If you’re looking to purchase a new truck, the Chevy Silverado may be the perfect truck for you. Not only is it one of the best trucks on the market, but it also delivers the power you expect from a vehicle.
However, there are three different models: 1500, 2500, and the 3500. Which one should you choose? This breakdown can help you decide which truck is best for your workload.
Chevy Silverado 1500
The Chevy Silverado is classified as a light-duty truck, and it comes in a variety of cab styles and cargo bed sizes. Additionally, it comes with several trim options and customizations that are expected from Chevy. What makes this Silverado different from the others is the engine size, fuel capacity, and towing capacity. It also is significantly cheaper with an MSRP starting at $33,800.
The engine size for the Silverado 1500 engine size starts with a 2.7L EcoTec3 V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 430 lb/ft torque. The next engine size raises to a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb/ft torque. Finally, the most powerful option offered by the Chevy Silverado is a 6.2L EcoTec3 with 420 horsepower and 460 lbs/ft torque.
Each of these engine sizes offers a different towing capacity and fuel mileage. The 3.0L turbodiesel engine provides the best gas mileage, but a lower towing capacity at 9,500 lbs. The gas mileage is 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The 5.3L engine offers 17 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and a towing capacity of 11,100lbs. Finally, the 6.2L engine has the highest towing capacity of the Silverado 1500 at 13,300lbs, but a fuel economy of only 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
Chevy Silverado 2500
The Silverado 2500HD is larger and can handle more, but with this, you’ll find there’s a decrease in gas mileage and an increase in price. The MSRP of the Chevy Silverado 2500HD starts at $43,400. Like the Silverado 1500, there are three different engine options, starting with a 6.6L V8 gas engine, a 6.6L V8 Diesel engine, and a 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 engine. The towing capacity of the Silverado 2500 6.6L engine caps out at 18,500 pounds.
The 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel generates 445 horsepower and 910 lbs/ft of torque. Additionally, you’ll have an increased towing capacity of 18,000 pounds. If you want the 6.6L Duramax engine, you’ll have to pay extra as it is an optional add-on.
When comparing the Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2500 gas mileage, you’ll find the 2500HD has a similar fuel economy rating, getting up to 19 mpg on the highway with the diesel option. However, the EPA doesn’t test vehicles as large as the 2500 or the 3500, so there are no official estimates. With that said, let’s move on…
Chevy Silverado 3500
Finally, comes the heavy-duty truck—the Silverado 3500. Starting with an MSRP of $44,600, you have two engine options. By default, you can get a 6.6L Vortec V8 engine. This engine gets 401 horsepower and 464 lbs/ft of torque and a towing capacity 14,600 lbs of towing capacity. If you’re willing to pay more, you can add a 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine, which gives you 445 horsepower, 910 lb/ft of torque, and a whopping towing capacity of 36,000 lbs.
