The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup truck, a model that’s available in numerous configurations. In 1999, the Silverado replaced the previous C/K and, along with the similar GMC Sierra 1500, it represents GM’s fleet of large pickups. The competition in the segment is fierce, but regular overhauls and updates keep the Silverado relevant and worth considering.
What’s New for 2023
The most significant change for 2023 involves the available turbodiesel engine. This year, the engine benefits from a revised turbo compressor, new steel piston designs, new fuel injections, and improved temperature control. As a result, the performance numbers are up with horsepower increased 10 percent and torque 7.6 percent. A Bison edition joins the ZR2 line.
Grade Levels and Pricing
Chevrolet offers the 2023 Silverado 1500 in WT (work truck), Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, LTZ, and High Country trim. Most grades come with standard rear-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive. You’ll find Regular, Double, and Crew Cab configurations as well as multiple bed size choices. Prices range from $38,195 to $70,240, with another $1,895 for the destination cost.
A Range of Engines
Chevrolet no longer offers a gas V6 engine with the Silverado, but the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is strong and capable. It outperforms the previous V6 in power and efficiency.
The available engines include a pair of V8s as well as a turbocharged diesel V6. The diesel is more powerful this year and delivers at least 30 mpg on the highway. Most customers, though, will find the 5.3-liter V8 to their liking with the 6.2-liter V8 available with some configurations. All told, the engine lineup is robust with strong transmissions at the ready.
Cabs, Beds, and Grades…Oh, My!
Is it possible to have too many choices when shopping for a full-size pickup truck? Chevrolet doesn’t think so. This year, there are no less than nine grades (trims) available, with multiple package options on tap for further customization.
You can still get a Regular Cab Silverado, although availability is limited. The Double Cab offers a decent bridge between Regular and Crew cabs, but the latter is the top choice for customers. Add in three bed sizes, your choice of two- or four-wheel drive, unique colors, and various options, and no two Silverados are likely ever alike.
Decent Standard Safety Features
Pickup trucks have long trailed cars in driver-assist safety. For one, the sheer size of these models give them an edge in many accident scenarios. On the other hand, there is something reassuring about having an extra measure of support when driving with a full load.
The list of standard features is impressive and includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Automatic high beams and active lane control are two other standard features. Yes, GM’s Super Cruise is available with the High Country, bringing a measure of autonomous driving to the range.
Besides the standard rearview camera, customers can upgrade to a surround-view camera system. Also available is an Advance Trailering System that make it easy to connect to a trailer and see around it.
Check Out the ZR2 Bison
The ZR2 Bison may not match the Ford F-150 Raptor and the Ram 1500 TRX in performance, but it has strong off-road credibility nonetheless. Chevy equips this special model with stamped steel bumpers, steel rocker panel protection, five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates, and unique AEV wheels set within Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires. This model also gets the big V8 engine, a unique suspension system, front and rear e-lockers, and Terrain Mode for one-pedal rock crawling.
Peer Group
Besides the GMC Sierra 1500, the Silverado competes with the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Nissan Titan, and the Toyota Tundra. The domestic makes offer far more build configurations than their Japanese counterparts, but all six models are worth exploring.
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Specifications
| Chevrolet | 2023 Silverado 1500 |
|---|---|
| Segment | Full-Size Pickup Truck |
| Price Range | $38,195 to $70,240 |
| Destination Charge | $1,895 |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, Rear= or Four-Wheel Drive |
| Engine No. 1 | 2.7-liter turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 310 @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 348 @ 1,500-4,000 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.63 in. x 4.01 in. (95.25 mm x 102 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | N/A |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 2 | 3.0-liter, turbo I-6 |
| Horsepower | 305 @ 3,750 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 495 @ 1,500 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.30 in. x 3.54 in. (84 mm x 90 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | N/A |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 3 | 5.3-liter, V-8 |
| Horsepower | 355 @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 383 @ 4,100 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.78 in. x 3.62 in. (96 mm x 92 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | N/A |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 4 | 6.2-liter, V-8 |
| Horsepower | 420 @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 460 @ 4,100 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 4.06 in. x 3.62 in. (103.25 mm x 92 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | N/A |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Seating | 3, 5, or 6 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 4,740 to 5,450 (crew) |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 147.4 to 157.1 (crew) |
| Length (inches) | 231.9 to 242.4 (crew) |
| Width (inches) | 81.2 (crew) |
| Height (inches) | 75.4 to 78.3 (crew) |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 43.0, 40.1 (crew) |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 44.5, 43.4 (crew) |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 66.0, 65.1 (crew) |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 61.2, 60.2 (crew) |
| Pax Volume (cu. ft.) | N/A |
| Cargo Storage (cu. ft.) | 5’8” or 6’6” foot (crew) |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | 6,800 to 7,300 (crew) |
| Towing (pounds) | 8,800 to 13,300 |
| Payload (pounds) | 1,520 to 2,030 |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gas or Diesel |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 24.0 (crew) |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 15/19/17 to 24/29/26 |
| Manufacturing Plant | Flint, Michigan; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Springfield, Ohio; and Silao, Mexico |
See Also — All-New 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Features Bold Design & Overhauled Powertrain Strategy
Specifications and images supplied by the manufacturer. Statistics assembled by Tom Keegan.
