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Which Silverado Model Years Had a Diesel Engine?

The front end of a black 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country is shown.
Many truck drivers in Northern Kentucky can benefit from a diesel engine under the hood. These powerplants deliver the torque you need for hauling supplies around town or driving across rough worksite terrain. A diesel powerplant will also last longer, give you better highway fuel efficiency, and hold its value better over time—so when business owners and adventurers are in search of a used Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale, they like to know if they have the option of going diesel. Although many past Silverado models and trims were available for a diesel engine, some were not. You don’t want to get your heart set on a certain truck only to discover you can’t buy it with the engine your job and lifestyle demand. Thus, the truck experts at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris have compiled this guide so you can quickly see which used Silverado trucks have a diesel engine and which ones don’t.

First Generation: 1999-2006

The original Chevy Silverado was available in several models and trims, each with different engine options. Some you can get with a diesel engine, while others you cannot. Let’s take a look at each... To start, no diesel engines were available for any Silverado trucks in 1999 and 2000. These years, all models of the truck could only be purchased with the Vortec 6000 5.7L small-block engine. So, if you’re looking at the earliest Silverado trucks, you’re unfortunately out of luck. In 2001, the first diesel engine option emerged. For this year, Chevy introduced the Heavy-Duty (HD) trim, and one of the engine options was the Duramax 6600. This 6.6L V8 diesel engine could produce up to 300 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque. All Silverado 1500 HD, 2500 HD, and 3500 HD trucks were available with a diesel. However, the Silverado 1500 base trim was still Vortex 6000 only, though it did get an increase from 5.7L to 6.0L. The Duramax 6000 was redesigned twice over the next half-decade. The first update—which came halfway through the 2004 model year—jumped to 310 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque when paired with an automatic transmission. (The numbers with a manual transmission didn’t change.) Then, for 2006, the Duramax 6600 was bumped up to 360 hp and a whopping 650 lb-ft of torque. This engine was still offered on the same Silverado models as before, but it’s worth knowing the amount of power and torque varies based on the year.

Second Generation: 2007-2013

For the next run of Silverado trucks, the availability of the diesel engine remained unchanged among the major models, as the Duramax 6600 was once again offered on the 1500 HD, 2500 HD, and 3500 HD. Although many more Vortec engine options were available on the 1500—with sizes from 4.3L to 6.2L—the diesel option remained absent. In 2009, two more Silverado models were introduced: the Silverado XFE for one year only and the Silverado Hybrid from 2009-2013. These could only be purchased with a 6.0L Vortec gasoline engine and no diesel. Again, the Duramax engine was upgraded multiple times during the second-gen run. Mid-2007 saw a slight bump to 365 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. Then, starting with the 2011 model year, the Silverado's Duramax diesel engines soared to 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque, which will get you up even the steepest Kentucky hills while towing vehicles, campers, and heavy equipment. A red 2014 Chevy Silverado High Country, a popular used Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale, is shown parked on grass.

Third Generation: 2014-2019

Beginning in 2014, Chevy split the Silverado 1500 HD off from the 1500. The truck wasn’t sold that year, and for the 2015 model year, it became simply the Silverado HD. (By this point, all Silverado 2500 and 3500 models were HD trucks by default, with 2500/2500 HD and 3500/3500 HD being used interchangeably.) Again, the 1500 was non-diesel, with the long-standing Vortec engine replaced by several variations of the GM EcoTec3. The HD, 2500, and 3500 still were available with a diesel (or Vortec) powerplant. Through 2016, GM used the same Duramax diesel engine that was introduced in 2011. The latest version came along in 2017, upping the ante once again with a maximum of 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque for the most hardcore haulers.

Fourth Generation: 2020-present

Truck enthusiasts who had been long for a diesel engine on the base Silverado 1500 finally got their wish with the Gen-4. Starting in 2020, GM added the Duramax I-6 to its list of available 1500 engines, joining the EcoTec3, Turbo I-4, and High-Output Turbo I-4. (As part of the change, the Silverado 1500's HD trim was discontinued.) From 2020 to 2022, the Duramax I-6 produced 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque; beginning in 2023, it got a boost to 305 and 495, respectively. The Silverado 2500 and 3500 from the fourth generation continue to use the Duramax V8 as their diesel heartbeat. The 2017 engine revamp was offered through the 2023 model year; beginning in 2024, the Duramax got another overhaul as part of a larger HD series refresh, and it now sports 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the Duramax I-6 on the Silverado 1500, the heavy-duty models' Duramax V8 gives more recent used Silverado trucks two distinct choices when going diesel.

Summary of Diesel-Powered Silverado Model Years

We realize that’s a lot of information at once. To make things easier, here’s a list of the used Silverado models with a diesel engine as an option and the years in which the engine was modified:
  • Chevy Silverado 1500 HD — 2001-13; upgraded in mid-2004, 2006, mid-2007, and 2011.
  • Chevy Silverado HD — 2015-19; upgraded in 2017.
  • Chevy Silverado 1500 — 2020-present; upgraded in 2023.
  • Chevy Silverado 2500 HD — 2001-present; upgraded in mid-2004, 2006, mid-2007, 2011, 2017, and 2024.
  • Chevy Silverado 3500 HD — 2001-present; upgraded in mid-2004, 2006, mid-2007, 2011, 2017, and 2024.
We felt it important to include the upgraded years because the diesel engine has changed so much over time. A 2024 Chevy Silverado Duramax V8 can emit 73.3% more horsepower and 87.5% more torque than the 2001 Duramax! So when you’re shopping for a used Chevy Silverado with a diesel engine, you must pay attention to when the vehicle was released. A blue 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 is shown from a rear angle driving on a road.

How Do I Know If My Silverado Runs on Diesel?

Since Silverado trucks with diesel engine options also had gasoline options, you need to know how to tell them apart when shopping. Here are some ways to identify a diesel pickup truck:
  • The registration, title, or other documentation says it’s a diesel vehicle.
  • The fuel cap or fuel door is labeled “Diesel Only.”
  • The fuel filler opening is larger than a regular vehicle's.
  • The engine doesn’t have any spark plugs or distributor wires.
  • The rev counter stops at 6,000 or 7,000 RPMs (whereas most gasoline vehicles go to 8,000).
  • The engine sounds rougher and more like a tractor. (Note: This only applies to older Silverado models.)

Finding a Pre-Owned Diesel-Powered Silverado in Paris, Kentucky

Driving a diesel truck in Northern Kentucky can be a big deal. You’ll have much better acceleration and pull for heavy-duty towing, navigating steep terrain, or going off-roading. And at any speed, the fuel economy difference is impressive, as a diesel-powered 2023 Silverado 1500 gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway versus only 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway for the gas 6.2L EcoTec3 V8. With the longevity of diesel engines, there are a lot of great used diesel Silverado trucks for sale. Visit Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris to find a used Silverado with a diesel engine in the greater Lexington area, as we’ve been helping people find high-quality new and used Chevy trucks since 1956.
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A blue 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 is shown driving on an open road.

The Best Model Years for Buying a Used Chevy Silverado 1500

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. 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. 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!