5 Fixes for the Next Chevrolet Silverado

We're fans of Chevrolet's Silverado 1500 pickup truck, with its slab sides and brawny good looks combined with proven capability and top-notch tech. But that doesn't mean we think it's perfect — and with the news that an updated Silverado is likely on the way , we figured it'd be a good time to drive the current version and make suggestions on what needs improvement for the next-generation half ton from the Bow-Tie brand.

Material Quality

The interior of the Silverado looked good when we saw it a few years ago, but since then, newer trucks have upstaged it in the material quality department. Even in the mid-level LTZ we drove, the plastics looked a little cheap, with fake wood that's been tacked on as an afterthought. Ram currently has the nicest interiors in the pickup truck segment, so there's a great benchmark to look at, Chevy.

Seat/Steering Wheel Position

My biggest peeve about all the GM full-size trucks is that the steering wheel is not centered in front of the driver — it sits inboard a good 2 or 3 inches. See how it looks in relation to the driver's seat? You get used to it after a few days, but it's still awkward to drive. Redesigning this means expensive tooling changes to the firewall, but after a decade or more like this, it's time to finally solve this issue for 2018.

Exterior Styling

The Silverado is handsome, but those fenders are so huge that anything other than 20- or 22-inch wheels and tires look comically undersized. Chevy offers plenty of chrome versus no-chrome packages, so that's not an issue, but the overall look is a little too Tonka-on-steroids for some. Getting some better proportions wouldn't be a bad idea.

Gauges

These blue numeral gauges haven't seen much change in some time, and compared to the designs in competitor trucks, they're starting to look a little too retro and low rent. The small display screen between the gauges is also ready for a boost in size. Time to update the Chevy stylebook and make something new and interesting.

Cabin Storage

While the center console is spacious enough, the two-level glove box is still an oddity. We'd reshape things into a single, large storage bin, able to swallow bulkier items if need be.

And as a quick bonus … here's what we think Chevy does right and doesn't need to change.

Engines

Our test Silverado was equipped with the awesome 6.2-liter V-8, putting out massive power and torque — but even the base 5.3-liter V-8 is a fantastic engine, and with the upcoming 10-speed automatic transmission that GM developed with Ford, it should match the F-150's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 fuel economy, too.

Multimedia Tech

Big screens and easy-to-use Chevrolet MyLink infotainment systems are great, and with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, they couldn't be simpler to use. Add in the multiple USB, 12- and 120-volt charge ports, and everyone can stay charged and connected.

Trailer Brake Controller

Unlike other brands, Chevy mounts its trailer brake controller high and to the left, where it's easy to reach in an emergency without having to take your eyes off the road or fumble about on the lower dashboard. We wish all automakers would put their trailer brake controllers there.

Cars.com photos by Angela Conners