The Best Model Years for Buying a Used Chevy Silverado 1500

February 23rd, 2024 by

A blue 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 is shown driving on an open road.

Every year, many potential vehicle buyers scour the marketplace for a method of transportation that can offer quality and, at the same time, allow them to pay less than they normally would. This is why many have turned to purchasing used instead of new. Here at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris, this is something we deal with on a regular basis. Many customers are looking for a chance to own a used Chevy Silverado for sale, not only to obtain a vehicle of above-average quality at a lower price but also to save money on insurance premiums. This is why we’re here today. We’re breaking down the years that we feel are the best for the Silverado 1500 in hopes of helping you make a well-informed decision with your next purchase.

2017 Chevy Silverado 1500

Following the refresh that took place during the 2016 model year, the Silverado was once again poised to be highly efficient in 2017. The most notable attributes of the model year were its engines geared for hard work and performance and some noticeable driving assistance features that made any time spent behind the wheel much more enjoyable.

This was before the inclusion of the Duramax diesel engine or the Turbomax I-4, but there were still three powertrain options that were more than adequate for any use. The standard engine took the form of a 4.3L V6 that was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. 285 hp and the capacity to generate 305 lb-ft of torque were the specs related to the base engine. As was the case in the modern era, a 5.3L and 6.2L V8 were offered as options. Both offered plenty of horsepower, with 355 hp and 420 hp being the respective ratings of both. A 5.3L Silverado 1500 was also equipped with eAssist, a mild hybrid system that allowed for better fuel economy. EPA testing from the 2017 model year supports this, getting 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.

2017 was also the first year that automated forward braking was introduced, as well as the inclusion of GM’s Teen Driver program, allowing parents to have oversight regarding their children’s driving habits. Speaking of safety, the 2017 Silverado 1500 also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for collision testing.

A black 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country is shown towing a white trailer.

2018 Chevy Silverado 1500

If you’re looking for a used Chevy Silverado that has the same exceptional powertrain options as the 2017 edition but also has more items in line with the technological innovation of the current model, we think the 2018 edition will suit you perfectly. As it did during the previous year, the Silverado 1500 led its class in horsepower and towing, with the numbers relating to these accomplishments being 420 hp and 12,500 lbs, respectively. The eAssist mild hybrid system also made a welcomed return, which was certainly advantageous for drivers who wanted to work hard, play hard, and save at the pump at the same time.

The infotainment setup that was made available in 2018 had some notable advantages that placed intuitive technology at the fingertips of drivers. Chevy’s setup, which was still utilizing MyLink, offered up some desirable items such as compatibility with Apple and Android products, SiriusXM, and a host of USB ports to stay connected while on the go. The layout of the interior managed to find that unique balance of comfort and practicality, allowing for a refined ride, both on and off the pavement.

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500

2019 can sometimes seem like it’s an eternity ago. We had no way of knowing that the following year would throw the world on its axis with the onset of a global pandemic. The year was remarkable for the Chevy Silverado and its sibling, the GMC Sierra. It’s around this time that we start to see the modern incarnation of the Silverado begin to take shape with new features and the inclusion of two new engines that have since made an indelible mark on the entire industry. The three powertrains that were available for the 2017 and 2018 models were still there, but this is the year where the Duramax Diesel I-6 joined the fold along with what we now refer to as the TurboMax, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The torque-heavy diesel engine proved that the fuel source was still viable and capable in the modern era of the automobile. The Duramax produced an impressive 460 lb-ft of torque and was paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, the first engine in the Silverado 1500 to have this technology at its disposal. The newly introduced 2.7L I-4 was no slouch, either. With 310 hp it proved that the modern truck could be just as effective with four cylinders as it had been with eight.

2019 was also a notable year for further strides regarding technology. An eight-inch infotainment screen offered wireless charging and in-dash navigation, which were essential for drivers who were tech-savvy. As far as the driving assistance features that Chevy now offered, automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams all made appearances for those who craved maximum peace of mind.

A red 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71, a popular used Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale, is shown driving on an open road.

2020 Chevy Silverado 1500

When the 2020 Chevy Silverado rolled off the assembly lines, it continued to demonstrate the iconic pickup’s continued evolution as one of the best trucks on the market. There were some notable changes that were impressive and awe-inspiring. The introduction of the RST trim provided drivers with a compromise that combined both luxury and performance, and the Z71 off-road package equipped the truck with skid plates and high-end tires to facilitate their journeys on the road less traveled. The ten-speed automatic transmission, which had been introduced for the diesel I-6 the year before, was now more widely available, and this was only the beginning.

2020 marked the introduction of a brand new feature for the Silverado: adaptive cruise control. This feature, which remains one of the most sought-after, took the basic premise of cruise control and improved on it by changing the speed of the vehicle to coincide with other vehicle speeds, enhancing reaction time. Tech-savviness aside, the Silverado still proved its worthiness as a formidable workhorse, with a towing capacity of 13,400 lbs.

Find the Perfect Used Silverado 1500 With Us

We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief trip down the recent years of the Chevy Silverado 1500. As you can see, there’s quite a bit that can change in the span of a single year. We wanted to provide as much information as possible to assist you in deciding what model year might best fit your needs and sensibilities. If you still have some questions, we’re here to help. Come on down to Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris, and our sales team will go over the various used Silverado 1500 models on our lot and take the time to address any questions or concerns you might have. We’ll help you decide the pinnacle of performance and perfection and help you get the most out of it. Our finance center will also help you create a payment plan that fits your budget, while our service center will be here for you throughout the ownership of your vehicle. Come in today; your perfect Silverado 1500 awaits!