Chevrolet makes some of the most popular and well-respected pickups on the market, but navigating their pickup lineup can be confusing. What is the difference between all of those trucks, and which one is right for you? To help you out, we have gathered all of the most important information about every single Chevy truck available right now.
Without further ado, here are the current trucks offered by the American manufacturer:
- Colorado - competing directly with the popular Toyota Tacoma, the Colorado is the fun, sporty choice for those not requiring tons of space or capability.
- Silverado 1500 - On the market since 2014, the Silverado 1500 offers impressive capability. In fact, this older truck, while lacking the style and tech features of the newer trucks, can tow and haul slightly more than the brand-new models.
- All-new Silverado 1500 - As Chevy's moneymaker, the Silverado 1500 has been given a very thorough update for the 2019 model year. Hitting the sweet spot between the mid-size and heavy-duty trucks, the Silverado 1500 is the most popular for a reason.
- Silverado HD - Once again, Chevy lets you buy the older version of one of their trucks. In HD (heavy-duty) spec, these trucks let you tow and haul more than any other truck offered by Chevrolet - except for the all-new Silverado HD, that is.
- All-new Silverado HD - The Duramax diesel engine pumping out 910 lb-ft of torque isn't new, but pretty much everything else is, including a 10-speed Allison transmission. That means the all-new 2020 Silverado HD can tow and haul more than ever, while offering the most advanced tech features ever seen on a heavy-duty Chevy.
Okay, so that's a lot to consider. But if you are really looking at purchasing a new Chevy truck, you really should consider as much as possible, right? Let's dig in as we discuss each model in even more detail, including all available trims and their starting prices.
Colorado
As Chevy's mid-size offering, the Colorado has existed in its current form since 2012. As the brand's lone mid-size offering, this truck is marketed as the fun, sporty pickup. And the most fun and sporty option currently available is the range-topping ZR2 trim.
Sure, with up to 308 horsepower and a maximum available tow rating of 7,700 lbs, the Colorado can certainly get some work done. That rating puts it ahead of all other mid-size trucks. Another novelty of the Chevy Colorado is its available 2.8-liter diesel engine. Prized for their fuel efficiency and low-end torque, these small diesel engines have reinvigorated the mid-size pickup market.
But, as the smallest and most maneuverable truck in Chevy's arsenal, the Colorado also represents the truck most often chosen by young people who often prefer remote backwoods camping to large, paved campgrounds and fifth-wheel trailers. Because of its smaller size, however, owners must make do with a tighter interior space, which can be a difficult pill to swallow for those with children.
The Chevrolet Colorado comes in 5 trims, with both extended- and crew cab models. As far as bed configurations, you can opt for either a 6-foot or 5-foot box. Here are all of the trims, along with their base prices:
Base: $21,300
WT: $24,800
LT: $27,600
Z71: $30,700
ZR2: $41,300
Silverado 1500
Like Ram, Chevrolet currently sells two versions of its half-ton pickup. That's right, buyers can choose between the third-generation Silverado and the new-for-2019 model. Opting for the older-style truck isn't nearly as bad as it might sound, either. After all, this truck debuted in 2014, so it is still relatively modern, especially compared to some rivals (we're looking at you, Toyota Tundra!).
Three engine options are available: a 4.3-liter V6, the venerable 5.3-liter V8, and the top-end 6.2-liter V8. Opting for the 420-horsepower 6.2 with the right options can mean a maximum tow rating of 12,500 lbs. Payload, meanwhile, tops out at 2,250 lbs.
It's clear, then, that even the older Silverado can get some serious work done. And with its more traditional (less polarizing) styling, this could very well be the perfect option for you, especially with the lower price of entry.
Work Truck: $28,300
LS: $30,400
Custom: $34,200
LT: $34,600
LTZ: $46,900
All-New Silverado 1500
While the 3rd-generation Silverado has tons to offer, those desiring the most modern half-ton truck available will want to check out the brand-new 2019 Silverado before deciding. Interestingly, the new trucks can't quite match the tow ratings of the old ones, with a 6.2-liter V8 giving the 2019 Silverado a maximum tow rating of 12,200 lbs.
The payload rating is down a bit as well, from 2,250 to 2,180 lbs. It's not often that you see a downgrade in performance when a vehicle is re-engineered. It seems that adding in all of the various tech goodies that customers expect on new trucks (and a few surprises) can take a toll on performance. Luckily, these are only minor losses, especially when you consider all of the safety and convenience that has been added in.
From nifty interior storage solutions to helpful technology such as a heads-up display, the new Silverado can boast of many advantages over its predecessor. And, as you can see, the new Silverado also offers a dizzying array of trims:
Work Truck: $32,200
Custom: $34,600
LT: $36,900
RST: $38,800
Custom Trail Boss: $39,500
LTZ: $43,000
LT Trail Boss: $48,300
High Country: $53,000
Silverado HD
As was the case with the half-ton offerings, the heavy-duty (HD) Chevys are also still being manufactured in two generations. And, once again, the old dogs still have some life in them.
For starters, there is the torque and power that HD customers have come to expect out of their pickups. Opting for the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel gives you an outstanding 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. And, as you will find out, that means these trucks are seriously capable. That's why these HD trucks are most often purchased by owners who intend to do some serious work with their trucks.
Three-quarter-ton trucks (those bearing the "2500" moniker) are rated to tow up to 15,400 lbs with the Duramax diesel engine, while the one-tons (the 3500s) are capable of pulling up to 23,100 lbs. Max payloads are as follows: 6,112 lbs for the 3500 and 3,276 lbs for the 3/4-tons. As you will see, those numbers, while respectable on their own, compare rather unfavorably with those of the newly redesigned HD trucks.
Still, that is a lot of weight to tow and haul, and even most heavy-duty truck owners don't need quite that much capability. That makes the 2019 Silverado HD a great option for the price-conscious buuer. Here are all of the trim levels, broken down with entry prices listed next to them:
2500
WT: $37,600
LT: $42,500
LTZ: $49,500
High Country: $55,900
3500
WT: $40,300
LT: $45,400
LTZ: $50,500
High Country: $56,000
All-New Silverado HD
Sure, the new Silverado HD doesn't offer any more power or torque than the older-style pickups, but that doesn't mean they are leagues more capable. Paired with an all-new 10-speed Allison transmission, these modern marvels are rated to tow an incredible 35,500 lbs and carry up to 7,442 lbs in 3500 guise. For anyone counting, that's a 52% increase in maximum towing capability. Just, wow.
Opt for the 2500, and the improvements continue. The tow rating is up by over 3,000 lbs to 18,500. And Chevy has made towing easier than ever, thanks to its new Advanced Trailering System. Using up to 15 exterior cameras to monitor your rig, you will truly be the king of the road. A dual alternator system helps power all of your accessories on the work (or play) site.
There is clearly a lot to consider for anyone looking into buying a new Chevy truck. Of course, final decisions often come down to price, and these new trucks are unfortunately somewhat pricier than the old models. Here are all of the current trims offered on the brand-new Silverado HD and their base prices:
Work Truck: $41,100
Custom: $43,600
LT: $44,600
LTZ: $53,300
High Country: $61,100
A Bevy of Chevys
Because the pickup market is so hot lately, each manufacturer is stepping up their game to unprecedented levels. Chevy is no exception. With all of the modern tech and engine choices, not to mention outrageous towing and hauling figures, we are truly spoiled for choice. I hope that this guide has helped you find the right Chevy truck for you. Now, get out there and test drive some trucks!