Chevrolet Silverado 1500 review for Colorado buyers

The Silverado 1500 for Colorado buyers

Four engines, four different trucks

Silverado shoppers choose among four engines, and in Colorado that choice changes how the truck drives. The 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder makes 310 hp and 430 lb-ft from 2024, which is more torque than the 5.3L V8's 383 lb-ft. The 6.2L V8 makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The 3.0L Duramax inline-six turbo-diesel, in its updated form, makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft.

At altitude, turbocharging matters. Turbo maker Garrett cites a rule of thumb that naturally aspirated engines lose about 3 percent of their power per 1,000 feet of elevation, and explains that a turbo compensates. The TurboMax and Duramax are turbocharged; both V8s are not. We haven't run a comparison ourselves, but on paper a 6.2L near the top of Vail Pass is giving up more of its rated power than a Duramax.

If you're not sure which engine suits your mix of commuting, towing and trips to the hills, start with our vehicle finder and we'll help narrow it down.

The Duramax case for Colorado

For a Colorado driver who covers real miles, the Duramax is the standout. The EPA rates a 2025 Duramax 4WD Silverado at 23 to 24 mpg combined and a 2WD at 26 mpg, versus 16 to 17 mpg for a 4WD 5.3L. That's a big difference on a weekly run from Denver to Summit County or a long haul to Grand Junction.

It also carries the top tow rating. GM rates a properly equipped Duramax at up to 13,300 pounds, but that figure applies to a specific Crew Cab short-bed 2WD build with the Max Trailering Package and 3.73 axle. Other configurations are lower. Diesel fuel and diesel-specific service are part of the deal, so ask for maintenance records on a used truck.

Towing a camper over the passes

GM's best-case Silverado tow rating is 13,300 pounds, with the Duramax or 6.2L and the Max Trailering Package. The TurboMax tops out at 9,500 pounds. Every number depends on cab, bed, axle ratio, drivetrain and options, so a 4WD crew cab with a big trim level will usually be rated lower than the headline.

Payload is the number most people forget. Tongue weight, passengers, the dog and a bed full of firewood all come off the payload printed on the driver's door-jamb label. Use the label on the actual truck, not a brochure.

For the specifics of long climbs and steep descents with a trailer, read our guide to towing a camper in the mountains before you match a truck to a camper.

The 6.2L V8 engine recall: what to check

In April 2025 GM issued recall 25V-274 for L87 6.2L V8 engines built from March 1, 2021, through May 31, 2024, covering 2021-2024 Silverado 1500s along with other GM trucks and SUVs. GM's filing pointed to supplier issues: sediment on connecting rods and in crankshaft oil passages, and crankshafts outside spec, which could damage rod bearings and lead to engine failure.

The remedy depends on a dealer inspection: either an oil change to a higher-viscosity 0W-40 or a replacement engine. NHTSA opened a further inquiry in January 2026 into whether that remedy is adequate after reports of failures in repaired engines. On any 6.2L Silverado, ask for recall paperwork, look up the VIN on NHTSA's site, and treat engine replacement records as useful information, not a red flag.

If you'd rather avoid the question entirely, the 5.3L, TurboMax and Duramax are not part of that recall. A specific vehicle request lets us search for the engine you want.

Winter driving and the refreshed interior

Most Colorado Silverados are 4WD, and trucks like the Trail Boss use a two-speed Autotrac transfer case. Like any full-size pickup with an empty bed, traction comes down to tires. CDOT's Traction Law on I-70 between Morrison and Dotsero runs September 1 through May 31 and focuses on tread depth and tire ratings, or chains. Our Colorado winter buying guide has the checklist.

If you'll spend a lot of time in the cab, the 2022 refresh is worth paying attention to. LT and higher trims got a 13.4-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital cluster, and High Country trucks offered Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance. Work-truck trims kept the older setup. Hail is also worth a careful look on any big Front Range truck; see our guide to hail damage and used cars.