The History of the Fourth-Generation Chevy Silverado 1500

When Chevy launched a redesign of its legendary full-size C/K pickup series in 1999, it decided this all-new truck needed a fresh name for its new era. So Chevy took the name of the C/K’s premium trim—the Silverado—and applied it here, to symbolize its role as a premium pickup truck for a new era. Chevy also designated this truck as the 1500 to distinguish it from the heavy-duty variants.

Three redesigns later, the fourth-generation Silverado is more versatile than ever and available in an astonishing variety of configurations and trims to meet whatever your pickup-driving needs might be. So, if you’re looking for a used Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale, you have no shortage of possibilities.

Redesigned in 2019, the fourth-generation Silverado 1500 marked a significant advancement in features, performance, and technology. It’s designed for the modern driver, blending the ruggedness and utility you’d expect from a Silverado with advanced comforts and capabilities previously unseen in its predecessors. From a new, lighter, more fuel-efficient frame to a range of eight trims that let you choose everything from a basic work truck to a luxury off-roader, the Silverado offers something for everyone.

Pre-owned models younger than five model years and with fewer than 60,000 miles (or 100,000 miles for the diesel engine) can have their powertrain warranties reinstated, while newer models may still be under the three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Furthermore, many of the 2019 and newer models are fresh off leases, meaning they have low mileage and have been dealer-serviced. Add it all up, and there are many compelling reasons to buy a recent-year Silverado 1500.

If you’re still not convinced, take a look at the many features that make the fourth-generation Silverado 1500 the best choice for a used pickup, beginning with the 2019 model and working our way forward.

The Newest Generation, Under the Skin

The 2019 Silverado 1500 was a truck whose changes were more revolutionary than evolutionary. Featuring advancements in engineering and materials science, it was up to 450 lbs less bulky than its predecessor from the 2018 model year. This weight reduction can be credited to its fully boxed steel frame, which isn’t just lighter but also touts a 10% increase in torsional rigidity.

This implies a stronger and more robust frame while shedding weight to improve handling, off-road capabilities, and fuel efficiency. This stronger frame underpinned a range of body styles, including regular cab, double cab, and crew cab configurations. Regular cab models came with a generous eight-foot bed; the double cab offered a six-foot, six-inch bed, while buyers opting for the crew cab had a choice between a five-foot, eight-inch bed or the six-foot, six-inch bed.

2019 ushered in a range of six engine and transmission combinations. Notably, that year saw the introduction of a few new engines: a 2.7L turbo inline four-cylinder with Active Fuel Management, a 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8 with new Dynamic Fuel Management, and a 3.0L inline-six turbo-diesel. The two gas engines with Dynamic Fuel Management provided 17 different cylinder activation combinations tailored to various driving conditions.

The four-cylinder option and the 5.3L V8 came paired with an eight-speed automatic, while the 6.2L V8 and later models of that year’s diesel were mated with ten-speed automatics. Also available were two engines that carried over from the previous generation: a 4.3L V6 and a 5.3L V8, both with Active Fuel Management and paired with six-speed automatics.

Even More Up-to-Date Features

The 2019 Silverado 1500 came with a Drive Mode Selector, allowing drivers to adjust the truck’s performance based on varying terrains. Plus, the available Autotrac automatic four-wheel drive system ensures excellent traction and adaptability both on the road and off.

Safety and driving control received a boost via an upgraded brake system with electro-hydraulic power assist, larger brake rotors, and larger brake pads. For safer towing, the Silverado offered an Advanced Trailering Package with Hitch View and a trailering app, along with an available Max Trailering Package that added a heavier-duty rear axle and leaf springs, an enhanced cooling radiator, a trailer brake controller, and more.

This truck also came with an expanded list of active safety features, including a rear vision camera, optional HD Surround Vision, and two available safety packages with parking assist, lane change alerts, automatic low-speed braking, pedestrian braking, and much more. There’s even a Teen Driver Mode for parents’ peace of mind.

In 2019, the Silverado’s interior was larger in nearly every dimension than the previous model year. It offered a range of seating surfaces ranging from vinyl in the base WT trim to cloth and leather options in higher trims. It also included Chevy’s next-gen infotainment system and full connectivity options.

Multiple trim levels mean you can find a used Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale with exactly what you want. Here are the highlights of each of the trims available in 2019:

Work Truck (WT): Its name describes its mission. It features steel wheels, vinyl or cloth upholstery, and Chevy’s infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen monitor.

Custom: Adds a body-color styling them with matching 20-inch aluminum wheels, LED tail lights, and optional dual exhaust.

Custom Trail Boss: Includes a two-inch factory suspension lift, Z71 off-road package, off-road tires and shocks, skid plates, and more.

LT: Features chrome accents, LED reflector headlamps, a larger touchscreen, and available leather.

RST: Delivers body-color trim, full LED lighting including fog lamps, and wheels up to 22 inches.

LT Trail Boss: Offers the off-road package in the Custom Trail Boss but on the LT trim level.

LTZ: Includes chrome accents, power-folding heated side view mirrors, and standard leather-trimmed interior.

High Country: The ultra-premium level, with an exclusive front grille, two-tone chrome and bronze finish, body-color accents, chrome assist steps, and 2019’s new power tailgate.

The average price for a used 2019 Silverado 1500 is around $35k, but bear in mind that this average includes all trim levels, and WTs and other lower trim levels will be considerably less. There’s also recently been a downward trend in 2019 Silverado prices, so there may be some terrific bargains to be had.

Updates for 2020

For 2020, powertrains, cab configurations, and bed lengths carried over from 2019, as did the trim levels. However, some existing engine and transmission choices were newly available in different trim levels, providing used Silverado shoppers with even more options. Other features were all-new for 2020, including available trailering mirrors, a Bed View Camera, a camera-based Adaptive Cruise Control system, and new trailering technology.

For 2020 models, average prices are somewhere south of $40k. Again, lower trim levels will fetch lower prices; like the 2019 model, prices have been trending down—plus, you’ll find more off-lease examples.

Updates for 2021

The 2021 model year saw a substantial number of new and improved features on the Silverado. The new six-function Multi-Flex tailgate grabbed the spotlight; available on all models and trim levels, this trick tailgate offers six functions. For example, an inner gate can drop down while the main tailgate is closed to provide an elbow-height work surface—or you can open the main tailgate, and the inner gate transforms into a step that can hold 375 lbs. The primary gate also has a load-stop to prevent cargo from sliding out.

Enhanced trailering capabilities included a jack-knife alert and a trailer length indicator. Two of the engines—the 2.7L inline-four and the diesel—got improved towing ratings. The lower trim levels have more standard and available features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became available for the first time. The High Country trim received Adaptive Ride Control, and the Silverado lineup offered three new variants: the All-Star Edition Plus, the Texas Edition Plus, and the LTZ Premium Texas Edition.

Prices for 2021 models average just north of $40k. Considering the way prices increased that year for new pickup trucks (and all other new vehicles) due to supply-chain issues and other factors, this represents a surprising bargain—and keep in mind that 2021 models are quite often still under the powertrain warranty.

Updates for 2022

The exciting news for 2022 was the Silverado’s first-ever ZR2 off-road trim. This rugged beast announces its presence with blacked-out accents, high-clearance steel bumpers, black 18-inch wheels, and aggressive 33-inch off-road tires. Other trail-oriented features include a unique skid plate arrangement, DSSV dampers, uniquely tuned springs, front and rear e-lockers, and a 31.8-degree approach angle.

Expect to find 2022 Silverados somewhere around $45k, with a premium for the ZR2 trim. Almost all will still be under the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty (100,000 miles for diesel trucks), and most will still be under the three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Quite a few will be off-lease trucks with low mileage and full dealer service records.

Solid Like a Rock: The Chevy Silverado 1500

With such a range of options at prices that are often far below brand-new models, you’ll be spoiled for choice while shopping for a used fourth-generation Silverado 1500. Should you find one that steals your attention, its ruggedness and rock-solid reliability will guarantee that it’ll serve you faithfully for a long, long time to come.

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