2026 vs 2027 Silverado 1500: Buy Now or Wait?
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2026 vs 2027 Silverado 1500: Buy Now or Wait?
The 2027 is a new generation. The 2026 is the proven truck, often discounted. Here's the honest comparison.
- +$1,700WT price
- +2,400 lbV8 towing
- 9 → 7trims
Home › Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Guide › 2026 vs 2027 Silverado 1500 · Last updated October 31, 2026
Short answer: Buy the 2027 for the 5.7L's 13,700-lb towing, the 16.3-in screen on every trim and the fresh design. Buy a 2026 if you want an RST or LTZ, the 5.3L or 6.2L, the 2026 Duramax's higher 13,300-lb rating or a year-end discount. Starting prices are up on most trims.
| 2026 | 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| V8s | 5.3L (355 hp), 6.2L (420 hp) | 5.7L (402 hp), 6.6L (481 hp) |
| TurboMax | 310 hp, 430 lb-ft, 8-speed | 350 hp, 455 lb-ft, 10-speed |
| Max towing | 13,300 lb | 13,700 lb (5.7L) |
| Duramax max towing | 13,300 lb | 12,000 lb |
| Base screen | 7 in | 16.3 in |
| Trims | 9 incl. LT, RST, LTZ, LT Trail Boss | 7; LT renamed Silverado |
| WT delivered start | $39,695 | $41,395 |
| Custom delivered | $45,195 | $46,395 |
| LT / Silverado delivered | $50,695 | $50,695 |
| ZR2 delivered | $74,595 | $79,995 |
2027 figures from GM launch pricing and Chevrolet ratings as reported by GM Authority (Sept 2026); 2026 from GM Authority comparison. Delivered = including destination.
The case for a 2026
- Year-end discounts while 2026 inventory clears.
- RST and LTZ trims, which aren't offered for 2027.
- The 5.3L and 6.2L V8s.
- The Duramax rated 13,300 lb, versus 12,000 for 2027.
- A known, proven generation — first-year trucks of any brand sometimes see early updates.
The case for a 2027
- The highest half-ton tow rating, 13,700 lb, with the 5.7L.
- A far better interior and screens on every trim.
- First panoramic roof, plus a passenger screen and HUD on upper trims.
- Longer before the design ages, which helps trade value.
How we'd decide
If you tow a heavy camper with a gas V8, wait for the 2027 5.7L. If you tow 10,000–13,000 lb with a diesel, a 2026 Duramax is rated higher. If you want an LTZ-style truck at a discount today, buy a 2026. Chevrolet said 2027 availability begins at the end of 2026; we can order one now. See current Silverados in stock.
Back to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 buyer's guide.
Buyer questions, answered
Should I buy a 2026 or wait for a 2027 Silverado?
2027 is an all-new generation (new V8s, 16.3-in screen on every trim, new interior, 13,700 lb max tow); Chevrolet says it is available late 2026. A 2026 keeps the 5.3L/6.2L, RST/LTZ trims and is in stock now, often with incentives. If you want a proven powertrain or a deal now, look at 2026; if you want the newest tech, order a 2027.
Does the 2027 Silverado still have the 5.3L or 6.2L V8?
No. Chevrolet replaced them with the new 5.7L and 6.6L V8s for 2027. A 2026 Silverado still offers the 2.7L TurboMax, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8 and 3.0L Duramax — ask us which 2026s are still in stock.
Are the RST, LTZ and LT Trail Boss gone for 2027?
They are not on Chevrolet's 2027 lineup, which lists seven models: WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, Silverado (LT/Z71), Trail Boss, High Country and ZR2. If you want one of those 2026 trims, it has to be a 2026 truck while dealer stock lasts.
What engines are in the 2027 Silverado 1500?
Four, all with a 10-speed automatic: enhanced 2.7L TurboMax (350 hp / 455 lb-ft), 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel (305 hp / 495 lb-ft), all-new 5.7L V8 (402 hp / 428 lb-ft) and all-new 6.6L V8 (481 hp / 501 lb-ft), per chevrolet.com. The 5.3L and 6.2L V8s you may have researched are 2026-and-earlier engines.
More buyer questions
What engines does the Silverado 1500 have, and what changed for 2027?
The 2026 Silverado 1500 offers a 2.7L TurboMax (310 hp / 430 lb-ft), 5.3L V8 (355 hp), 6.2L V8 (420 hp) and 3.0L Duramax (305 hp / 495 lb-ft). For 2027 Chevrolet.com lists an enhanced TurboMax at 350 hp / 455 lb-ft, the same 305-hp Duramax, and new 5.7L (402 hp / 428 lb-ft) and 6.6L (481 hp / 501 lb-ft) V8s replacing the 5.3L and 6.2L. Check which model year the truck on the lot is.
What trims does the Silverado 1500 come in?
2026: WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, High Country and ZR2. 2027: WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, Silverado (LT 2WD / Z71 4WD), Trail Boss, High Country and ZR2. RST and LTZ aren't on the 2027 list, so those trims are 2026 only.
How big are the Silverado 1500 screens?
2026 trucks (LT and up) have a 13.4-in touchscreen and 12.3-in driver display. Every 2027 trim gets a 16.3-in center screen and a 12.2-in driver display, plus an 11.5-in front passenger screen on High Country and ZR2.
What is the Silverado 1500's maximum towing capacity?
For 2026, Chevrolet's published maximum was 13,300 lb when properly equipped. For 2027 Chevrolet.com lists a best-in-class 13,700 lb with the 5.7L V8 and Max Trailering Package; minimum is 7,200 lb. Each maximum is one specific cab, bed and drive configuration.
Silverado 1500 questions
Is the 2027 Silverado 1500 worth waiting for?
If you tow heavy with a gas V8 or want the new interior, yes. If you want an RST or LTZ, a discount or the 2026 Duramax's 13,300-lb rating, buy a 2026.
Is the 2027 Silverado more expensive?
Mostly. WT is up $1,700, Custom $1,200 and ZR2 $5,400; the Silverado (formerly LT) is unchanged at $50,695 delivered, as reported.
Does the 2027 Duramax tow less?
Yes: 12,000 lb max vs 13,300 lb for 2026.
When does the 2027 Silverado arrive?
Chevrolet said availability begins at the end of 2026.
Should I buy a 2026 or wait for a 2027 Silverado?
2027 is an all-new generation (new V8s, 16.3-in screen on every trim, new interior, 13,700 lb max tow); Chevrolet says it is available late 2026. A 2026 keeps the 5.3L/6.2L, RST/LTZ trims and is in stock now, often with incentives. If you want a proven powertrain or a deal now, look at 2026; if you want the newest tech, order a 2027.
Does the 2027 Silverado still have the 5.3L or 6.2L V8?
No. Chevrolet replaced them with the new 5.7L and 6.6L V8s for 2027. A 2026 Silverado still offers the 2.7L TurboMax, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8 and 3.0L Duramax — ask us which 2026s are still in stock.
Are the RST, LTZ and LT Trail Boss gone for 2027?
They are not on Chevrolet's 2027 lineup, which lists seven models: WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, Silverado (LT/Z71), Trail Boss, High Country and ZR2. If you want one of those 2026 trims, it has to be a 2026 truck while dealer stock lasts.
What engines are in the 2027 Silverado 1500?
Four, all with a 10-speed automatic: enhanced 2.7L TurboMax (350 hp / 455 lb-ft), 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel (305 hp / 495 lb-ft), all-new 5.7L V8 (402 hp / 428 lb-ft) and all-new 6.6L V8 (481 hp / 501 lb-ft), per chevrolet.com. The 5.3L and 6.2L V8s you may have researched are 2026-and-earlier engines.
What engines does the Silverado 1500 have, and what changed for 2027?
The 2026 Silverado 1500 offers a 2.7L TurboMax (310 hp / 430 lb-ft), 5.3L V8 (355 hp), 6.2L V8 (420 hp) and 3.0L Duramax (305 hp / 495 lb-ft). For 2027 Chevrolet.com lists an enhanced TurboMax at 350 hp / 455 lb-ft, the same 305-hp Duramax, and new 5.7L (402 hp / 428 lb-ft) and 6.6L (481 hp / 501 lb-ft) V8s replacing the 5.3L and 6.2L. Check which model year the truck on the lot is.
What trims does the Silverado 1500 come in?
2026: WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, High Country and ZR2. 2027: WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, Silverado (LT 2WD / Z71 4WD), Trail Boss, High Country and ZR2. RST and LTZ aren't on the 2027 list, so those trims are 2026 only.
How big are the Silverado 1500 screens?
2026 trucks (LT and up) have a 13.4-in touchscreen and 12.3-in driver display. Every 2027 trim gets a 16.3-in center screen and a 12.2-in driver display, plus an 11.5-in front passenger screen on High Country and ZR2.
What is the Silverado 1500's maximum towing capacity?
For 2026, Chevrolet's published maximum was 13,300 lb when properly equipped. For 2027 Chevrolet.com lists a best-in-class 13,700 lb with the 5.7L V8 and Max Trailering Package; minimum is 7,200 lb. Each maximum is one specific cab, bed and drive configuration.
More Silverado 1500 guides
Sources: GM Authority, 2027 Silverado 1500 pricing by trim, cab, bed, drive and engine (Sept–Oct 2026), GM Authority, 2027 Silverado max towing and payload by engine vs 2026, Chevrolet Newsroom, next-generation 2027 Silverado 1500 (June 16, 2026; updated Oct 2026), Kelley Blue Book, 2027 Silverado 1500 reveal (screens, trims)