Trim Levels
Before we get down to the nuts and bolts of the engine options, it's important to establish the various trim levels for the Silverado 1500. This is because not all trim levels come with the same engine options. The Silverado 1500 comes in nine trim levels: WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, RST, ZR2, and High Country.
WT stands for work truck, and the WT paired with the Custom trim level are the models best suited for tradespeople looking for an inexpensive option. The Custom Trail Boss adds a few features to the Custom model that make this version more off-road ready, including a suspension lift and more engine options.
The LT and RST models see more luxurious interiors and flashier style, as well as available packages to add even more flair. The LT Trail Boss combines the more sumptuous interior with off-road-ready features, such as a locking rear differential. The LTZ sees premium finishes and eliminates the base engine as an option, focusing only on the higher-performing engine options. The ZR2 ups the off-road game yet again with 33-inch mud-terrain tires and front and rear locking differentials. Finally, the High Country is the cream of the crop, featuring only the best interior features and performance-ready enhancements.
2.7L Turbo High-Output
The base engine is an extremely respectable engine in terms of performance. It has enough power to fulfill the needs of many truck owners. Because it's capable of meeting these needs, it's the engine that comes standard on six of the trim levels; the top three trim levels are the only ones that give the base engine the boot.
The 2.7L turbo engine is capable of cranking out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Maximum towing capacity reaches up to 9,500 pounds, more than enough for most towing needs. The base engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers a smooth ride and clean shifting. This base engine is an improvement over the Silverado's old base option, with this new 2.7L turbo delivering a 24% increase in torque over its predecessor. Additionally, the engine delivers torque on demand via the dual-volute turbocharger, which has priority oiling and cooling to help when the job gets tough.
Fuel economy varies slightly depending on available options, but the two-wheel-drive (2WD) models average 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway compared with 18 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway for the four-wheel-drive (4WD) models.
5.3L EcoTec3 V-8
Chevrolet has a history of producing outstanding V-8 engines, and their latest addition to the V-8 set is this 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8. This turbocharged engine features a cast aluminum engine and block, as well as Chevrolet's dynamic fuel management system featuring variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation, and direct injection. You'll find the 5.3L V-8 engine standard on the RST Crew Cab, LTZ, and High Country, and an available option on the WT, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST Double Cab, and LT Trail Boss.
Understandably, this next engine level produces slightly more horsepower and torque than the base engine, coming in at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity also increases, reaching up to 11,500 pounds. When found in a 2WD truck, this engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while it's matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission in 4WD models.
Gas mileage suffers a bit with the V-8 compared to the base engine, but many would argue that this is understandable given the increase in output. City driving will get you 16 mpg, while highway driving should reach 20 mpg.
6.2L EcoTec3 V-8
Because one V-8 option just isn't enough, drivers also have the option of choosing the 6.2L V-8 engine. This more powerful engine can be found standard on just the ZR2 trim level, but it's an available option on the RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country.
This engine is essentially a bigger V-8 than the 5.3L, so the increased specifications mean increased output in the form of 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity also increases to up to 13,300 pounds, and it's paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission in all scenarios.
Gas mileage takes another dip here, coming in at slightly less than the other V-8 engine. This 6.2L V-8 is estimated to be 14 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.
Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel
Finally, diesel enthusiasts will appreciate Chevrolet's reluctance to get rid of the diesel engine with the availability of this Duramax 3.0L diesel option, which is available on the Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country models.
The diesel engine sees a dip in horsepower to 305, but you get a higher 495 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity is also similar to the larger V-8 at 13,300 pounds.
Fuel efficiency is where the diesel pulls ahead, with an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: One Truck, Four Engines
With four exceptional engine options available to choose from, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a truck aimed to please just about anyone. If you're looking for a powerful and dependable full-size pickup, be sure to check our available inventory of new Silverado 1500s today.