Chevy Silverado 1500 Model Changes: 2026 Vs. Past Years
Whether you're shopping for one of eight brand-new trims or looking through a used lot for a pickup, a Chevy Silverado 1500 comparison guide can lead you toward more exceptional options. Since 1999, the Silverado 1500 has been a dependable and hard-working truck, boasting a towing capacity of nearly 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. Today, we're in the fourth generation of Chevy Silverado 1500 models, and they continue to impress with incredible specifications, high-end safety features, and immeasurable style.
This Silverado 1500 vs. previous years comparison, courtesy of McGee Chevrolet of Middlebury, is your guide to see how your next pickup compares to its older and younger siblings. Let's see the best Chevy Silverado 1500 model years in action before your next visit, test-drive, or service appointment.
Silverado 1500 Model Changes at a Glance
- The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado introduces the unique RST Select trim level while also introducing new exteriors.
- Similar to 2024 and 2025, the 2026 Silverado can tow up to 13,300 pounds,1 thanks to the 3.0-liter turbo diesel V-6 brought into the lineup for the fourth generation.
- Since the lineup's debut in 1999, the Silverado 1500 has introduced four-cylinder, V-6, and V-8 engines – as well as hybrid powertrains – to give its customers the best breadth of options.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 interior changes and safety upgrades have also improved over nearly three decades of innovation, with new seating material, sensors, and higher-quality suspension.
- Many customers report great quality from 2020 and 2024, but 2011 is another standout year for used Silverado models.2
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Updates
First, let's learn why the 2026 Silverado 1500 is such a popular vehicle. This new truck is well-known for having a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with a best-in-class torque of 430 pound-feet.3 A towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, attainable with the available 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6,1 allows for most drivers to handle any task both at the worksite and home.
| WT | Custom | Custom Trail Boss | LT | RST | LT Trail Boss | LTZ | High Country | ZR2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engines |
| 2.7L turbo 4-cyl |
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| Horsepower (Min - Max) | 310 - 355 | 310 | 305 - 355 | 305 - 355 | 305 - 420 | 305 - 420 | 305 - 420 | 305 - 420 | 305 - 420 |
| Torque (Min - Max) | 383 - 430 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft | 383 - 495 lb-ft | 383 - 495 lb-ft | 383 - 495 lb-ft | 383 - 495 lb-ft | 383 - 495 lb-ft | 383 - 495 lb-ft | 460 - 495 lb-ft |
| Transmission Options |
| 8-speed auto |
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| 10-speed auto | 10-speed auto | 10-speed auto |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) | 18 / 21 / 194 | 18 / 21 / 194 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | 20 / 23 / 21 (Diesel)5 |
| Drivetrain Options | 2WD, 4WD available | 2WD, 4WD available | 4WD | 2WD, 4WD available | 2WD, 4WD available | 4WD | 2WD, 4WD available | 2WD, 4WD available | 4WD |
| Configurations |
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| Crew Cab Short Bed |
| Seating Capacity | 3-6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 89.1 cu ft | 71.7 cu ft | 71.7 cu ft | 71.7 cu ft | 71.7 cu ft | 71.7 cu ft | 71.7 cu ft | 71.7 cu ft | 62.9 cu ft |
| Max Towing Capacity1 | TBD | TBD | 13,300 lbs | 13,300 lbs | 13,300 lbs | 13,300 lbs | 13,300 lbs | 13,300 lbs | 13,300 lbs |
However, a new Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale is an enticing deal beyond what makes the fourth-generation Silverado lineup so engaging. For instance, new for 2026 is the RST Select Special Edition, the perfect entry-level sport truck that features 20-inch gloss black wheels, 4-inch black round assist steps, and a spray-on bedliner. This year also comes with a cycling of colors; Polar White Tricoat and White Sands offer a more subtle approach than the Iridescent Pearl and Slate Gray they replace.
2025 Silverado 1500 vs. 2024: A Brief Overview
But, how does the 2026 Silverado 1500 fare against the two previous model years? The Chevy Silverado 1500 towing capacity changes slightly, for example, with the 6.2-liter V-8 being able to tow 13,300 pounds in 2024.1 However, in most cases, each trim stays with the following specifications.
There are minor adjustments outside of configuration, seating capacity, and MPG ratings. For example, 2025 introduced Cypress Gray and Riptide Blue as exterior colors. In addition, Cruise Control was added as a standard feature of the WT trim, while an integrated Trailer Brake controller can be found on the LT and above.
Silverado 1500 Towing Capacity by Year
The Silverado 1500 performance differences between 2024 and 2026 are relatively minor when compared to the massive, sweeping changes that can be found between 1999 and today. Silverado 1500 engine options by year, for instance, have changed between 4.3-liter and 4.8-liter V-6 powertrains, as well as 5.3-liter, 6.0, and 6.2-liter V-8s, to include the 3.0-liter turbo diesel we have today. Just take a look at the chart below to see how the towing capacity changed between 1999 and today.
| Year | Generation | Engines | Diesel? | Max Towing Capacity1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 4 | Yes | 13,300 lbs |
| 2025 | 4 | 4 | Yes | 13,300 lbs |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 | Yes | 13,300 lbs |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 | Yes | 13,300 lbs |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 | Yes | 13,300 lbs |
| 2021 | 4 | 5 | Yes | 13,300 lbs |
| 2020 | 4 | 5 | Yes | 13,400 lbs |
| 2019 | 4 | 5 | Yes | 12,200 lbs |
| 2018 | 3 | 3 | No | 12,500 lbs |
| 2017 | 3 | 3 | No | 12,500 lbs |
| 2016 | 3 | 3 | No | 12,000 lbs |
| 2015 | 3 | 3 | No | 12,000 lbs |
| 2014 | 3 | 3 | No | 12,000 lbs |
| 2013 | 2 | 4 (5 w/ hybrid) | No | 10,700 lbs |
| 2012 | 2 | 4 (5 w/ hybrid) | No | 10,700 lbs |
| 2011 | 2 | 4 (5 w/ hybrid) | No | 10,700 lbs |
| 2010 | 2 | 4 (5 w/ hybrid) | No | 10,700 lbs |
| 2009 | 2 | 4 (5 w/ hybrid) | No | 10,700 lbs |
| 2008 | 2 | 4 | No | 10,500 lbs |
| 2007 | 2 | 4 | No | 10,300 lbs |
| 2006 | 1 | 4 | No | 10,400 lbs |
| 2005 | 1 | 4 | No | 10,200 lbs |
| 2004 | 1 | 4 | No | 9,200 lbs |
| 2003 | 1 | 3 | No | 9,100 lbs |
| 2002 | 1 | 4 | No | 10,300 lbs |
| 2001 | 1 | 4 | No | 10,300 lbs |
| 2000 | 1 | 3 | No | 9,200 lbs |
| 1999 | 1 | 4 | No | 8,200 lbs |
How can you tell that a pre-owned Chevy Silverado 1500 has the required features you'd like? The Silverado 1500 safety features by year have consistently improved, and our representatives and technicians can tell you what optional features an older model offers.
What Are the Best Years to Buy Silverado 1500 Trucks? Learn More at McGee Chevrolet of Middlebury
Now, the question is, should you get a Chevy Silverado 1500 redesign year (like 2007, 2014, or 2019), or is another Silverado 1500 year better suited to your needs? Our representatives and technicians want to make sure that, when you purchase a Chevy Silverado 1500, you get the interior features, engine, and driving experience you expect.
Whether you want the 2024 Silverado 1500 with its available 13.4-inch driver information display and Super Cruise technology or the 2011 Silverado 1500 with hydraulic engine mounts and available Z71 technology, we can give you a Chevy Silverado 1500 comparison with any of the models in our inventory or any pre-owned Silverado 1500 you bring to our service area.
Looking for more towing capacity? Compare the Silverado 1500 and 2500 with our guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chevy Silverado 1500
Which Chevy Silverado 1500 model years are the most reliable?
According to ConsumerReports, the most reliable Silverado 1500 model years are the 2024, 2020, and 2011 models.2 In particular, 2011 posts a higher-than-average reliability score, at 60/100.2 Most mid-generation models are excellent choices, since they offer a mastery of the in-vehicle software as well as the bulk of the upgraded standard and available features.
How do towing capacities vary between Silverado 1500 model years?
The towing capacities of the Silverado 1500 have changed significantly since the lineup's inception in 1999. During those years, the towing capacity was less than 10,000 pounds.1 Thanks to the newly included diesel powertrain and 6.2-liter V-8 in Generation Four Silverado 1500 trucks, it can now tow between 13,300 and 13,400 pounds when properly equipped.
Are there major engine changes in recent Silverado 1500 models?
The 2022 removal of the 4.3-liter V-6 engine was a major change. This midline engine was seen as unnecessary, leaving the 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder, 5.3-liter V-8, 6.2-liter V-8, and 3.0-liter turbo diesel V-6 as your four engine options. That year, the diesel powertrain became the go-to option for towing at 13,300 pounds.1
Which year of the Chevy Silverado 1500 has the best fuel efficiency?
Outside of the all-electric Chevy Silverado EV, the Silverado 1500 with the best fuel range was the 3.0-liter Diesel in 2020 and 2021, boasting an EPA-estimated 23/33/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)6 with 2WD. Non-diesel options to look for are the Silverado 1500 Hybrid, available from 2009 to 2013, which boast impressive EPA ratings alongside their 6.0-liter V-6 engines.
Customer Reviews for Chevy Silverado 1500 Trucks Purchased at McGee Chevrolet of Middlebury
1Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/silverado-1500/#model-generations
3Based on latest available competitive data.
4EPA-estimated 18 city/21 hwy 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder.
5EPA-estimated 20 city/23 hwy 3.0-liter turbo diesel V-6 (ZR2 trim exclusively).
6EPA-estimated 23 city/33 hwy 3.0-liter turbo diesel 2020 V-6