2016 Chevy Silverado Comparison: 1500 vs. 2500 vs. 3500

If you’re looking to purchase a new truck, the Chevy Silverado may be the perfect truck for you. Not only is it one of the best trucks on the market, but it also delivers the power you expect from a vehicle.

However, there are three different models: 1500, 2500, and the 3500. Which one should you choose? This breakdown can help you decide which truck is best for your workload.

Chevy Silverado 1500

The Chevy Silverado is classified as a light-duty truck, and it comes in a variety of cab styles and cargo bed sizes. Additionally, it comes with several trim options and customizations that are expected from Chevy. What makes this Silverado different from the others is the engine size, fuel capacity, and towing capacity. It also is significantly cheaper with an MSRP starting at $27,195.

The engine size for the Silverado 1500 engine size starts with a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 305 lb/ft torque. The next engine size raises to a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb/ft torque. Finally, the most powerful option offered by the Chevy Silverado is a 6.2L EcoTec3 with 420 horsepower and 460 lbs/ft torque.

Each of these engine sizes offers a different towing capacity and fuel mileage. The 4.3L engine provides the best gas mileage, but a lower towing capacity at 7,600 lbs. The gas mileage is 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The 5.3L engine offers 16 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and a towing capacity of 11,100lbs. Finally, the 6.2L engine has the most towing capacity of the Silverado 1500 at 12,000lbs, but a fuel economy of only 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

Chevy Silverado 2500

The 2500 Silverado is larger and can handle more, but with this, you’ll find there’s a decrease in gas mileage and an increase in price. The MSRP of the Chevy Silverado 2500 starts at $32,955. Like the Silverado 1500, there are two different engine options, starting with a 6.0L Vortec engine with 360 horsepower and 380 lb/ft of torque. The gas mileage for the 6.0L Vortec engine is 12 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway. The towing capacity of the Silverado 2500 6.0L engine caps out at 14,800lbs.

The second engine availability is a 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel generates 397 horsepower and 765 lbs/ft of torque. Additionally, you’ll have an increased towing capacity of 18,000 pounds. If you want the 6.6L Duramax engine, you’ll have to pay extra as it is an optional add-on.

Chevy Silverado 3500

Finally, comes the heavy-duty truck – the Silverado 3500. Starting with an MSRP of $34,055, you have two engine options. By default, you can get a 6.0L Vortec V8 engine. This engine gets 360 horsepower and 380 lbs/ft of torque and a towing capacity 14,600lbs of towing capacity. If you’re willing to pay more, you can add a 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine, which gives you 397 horsepower, 765 lb/ft of torque, and a whopping towing capacity of 23,200lbs. The MSRP of the 2016 Silverado 3500 starts at $34,055.