When you buy a used Chevrolet Silverado 1500, you’re getting a great price premium power, modern comfort, and everyday utility. These used light-duty trucks are also big on technology, offering everything from the latest smartphone integration technology to a 15-camera trailer towing system.
Fourth Generation: 2019-Current Model
These fourth-generation used Silverado 1500 trucks are lighter than ever, thanks to their new aluminum body panels. A lighter truck is not only easier to maneuver, it’s also capable of towing and hauling extra weight. As usual, these used Silverado trucks offer three cabin styles and three bed lengths.
If you’re looking for a used Silverado 1500 with maximum muscle, start here. This generation offers four powerful engine options. The base 4.3-liter V6 is a carryover from the previous generation, with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. With the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, you get both more power (310 hp, 348 lb-ft) and improved fuel economy. The turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel six-cylinder engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft) also helps you balance muscle with efficiency. Finally, a 5.3-liter V8 engine (355 hp, 383 lb-ft) is available to help you tackle big jobs.
This generation’s eight trim models (Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country) offer used shoppers a wide variety of on-road comforts and conveniences. The Work Truck (WT) is pretty basic, but it comes at a great price. As you move up the trim levels, cabin interiors become increasingly luxurious, with features like leather upholstery and heated seats.
Chevy continuously updated the Silverado throughout this generation. Here’s a look at how these trucks changed from model year to model year:
- 2021: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto becomes optional. Shoppers can also add a multi-configurable tailgate that opens in a variety of ways for improved access to cargo. A new trailer-towing camera system enhances visibility.
- 2020: Shoppers can now choose a turbodiesel engine, which is designed to provide both hefty towing capabilities and impressive fuel economy. These 2020 trucks also introduce optional adaptive cruise control. And a new Advanced Trailering system lets you install up to 15 cameras to maximize on-road visibility.
Third Generation: 2014-2018
As far as body style configurations go, the third-generation used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 looks a lot like the current generation. On the used lot, for example, you’ll find three cabins and three bed sizes. There are four trim models: WT LT, LTZ, and High Country. The base Work Truck (WT) model is divided into two sub-trims, 1WT and 2WT.
This generation offers three engine options. The base 4.3-liter V6 is more powerful than in previous models, now with 285 horses and 305 pound-feet of torque. Shoppers could also choose between two V8 engines, the 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft) and the top-of-the-line 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft).
Check out the big changes from this generation:
- 2018: Every Silverado now comes with a rearview camera. Chevy also adds a standard tire fill alert system. And the MyLink infotainment system also becomes standard equipment; the base WT gets a version with the 7-inch touch screen.
- 2017: Every Silverado now comes with a capless fuel filler. Chevy also rolls out the Teen Driver system, which allows parents to set limitations on driving speed and stereo volume, among other features. And another new safety system, low-speed forward collision mitigation, becomes optional.
- 2016: This model year marks the third generation’s mid-cycle update. You’ll see a lot of big changes from here on out, including new exterior styling and an updated infotainment interface. New Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration technology makes it easier to access your phone and music apps. Lane departure mitigation, which can sense accidental drift and automatically correct course, becomes optional.
- 2015: The 2WT model is renamed as the LS. Silverado shoppers can now pair a new eight-speed automatic transmission with the top-tier 6.2-liter V8 engine.
Second Generation: 2007-2014
This generation of Silverados will look familiar, because it offers the same three body style and bed options that you’ll find on newer models. However, it doesn’t have quite as many trim models.
Second-generation used Silverado 1500 trucks are available as Work, LT, and LTZ trims. The Work truck has all the basics, like air conditioning and OnStar emergency telematics. The mid-level LT adds cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. While newer trucks are more luxurious, the LTZ isn’t too shabby, with dual-zone automatic climate control and leather upholstery.
Four engine options were available throughout this generation. The base engine, a 4.3-liter V6, made 195 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque. Optional engines included the 5.3-liter V8 (315 hp, 338 lb-ft) and the 6.0-liter V8 (367 hp, 375 lb-ft). Starting with the 2009 model year, shoppers could choose the 6.2-liter V8 (403 hp, 417 lb-ft), this generation’s most powerful option.
Most Silverados from this generation used a four-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode. However, a six-speed automatic transmission became optional for the 2009 model year. By 2010, it was standard equipment for Silverados with the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines.
Here’s a look at the big changes for the second generation:
- 2010: From here on out, these Silverado trucks pair their 5.3-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 engines with the six-speed automatic transmission. And the 4.8-liter V8 and 5.3-liter V8 now come standard with variable valve timing.
- 2009: The Silverado’s famous 6.2-liter V8 debuts with 403 horses. A new six-speed automatic transmission becomes available. This model year also introduces Bluetooth connectivity.
- 2008: Shoppers can now add an integrated trailer brake controller.