Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Buying Guide
The used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 delivers everything you want in a full-size light-duty truck: premium power, rugged performance, and a wide range of configurations. On the used lot, you’ll find three cabin sizes, three bed lengths, and a long list of trim models ranging from work-ready to off-road-friendly to supremely luxurious. Want to learn more about how the Silverado 1500 has evolved from year to year? Our comparison guide is here to take a look.
Fourth Generation: 2019-Current Model Year
These pickups are an excellent option for modern drivers, with their modern tech and safety features and luxurious options.
Compared to previous generations, these used Silverado 1500 trucks added aluminum body panels — namely, the doors, hood, and tailgate. This new design makes for a lighter truck, which in turn creates impressive maneuverability, greater towing and hauling capabilities, and improved fuel economy.
Initially, this generation offered two V8s, a V6, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 2020 Silverado 1500 rolled out a turbodiesel inline-6 to blend tow-friendly torque with impressive fuel efficiency, earning up to 27 mpg combined.
Besides delivering modern power and performance, the fourth-generation used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can be downright luxurious. This full-size truck is available as eight trim models: Work Truck (WT), Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. The lineup includes everything from your basic workhorse (the WT) to off-road-friendly trucks (Custom Trail Boss, LT Trail Boss) to upscale cruisers (the LTZ, High Country).
Here’s a look at how this generation has changed from year to year:
- The 2021 Silverado 1500 introduced wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone technology.
- For the 2020 model year, the Silverado introduced a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine to balance sturdy towing capabilities with fuel economy.
- The 2020 Silverado 1500 also added cruise control to its options list, as well as an Advanced Trailering System that houses up to 15 cameras.
Third Generation: 2014-2018
The third-generation used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will also impress modern drivers. Compared to previous models, these trucks rolled out increasingly fuel-efficient engine options and improved cabin materials. When you’re cruising the highway, you might be surprised at just how quiet this Silverado cabin actually is.
As with other generations, this crop of Silverado 1500 trucks is available with regular, extended, and crew cabins. You’ll also find a wide range of trim models to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a basic work truck or a high-end family cruiser.
The third-generation Silverado introduced a new V6 engine, which offers both more power and refinement than the outgoing V6. And you’ll also find two V8 engines on offer, the 5.3-liter V8 and the more powerful 6.2-liter V8.
This generation of Silverados also saw some year-to-year updates:
- For 2018, the previously optional rearview camera, 7-inch touch-screen infotainment interface, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration became standard equipment.
- The 2016 Silverado 1500 introduced new front-end styling, with a new grille and LED lighting. Inside, the infotainment system got an upgrade, adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and faster-performing touch screen options. Models from 2016 also added an optional lane departure intervention system. The eight-speed transmission, new for 2015, could now be paired with the 5.3-liter V6 engine as well as the 6.2-liter V8.
- Beginning with the 2015 model year, the 6.2-liter V8 engine was paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.The 2WT trim model was renamed as the LS.
