Why the Third Generation Silverado 1500 is the Best Used Truck Value

The only problem with searching for a used Chevy 1500 for sale is choosing between the surplus of available options. There’s a reason these dependable workhorse full-size pickups are snatched up almost as quickly as they hit the market: they’re high-quality, reliable trucks that get the job done. Thanks to a wide range of trims, powertrain options, and capabilities, there’s also something for everyone. This is a trend in the full-size pickup truck category, and the buyer is the big winner.

We particularly love the lineup of full-size light-duty Silverado 1500 pickups during its third generation phase. Model years 2014 to 2018 represent a zenith of technology and grit, along with a strong thread of luxury woven throughout the upper-level trims, while still remaining affordable. In the third generation series, Chevy managed to elevate the Silverado from work truck to bona fide upscale family vehicle.

Why buy used? New full-size pickup trucks are pricey – a new, fully-loaded 2021 Silverado 1500 High Country can set you back over $70,000. A similarly-equipped three-year-old 1500 is more likely to hover in the mid-$40,000 range. That’s big savings in exchange for sacrificing that new car smell and an excellent option for budget-minded truck buyers. Essentially, the first owner absorbed the loss in value for you, leaving you with the best deal in the industry.

The third-generation lineup of Silverado 1500 pickups was launched with a choice of three different engines and evolved over its five-year run with upgrades and enhancements to the powertrain, designed for ever-increasing towing and payload capabilities. Chevy also tweaked tech over the span of that five years, putting the focus on connectivity and seamless smartphone integration.

There’s a lot to like about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 lineup throughout each model year of its five-year third-generation production run. There’s a reason it took home the North American International Auto Show’s coveted Truck of the Year award when it was introduced in 2014. Let’s look at the Silverado’s highlights so you can get on with the process of finding yours!

Powertrain and Capability

The completely redesigned 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 saw the addition of an all-aluminum hood, engine block, and control arms, reducing the truck’s mass and contributing to better fuel economy. A special roll-formed steel bed replaced Chevy’s traditional stamped steel bed, which made the truck even lighter.

Over its five year run, the third generation of 1500 pickups saw four different engines, including the use of Chevy’s EcoTec and eAssist technologies. At the time of its launch, the EcoTec lineup of engines used for the third generation 1500 series promised a technology no other truck maker can match – a promise that Chevy delivered on. The 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter V8, and 6.2-liter V8 engines in the EcoTec3 lineup were designed to deliver low-end torque and horsepower while contributing to better overall fuel efficiency. GM achieved this seeming dichotomy of power and fuel efficiency via an advanced combustion system that operates with a higher 11.0:1 combustion ratio. In short, the engines are more efficient, smaller, and better engineered.

The EcoTec3 engines are also capable of seamlessly switching to four-cylinder-only power when additional torque and horsepower aren’t needed. The system essentially deactivates some of the cylinders, a process called Active Fuel Management, in just 20 milliseconds, so the change is imperceptible to the driver. When extra power is needed, the system reactivates the dormant cylinders, again, virtually imperceptibly. While it was only available on the 5.3-liter V8 engine after 2016, Chevy also offered the eAssist mild hybrid system, which supplemented the engine with a small electric motor for additional torque and a 13-percent increase in fuel economy.

Interior Features of the Third-Generation

Chevrolet first added the upscale High Country trim during the Silverado’s third generation. Popular among luxury-minded buyers, the High Country trim included such plush extras as saddle brown leather seating and navigation. An upgraded Bose audio system, power-adjustable pedals, and a heated steering wheel were also part of the luxury add-ons.

Throughout the third generation production run, Chevy introduced several special edition packages. These packages added special equipment to both the exterior and interior, distinguishing them from the ordinary trim lineup. Possibly the most unique edition was the 2018 Centennial Edition, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of Chevrolet. With special Chevy badging and all the features of the luxurious LTZ trim, this special edition is worth buying if you find one used.

The Silverado 1500 was offered in several different cab configurations during its third generation, making it a versatile choice for a large variety of buyers. These included regular cab, double cab, and crew cab body styles, all available with four-wheel drive. Five standard trims – Work Truck (WT), LS, LT, LTZ, and High Country – meant customers could dial in a truck that met their specific budget and equipment needs.

One great feature all Silverado 1500 models share is the abundant storage space throughout the interior cabin. The redesigned locking center console is even wide enough to accommodate most laptops. It also includes room for hanging files and integrates five USB ports, a 110-volt outlet, and a special cubby for storing cell phones.

Modern Tech in a Used Truck

The 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 came with an array of tech features that portended the wave to follow in the next several model year rollouts. Every third generation Silverado 1500 came equipped with OnStar technology, offering drivers an available subscription-based 24/7 concierge and roadside assistance plan. The plan also included a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition, smartphone audio streaming, via a standard USB port, was also included.

In 2016, the third generation ushered in the Silverado’s first 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as an available wireless charging pad with certain trims and seating configurations. Bluetooth was standard, as was HD radio, and a series of high-end Bose audio systems were included in equipment packages.

For the 2018 model year, Chevy made the available 7-inch screen and rear vision camera standard. Other driver-assist safety technologies include an Enhanced Driver Alert Package, available on the LT and LTZ trims and standard on the High Country. The package includes automatic high beams, Forward Collision Alert, a Lane Keep Assist system with Lane Departure Warning, a very helpful park assist feature that works when pulling in and backing out, and Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking. The 2018 Chevy Silverado also has Chevy’s Teen Driver System standard, which monitors the vehicle for speed, the number of times the driver-assist system issues alerts, and more.

A High-Value Used Pickup

The third generation Silverado 1500 represented a turning point in Chevrolet’s impressive truck heritage. The addition of connected features, along with several design tweaks and engine improvements, means that even today, this 2014-2018 series of Silverado models truly offers something for everyone. With the third generation Silverado series, Chevy demonstrated its understanding of how the pickup truck fits in with today’s buyer, including its relevance for families. Between the Silverado 1500’s impressive capabilities and the potential to equip it with tech and comfort features, the universe of buyers is instantly expanded and redefined. It’s a trend we expect will continue in the segment because the full-size pickup truck has earned a spot in many driveways that were previously occupied by an SUV.

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