2026 Chevrolet Silverado Review

There aren’t many changes to the Silverado this season. There are now more versions of the hunting brand tie-in, and the Realtree Special Edition is now the Realtree Appearance Package that a dealer adds. The color palette has also been updated. White Sands and Polar White Tricoat have replaced Iridescent Pearl Tricoat and Slate Gray Metallic.

Pros

• There are many engines and trims to pick from.
• At higher price levels, the technology is amazing.
• The ZR2 version is a beast off-road.

Cons

• Trims for beginners with cheap interiors
• It is really bad to ride.
• Better than the Ram 1500.

The Silverado 1500 offers a versatile range of powertrains, including a Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six diesel, two V-8 options, and a turbocharged four-cylinder, making it capable of handling both demanding work and everyday drives. The 6.2-liter V-8 engine generates an impressive 420 horsepower, whereas the 5.3-liter V-8 variant offers a solid output of 355 horsepower.  The turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine offers 310 horsepower, and the diesel variant provides 277 horsepower. Despite its size, the Silverado feels surprisingly agile on the road, with responsive handling and a confident, comfortable brake pedal. For those seeking a more rugged half-ton option, the Trail Boss trims are ideal—they come equipped with aggressive tires, a 2-inch lift, and enhanced off-road features for a more adventurous experience. The ZR2, positioned as the most capable off-road version, is treated as a separate model within the lineup.

The Silverado offers a wide array of advanced features aimed at enhancing driver convenience, including several towing assistance technologies that simplify the process of connecting and hauling a trailer. One standout option is GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system, which, according to Chevrolet, can even function while towing. This cutting-edge technology is offered exclusively on the top-tier High Country trim, enhancing both convenience and driver confidence. Key safety features include the following:

• Automatic emergency braking paired with standard forward collision warning enhances crash prevention.
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert provide added awareness when changing lanes or reversing.
• Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist help the driver stay centered and avoid unintentional drifting.

The Silverado offers a wide range of customization options, from the no-frills Work Truck to the upscale High Country. Entry-level trims focus on utility, featuring essentials like manually adjustable front seats, manual locks, and hand-crank windows. However, starting with the LT trim, the interior receives a major boost in quality, including a redesigned dashboard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a large central touchscreen, giving the cabin a more refined and modern appeal. The High Country model enhances the premium feel with features like open-pore wood accents and leather upholstery. The crew cab variant provides generous rear-seat legroom, although the bumpers left a bit to be desired. Practicality is a strong point, with cleverly integrated storage compartments throughout the cabin. While it doesn’t include the carbon-fiber-reinforced bed found in the half-ton Sierra, the Silverado offers a versatile Multi-Flex tailgate. It also caters to traditionalists by offering multiple bed length options.

The Silverado 1500 offers several powertrain options aimed at better fuel efficiency, but that doesn’t always translate to significant fuel savings. According to EPA estimates, the diesel engine is the most efficient, achieving up to 33 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. However, when equipped with four-wheel drive, highway mileage drops to 26 mpg, which matches the results we recorded during our 75-mph real-world fuel economy test.

With four-wheel drive, the turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine is estimated to deliver up to 20 mpg in city conditions and 22 mpg on the highway. Interestingly, the 5.3-liter V-8 with four-wheel drive, rated at up to 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, proved to be more efficient in our tests than the turbo-four. We saw 21 mpg from the V-8, compared to just 18 mpg from the smaller engine.

The 6.2-liter V-8 engine is rated to deliver approximately 16 mpg in city driving and 21 mpg on the highway. In our real-world test, it delivered 19 mpg on the highway—still outperforming the turbocharged four-cylinder.

All Silverado 1500 models are equipped with an infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and mobile hotspot connectivity. The inclusion of physical buttons and knobs enhances usability, and we appreciated the touchscreen’s quick and responsive performance. Starting from the LT trim and above, the system upgrades to a 13.4-inch horizontal touchscreen and includes advanced features like a Google-powered voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration.

In our tests, the Silverado High Country with the robust 6.2-liter V-8 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 5.4 seconds. By comparison, the 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 completed the same sprint in 6.1 seconds. Although the diesel-powered Silverado was the slowest of the group, it delivered a notably smooth and quiet driving experience.

The Silverado 1500 offers impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum capacity of 13,300 pounds, positioning it as a powerful full-size pickup. While the Ford F-150 can tow up to 700 pounds more, and the Ram 1500 exceeds it by 550 pounds, the Silverado still holds its own in the segment. With the 6.2-liter or 5.3-liter V-8 under the hood, the Silverado is capable of towing up to 11,500 pounds. Models powered by the turbocharged four-cylinder engine can tow as much as 9,500 pounds.  Payload capacity remains consistent across powertrains, falling between 1,870 and 2,280 pounds.

The price of the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 differs significantly depending on the selected trim and optional equipment. Among the available trims, the LT stands out as the best overall value due to its upgraded interior, though the more affordable Work Truck and Custom trims are ideal for budget-conscious buyers or those in trades. For optimal passenger and cargo room, opting for a crew cab with a standard-length bed is a smart move. We recommend choosing the 5.3-liter V-8 engine over the diesel option for its better performance and lower cost. Additionally, this V-8 setup allows access to the Z71 Off-Road package, which enhances off-road capabilities with improved hardware for a more adventurous driving experience.