2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

a day ago

Overview
No matter what kind of work or play you have in mind, the half-ton Chevy Silverado 1500 can handle it. Engine options include a turbocharged four-cylinder, a turbo-diesel six, and a pair of gas V-8s, and then there are the usual cab and box configuration choices. The trim lineup spans from the basics up to the High Country's everything-included approach, although the materials and design don't quite match the best of the Ram 1500's lineup or even the fanciest F-150. Other options in the vast Silverado lineup include the off-road-hungry Silverado 1500 ZR2, the Silverado EV, and the Silverado HD, all of which are reviewed separately.
What's New for 2026?
There are just a handful of changes to the Silverado for this year. The previous Realtree Special Edition becomes the dealer-installed Realtree Appearance Package, and availability of the hunting brand tie-in expands to more configurations. There are some changes to the color palette, too: Iridescent Pearl Tricoat and Slate Gray Metallic make way for White Sands and Polar White Tricoat.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is expected to start around $38,000 and go up to $65,000 depending on the trim and options.
Work Truck
$38,000 (est)
Custom
$45,000 (est)
LT
$49,000 (est)
RST
$53,000 (est)
Custom Trail Boss
$53,000 (est)
LT Trail Boss
$60,000 (est)
LTZ
$60,000 (est)
High Country
$65,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k $100k
While the base-level Work Truck and Custom trims are well-suited for tradespeople and folks on a tighter budget, the LT model is where the fancier interior comes into play; we think it's the one to get. We'd also configure our Silverado with the crew cab and standard-length bed for maximum cargo and passenger space. We'd choose the 5.3-liter V-8 over the optional diesel engine because it's cheaper and quicker. Unlike the standard turbo-four, the V-8 also lets us select the Z71 Off-Road package with a host of upgraded hardware that makes playing in the dirt and mud easier and more fun.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A range of engines—including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a pair of V-8s, and a Duramax diesel 3.0-liter inline-six—means there's a Silverado 1500 powertrain for any job or adventure. The 6.2-liter V-8 makes 420 horsepower while the smaller 5.3-liter makes 355 horsepower. The turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder makes 310 horsepower, and the diesel makes 277. Every version of the Silverado we've driven felt smaller than its size suggests. The truck's handling is surprisingly agile, and the brake pedal provides firm and reassuring feedback. Those looking for a more rugged half-ton Silverado will appreciate the Trail Boss models. They feature a 2.0-inch lift, gnarly tires, and other upgrades that make taking the path less traveled easier and more entertaining. The ZR2 is the most serious off-roader, and we review it separately.
0–60-MPH Times
With the larger 6.2-liter V-8, the Silverado High Country we tested hit 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. For comparison, the smaller 355-hp 5.3-liter needed 6.1 seconds. The diesel-powered Silverado we tested had the slowest acceleration of the bunch, but we were impressed by the engine's smooth and quiet operation.
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Chevrolet
Towing and Payload Capacity
With a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, the half-ton Silverado is a seriously capable hauler. It beats the Ram 1500's max-tow rating by 550 pounds but trails the F-150's by 700. Chevy's top tow rating is accessible with the 6.2-liter V-8, but the 5.3-liter version can still handle as much as 11,500 pounds. Models with the turbocharged four-cylinder can tow up to 9,500 pounds. The Chevy pickup's powertrains matter less when it comes to payload, which ranges from 1,870 to 2,280 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Silverado 1500 yet, but the 2025 model earned combined ratings ranging from a high of 26 mpg with the diesel and rear-wheel drive down to 15 mpg for models equipped with four-wheel drive, the 6.2-liter V-8, and chunky off-road tires. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, we saw 26 mpg with the four-wheel-drive diesel, 21 mpg with the 5.3-liter, 19 mpg with the 6.2-liter, and just 18 mpg with a four-wheel-drive turbo four. For more information about the Silverado 1500's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
From the stripped-down Work Truck model to the decked-out High Country, the Silverado can be configured in a multitude of ways. Base models offer nothing but the essentials, including manually adjustable front seats, manual locks and windows, and vinyl seats. However, starting on the LT trim, the cabin is significantly snazzier thanks to a more handsome dashboard design with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a huge center touchscreen. The High Country's interior looks particularly pretty with its leather upholstery and open-pore wood trim. While the crew cab has an enormous rear seat with generous headroom, we found the cushions back there to be uncomfortable. Still, this is a practical hauler, featuring clever storage cubbies spread throughout the cabin. While the Chevy lacks the carbon-fiber-reinforced cargo bed that's offered on the half-ton Sierra, it's now available with a similar multifunction tailgate, dubbed Multi-Flex. Plus, the Chevy's range of different bed lengths will undoubtedly satisfy traditionalists.
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Chevrolet
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Silverado 1500 is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile hotspot. The physical knobs and buttons make interacting with the system painless, and we appreciated the screen's prompt responses to our touch inputs. The LT trim and up has a horizontal 13.4-inch touchscreen with enhanced features such as a Google-powered voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available Amazon Alexa integration.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every Silverado comes with an impressive list of standard driver-assistance technology, and it can be fitted with a host of towing assists that make pulling and hooking up a trailer easier. The top-tier High Country can even be equipped with Super Cruise, GM's hands-free-driving technology that Chevy says even works while pulling a trailer. For more information about the Silverado's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Chevy covers the half-ton Silverado with a competitive warranty that includes one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit. That's not as good as the Toyota Tundra, which one-ups Chevy with two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Otherwise, Toyota's coverage is identical to Chevrolet's.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST 4WD Crew Cab 6.2L*
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $52,735/$60,180
ENGINE
pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 376 in3, 6162 cm3
Power: 420 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 13.0-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: General Grabber HTS 60
275/60R-20 115S M+S TPC Spec 3111 MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 147.4 in
Length: 231.7 in
Width: 81.2 in
Height: 75.5 in
Passenger Volume: 139 ft3
Curb Weight: 5421 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.4 sec
100 mph: 14.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.0 sec @ 100 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.8 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 196 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.74 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 14 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 18/16/21 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
* Test results and specs apply to current model year.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax*
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE AS TESTED
$62,515 (base price: $53,090)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 cu in, 2993 cc
Power
277 hp @ 3750 rpm
Torque
460 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/live axle
Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/14.2-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Trailrunner AT, 275/60R-20 115S M+S TPC Spec 2369
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 157.0 in
Length: 241.3 in
Width: 81.2 in
Height: 75.4 in
Passenger volume: 139 cu ft
Curb weight: 5653 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 7.1 sec
100 mph: 21.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.2 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.2 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 sec
¼-mile: 15.5 sec @ 88 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 114 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 181 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.77 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 26 mpg
Highway range: 570 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 25/23/29 mpg
More Features and Specs