Chevy Silverado 1500: Trims, Engines, Z71 & Pricing — Your Questions Answered
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is Chevy's full-size pickup, built to tow, haul, and daily-drive. It comes in nine trims — from the work-ready WT to the luxury High Country and the off-road ZR2 — with a choice of four engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, two V8s, and a Duramax turbo-diesel. Here's what Big Rapids and West Michigan truck shoppers ask about it most, and how to find the right one at Baker.
What trims does the Chevy Silverado 1500 come in?
The current Silverado 1500 is offered in nine trims: Work Truck (WT), Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, High Country, and ZR2. They range from straightforward and work-focused (WT, Custom), through well-equipped daily drivers (LT, RST, LTZ), to factory off-road (the Trail Boss trims and the ZR2) and full luxury (High Country). Every one is a capable full-size truck underneath — the differences are in power, features, and how they're set up to be used.
What engines are available on the Silverado 1500?
Four. The standard 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder makes 310 horsepower and a strong 430 lb-ft of torque. Step up to the 5.3L V8 (355 hp) for classic V8 towing, or the 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft) for the most power. The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel (305 hp, 495 lb-ft) is the efficiency-and-torque choice for highway towing. Good to know: the 2.7L TurboMax is more capable than its size suggests and is plenty of engine for most everyday drivers.
How much does a Chevy Silverado 1500 cost?
Starting MSRP runs from around $36,900 for the Work Truck up to about $71,700 for the ZR2, before destination, options, and current offers — so there's a Silverado at most budgets. Because incentives, rebates, and lease deals change month to month, the best way to see real pricing is to check Baker's current Silverado 1500 offers and what's actually in stock, new and used.
What is the Silverado Z71, and how much does it cost?
Z71 is Chevy's off-road package — it adds off-road suspension, skid plates, an Autotrac transfer case, and Z71 badging for drivers who get off the pavement. On the current Silverado 1500, the Z71 off-road hardware comes built into the Trail Boss trims: the Custom Trail Boss starts around $52,800 and the LT Trail Boss around $59,600, each with a factory 2-inch lift. For exact Z71 pricing on a specific truck — and to compare it against the ZR2 — check Baker's current inventory, since equipment and offers vary.
How much can the Silverado 1500 tow?
Up to roughly 13,300 pounds when properly equipped — the highest ratings come with the 6.2L V8 or the 3.0L Duramax diesel and the right towing package. Exact capacity depends on cab, bed, axle ratio, and equipment, so match the configuration to what you plan to pull. Our team can help you confirm the right setup for your trailer.
Which Silverado 1500 trim should I buy?
Match the trim to how you'll use it. For work and value, start with the WT or Custom. For a comfortable, well-equipped daily driver, look at the LT, RST, or LTZ. If you head off-road, the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss add Z71 hardware, while the ZR2 is the dedicated off-road truck. Want luxury? The High Country is the top of the line. Then choose your engine based on how much you tow. The easiest way to decide is to drive a couple back-to-back at Baker.
Is now a good time to buy a Silverado 1500?
It can be. The current Silverado 1500 is a proven, well-sorted truck, and the current generation is in its final model year before a redesign arrives for 2027. That often means strong incentives on remaining new trucks, plus good value on recent used and certified pre-owned Silverados. If you like the current truck, this is a smart window; if you'd rather have the newest design, it's worth knowing a redesign is coming. Either way, Baker can show you both new and used options.
Does Baker have the Silverado 1500 in stock near Big Rapids?
Yes — Baker Chevrolet in Big Rapids typically stocks a range of Silverado 1500 trims and engines, new and used, and can order the exact configuration you want if it's not on the lot. Browse current inventory to compare real trucks, trims, and pricing, or contact the team to find the right one for how you drive and tow.
Ready to find yours? Browse the Chevy Silverado 1500 inventory at Baker in Big Rapids, MI — serving Mecosta County and West Michigan — or contact us to schedule a test drive and compare trims and engines side by side.