Silverado styling is bold by GM truck standards yet still traditional when compared with the latest pickups from Dodge, Nissan, Toyota, and Ford. We like the clean, bold look.

The Silverado is available in more ways than starlets misbehave, with three cabs, three beds, five engines (nine if you count all the 5.3-liter derivatives), three transmissions, and five suspension setups on four wheelbase lengths. The key is knowing which bits go on which trucks because little more than bow-tie badges and front fenders are shared amongst all of them.

For 2009, additional upgrades include a rearview camera system, a navigation system, updated wheels, OnStar 8.0 with turn-by-turn navigation and destination download, Bluetooth, and XM radio with real-time traffic information.

The Chevy Silverado is highly capable for towing or hauling, the amounts of which vary by model, of course. Your choice of a Silverado may come down to style, fit, the right equipment and options or simply brand loyalty, but choosing the right Silverado is more important than choosing a Silverado over another brand. So choose carefully.

Engines include one V6 and four V8s, plus a hybrid. The base setup is a 4.3-liter V6 (195 hp/260 lb-ft of torque) with four-speed automatic, offered only on regular cabs and 2WD extended cab short or standard bed. The integrated trailer brake controller and enhanced stability control are not available with the 4.3-liter. The 4.8-liter V8 (295 hp/305 lb-ft of torque) and four-speed automatic are standard on Crew Cab and 4WD extended cab short or standard bed and many LT models.

The 5.3-liter V8 comes in four states of tune, all at 315 hp and 338 lb-ft of torque, with active fuel management that shuts off cylinders to save fuel, iron or aluminum block, and available flex-fuel operation is standard on most LTZ models; some will have four-speed automatics while the six-speed is phased in. A 6.0-liter aluminum block V8 (367 hp/375 lb-ft of torque) with variable cam timing and active fuel management is available on long-cab LT and LTZ models in conjunction with the NHT maximum tow package. The six-speed automatic is being phased in as standard.

XFE (Xtra fuel economy) models use a 5.3-liter V8, six-speed automatic and cruising-biased axle ratio of 3.08:1 to increase EPA ratings. XFE versions feature aerodynamic upgrades in the form of a soft bed cover and extended front air dam, plus aluminum wheels (including the spare) and lower front suspension arms, locking rear differential, and low rolling resistance tires. A trailering package is standard so XFE models can tow up to 7000 pounds.

New for 2009 is the 6.2-liter V8 (403 hp/417 lb-ft of torque), a flex-fuel engine with aluminum block and variable cam timing and a six-speed automatic. It is offered only on Crew Cab models and returns 13/19 mpg EPA ratings with premium unleaded recommended.

The other new power option for 2009 is the two-mode Hybrid that debuted in the 2008 Tahoe and Yukon. This Crew Cab uses a slightly detuned 6-liter V8 (332 hp/367 lb-ft of torque), battery pack, and four-speed automatic with the two electric motors in it. EPA ratings are 21/22 mpg. Tow ratings are available to 6100 pounds, maximum payload is in the 1400-pound range.