Some automakers have a wide lineup, but when you’re confident in your product, you don’t need to add a bunch of extra nameplates. There may be only two Chevy truck models available for 2020 and 2021, but they’re the only two Chevy trucks you need.
What truck models does Chevy make?
- Silverado/Silverado HD: $34,900 – $66,266
- Colorado: $23,100 – $45,766
Chevrolet don’t offer a lot of different trucks these days, but they offer as many as we need. If you need an everyday vehicle that can haul furniture as well as groceries, there’s the Colorado. If you need a work truck, there’s the Silverado. Here’s what you need to know.
Silverado: $34,900 – $66,266
Chevy’s flagship pickup and the F-series’ main competition, the Silverado is a trooper. Offered in 1500, 2500, and 3500HD versions, we’ll cover each of these below:
1500: $36,248 – $66,266
The Silverado 1500 is just right. Not too small for the work site, not too big for the grocery trip. For a little extra oomph, the E85 FLEXFUEL engine will let you fill’er up with diesel so you can really kick some butt when you need to do some towing.
The 1500 may be a work truck, but it’s not without its creature comforts. 3.5-inch driver information display, Chevy Infotainment with 7-inch touchscreen and six speakers, and a three-passenger bench in the back. Simple, but good enough.
Basic Specs:
- MPG City/Highway: 19/22
- Engine: 285 horsepower 4.3L EcoTec3 V6/355 horsepower E85 FLEXFUEL
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
- Towing Capacity: 9,500 lbs. – 10,000 lbs.
Safety Ratings:
- NHTSA: 4-Stars
- IIHS: Good
2500HD: $34,600 – $61,800
The heftier 2500HD is a solid upgrade in towing and payload capacity, but if you really want to get the most out of this truck, you want the $525 Z71 off-road package with off-road suspension, Rancho shocks, and hill descent control.
The interior features are largely comparable to the 1500. What you’re paying for is a bigger truck with a bit more horsepower and towing capacity. If you don’t need a Heavy Duty work truck, you won’t really see the difference.
Basic Specs:
- MPG City/Highway: 10/15
- Engine: 401 horsepower 6.6L V8/445 horsepower DURAMAX 6.6L TURBO
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
- Towing Capacity: 14,500 lbs. – 18,500 lbs.
Safety Ratings:
- NHTSA: 4-Stars
- IIHS: Good
3500HD: $34,900 – $63,000
The 3500 may look just like the 2500 at a glance, but the high strength chassis makes all the difference. This is what allows it to tow an extra 1,500 pounds over the strongest 2500HD Silverado.
Again, this is one of those trucks that might be a little more power than you need. But if you ever need to pull a pre-fab home or a trailer full of gravel, you’ll be glad you’re behind the wheel of a hefty V8 3500HD.
Basic Specs:
- MPG City/Highway: 10/15
- Engine: 401 horsepower 6.6L V8/445 horsepower DURAMAX 6.6L TURBO
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
- Towing Capacity: 20,000 lbs.
Safety Ratings:
- NHTSA: Not yet tested
- IIHS: Good
Colorado: $23,100 – $45,766
The Colorado actually started life as a compact truck and was one of the last of its type when it was upgraded to a mid-size. For the time being, this is about as small as most trucks will get.
The smaller size makes the Colorado perfect for light duty work. Maybe it can’t pull a double-wide, but it can haul your tools and materials to and from the job site no problem.
Inside you get bucket seats, a Chevy Infotainment 7-inch touchscreen system, and six speakers. For safety you have StabiliTrak, backup camera, Teen Driver settings, and tire pressure monitoring.
Basic Specs:
- MPG City/Highway: 20/26
- Engine: 200 horsepower 2.5L I4 DI DOHC VVT
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Safety Ratings:
- NHTSA: 4-Star
- IIHS: Good
Photos: Chevrolet
