Top Chevy Silverado 1500 Model Years to Look for When Shopping Used

The Chevrolet Silverado has been a mainstay in the Chevy lineup since 1999 as a standalone vehicle, and for 24 years prior to that, it was a trim level for the C/K truck series, the Tahoe, and the Suburban. The truck is known for its rugged durability, focus on safety, and powerful performance, among other things. Additionally, it’s a reliable truck that retains its value, making it a great choice when looking for a used Chevy Silverado for sale.

With that in mind, our team at Online.cars invites you to check out our online inventory, where you’ll find a number of Silverado options from the current generation and the one before that. You’ll also find a new way to shop for your next vehicle with the support of your own Vehicle Solution Specialist. That’s right. We’re an online powerhouse when it comes to finding the right vehicle for your needs, giving you a fantastic selection to shop from, a dedicated team, and the ability to shop from the comfort of home. We even offer delivery of your new-to-you Chevrolet right to your door. Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Silverado, including the biggest changes that have occurred in the last few years.

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Refreshed and Ready to Go

The current model year of the Chevy Silverado is part of the fourth generation, which was introduced in 2019. In 2016, the third generation of the popular truck had been out for two years. However, with its refresh, the 2016 model quickly became the one that everyone wanted. Along with a variety of engine options, ranging from a 4.3L V6 to a 5.3L V8 to a 6.2L V8, the Silverado offered ten trim levels to choose from. Those trim levels, combined with the package options you could select, meant you could customize your Silverado to your exact needs.

One of the biggest changes that came with the refresh was front and center, as the Silverado showed up on dealership lots with a more aggressive appearance that included a sculpted hood, new headlamps and taillamps, and a new grille. Under the hood, the brand gave more drivers the chance to choose an eight-speed automatic transmission when selecting certain variations of the 5.3L V8 engine option. That same automatic transmission was the standard when choosing the 6.2L V8 engine. Other than the eight-speed, the truck sported a six-speed automatic transmission.

Additional changes could be seen inside the cab as more and more drivers demanded better technology and connectivity. This led to the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, as well as an upgraded MyLink touchscreen that went from seven to eight inches. Also, more emphasis was placed on driver-assistance features, as Forward Collision Warning became available, alerting you to a possible collision so you could react accordingly. Last but not least, Chevy increased drivers’ peace of mind by offering a remote-locking tailgate as an option.

The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500: The Rise of the Fourth Generation

A few years after the 2016 refresh, Chevrolet was at the drawing board again, delivering a brand new generation for drivers to enjoy. Like previous years, there were 10 trims to choose from, along with eight different packages, as well as new engine options to consider. Of those engine options, the new turbo-diesel 3.0L inline-six offered dynamic power, beating the Silverado’s main rival in both the horsepower and torque categories.

On the inside, the truck continued to cater to drivers’ needs. First and foremost, the well-planned interior included storage cubbies throughout the space, making sure everything had a place. Second, technological advancements continued, ensuring drivers and their passengers could stay connected and entertained as they traveled from point A to point B. Depending on the trim level, you can also find a 2019 Silverado with in-dash navigation, a head-up display that provides you with vital information while letting you keep your eyes on the road, and wireless smartphone charging.

Additionally, more safety features were added as options, including Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Automatic High-Beam Headlamps. Improvements were made in comfort as well, especially when choosing a top-tiered model with ventilated front seats. This focus on improved comfort came as more and more drivers started choosing their Silverado for both work and play.

The Chevy 2022 Silverado 1500: A Fresh New Vibe

A refreshed Silverado met prospective buyers when they visited dealerships to check out the 2022 model year, and while 2016 and 2019 both brought impressive changes, those changes were nothing like what was offered in 2022. Along with brand-new front ends, a new interior design could be found in all trim levels, from the LT to the top-tiered level. This new layout included higher-quality materials, a more modern, user-friendly layout, a large 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and an even larger 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system. In addition, Chevy Safety Assist—the brand’s collection of driver assistance safety features—was standard, helping increase confidence while heading down the road.

Speaking of heading down the road, the biggest change came in how you reached your destination, at least when choosing an appropriately equipped High Country trim. For the 2022 model year, GM’s hands-free Super Cruise technology could be added to the top-tier trim, giving drivers the chance to enjoy a more relaxed driving experience. Today, the Super Cruise system is compatible with hundreds of thousands of miles across the United States and Canada, with more roads added each day.

Another big change came with the addition of the all-new ZR2. The ZR2 is an off-road-ready version of the Silverado that easily shifts from paved roads to dirt trails, allowing you to enjoy all the great outdoors has to offer. With its 6.2L V8 engine, 33-inch tires, electronic front and rear locking differentials, and its ability to tackle whatever you put in front of it, the ZR2 hit the ground running. In addition, the ZR2 was equipped with Multimatic DSSV dampers for optimum traction control. DSSV dampers are noted for their ability to give a smoother ride over uneven terrain while also enhancing vehicle stability at high speeds. This makes them perfect for vehicles—such as the ZR2—that need both on-road accuracy and off-road capability.

Check Out the Chevy Silverado Today

As you can see, the Chevy brand has focused on ensuring the Silverado improves with each generation and refresh, answering the needs and wants of today’s drivers. These improvements and amenities, along with the Silverado’s towing power—which is up to 13,300 lbs when properly equipped—and the innovative Multi-Flex Tailgate, are the reason why the Silverado continues to be near the top of its class. They’re also the reason we’re proud to offer such a wide selection of used Silverado models for you to choose from.

With the help of Online.cars, we want to completely change the way you shop for your next vehicle; this includes putting the power in your hands and allowing you to shop on your terms and schedule. By partnering with us, you can shop from the comfort of your home or office and explore our massive online inventory that covers the entire country. Why compromise with the limited inventory at your local dealerships when you can find the vehicle you truly want with us? Check out our extensive inventory of over 200,000 pre-owned vehicles and find the Silverado 1500 you’ve been searching for.