The Silverado is a line of Chevrolet trucks introduced in 1999 as a replacement for the Chevrolet C/K, which had a trim level called Silverado. Along with the similar GMC Sierra, it is available in full-size, chassis cab, and medium duty and has become a popular truck for workers, families, and every day drivers all over the United States.
Over the course of four generations, the Silverado has changed and adapted to all kinds of driving trends and the needs of a wide range of buyers. Since its introduction, it has sold over 12 million units and is one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. With continued innovation and stylistic changes, the Silverado is constantly evolving and adjusting to new automotive landscapes.
2019 – Present Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (4th Generation)
Chevrolet unveiled the fourth-generation Silverado 1500 Chevy truck in mid-December 2017. The redesigned model, which will be available in showrooms from the fall of 2018, features a more sculpted exterior that spots curvy edges, swoopy lines, and headlights that arc inward and integrate into the front grille.
The body and frame are made from a mixture of aluminum and steel that makes the fourth generation as much as 450 pounds lighter than previous-generation models. Fourth-generation models also feature a fresh interior with a centered rather than offset steering wheel.
Crew-cab models have been stretched to give rear passengers 3 inches more leg room, and internal storage has also been enhanced with 24-liter and 10-liter bins under the rear seats and in the rear seat backs respectively.
Buyers can choose from among eight trim levels including a High Country trim with 20-inch aluminum wheels.
In addition to the 5.3- and 6.2-liter V8 engines, Chevrolet added a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine to the powertrain options of the new generation. The diesel engine, like the 6.2-liter V8 engine, is paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. With powertrains refined for real-world driving, the Chevy Silverado can tow up to 12,500 pounds.
For 2019, Chevy added an optional 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 310 horsepower; it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In 2020, Chevy made the 10-speed automatic transmission and the optional 6.2-liter V8 engine available on a wider range of Silverado trim levels (both features had previously been reserved only for higher-end trims).
In the 2021 model year, the Silverado received updates in tech such as the addition of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and standard Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. The 2.7-liter four-cylinder and 3.0-liter DURAMAX diesel options also got an increase in towing capacity and towing technology upgrades like a jack-knife alert and length indicator.
The 2021 1500 Silverado full-size pickup also got the newly introduced six-position tailgate as well as several new color options like Mosaic Black Metallic and Cherry Red Tintcoat. The Crew Cab Standard Box 1500 was also only made available in four-wheel-drive for this model year.
For 2022, The Silverado got new exterior styling including an updated front fascia. Chevy also introduced a special edition off-road version of the Silverado 1500 called the ZR2. They dropped the 4.3-liter V6 from the options, leaving buyers with a choice between the 2.7-liter turbo producing 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8, and the DURAMAX 3.0-liter turbo-diesel, which produces 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
These engines all featured Chevy’s 10-speed automatic transmission that was previously only available as an option. It also saw an update on the rear and front suspension dampers and newly tuned springs for better, more responsive handling.
One of the most comprehensive updates for 2022 was in the tech with the addition of a 13.4-inch touchscreen Infotainment system on all models except the W/T and Custom. These base-level trims have the same system as previous model years. This model year also marked the introduction of Chevy’s Super Cruise semi-automated driving technology.