Generations and Updates to Look for When Shopping for a Pre-Owned Silverado

As a Nashville shopper looking for a good used Chevy truck to purchase, you’re likely going to be hovering around certain model years and trims that have specific features that you might find enticing. It all comes back to what you enjoy as a driver and what you need out of the truck for your driving needs. If you’re looking for a truck with a specific kind of visual style, there are certain used models of the Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale in Nashville that fulfill that, while those looking for certain infotainment or performance features may need to scout out a certain model year and generation for those features.

So we’re going to help you narrow down and focus on the kind of used model year that has the features, the looks, and the performance that you want out of a used pickup truck. We’ll break down which model years for the Silverado 1500 feature the important updates that can help you in your shopping decisions. Hopefully, the information can be useful for you Nashville shoppers looking for something that will not only satisfy your feature checklist but will also be able to stay within your budget.

Shopping for a Silverado 1500 With Style

The Silverado 1500 has been updated frequently over the years throughout the third and fourth generations. If looks are important to you, then you will definitely have a wide variety of choices when it comes to different kinds of appearances for the Silverado 1500 from 2014 up through the latest model years. Now, if you’re shopping for a used Silverado 1500 and you want it with the dual-chrome surround on the grille and the Chevy bowtie badge in the center, the third generation has the look you’re going for with the 2016 outing.

The 2016 model year was updated with an all-new fascia, changing up the grille design for a more uniquely sporty look. However, as part of the third generation, it still has the bold rectangular wheel fenders and square stance that were introduced with the third generation in the 2014 model year. Even still, if you want a real looker, the fourth generation Silverado 1500, starting with the 2019 model year, offers the more modern look that shoppers have become accustomed to.

If you’re a Nashville driver who wants a used Silverado that showcases a more up-to-date styling flair, the 2019 model year offers a redesigned front fascia, more rounded curves, and a more racing-inspired look. You can further indulge with the stylistic changes with trims like the Custom and RST that are available with the Rally Edition package that gives the Silverado 1500 a street tuner look. The 2022 model year Silverado 1500 also received a restyled front fascia, giving it a slightly more refined look compared to the aggressive sports-truck styling of the 2019 through 2021 model year outings.

Shopping for a Silverado 1500 With Modern Infotainment

Infotainment access is a huge selling point for a lot of people, and when you’re buying an older truck, you have to take into consideration that the older you go, the fewer infotainment amenities you will have access to. In that regard, the 2014 Silverado 1500 has very basic infotainment features, so don’t expect to have access to some of the more modern amenities such as wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You have a small touchscreen, simplistic GPS navigation, Bluetooth support with iPod and MP3 media compatibility, as well as AM/FM radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio availability.

The 2015 model year adds Wi-Fi hotspot support and the Siri Eyes Free functionality, but it’s still running on the older MyLink operating system, so it’s not as quick or as versatile as the Google Built-In suite featured on more recent models. Also, older third-gen models come with either a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, while upper-end used trims from the third generation come with wireless charging. Both third and fourth-generation models come with available SiriusXM, but fourth-generation models have SiriusXM standards across the trim line.

2020 also introduces all-new trailering camera technology with many more camera views via the infotainment suite. With the 2022 model year, you have the myChevrolet app that you can sync with your smartphone for remote connectivity, security, and other features. So, if you want more smart device integration, trailering app options, and infotainment access, obviously, a newer model year will be better.

Shopping for a Silverado 1500 With a Focus on Performance

If performance capabilities are important to you, then you’re
automatically going to want to focus on later third-gen Silverado 1500 models or any fourth-generation models. Why? Because starting with the 2017 model year, the Silverado 1500 received a slight tow-rating bump. If trailering capacity is important to you, you’ll want to take advantage of the bump up to 12,500 lbs from the 2017 model onward.

Additionally, the 2018 model year introduced the eAssist mild hybrid powertrain for the LT trim, which is great for those looking for a hybrid option. The 2019 model year introduced the turbocharged 4-cylinder that would eventually become the high-output, turbocharged TurboMax in subsequent years. Also, if you opted for the 2021 model year Silverado 1500, each trim is available with the power up/down tailgate, which is well worth it if you do a lot of payload hauls around town. So if high-end performance is what you’re after, the 2022 model year or later is the one that will give you the best possible performance ratings and towing capabilities at up to 13,300 lbs.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the naturally aspirated V6, which used to be available between the third and fourth generation, was removed from the line-up with the 2022 model year Silverado 1500. So, if you wanted something between the TurboMax, the Duramax, and the V8, you have between the 2014 model year and the 2021 model year Silverado 1500 to take advantage of the V6 offering.

Shopping for a Silverado 1500 Built for Off-Road

Driving throughout Nashville varies for different drivers. There are plenty of off-road trails and locations to visit to really push your vehicle to its limits. For this, you either need to convert a standard Silverado 1500 trim into an off-road machine, or you can simply purchase a used trim that comes equipped with everything you need for your specific level of off-roading expertise.

In this regard, you have several options to choose from. There is a light-off-road machine available with the Z71 during the third generation since 2014, but most of the more dedicated models are available with the fourth generation. With the 2019 model year, Chevy introduced the LT Trail Boss, which was a moderate off-road trim designed to give you the suspension and performance capabilities necessary to take the Silverado 1500 on dirt trails and gravel roads with ease, as well as slightly more challenging terrain. However, if you are looking for more of an entry-level used off-road truck, the 2019 model also introduced the Custom Trail Boss trim, which is perfectly suitable for those looking for a truck that they can use for very light off-roading and basic trail adventures. It’s also great for those who plan on doing hiking excursions, camping, or a little bit of towing into the wilderness.

For more serious off-roaders, Nashville drivers have an opportunity to indulge in the Silverado 1500 ZR2 trim. This trim was introduced with the 2022 model year, giving you high-end off-road capabilities thanks to the specially tuned lifted suspension, V8 engine, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and off-road tires. If you have the budget and the willingness to own a very souped-up version of the off-road pickup truck, then a used Silverado 1500 ZR2 is the way to go.

Shopping for a Silverado 1500 Featuring the Latest Safety

If you only want the basic safety features available in a Silverado 1500, many Nashville residents will be fine with an older third-generation Silverado 1500. However, if you want more standard features, more advanced assists, and more robust safety for your family as you commute or travel through the busy downtown districts, then you have safety tools like Automatic Emergency Braking and the Teen Driver made standard with the 2017 model year and onward. This adds a report card feature and safety checks for the Silverado 1500 for those interested in buying a truck for the family, which is a great option as a daily driver throughout the city.

The 2018 model year Silverado added a few more options as well, buffing up the sensors and monitoring systems, such as tire pressure monitoring as a standard safety feature. Also, for the fourth generation, you have features like the heads-up display and HD Surround Vision, giving you access to more vehicle telemetry and health features that make it easy to maintain your vehicle. If you’re a solo driver, however, and you want to save big while shopping for a Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale, then you can opt for a third-generation model that doesn’t come with features like Teen Driver, but if you are shopping for a vehicle for the family then any model after 2017 might be the better option.

Need Help Shopping for a Used Silverado 1500? Contact Us Today

There are a ton of changes that have been made to the Chevy Silverado 1500 over the years, with the most recent two generations having a load of updates and modifications made. If you want a fully featured Silverado 1500, you could always just opt to buy a brand-new model and get everything you want under the sun. However, if you are looking for specific features with a specific look and for a specific price, you will definitely need to narrow down what your priorities are when it comes to shopping for a Silverado 1500. At Online.cars, we make the car-shopping simple and stress free by allowing you to shop from the comfort of home and browse a massive online selection that spans the entire country. Explore our inventory today and find the ideal pre-owned Silverado you’ve been looking for.