Feb 9, 2024
A red 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 RST parked at a lake near a boat launch

When it comes to purchasing a pickup truck, many buyers have their minds made up on what make and model they would like even before they visit a dealership. Often, that make and model is the Chevy Silverado 1500. Since its debut in 1999, this nameplate has received massive praise from both critics and consumers as one of the most versatile pieces of machinery ever to hit the road.

Scores of people flock to Edwards Chevrolet 280 every year to test drive this flagship pickup from the bowtie brand. Whether it’s a person’s first trip to a Chevy truck dealer or they’re here for repeat business, they often inquire as to what advantages the individual trims have, which ones offer the best performance, and which ones provide the amenities that will make their time spent behind the wheel as enjoyable as possible.

We like to recommend the RST trim, as this version of the Silverado 1500 will deliver both high performance and exceptional comfort. As the middle ground between the introductory and the topmost trims, the RST has a lot of advantages to offer—so let’s take a closer look…

Performance Basics

Before we get into the specifics of the RST trim, it’s essential that we cover some of the basic facts about the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 that apply to the vehicle as a whole—most notably its powertrain options, of which there are four…

2.7L TurboMax I-4

Recently rechristened the “TurboMax,” the standard engine for the Silverado 1500 offers exceptional payload capability, with 2WD models maxing out at 2,260 lbs. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for optimum performance, its 310 hp and the ability to generate 430 lb-ft of torque are both admirable numbers.

5.3L V8

The first of two V8 offerings for the Silverado 1500, the 5.3L can be paired with either 2WD or 4WD and produces 355 hp. It also offers the second-highest payload rating at 2,180 lbs, and it can tow 11,300 lbs when properly equipped.

6.2L V8

Exclusively available on models of the Silverado 1500 with 4WD, the second eight-cylinder offering from Chevy boasts 420 hp and can tow 13,300 lbs. It’s paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and possesses the second-highest rating of torque generated at 460 lb-ft.

3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-6

The engine that’s largely responsible for the diesel renaissance in recent years, Chevy’s six-cylinder cranks out the most torque at 495 lb-ft. Matching the power of the 6.2L V8 in towing capacity, 13,300 lbs can be pulled when the Silverado 1500 is equipped properly.

A close up of the digital driver information center in a 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500.

A Perfect Spot in the Lineup

What makes the RST trim unique is its place in the trim hierarchy of the Silverado 1500. Beneath it are the WT, Custom, and LT trims, which are priced lower and primarily used on the job site as a workhorse. Above it are the Trail Bosses, LTZ, and High Country trims, which have luxurious attributes that make for a more sophisticated driving experience. The RST manages to bring both of these worlds together in one beefy ride. Inside and out, the RST has plenty of items to match the performance and durability that have long been associated with Chevy.

Exterior Features

They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but this doesn’t apply to the RST trim, as the exterior has various items that allow for a memorable first impression and catch the eye every time they’re looked upon. The RST comes with a set of 18-inch bright wheels and all-season blackwall tires. 20-inch gloss black wheels are available as an upgrade, as are all-terrain tires for those who favor their adventures on the path less traveled.

LED fog lamps and high-intensity LED headlights are also included, which are unavailable on the trims beneath the RST. For those cold mornings, heated mirrors come to assist you with the morning commute, and those who enjoy shade will love the tinted windows and blacked-out Chevy emblem.

Interior Features

The interior of the RST trim offers a variety of other items that check the different boxes of what many drivers look for. The interior of the RST trim is anchored by an infotainment screen that spans thirteen inches and comes with Google Built-In.

Unlike the trims beneath it, Chevy’s convenience package comes standard. This provides you with some truly remarkable amenities, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and seats, and two 120-volt outlets—one in the cabin and the other positioned in the truck bed. You’ll also have a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM, as well as steering-wheel-mounted controls for added convenience. You might have some hard work ahead of you, but that doesn’t mean you should go without the finer things in life!

All-Star Premium Package

If you’re looking to maximize the Chevy Silverado 1500 RST to its fullest potential, this trim-exclusive upgrade package is the way to go. If you’re someone who favors towing and trailering, you’ll be pleased to know that you’ll be given access to trailering apps, hitch guidance assistance for easy hookups, as well as a trailer brake controller for ultimate control whenever you’re on the road. You’ll also get a wheel upgrade in the form of 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Most notably, you’ll have the added benefit of Adaptive Cruise Control. This feature has been the talk of the industry for quite some time and is essential for reducing driver fatigue. By adapting the speed of the vehicle in accordance with traffic patterns, a safe following distance is automatically maintained, and a more peaceful journey is assured.

Speaking of peace of mind during your travels, you’ll also get Chevy’s Safety Package when you go with the All-Star Premium Package. This comprehensive suite of features includes such items as trailer camera views and blindside alerts, a rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking assistance (which is exclusive to the LT, RST, and Trail Boss trims), and a rear pedestrian alert.

A close up of the front headlight of a red 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 RST at a Chevy truck dealer.

Behind the Wheel of the Silverado 1500 RST at Edwards Chevrolet 280

More often than not, the process of shopping for a truck has been thought of as a fork in the road: you can either have something that exhibits high performance and allows for towing, trailering, and occupational duties, or you can have something that’s more luxury-oriented and places more emphasis on comfort. Well, Chevy takes that conception and tosses it aside. In doing so, it proves that you can indeed have both.

The RST trim of the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 is the ideal compromise that any truck owner can revel in. With modern tech, luxurious amenities, and the prowess and capability that Chevy has long been known for, the best of both worlds has arrived.

When it comes to getting behind the wheel of the 2024 Silverado 1500 RST, you certainly deserve the very best during the buying process—and that’s where we come in. Here at Edwards Chevrolet 280, we not only carry the RST and other versions of the Silverado 1500, but plenty of new and used Chevy vehicles that are perfect for any driver or situation. No matter what you might be looking for in a pickup truck, we guarantee your search will conclude once you visit our lot.