2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Choosing the Right Trim

Essentially unchanged after its makeover last year, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size pickup continues to offer a wide range of models, powertrains, and features spanning from spartan work trucks to luxurious highway cruisers. Chevrolet provides no less than eight distinct Silverado trims plus numerous packages, upgrades, configurations, and engine options, making it possible to create a pickup for just about any budget or need.

Easily the equal of trucks like the Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado has a loyal following. However, the Silverado’s lifelong rival, the Ford F-150, continues to lead in sales and offers features not yet available on the Silverado, such as hybrid and electric powertrains.

As the chip shortage continues to plague the industry, some features, such as a heated steering wheel or heated seats, may not get installed at the factory but will be retrofitted by the dealer when they become available.

In EPA fuel economy, the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Silverado diesel is the champ, returning 24 mpg city/29 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. A rear-drive 2023 Silverado with the 5.3-liter V8 is rated at 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway/19 mpg combined. When equipped with the larger 6.2-liter V8, a 2023 Silverado 4X4 returns 16 mpg city/20 mpg high/17 mpg combined.

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT
(starting at $35,600)

For those who need a truck to tow, haul, and survive workplace wear and tear, the Silverado WT (for Work Truck) is the model to get. Equipped with the basics, the WT is also the only Silverado that comes in Regular Cab configuration with a choice of standard or long beds. For those needing more room, the WT comes in Double Cab with a standard bed and a Crew Cab with the option of a standard or short bed.

Power for the WT comes from a potent 310-horsepower 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Though it only has four pistons, the engine’s 430 lb-ft of torque bests some small V8s, including Chevy’s 5.3-liter V8, which is optional in the WT.

If you want 4-wheel drive (4WD), it’s optional across the full Silverado range.

While the Silverado may be a workhorse, it isn’t all brawn with no brains. Advanced driver aids include standard forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and a Following Distance Indicator that warns when you’re driving too close to the vehicle ahead.

Additional safety features include automatic high-beam headlights, a system to remind the driver to check the rear seat for children or pets, and Teen Driver, which can produce a report card detailing your teen’s driving habits. The system also lets parents limit certain features, like audio volume and top speed.

Additionally, WT buyers can opt for additional driver assists, such as adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, and rear parking sensors.

Standard features for the WT include 17-inch steel wheels, a rear bumper corner step, semigloss bumpers, and a capless fuel filler neck. Regular Cabs include heated side mirrors, which are optional on the larger Double Cab and Crew Cab models.

The WT cabin befits its working-class status with a vinyl 40/20/40 bench seat, rubberized floor cover, manual air conditioning, and manual tilt steering wheel. A one-touch up/down power driver’s window is also standard, along with power door locks, a rear backup camera, and keyless entry with push-button start.

Standard audio includes an AM/FM radio with two speakers (six speakers in Double and Crew Cab models) and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GM Connected Services. Upgrading to SiriusXM satellite radio also brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a Wi-Fi hot spot.

The WT has numerous options, some individual and some grouped in packages. The EZ Lift and Multi-Flex tailgates, a spray-in bedliner, a trailering package, and a 5.3-liter V8 engine are among the more popular upgrades.

Additional options include cloth seats, chrome bumpers, tinted glass, an auto-locking rear differential, and trailering mirrors.

The Z71 Off-Road package adds skid plates, hill descent control, and an off-road suspension.

With the $1,795 delivery fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT costs $37,395. On a 60-month loan at 3% and zero down payment, the monthly bill comes to about $672. See 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Silverado WT includes:

• Driver-Assist Systems – Includes systems that can detect people or cars in danger of collision, watch and warn of vehicles driving in your blind spots, and even bring the truck to a complete stop, helping avoid a potential accident.
• 2.7-liter turbocharged engine – Despite its small size, it pumps out class-leading horsepower, torque, and fuel economy.
• Heated side mirrors – Help keep ice and snow from building up on the mirrors and blocking your view.
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – Integrates the best features of a smartphone, allowing control of your music, apps, navigation, and messaging, all through the car’s infotainment system.

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom
(starting at $42,600)

The Custom trim is a more straightforward way to order a pickup truck, with more standard features than the WT but simplified cab and powertrain choices. Offered only with the 2.7-liter engine in Double Cab and Crew Cab, the Custom is a step up from the WT and a trim toward which we think many buyers will gravitate.

The Custom trim includes heated side mirrors, the EZ Lift tailgate, an upgraded suspension, body-colored bumpers, cruise control, and cloth seats. Also in the mix are a rear window defroster, 20-inch alloy wheels, LED cargo bed lights, a trailering package, and remote start.

The Custom cab gains a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, front and rear USB ports, a 120-volt outlet (with a second in the bed), a Wi-Fi hot spot, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

Buyers who opt for the Custom Crew Cab 4WD can upgrade to the Trail Boss package that adds a two-inch lift, the Z71 off-road package with Autotrac 2-speed transfer case, and the Trailer Package. Also included are red recovery hooks, skid plates, a heavy-duty air filter, hill descent control, and an auto-locking rear differential.

Ordering the Custom Trail Boss package also opens the door to the 5.3-liter V8 or 3.0-liter Duramax diesel.

With the $1,795 delivery fee, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado Custom costs $44,395. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $798. See 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom for sale

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT
(starting at $46,700)

While they may look alike on the outside, the difference between the LT and Custom interiors is night and day. The LT also includes more features, an available V8 or diesel engine, and, when ordering the LT Trail Boss package, a 6.2-liter V8.

Now, about that interior. The LT’s dash is entirely different from the one in the WT and Custom trucks. It includes a large 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster living side-by-side with an even larger 13.4-inch color infotainment touchscreen. Among this system’s many perks is Google built-in that brings Google Play, Maps, and Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.

Additional upgrades over the Custom trim include keyless access with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a heated tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and LED headlights.

The LT offers nearly as many options as standard features, most bundled into packages. Among the more desirable alternatives are those in the Safety Package that add an HD Surround Vision camera, rear emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor that covers a trailer in tow, rear parking sensors, and perimeter lighting.

Depending on their needs, buyers can choose between a power tailgate or a six-function Multi-Flex tailgate.

Also available is leather upholstery, a power-sliding rear window, a wireless charging pad, a bed-view camera, adaptive cruise control, and a 2-speed automatic transfer case with push-button control.

Those who regularly tow will want the Convenience Package II that brings a rear camera over the hitch to aid with hooking up a trailer, trailer brake control to help descend steep grades, and a trailering app.

The LT Trail Boss Package mirrors that of the Custom Trail Boss but offers an optional upgrade with leather upholstery, a power tailgate, and the contents of the Convenience Package II and Safety Package.

With the $1,795 delivery fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado LT costs $48,495. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $871. See 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Silverado LT includes:

• Heated front seats – Multi-stage heated seats can make the seats slightly warm or toasty hot.
• 12.3-inch instrument cluster – This digital cluster replicates to look of analog gauges but is configurable with different displays to best suit the driver’s needs.
• Available 3.0-liter Duramax diesel – If towing is a big part of your daily routine, the Duramax diesel’s 13,300-pound tow rating is worth considering.
• Available Trail Boss Package – Adds a more rugged look and feel backed up by some serious off-road equipment and protection.

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST
(starting at $50,900)

The RST trim adds a sporty look to the Silverado and the full range of available engines, including the 6.2-liter V8 and 3.0-liter Duramax diesel. The 2.7-liter I4 comes standard on Double Cab versions, while the Crew Cab gets the 5.3-liter V8.

Beyond its visual differences from the LT, the RST gains LED fog lamps, a 3.23 rear axle ratio, body-colored bumpers, and LED taillights.

Buyers can upgrade to a 7-speaker Bose audio system and the Rally and Redline packages.

With the $1,795 delivery fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado RST costs $52,695. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $947. See 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ
(starting at $55,700)

The LTZ moves the Silverado away from its work-truck roots to a more luxurious ride akin to a modern SUV. Available only in Crew Cab, the LTZ come standard with a 5.3-liter V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission. Models with 4WD can upgrade to the 6.2-liter V8.

On the safety front, the LTZ includes the LT’s Safety Package plus front and rear parking sensors, trailer brake control, and the Safety Alert driver’s seat.

The LTZ gains a 7-speaker Bose audio system, a power tailgate, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a wireless charging pad.

The LTZ’s front passenger enjoys a 10-way power seat with lumbar support, while the driver gets memory settings for the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel. Chrome bumpers come standard, as do 20-inch wheels, larger engine and transmission coolers, and a revised suspension.

Topping the LTZ’s optional equipment roster is a head-up display, heated power trailering mirrors, a power sunroof, heated rear seats, hitch guidance, a power sliding rear window, and adaptive cruise control.

With the $1,795 destination fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ costs $57,495. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,033. See 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ includes:

• Bose audio – The 7-speaker Bose premium audio system is a vast improvement over the Silverado’s stock sound system and a must-have for music lovers.
• Heated and ventilated front seats – These give the driver and front passenger more latitude for comfort regardless of the season. The ventilated seats are an excellent way to keep perspiration from ruining your clothes.
• Wireless charging pad – With the wireless charging pad, there’s no longer a need for unsightly wires or an open USB port.
• Safety Alert driver’s seat – The Safety Alert seat will vibrate on the left, right, or both sides, alerting the driver not only of impending danger but also from which direction.

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country
(starting at $60,800)

The most opulent Silverado is the High Country. It comes only in Crew Cab configuration and, when equipped with the standard bed, only in 4WD. The 5.3-liter V8 comes standard, with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel and 6.2-liter V8 optional.

Building off the standard and optional feature set from the LTZ, the High Country adds a few unique upgrades, such as hitch guidance with Hitch View, dual exhaust, 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, and a camera for observing the truck bed.

The High Country also gets a spray-in bedliner, chrome exhaust tips, and heated rear seats.

GM’s Super Cruise is available only on the High Country, a semi-autonomous driving system that, on verified highways, can drive the Silverado with minimal interaction from the driver. The system can even change lanes on its own, even when towing a trailer.

Of the few options offered, buyers can select a power sunroof, 22-inch wheels, a head-up display, power-retractable side steps, and a rear camera mirror.

With the $1,795 delivery fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado High Country costs $62,595. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,125. See 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2
(starting at $69,800)

Where the High Country is the most luxurious Silverado 1500, the ZR2 is the most capable off-road. In a direct challenge to the Ram TRX and Ford F-150 Raptor, the ZR2 pushes the limits of what a full-size half-ton Chevy truck can do.

Equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, unique springs, Multimatic spool-valve shock dampers, and a 2-speed transfer case, the ZR2 is more than off-road ready. Front and rear e-locker differentials provide more control in low-speed off-road situations, while hill descent control helps reduce brake pedal use on steep inclines.

When things get hairy, the ZR2’s Terrain Mode with one-pedal rock crawling comes in handy, as do standard 33-inch MT tires and a 31.8-degree approach angle. Skid plate protection covers the front end, oil pan, differential case, and transfer case.

Optional equipment for the ZR2 includes 18-inch gloss black wheels, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a power tailgate. Also available are a head-up display and a rear camera mirror.

With the $1,795 destination fee, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 costs $71,595. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,286. See 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 models for sale

2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 includes:

• 6.2-liter V8 – A dynamo of a V8, the 6.2-liter produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, delivering the necessary power when tackling tough-off-road obstacles.
• E-locker front and rear differentials – These driver-selectable fully-locking differentials allow the front and rear wheels to turn in unison, providing maximum traction.
• Multimatic dampers – Using three separate spool valves, this design can better regulate the fluid within the shock that controls ride comfort and off-road performance. It’s a superior system to standard shock absorbers.
• 31.8-degree approach angle – For serious off-roading, the ZR2’s front bumper allows more clearance for an impressive front approach angle.