The Chevrolet Silverado has been faithfully serving the pickup truck community for more than 20 years, although its descendants can claim service dating back to 1918. The Silverado started as a trim package on the venerable Chevrolet C/K 1500 pickup but morphed into its own line in 1999. The Silverado line includes a series of heavy-duty trucks and an electric vehicle (EV), but for the purpose of this review, we’ll stick to just the 1/2-ton 1500 model.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Generations
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (4th Generation: 2019 - Current)
Key Improvements: The fourth-generation Silverado offers so much more than the generation it replaces. There’s more capability for those who use their trucks to tow and haul, with a 13,400 max tow rating. A diverse powertrain menu includes a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out 310 horsepower, a first for a full-size pickup. Other options include a 285-hp 4.3-liter V6, a 277-hp 3.0-liter inline-6 diesel, a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8, and a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8. Three transmission choices include six, eight, or 10 speeds, depending on the engine. As with past Silverado trucks, there are three cab configurations (Regular, Double, and Crew), two bed lengths, and multiple trims ranging from simple work trucks to luxurious sailboat haulers. Chevrolet adds new trims, like the Trail Boss and ZR2, and more optional high-tech driver assists, including a blind-spot monitor, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. There’s also more high-tech inside the cabin, especially in 2022 and later trucks. FYI, Chevy also carried over the third-gen Silverado into 2019, dubbed the Silverado LD.
Model Updates: The 2020 Silverado sees several improvements, including a new diesel engine option, expanded towing technologies, and the availability of adaptive cruise control. The 10-speed automatic and 6.2-liter engine is offered on more trims. For 2021, the Multi-Flex tailgate arrives, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, improved trailer camera tech, enhanced towing capability and more driver-assist features offered on lower trims. 2022 brings a modest refresh, with a massive combined instrument cluster and infotainment screen display in the LT and higher trims. The 2.7-liter turbo significantly boosts torque up to 420 lb-ft. Other notable changes include the introduction of the off-road capable ZR2 trim and the availability of Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving assist in the High Country. The 6-speed automatic is dropped in 2023, while the 2024 truck gets more standard and optional equipment.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (3rd Generation: 2014 - 2018)
Key Improvements: Although it bears a striking resemblance to the second-generation Silverado, the third-gen truck sees improvements in its suspension, chassis, and engine efficiency, along with a more sophisticated and quieter cabin. A simplified engine lineup includes a 285-hp V6, 355-hp 5.3-liter V8, and a 420-hp 6.2-liter V8. Gone is the previous generation’s 4.8-liter V8. Max towing jumps to 12,000 pounds when equipped with the Max Towing Package versus the previous generation’s 10,600 pounds. Changes to the body include a dampened tailgate and forward-hinged doors on the Double Cab. This generation has more safety and driver-assist systems, including forward collision alert, lane departure warning, Teen Driver parental controls, and the Safety Alert Seat. Inside the cab, there’s an available touchscreen infotainment system and luxury features like ventilated front seats, a navigation radio, and an upgraded Bose audio system.
Model Updates: A new 8-speed automatic transmission joins the 6.2-liter V8 for 2015, along with Siri Eyes Free iPhone integration and a new spray-in bedliner option. For 2016, the 8-speed pairs with the 5.3-liter V8 and Apple CarPlay debuts. New designs for the grille and headlights improve the visual appeal. The 2017 model sees its max tow rating increase to 12,500 pounds, and low-speed automatic emergency braking joins the options list. For 2018, a mild-hybrid eAssist package previously only offered in a few states is now available nationwide, but only on LT and LTZ trims. A rearview camera is standard, and the tire-pressure monitoring system gains a fill alert that honks the horn when reaching the correct tire pressure.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2nd Generation: 2007 - 2013)
Key Improvements: The second-gen Silverado has a more squared-off look, a stronger chassis, greater towing ability, and more safety systems. The engine lineup from the first generation carries over but with some V8s featuring a variable cylinder deactivation system that greatly improves fuel economy. Engines include a 195-hp 4.3-liter V6, a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8, 315-hp 5.3-liter V8, and a 367-hp 6.0-liter V8. Max towing tops out at around 10,500 with the Max Trailer package. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. Extended cab models feature rear-hinged access doors that swing out 170 degrees and feature power windows that retract into the door. New equipment for this generation includes a choice of five different suspension packages, stability and traction controls, navigation radio, XM satellite radio, a power-sliding rear window, power-adjustable pedals, side curtain airbags, rain-sensing wipers, and a Bose sound system.
Model Updates: For 2009, a new 6-speed automatic mates to the 5.3-, 6.0-, and new 6.2-liter V8 engines. The 2010 Silverado gains standard front-seat side impact airbags and side curtain airbags. For 2012, the Silverado LTZ offers heated and cooling front seats, a new navigation system with a built-in hard drive, and a refreshed front end.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1st Generation: 1999 - 2006)
The first Silverado offers full-size pickup capability and numerous cab and bed configurations. Engines include one V6 and three V8s, rated at 195 hp, 295 hp, 310 hp, and 345 hp, respectively. Max towing tops out at around 10,500 with the Max Trailer package. A 5-speed manual transmission comes standard with the V6; all others use a 4-speed automatic. Max towing is rated at 10,000 pounds.
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