Chevy’s full-size truck enters the 2026 model year largely unchanged. But that’s not to say you can’t change the Silverado to suit your needs. Between 8 trims, 4 engines, and a wide variety of available upgrades, there’s no Silverado you can’t make yours.
Key Takeaways:
- Like the 2025 model, the 2026 Silverado 1500 will have a massive variety of options for customization
- This model will have a 13,300 lb maximum towing capacity
- For 2026 the Silverado 1500 will starts at $38,145
- Practical, versatile truck for tradesman and adventurer alike
Will Chevy Silverado change in 2026?
The Silverado will be largely unchanged, but certain trims will get minor upgrades, and new customization options are on offer.
The ZR2 is getting a multi-flex tailgate and a new standard technology package. There’s a new performance exhaust on offer, and a Realtree Appearance package. A few new colors come in to replace those leaving the lineup.
How much will the 2026 Silverado 1500 cost?
The base WT model will start at $38,145 for the working essentials of a truck. The nicer interior features come in with the LT trim at 49,195 and to a lesser extent the less-costly Custom trim.
Upper trims still focus more on the offroading goodies that Chevy delivers in spades. The Z71 model features excellent Multimatic suspension and offroading capability that make it a pure joy to drive. Due to the variety of trims and engines on offer, the price of your Silverado will depend on the specifics of what you need.
Will the 2026 Silverado have a V-8?
Yes. The Chevy Silverado will still have two V8 offerings and two smaller engines to choose from. These options are:
- The 2.7L Turbomax V4
The base inline-four cylinder engine of the Silverado offers 310hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. - The 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel V6
The Diesel powered inline-six makes 305hp and 495lb-ft of torque. - The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8
The smaller of the V8 engines delivers 355hp and 383lb-ft of torque, while still sounding awesome like only a V8 can. - The 6.2L Ecotec3 V8
The largest engine the Silverado has on offer produces 420hp and 460lb-ft of torque.
With this large spread of engines, the Silverado will handle any job, adventure, trip, or pricepoint you need it to. Despite its truckish size, the Silverado still handles quite well and has a reassuringly firm brake pedal.
How many miles per gallon does a 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 get?
The Silverado will offer a variety of gas mileages depending on the equipped engine. According to EPA estimates, the mileages (with standard tires) are as follows:
- The 2.7L Turbomax V4: 18mpg city/23mpg highway with 2WD, and 17/20mpg with 4WD.
- The 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel V6: 23mpg city/29 mpg highway with 2WD, and 22/26mpg with 4WD. The ZR2 trim achieves 20mpg city, and 23mpg highway.
- The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8: 16mpg city/21mpg highway with 2WD, and 16/19mpg with 4WD
- The 6.2L Ecotec3 V8: 15mpg city/ 20mpg highway with premium gasoline. There is no 2WD option. The ZR2 does 14mpg city, and 17mpg highway, also on premium gasoline.
Both the V8 engines recommend premium gasoline for optimal performance, but it is not required.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Silverado 1500?
At its best, with the 6.2L V8 and trailering kit, the Silverado will tow 13,300 pounds. This is slightly better than the Ram 1500, and slightly worse than the Ford-F150. Of course, towing capacity will also depend on the engine your truck is packing.
- The 2.7L Turbomax V4: 9,500lbs with a max 2,260lb payload
- The 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel V6: 13,300lbs with a max 1,970lb payload
- The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8: 11,300lbs with a max 2,180lb payload
- The 6.2L Ecotec3 V8: 13,100lbs with a max 1,980lb payload
With any of these engines, the Silverado is a seriously capable towing and hauling truck.
Our thoughts:
For the tradesman or the weekend warrior, there’s no niche, pricepoint, or adventure that the Silverado can’t tackle. If you need a truck that will handle the biggest towing loads, or a truck that will dominate the trail, look no further than the capable and versatile Silverado.
If you’d like to see some of the variety a Silverado can offer, come try it out yourself today at Burlington Chevrolet.