i dont care if its push button or just a job integrated into the key like everyone else does.ill take the reliability of a chevy over a floppy key fob though

[@DcEvoIX]

You look like a bald Jason Sudeikis lol. But good review dude. I have a 2013 z71 5.3 and love it. The driving feel is unmatched by any other pickup or suv I've ever driven. I drive it like it's a camaro instead lol. Power is just fine. I got to do some pulls with a 5.7 ram 1500 and a magnum rt and was pulling on both till I hit the upsettingly low speed limiter. Only way I'd be happier with a modern pickup would be if it was a 2015 z71 6.2 ltz in black. Maybe a max but I don't have any use for a diesel.

[@DcEvoIX]

Actually realized the ltz has all that chrome so I guess I'd stick with mine but black w/ the appearance package and 6.2 and the ltz split grill. I just hate all the chrome on my truck lol but it can and will be changed.

[@FirearmHobbyist]

can you do a detailed review like this for the 2016 ram 1500 ?

[@TestDrivenTV]

+Tim If one comes our way we will.

[@aileenpuebla6892]

Ford is better

[@danielmcdaniels295]

Daniel Pescador MO CHEVY IS BETTER

[@danielmcdaniels295]

no

[@butomo3031]

how much its cost?

[@krzytom81]

No AC in the back?

[@moparcharger8642]

krzytom81 u think so?

[@richardkem2217]

I have the same truck except a 2017 it’s even the same color. The cons: The more I look at the truck the more it looks like a Tonka Truck, the real bad stuff, the my link Infomation system Sucks, and on top the chevys have lots of electronic troubles, stabletrack system in particular with only 5k miles and the dealer can’t fix or they just don’t want to IDK, the trailer break gain switch goes bad three times now, the key fob has poor quality paint for the icons, lock, unlock, panic, etc, it also rarely works right on the other features it has on it, remote start, windows up and down, decreasing power on engine, etc. In closing I would say really compare the chevys with the fords and even the dodges.

[@farisxdd]

but that doesn't give you a reason to hate ford

[@JMotorCity]

Skiddery? I am learning lots of Sam-isms.....

[@TestDrivenTV]

+MotorCity J He makes it all up as he goes along. And it is spelled with two "t"s. ;)

[@elliottmanning4116]

+MotorCity J Don't forget about flittery.

[@drivenbeyondthelimits7191]

maybe because the price they charge 60 k for everything on top of that finance

[@isaiah2091]

try to video on bmw

[@bigblockdodge745]

The truck looks good from the front but i hate those stupid bulged out fenders on the front and back that they have had for to many years.I think i will keep my 97 3/4 ton suburban with 193 thousand on it.I'm not brand loyal to anything we have a 13 VWcc ,96TAURUS SHO, 12 MUSTANG GT 2010 CROWN VIC INTERCEPTER 97 GMC SUBURBAN 1973 PLYMOUTH FURY 3-440 there is good and bad in everything but so many of these new vehicles have so many problems consumer reports says Toyota trucks are the most reliable and doesn't recomend GM or RAM and not to many FORDS.

[@JMotorCity]

Flittery? LOL.

[@johnstevens7643]

The only reason ford is the number one is because they are Chepper than the other two

[@mrhellenkellers7507]

F$&king awesome vid

[@ted101975]

Haha all important z71 graphics

[@jimmyjam505]

that truck is crap way too low what's the point of it being 4 wheel drive

[@aaronkellar6583]

+James Mata you can get a 3" lift from the dealer.... most people dont need their trucks higher than stock. trucks are for hauling unless you modify it differently

[@jimmyjam505]

Actually I'll be using it for like hunting and shit like that and I will be pulling a trailer with it I'm just not sure if it'll actually pull my trailer but thanks I appreciate the comment

[@aaronkellar6583]

James Mata i hunt as well, stock height is still alright but when i get out of baisic training for the army here in canada im going to buy a brand new truck and get GM to install a 3" body lift with 33" tires, tall enough for great clearance but still practical for every day use

[@mr.areyoudabbedoutoil4247]

Triple H

[@J92-11B]

Android Auto sucks anyways. My girls camry xse has it and I can't stand it.

[@braydenkeough4872]

Ford hahahahahahahahahaha

[@HK00ful]

Ugh chevy needs to stop making ugly fuckin trucks from the old school and the 2001 2013 truck looks alright but 2016 to 2017 Looks like a fucking spaceship. mine as well make a hovering truck with no fucking wheels all I'm saying it's not a man's truck.

[@jeanmonegro7052]

i would say the silverado is the worst new truck of the bunch! no innovations and most are made in mexico. #1 ford, aluminum chassis, many nice engine choices. #2 ram, nice hemi power, great looks, and an even greater price. #3 tundra, ridiculous reliability and nice power.

[@1979dal]

Ford still uses a still chassis. The body is aluminum.