510 Route 7 South Middlebury, VT 05753
| 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Most Powerful Engine | 6.2L V-8 | 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V-8 |
| Drivetrain |
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| Max Horsepower | 420 | 470 |
| Max Torque | 460 lb-ft | 975 lb-ft |
| Transmission |
| 10-speed auto |
| Max Towing Capacity | 13,300 lbs1 | 22,070 lbs1 |
| Max Payload Capacity | 2,260 lbs2 | 4,200 lbs2 |
| Max Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Features |
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| Available Features |
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Let's start this exciting matchup with a review of the Chevy Silverado 1500 vs. 2500 engine performance. The Silverado 1500 has one up on its heavy-duty sibling with four engines, including:
The Silverado 2500 has fewer choices but focuses on more heavy-duty power, surpassing what the consumer-geared 1500 is capable of and edging toward industrial strength. The available options for the Silverado 2500 include:
Paired with a 10-speed automatic, it's a powertrain with monstrous power – something the Silverado 2500 is well-known for.
As implied earlier, the Silverado 1500 towing capacity is lower than that of the Silverado 2500, though not by as much as you might think. When properly equipped with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine, the light pickup truck can tow 13,300 pounds.1 That's plenty of hauling power for a large utility trailer, a car on a proper dolly, or a large travel camper.
That's impressive, but the larger hauler is able to handle larger jobs. The Silverado 2500 towing capacity, when utilizing the 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8, Max Trailering Package, and a gooseneck hitch, can reach up to 22,070 pounds.1 That means you can handle flatbed trailers, most large garbage containers, livestock trailers, and toy and haulers.
| 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT RWD | 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 WT RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 231.9 in | 250 in |
| Width | 81.2 in | 81.9 in |
| Height | 75.5 in | 79.8 in |
| Headroom (Front / Rear) | 43 / 40.1 in | 43 / 40.1 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 44.5 / 43.4 in | 44.5 / 43.4 in |
| Standard Cargo Box Length | 69.9 in | 82.3 in |
| Standard Cargo Box Width | 71.4 in | 71.4 in |
| Standard Cargo Box Height | 22.4 in | 21 in |
| Standard Cargo Volume | 62.9 cu ft | 69.5 cu ft |
As suggested by the towing specs, the new Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale is more than a foot shorter than the 2500. But that doesn't mean it's a more cramped vehicle. The entry-level trims for the 1500 and the 2500 both provide a spacious cabin, which follow both lineups to their highest levels. Both have identical headroom and legroom, as well as roomy interior space for drivers to enjoy every journey. Additionally, the beds aren't even that much different, with the 2500 only having around 6.6 extra cubic feet of space in the payload area.
In both cases, you'll notice that there's a focus on the driver. You get the room to relax during a hard workday – a chance to breathe after you're done loading, unloading, or hitching.
Once you climb into that generous cabin, you'll see that the 1500 and 2500 have the available convenience features to make drives of any distance worthwhile. Higher-end trims benefit from a 10-way power driver seat with lumbar support, keeping you limber for the job. Go even further for ventilated driver and front passenger seats, turning the cabin into a go-to hideout on the hottest days. Those seats are leather-appointed, though the starting trims have a durable, easy-to-clean cloth material.
Starting on LT models, you'll interface with a 13.4-inch infotainment center with built-in wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Google Maps™ and Google Assistant™ can be activated with a simple voice command in both the 1500 and 2500.
With all these incredible available features in mind, it's important to underline how many safety features are standard for the new Chevy Silverado 1500 and 2500. While the 1500 comes with the Chevy Safety Assist system as standard equipment, the new Chevy Silverado 2500 for sale doesn't include these items in a standard suite, but does include them as standard. Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and Following Distance Indicators are all added as standard – with optional features like a Head-up Display available to truly modernize your truck.
Now that you know the difference between the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. 2500, it's time to feel them roar. Contact us for a test drive in Middlebury, where we'll get you behind the wheel of the Chevy pickup that thrills you most. We can talk specs all day, but until you feel the elevated ride of the 1500 or the power behind the 2500, you'll never know which truck earns its place in your garage and at your worksite.
Once you find out, our Chevy Silverado 1500 lease deals, Chevy Silverado 2500 specials, and financing rates for both are the next items to explore.
We often have a rotating selection of 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 and Chevy Silverado 2500 lease deals to choose from, which gives drivers temporary driving bliss. Alternatively, we can help you explore our various financing offers so you'll never need to say goodbye to the vehicle. Either way, your brand-new truck is waiting at our certified dealership, whether you want maneuverability or a titan of the freeway.
The Silverado 1500 is a light pickup truck, while the Silverado 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup. The 1500 is a capable hauler, towing up to 13,300 pounds when properly equipped, but it is designed to be a mixture of maneuverability and power. The 2500, meanwhile, can tow up to 22,070 pounds 1 for a somewhat more work-oriented vehicle.
Both vehicles ride smoothly, but the Silverado 1500 perhaps goes a step beyond. Where the 2500 gives you the rumbling 6.6-liter V-8 gas engine and optional diesel option for high torque and horsepower, the ride of a 1500 is designed to be smooth without a heavy trailer attached. You won't regret either ride, but the 1500 is the choice for a more casual commuter.
The 1500 is much lighter than the 2500, generally by a few thousand pounds. While the Silverado 1500 typically weights around 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, the Silverado 2500 can reach a curb weight of nearly 7,000 pounds. This is no surprise as its longer with a heftier engine than the Silverado 1500. We recommend a test drive of each to determine which weight provides your ideal handling.
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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.
2For comparison purposes only. See the Owner's Manual and the label on the vehicle door jamb for the carrying capacity of a specific vehicle.