Three Terrific Model Years for the Chevy Silverado 1500

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is one of the most powerful and sophisticated trucks available, offering a remarkable combination of rugged capabilities and refined features. If you’re interested in a used Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale, you’ll have a variety of model years, trim levels, and other options to explore and consider as you search for the perfect pickup. Although we’re happy to answer any questions you have and help you find a truck that has everything you need, we also know it helps to have a game plan when shopping for your next truck. Here are three of the best model years to consider when evaluating different used Silverado 1500 options, and why these are the ones to look for.

The 2016 Silverado 1500: A Great Third-Generation Option

You’ll find plenty of options as you explore different used Chevy Silverado 1500 models, you’ll find plenty of options available. However, we suggest limiting your search to the 2016 model year or later. These older trucks can be very attractive for anyone shopping on a tight budget or who is simply not interested in the latest features and options. The third generation of the Silverado 1500 ran from 2014 to 2018, but your best bet is a 2016 model or later. This provides you with some nicer features and options in a truck that you can count on.

For 2016, Chevy gave the third-generation Silverado 1500 a facelift and refresh, which is why we see this as the best place to start. You’ll find several different engine options, including a 4.3L V6 with 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, along with a 5.3L V8 that offers 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. You can also find the 6.2L V8 engine, which remains a hallmark of the Silverado 1500, delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. These trucks may lack some of the modern niceties and enhanced capabilities of the current generation, but they still offer modern performance.

Speaking of such niceties, the 2016 Silverado 1500 was available in numerous trim levels, including a standard WT model equipped with 17-inch wheels, a chrome grille surround, and a 4.2-inch infotainment display. For some upgraded features, consider an LS trim that includes remote keyless entry and a seven-inch infotainment screen. If you’re interested in a used pickup for off-roading, look for a Z71 model that includes an off-road package for enhanced performance on the trail. Finally, the High Country trim offers numerous upgrades, including 20-inch wheels, six-inch chrome assist steps, and a seven-speaker Bose Premium sound system, significantly enhancing the features of a pre-owned pickup like this.

The 2019 Silverado 1500: Kicking Off the Fourth Generation

As much as we enjoy what the third generation of the Silverado 1500 delivers, we’d generally stick with the more modern era of used trucks. To us, the 2019 model is the perfect place to start, especially if your budget allows for the features and options that it brings to the road. Much of this can be found in the previous generation, especially when focusing on 2016 and later models, but some features are simply not available. They also generally have less use on them since they’re newer.

You can find five different engines on 2019 models. The same three engines from previous years are still available, joined by a 2.7L turbocharged I-4 with 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. Perhaps most notably, the fourth-generation Silverado 1500 is available with a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine, producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This is a fantastic powertrain with remarkable reliability and excellent overall capabilities, so consider starting with this year if you want a diesel engine.

Chevy offers the 2019 Silverado 1500 with eight different trim levels, giving you a lot of freedom as you’re checking out different used models. You’ll find some familiar names here from the previous generation, like the starting WT model, the upgraded Custom, and the high-end High Country. If you want to head off-road, consider the two Trail Boss models, which add off-road suspension and additional great features to the Custom and LT trims. The interior was nicely updated for the fourth generation, featuring impressive standard and optional features, including a seven-inch infotainment display and an eight-inch screen on higher trims that looks fantastic.

The 2022 Silverado 1500: Bold and Beautiful Refresh

If you’re interested in updated features and more refined options overall, start your search with the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500. Still part of the fourth generation, the 2022 model receives a facelift and a remarkable refresh to make it better than ever. Whether you’re interested in robust performance, rugged off-road capabilities, or a sophisticated interior with advanced technology, this is the truck you should check out. Since it’s already been around for a few years, you can find these models at excellent prices to fit most budgets.

Looking at the 2022 Silverado 1500, you’ll find four engines with a streamlined selection that’s superior to what we looked at above. Gone are the 4.3L V6 and the older version of the 2.7L I-4. They’ve been replaced by a new standard 2.7L turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers 310 hp and an incredible 430 lb-ft of torque. This remains the standard engine on the Silverado 1500 today, although it’s now referred to as the TurboMax engine. The improvements to this engine and the Silverado’s overall engineering mean that the 2022 Silverado 1500 has a superior maximum towing capacity of 9,500 lbs with its standard engine, compared to 7,900 lbs on earlier models. The Duramax turbo-diesel, though its output remains the same, can also handle far greater towing than the 2019 model, an impressive 13,300 lbs rather than 9,500 lbs on earlier models.

Trim levels and details are beautifully enhanced for the 2022 model year, with excellent features inside and out. While a seven-inch infotainment display remains standard on models like the starting WT trim, you’ll find a gorgeous 13.4-inch infotainment screen in many trim levels, paired with an equally stunning 12.3-inch Driver Information Center display. If you’re interested in heading off-road, 2022 is an excellent model year with three impressive options for you to choose from. Along with the two Trail Boss trims, a high-end ZR2 trim gives you greater off-road capabilities and one of the finest trucks built to tackle the trail.

Find the Used Truck You’ve Been Looking For

As you’re exploring the options for your next used truck, it’s important to remember that these are milestone model years and not the only ones you should look at. If you like what the 2016 model offers and don’t want a fourth-generation Silverado 1500, then a 2017 or 2018 model could work just as well for you. Similarly, if you love everything Chevy has added with the refresh for the fourth-generation Silverado 1500, any model after 2022 will give you just as many remarkable features to find and enjoy. But with these three model years in mind, it’s easier to group together different used options you find and have a sense of what they bring to the road. Now all you have to do is decide on the features and performance you want from your pickup, and then you can find something that perfectly meets your needs.