Chevrolet makes some of the best trucks on the market for just about any driver. We look into the best options from the Bowtie’s capable truck lineup.
Chevrolet has been building quality vehicles in Detroit since 1911 and is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020.
And, of course, Chevy is also popular for producing the Silverado and other reliable pickup trucks for just about any driver. Need something that’s capable enough to haul the occasional sofa but nimble enough that traffic won’t slow you down when the bed is empty? The mid-size Colorado will likely fit the bill.
If you’re searching for something a little more robust, the Silverado nameplate has been around since 1999 (known as the CK 1500 before that) and is available in either 1500, 2500, or 3500 variants depending on your needs.
Before you run off to the nearest Chevy dealer, let’s take a closer look at each of the pickups in the automaker’s lineup and pick out the best.
Chevrolet Colorado
Debuting in 2004, the Colorado was Chevrolet’s first shot at the mid-size truck market. It saw early success, beating the Ford Range in units sold in short order.
Initially, it worked with s shared GMT355 platform used by the GMC Canyon and the Isuzu i-Series, with the Isuzu i-Series phasing out after only three years due to poor sales.
Off the bat, the Colorado was marketed as a light-duty pickup with the choice of all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, along with a pedestrian 175 horsepower 2.8-liter LK5 inline-four engine more designed for light cargo hauling than heavy towing.
A second option, a 220 horsepower 3.5-liter L52 inline-five and an off-road variant, was available for off-roading. 2007 saw even more.
The second generation of the Colorado (2015) saw upgrades to styling, with smoother curves than the boxier first generation. It also boosted engine power with a new 305 horsepower 2.5-liter Ecotec Inline four-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6, along with aerodynamic improvements such as grille aero shutters for improved fuel economy.
Like the Silverado, the Colorado has also won numerous accolades throughout its history, including earning Popular Mechanics‘ Editors’ Choice for “Best Off-roader” and Overland Journal‘s “Overland Truck of the Year.”
For the 2021 model year of the Colorado, Chevrolet debuted a new look for the midsize truck. The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado debuted at the 2019 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The Colorado lineup now features greater differentiation from trim to trim and the addition of the new “Sand Dune Metallic” exterior paint color option.
All Colorado variants also include revised front Chevy bowtie emblems and embossed “Chevrolet” tailgates in place of the traditional Chevy bowtie on the rear end of the vehicles.
“We’ve sold 520,000 Colorado pickups in five years through a relentless, foot-on-the-gas approach to product and feature updates,” said Chevrolet Trucks’ marketing director, Bob Krapes. “With its new-look front end and tailgate, Colorado will now have a more aggressive appearance to match its award-winning capability.”
The WT, LT, and Z71 Colorado trim levels all received updated center bars, lower fascias, and front skid plates for 2021. WT and LT feature all-new gold Chevy bowtie logos, while Z71 received a black bowtie logo.
Colorado ZR2
One of the Colorado’s biggest draws is its off-road ZR2 version, which compared to a standard Colorado features a 3.5-inch wider track and a suspension lifted by two inches. Functional rocker protection was added for better performance over rocks and obstacles, and the front and rear bumpers were modified for better off-road clearance.
The ZR2 combines the maneuverability of a mid-size pickup with a host of off-road features and the most off-road technology of any vehicle in its segment.
Class-exclusive features include front and rear electronic locking differentials, an available diesel engine, and the first off-road application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology.
As a result, the Colorado ZR2 is reputed to deliver exceptional performance in a variety of scenarios, from rock crawling and desert running to daily driving.
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 was named “Pickup Truck of the Year” by Four Wheeler, a leading 4×4 authority since 1962. The award was determined by a weeklong, invitation-only competition open to all-new or significantly revised pickup trucks for the upcoming model year. The testing encompassed more than 1,000 miles and a variety of terrain, including a racetrack, paved roads, sand, rocky trails, loose-surface trails, snow, loose-dirt hill climbs, and water crossings.
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 was also named 2018’s “Gold Hitch Truck of the Year” as well as “Gold Hitch Best Off-Road Truck” by The Fast Lane Truck. The popular truck site praised the ZR2’s combination of “qualities of a capable off-road vehicle” along with its “ease of use and comfort as a daily driver.”
The Fast Lane Truck also commended the Chevy ZR2’s standard Multimatic DSSV dampers and their ability to “handle rough terrain” while also offering a “confident and comfortable ride on the street and highway.”
As part of the voting criteria for the “Gold Hitch Best Off-Road Truck” honor, the competitors were tested on the Cliffhanger 2.0 off-road trail in the Colorado Rockies.
For the 2021 model year, the ZR2 off-road trim received a new, more aggressive front-end appearance and is the only Colorado model to feature the all-new, flow-through “Chevrolet” front fascia. The 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 now comes equipped with standard red tow hooks as well.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Introduced in 1999, the first-generation (1999-2006) Silverado showed its mettle very quickly, featuring three engine options (V6 and V8) along with regular and three-door extended cab styles.
Its 2007 second-generation focused more on power and redesign, starting with a new steel frame and upgraded 367 horsepower, 6.0- liter Vortec 6000 V8 engine.
The Silverado 1500’s third-generation (2014-2018) saw continual improvements, with innovations to steel strength (now roll-formed for a more fuel-efficient, lighter weight vehicle) and additional engine choices.
The fourth-generation Silverado (2019-present) saw a complete redesign with more engaging curves and inward-arching headlights. A new aluminum and steel frame also reduced total vehicle weight by almost 500 pounds.
One of its biggest successes was a 2WD 277-horsepower turbodiesel engine, which enjoys the class’ best fuel economy with 33 mpg highway.
The 2021 Chevy Silverado received many mentionable upgrades, including a multi-flex tailgate with six functions; increased trailering capability on the 2.7L Turbo and 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engines, including up to 9,600 lbs. max trailering with the 2.7L on a new 2WD Regular Cab/Long Box configuration; and available enhanced camera trailering technologies, including new trailer length indicator, jack-knife alert, cargo bed view enhancement, rear trailer view, and rear sideview enhancement.
Today, the Silverado’s arguably biggest draw is the High Country trim, which sports a 10-speed 6.2L V8 engine with specialize trailer packages for serious towers and haulers. This includes a Technology Package with 15-view rear cameras and a dedicated smartphone app to make hitching, parking, and driving more productive. In terms of the number of camera views and overall usability, the Silverado has the Ford F-150 and the Dodge Ram beat.
In terms of accolades, the Silverado High Country has been very formidable, recently winning a Top 10 2020 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value award. The award highlights vehicles that offer the least amount of depreciation after five years compared to the rest of its class. The Silverado has also won awards from J.D. Power (“Most Dependable Large Heavy-Duty Pickup”).
In early 2021, General Motors President Mark Reuss announced that Chevrolet will introduce a Silverado electric pickup truck that will be built at the company’s Factory Zero assembly plant in Detroit.
The Chevrolet Silverado electric full-size pickup is reportedly designed to offer customers a GM-estimated range of more than 400 miles on a full charge.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 & 3500 HD
With HD standing for “Heavy Duty,” the difference between the 1500 and the 2500HD comes down mainly to payload (cargo weight rating) and towing capacity.
The 1500 carries up to 2,250 pounds, whereas the 2500HD has a payload up to 3,553 pounds, including drivers and passengers. In terms of towing capacity, the 1500 tows up to 13,400 pounds and a crew cab-fitted 2500HD tows up to 18,500 pounds.
Arguably, the second most notable difference between the 1500 and the 2500HD is the number of engine options. The 1500 comes with six engine choices, ranging from a 2.7L Turbo with 310 horsepower and 348 lb.-ft. of torque to a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2500HD comes with two V8 options – a 6.6L V8 (401 horsepower and 464 lb.-ft. of torque and a 6.6L Duramax V8 (445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque).
Other than these two differences, both models are remarkably similar when it comes to design, safety options, cab/bed options, and interior technology features.
The 3500HD is Chevrolet’s most powerful truck, an absolute bruiser. It doubles the 2500HD’s towing capacity (up to 36,000 pounds vs. up to 18,510 pounds) and offers two engine choices – a 6.6L V8 and a Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8.
The 6.6L V8 engine is good for 401 horsepower and 464 lb.-ft. of torque and the Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 clocks in at 445 horsepower with 910 lb.-ft. of torque with Allison 10-speed automatic transmission.
To make a 36,000-pound towing capacity work, the Silverado’s engineers worked overtime on structural improvement, changing out steel for aluminum wheels to reduce truck weight. Additional modifications to the front suspension’s torsion bars and front shock absorbers also helped boost its front axle weight and gross vehicle weight ratings.
Over the past several years, the 3500HD has racked up the awards, including a 2020 KBB Best Resale Value distinction in the Full-Size Pickup Truck – Heavy Duty segment.
Which is the Best Chevy Truck?
In our opinion, the best Chevy truck is the Silverado 1500 because of its versatility. Its six available engine options and six trims offer everything from everyday riders (V6s) to serious haulers equipped with turbo- fours and V8 engines.
Its cheapest trim, the WT (work truck) is modestly priced (starting at $28,600) with more than enough pop (six-speed 285-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 engine). Its most expensive trim, the High Country, tops out at $53,400 and delivers an optional four-wheel drive and turbodiesel engine.
For gas-conscious drivers, its 277 horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder diesel also ranks near the top of its class on fuel economy (23 mpg city/33 mpg highway).
All in all, versatility with work trucks is the name of the game, with 1500 covering the wide gamut between the daily driver and the serious hauler/tower.
Photos: Chevrolet
