Unless you opt for the no-charge decal package (few do, and GM is considering discontinuing it), the only visual difference between the Hybrid and a regular Silverado is the small badges on the fender and tailgate. Inside, the differences are limited to an "economy" gauge in the instrument cluster and a new tach with an "auto stop" marker that indicates the truck is on but the gas engine is not. Two interior trims are offered. The standard 1HY cloth interior comes with a front-row bench-seat while the upgraded 2HY leather interior (which costs an extra $6135) serves up six-way power-adjustable bucket seats and numerous luxury features including a navigation system, rear-backup camera, upgraded Bose audio system, foglamps, heated mirrors, power-adjustable pedals, and an auto-dimming mirror. The very short option lists consists of an engine block heater, power-adjustable driver seat on the 1HY package and a sunroof for the 2HY. There are no AC plugs as on the General's large hybrid SUVs, but we were told the hybrid trucks could be used as mobile power generators anyway through the help of aftermarket inverters. Leave the truck in "on" mode, and it will start the engine periodically to charge up the batteries when it senses the voltage is dropping too far. This is useful not only on the job site but also for recreational purposes, one example being tailgating -- the pre-sporting-event variety.
As for the $38,995 question of "is it worth it?" with gas hovering around the $2/gallon mark, the $5115 premium over the next-thriftiest XFE (which gets 15/21 mpg city/highway) can be tough to swallow. But gas won't be staying that low forever, and as everyone found out the hard way this past summer, city mileage in the low-to-mid teens can be brutal on the pocketbook. It will be a better hauler and tow vehicle too, unless you frequently haul 4x8 sheets of plywood or need to pull more than three tons. If you're already looking for a $40,000-$45,000 truck and don't need the capability of a heavy-duty, it's certainly worth a look.