Chevrolet is taking a bold step forward with the 2025 Silverado EV RST. This truck boasts impressive features, including a 440-mile range, a massive 205-kWh battery, quick DC charging, and dual motors that produce 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque. Built on GM's Ultium platform, it stands out from traditional designs like the Ford F-150 Lightning. Key features include four-wheel steering, a four-corner air suspension, and a folding midgate reminiscent of the Avalanche.
If you’re watching your budget, the Work Truck trim offers coil springs and a practical interior, claiming a 492-mile range. The LT and Trail Boss models cater to everyday drivers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, at our Truck of the Year event, the RST variant was the star of the show.
The Silverado EV doesn't shout "electric"; instead, it impresses with its size, featuring a roomy rear cabin and a bed capacity for items up to 71 inches. However, the complex midgate folding left our judges divided—revolutionary or just a passing trend? During use, noticeable rattles from the midgate raised some concerns.
While the interior looks modern, the material quality drew attention, especially considering its $96,000 price tag. The lack of CarPlay and Android Auto stood out as a disadvantage, given the reliance on the integrated Google interface.
Acceleration revealed torque steer issues, and the Wide Open Watts mode didn’t fully convince us. On the bright side, braking was exceptional, with three regen levels, including genuine one-pedal driving. Our tests confirmed a long range of 401 miles at 70 mph, with rapid charging adding 236 miles in just 30 minutes. However, towing significantly impacted its range.
Off-road, the Silverado's compatibility with 24-inch wheels and street tires was questionable. Its traction control struggled on slippery inclines, leaving us wondering about its performance on challenging surfaces like boat ramps or snowy roads.
With a price tag of $96,495, the Silverado EV RST is quite an investment, closely followed by its $99,495 cousin, the Sierra EV Denali. Nevertheless, the Silverado offers an extensive range, fast charging, solid technology, and a classic American pickup feel.
Summary:
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST delivers remarkable range, swift charging, and substantial power, making it a standout in the electric pickup market. However, its high cost and certain quirks, like midgate noise and traction problems, should be carefully weighed against its GMC counterpart, the Sierra EV Denali.
