6.2L-powered Silverado - part workhorse, part muscle car

What's not to like about a top-of-the-line crew cab pickup that rocks fragrant cowhide, wireless phone charging and a remote locking tailgate?

There are five trim levels, starting with the least expense WT (think "work truck") and progressing through LS, LT, LTZ and, finally, the High Country.

The Silverado 2WD crew cab's standard maximum towing capacities (using the ball hitch) range from 5,400 lbs. with 4.3-liter V6, 6-6 box and 3.23 axle to 9,400 lbs. with the 5.3-liter V8, 5-8 bed and 3.42 axle ratio.

For specialized applications, Chevrolet's available "max trailering" package boosts the Silverado 1500 lineup's payload ratings up to 2,160 lbs. and towing up to 12,000 lbs.

The trailering package includes 9.76-inch rear axle (standard with the 6.2-liter engine), heavy-duty rear springs, specific shock absorbers, improved cooling and an integrated trailer brake controller.

Chevy stresses that the max trailering setup isn't for everyone, as ride comfort and real-world fuel economy will suffer.

The High Country showcases Chevy's latest technology, including an infotainment system centered on an 8-inch touch screen, HD radio, Bose audio and integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, apps that can make the car an extension of the driver's smartphone.

(It's also damped for easy lowering and lifting.) Five years of basic OnStar allows owners to remotely start and lock (or unlock) their vehicle and trigger the horn and lights.

More important, all that time behind the wheel rammed home the fact that as nice as the 2016's new bits and pieces and cosmetic fluffing are, a lot of credit must be paid to the engineers who toiled to get the tuning and algorithms sorted out - the 6.2 and eight-speed trans make a perfect marriage now, moving the big pickup out effortlessly and shifting seamlessly.