The used Chevy Silverado 1500 attracts drivers who want a great deal on a strong pickup. These light-duty trucks are known for their hearty V8 engine options, delivering the kind of classic towing and hauling capabilities many drivers crave. In recent years, the Silverado has become more luxurious, with better quality cabin materials and cutting-edge driver safety aids. Our used buying guide takes a look at exactly how these trucks have evolved.
Fourth Generation: 2019-Current Model Year
When Chevy redesigned the Silverado 1500 for the 2019 model year, it introduced a wave of modern tech features, comfort upgrades, and stronger capabilities. To maximize your towing and hauling capabilities, you’ll want to stick with this generation. These used Silverado 1500 trucks even offer a new touchscreen infotainment interface that’s very user-friendly!
Shopping for a particular engine? Here’s a look at which model year featured which engine, and how much power it generated:
- 2019-2021: 4.3L V6 (285 hp, 305 lb-ft)
- 2019-2021: 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 348 lb-ft)
- 2022-Current Model: 2.7L four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 420 lb-ft)
- 2020-2022: 3.0L turbodiesel inline six-cylinder engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft)
- 2023-Current Model: 3.0L turbodiesel inline six-cylinder engine (305 hp, 495 lb-ft)
- 2019-Current Model: 5.8L V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft)
- 2019-Current Model: 6.2L (420 hp, 460 lb-ft)
The light-duty truck segment is highly competitive. That’s why Chevy continued to make improvements to these trucks from model year to model year. Here’s a look at the biggest changes:
- 2023: The available turbodiesel engine now generates more power, with 305 horses and 495 pound-feet of torque.
- 2022: The new off-road-ready Zr2 trim model debuts. The V6 engine is discontinued. Chevy’s semi-autonomous driving system, Super Cruise, is now optional. These Chevys also receive exterior styling tweaks and a redesigned cabin.
- 2021: A new multi-configurable tailgate offers easier access to cargo items. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is now optional.
- 2020: The 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine becomes available. A new adaptive cruise control system is optional. And the available Advanced Trailering system helps you guide a big trailer through heavy traffic, offering up to 15 camera angles.
Third Generation: 2014-2018
This redesigned Silverado 1500 is lighter and more capable than the trucks that came before it. For used shoppers, these trucks offer a great deal on modern power, with a range of available engines that offer a balance of strength and fuel economy. You’ll also love their upgraded cabins and quiet ride!
The engine options stayed pretty consistent throughout this generation. However, you’ll notice that Chevy made its eAssist mild hybrid system available for the 5.3-liter V8 beginning in the 2016 model year:
- 2014-2018: 4.3L V6 (285 hp, 305 lb-ft)
- 2014-2019: 5.3L V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft)
- 2016-2018: 5.3L V8 with eAssist (355 hp, 383 lb-ft)
- 2014- 2018: 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft)
There are also some notable changes throughout this generation:
- 2018: A rearview camera, the MyLink infotainment system, and a tire fill alert system are now standard equipment.
- 2017: A capless fuel filler becomes standard. The new Teen Driver system allows parents to set limitations for young drivers, including geofencing and top speed limits. A low-speed forward collision mitigation system is optional.
- 2016: The Silverado gets a big refresh, with styling updates inside and out. An updated infotainment system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lane departure mitigation is now optional.
- 2015: An eight-speed automatic transmission is available for the 6.2-liter V8. The 2WT trim model is now known as the LS.
Second Generation: 2007-2013
Shoppers like this generation of used Silverado 1500s for their fair prices and strong engine options. Compared to the trucks that came before them, these models feature increasingly refined cabin materials, more safety features, and greater towing capabilities.
During this generation, there were a few important changes to the engine lineup. Here’s a look at what you’ll find on the used market, according to model year:
- 2007-2013: 4.3L V6 (195 hp, 260 lb-ft)
- 2007-2009: 4.8L V8 (295 hp, 305 lb-ft)
- 2007-2009: 5.3L V8 (315 hp, 338 lb-ft)
- 2007-2009: 6.0L V8 (367 hp, 375 lb-ft)
- 2009-2013: 6.2L V8 (403 hp, 417 lb-ft)
Here are the important changes from this generation, according to model year:
- 2010: From this model year on, the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines come standard with the six-speed automatic transmission
- 2009: The 6.2-liter V8 engine makes its big debut. Bluetooth connectivity and a new six-speed automatic transmission become available
- 2008: An integrated trailer brake controller becomes available