The Many Interiors of the Chevy Silverado

From the factory, the basic dynamic of Silverado hasn’t changed. The front seats can arrive in both bench and bucket seat configurations, and the rear seat is always a bench when present. Over time, these seats would evolve to more comfortable designs but in essence, they haven’t changed.

Bucket Seats (Front): Since the beginning Silverados could arrive equipped with bucket seats as the option for front row seating. The bucket seats in a Silverado are two individual seats that are completely separated. First generation Silverados could come with the two seats with an open space between them with an optional center console. Since then, the console between the seats has become standard equipment.

Bench Seats (Front): First generation Silverados could come with a solid bench seat in the front. Later generations would incorporate the 40/20/40 style bench. This style bench seat essentially ties two bucket seats together with a center console between them that could fold up into a third seat.

Bench Seats (Rear): The rear seat option for a Silverado with all cab types is a solid bench seat or 60/40 split bench. The seats can fold up for additional storage. The size of the seats does vary slightly when either an extended cab or crew cab is selected where the room available would come into play.

The interior design of the Silverado was always something of a basic but perfected design. When it comes to the submodels selected, specialty interior options like leather seating and features would be included with higher trim levels where cloth interiors and basic features would be equipped to lower submodels.

Even with specialty models like the SS Silverados, they kept true to this formula and didn’t include many special features other than the SS badging on the seats. 

The Silverado has always been a straight forward vehicle and they didn’t waste time filling the interior with needless, flashy trim. The factory trim and accents were either matched to the surrounding interior or black aside from the occasional chrome bits on the dash.

Chevrolet has stuck to this formula since the introduction of the truck in 1999.

Factory flooring and carpeting for the Silverado could either be your basic colored carpeting or black vinyl. The type of flooring was based on the submodel selected. Carpeted floors were standard on all Silverados except the work truck models. Factory floor mats would come in carpeted form to match the carpet. 

Upgrading the interior is a unique concept. Most mods in the automotive world surround improving the performance and capabilities of trucks like the Silverado. When you step into the interior part of the industry we are discussing some of the modifications that surround the idea of enhancing the driver’s experience. 

Most interior mods are comfort based on some level and below are some of the most common modifications to be made to the interior of Silverados. 

Floor Mats/Liners: Floor mats and liners are an extremely common upgrade for Silverado owners to make. Aftermarket floor pans offer protection of the factory floors both sheet metal and carpet and make it much easier to clean the interior. 

Seat Covers: Seat covers are another popular upgrade that Silverado owners reach for. As a truck, the seats are going to take a serious beating. On top of protecting the seats from stains, seat covers will also prevent the edges of the seats from tearing as passengers climb in and out of the truck. 

Trim: The interior of the Silverado has always been something of a blank canvas. The straight forward design of the interior isn’t for everyone. Luckily for those who desire it, colored or chrome trim pieces are available. This gives the interior a little more flash but is the perfect way to showcase one’s personal preferences. 

Audio: The Silverado, over the years, may have arrived equipped with some great audio options from the factory. This still doesn’t change the fact that many are bound to upgrade speakers and head units in these trucks. Larger or additional speakers, along with amplifiers and stereo unit upgrades are a comfort option that most truck owners will eventually make. 

Lighting: Upgrading interior lighting is something many will opt to do. When it comes to increasing visibility in the cabin at night, brighter aftermarket bulbs can be fitted into the factory bulb locations. Colored bulbs can also swap into these locations for those looking to accent a particular color scheme. Additional lighting can be added to the interior in a number of ways to take these efforts even further.