2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2025 Silverado 1500 Review

 

2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500: a comparison presented by Future Chevy

Are you ready to step into the next generation of full-size capability and everyday practicality?  Then come check out the 2025 and 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, capable trucks that are built to take on your toughest jobs and your biggest weekend adventures. At Future Chevrolet of Sacramento, we're excited to showcase both model years of this iconic truck. Each continues to offer a wide range of trims, body styles, and powertrains designed to fit the needs of drivers across Roseville, Folsom, Rocklin, Lincoln, Davis, and Fair Oaks.  The 2026 iteration of the Silverado 1500 builds on the proven formula of the 2025 model with updates in technology, interior refinement, and exterior styling including two new paint colors. You can still choose from crew cab, double cab, or regular cab layouts paired with short or standard bed lengths, plus two-wheel or four-wheel drive. With nine trims available, including Work Truck, Custom, LT, RST, ZR2, and High Country, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 lineup makes it easy to match your priorities  Under the hood, both the 2025 and 2026 Silverado 1500 offer the same four powerful engine options including a 2.7-liter TurboMax inline-four, a 5.3-liter V8 for dependable all-around power, a 6.2-liter V8, and 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel for outstanding fuel economy.  In this comparison, Future Chevrolet of Sacramento will review the changes for the newest model year, and then we invite you to come on over to our dealership to compare the two model years side by side, and find the Silverado 1500 that's perfect for you.

Power, Engine Specs, and Fuel Efficiency

At the heart of both the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the 2025 model is the 2.7-liter TurboMax engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder that surprises with its strength. Generating 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, it's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission to provide confident acceleration, up to 9,500 pounds of towing capacity, and impressive efficiency with EPA-estimated ratings around 18 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.  For drivers seeking a boost in power, the 5.3-liter V8 offers 355 horsepower, bumping towing capability to 11,300 pounds with fuel economy figures near 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.  Sitting at the top of the gas-powered range, the 6.2-liter V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission delivers a commanding 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, achieving maximum towing strength at 13,300 pounds, all while maintaining similar fuel economy to the 5.3-liter V8.  If your priority is fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six remains a standout option for both 2025 and 2026. Producing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, it matches the 6.2-liter V8 in maximum towing capacity at 13,300 pounds, while offering excellent fuel economy at 21-26 mpg combined.

Interior Comparison

The 2025 Silverado 1500 set the bar with its versatile interior and trim lineup, and the 2026 model builds on that foundation with subtle changes in materials, tech integration, and available features. Entry-level Work Truck (WT) trims remain focused on durability and value, using tough, easy-to-clean materials that can stand up to heavy use. As with the 2025 model, moving up the trim ladder to the LTZ and High Country transforms the cabin into a more premium experience with leather-appointed seating, a power-sliding rear window, dual-zone climate control, and a large center console with integrated storage are just the start. Technology also plays a major role in distinguishing trims. Both the 2025 and 2026 Silverado 1500 come standard with a 7-inch infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but higher trims step up to a 13.4-inch touchscreen paired with a fully digital 12.3-inch driver information center. Available upgrades like a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system, wireless device charging, built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and Google Built-In services make these trucks as smart as they are capable. For 2026, Chevy has focused on faster system responsiveness and a more intuitive interface, adding noticeable tech refinements over the 2025 model.  Also new for 2026, a few fresh exterior paint colors make their debut: White Sands and Polar White Tricoat.

Trim Options

Still offered in nine distinct trim levels, the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 gives buyers in Roseville, Folsom, Rocklin, Lincoln, Davis, and Fair Oaks unmatched flexibility with three body styles (regular, double, and crew), three bed lengths, rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, and four proven engines. Let's break down the trims for 2026.Built for value and durability, the WT trim comes standard with the TurboMax engine, vinyl seating, a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, black bumpers, and steel wheels. Adding style and convenience, the Custom trim includes 20-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, cruise control, LED signature lighting, and a six-speaker audio system. The LT trim is the sweet spot of the lineup, featuring a large 13.4-inch high-resolution touchscreen, a 12.3-inch fully digital driver display, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and standard Google Built-In with upgraded connectivity features for 2026.   Designed for a sportier look, the RST features body-color bumpers, fog lights, and bright 18-inch wheels. Inside, it mirrors the LT but offers a more athletic style, with options to upgrade to the 6.2L V8 engine or add a power sunroof.  Off-road-ready straight from the showroom, the Custom Trail Boss includes standard four-wheel drive, Z71 off-road suspension, hill descent control, skid plates, and a factory-installed 2-inch lift. It also comes with the trailering package to enhance hauling versatility.  Building on the Custom Trail Boss's off-road hardware, this trim adds premium touches like available leather seating, a Bose audio system, remote start, dual exhaust, and advanced trailering tech. The LTZ brings a luxury edge to the Silverado, with the 5.3L V8, 20-inch polished wheels, leather-appointed heated and ventilated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, power-folding mirrors, and enhanced adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. For 2026, the LTZ adds improved voice command functions and more refined interior materials.  Positioned for the extreme off-road crowd, the ZR2 features Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, a high-approach steel front bumper, and 33-inch off-road tires. At the top of the lineup, the High Country delivers premium comfort and cutting-edge tech, including 22-inch wheels, authentic wood interior trim, Bose premium audio, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, HD Surround Vision, wireless phone charging, built-in Google Maps, and advanced towing features. 

Future Chevrolet of Sacramento

As an expert team, the staff of Future Chevrolet of Sacramento are committed to caring for you and your vehicle!  We are here to make sure you have everything you need, whether it's information about the differences between the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 and the 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 lineup, service and support for any financial situation, or maintenance on your vehicle.  We pride ourselves on our professional service and staff, and want customers all over the surrounding areas of Roseville, Folsom, Rocklin, Lincoln, Davis and Fair Oaks to choose us as their preferred Chevrolet dealer.  We understand how important it is to know all the facts about your future new truck, so thank you for letting us guide you through the important specs of the 2026 and 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 and, for sale at the right price on our lot in Sacramento!