What's The Difference Between The 2026 Vs. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Keeping up with the latest, innovative pickup technology becomes much easier with our comprehensive 2026 vs. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 guide. This full-size truck has versatility at its forefront and boasts the same maximum towing capacity as last year. However, changes to the vehicle's customization, along with a brand-new special edition model – the RST Select Special Edition – make the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 feel fresh.
The team here at Haley Chevrolet wants to help you make a personalized decision between this and last year's versions of this capable pickup truck. Let's investigate what has changed before you start customizing your own model or exploring the builds we currently have in our inventory.
Keeping up with the latest, innovative pickup technology becomes much easier with our comprehensive 2026 vs. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 guide. This full-size truck has versatility at its forefront and boasts the same maximum towing capacity as last year. However, changes to the vehicle's customization, along with a brand-new special edition model – the RST Select Special Edition – make the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 feel fresh.
The team here at Haley Chevrolet wants to help you make a personalized decision between this and last year's versions of this capable pickup truck. Let's investigate what has changed before you start customizing your own model or exploring the builds we currently have in our inventory.
Trim Summary
Nine core trims and five special editions carry over from the 2025 model year. Along with these returning iterations, the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 gets a new variant: the RST Select Special Edition. It adds sporty exterior elements, such as 20-inch high Gloss Black wheels and 4-inch Black round assist steps, to the mid-tier RST model. Otherwise, the 2026 vs. 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 lineup remains consistent.
How Have the Exterior Designs Changed for 2026?
The Silverado 1500 truck's exterior colors were adjusted for 2026 – there are two new hues to consider:
- Polar White Tricoat: Available on higher trim levels, the Polar White Tricoat shade is stunning, clear, and pure, reminiscent of fresh snow in the Arctic. This beautiful, clean shade contrasts with the black wheels and front grille, creating an enticing back-and-forth appearance along the exterior of the truck.
- White Sands: Coat your full-size truck in a stunning desertscape theme with this new shade. Rather than a bright, pearly white, White Sands takes on a warm tan or beige hue that emulates the natural ruggedness of tall, sloping dunes. It's a perfect pair with the darker front grille.
However, these style options came at a cost. The following two exterior colors are available for the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado but not the 2026 iteration:
- Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
- Slate Gray
The new RST Select Special Edition can be had in the following six exterior colors:
- Black
- Summit White
- White Sands
- Sterling Gray Metallic
- Riptide Blue Metallic
- Radiant Red Tintcoat
Exterior Summary
This year, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat and Slate Gray were swapped out for Polar White Tricoat and White Sands. The new RST Select Special Edition gives you a choice of six of the model's exterior colors: Black, Summit White, White Sands, Sterling Gray Metallic, Riptide Blue Metallic, and Radiant Red Tintcoat. The rest of the color lineup in our 2026 vs. 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 comparison remains the same.
Have the Chevy Silverado 1500 Performance Specs Changed in 2026?
Our 2026 vs. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comparison reveals that both trucks share engine choices and specifications. This pickup offers the following four workhorses, with the accessibility of each depending on your trim level:
- 2.7-Liter TurboMax Four-Cylinder: 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission
- 5.3-Liter EcoTec3 V-8: 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission
- 6.2-Liter EcoTec3 V-8: 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission
- 3.0-Liter Duramax I-6 Turbo-Diesel: 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission
Like last year, the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds,1 which can be achieved with the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine. It also shares the max payload limit of 2,260 pounds with the standard 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder engine.2 The new RST Select Special Edition comes exclusively with the TurboMax engine.
Performance Summary
The 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 has the same specs as the 2025 model. That means you can get access to a 13,300-pound maximum tow rating1 and a 2,260-pound payload capacity.2 Transmission access is the same, with the TurboMax offering an eight-speed automatic and all other engines coming with a 10-speed automatic.
How Much Can the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 Carry? Dimensions, Bed Length & More
Similar to the engines, the dimensions of the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 carry over from 2025. Both vehicles can access boxes that are 69.92, 79.44, or 98.18 inches in length, with respective bed volumes of 62.9, 71.7, and 89.1 cubic feet.
When building a 2026 or 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500, you'll see that they have Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab options, which can be paired with the Short Bed (69.92-inch), Regular Bed (79.44-inch), or Long Bed (98.18-inch) configurations mentioned above, though only certain combinations are available. Overall length ranges from 210.94 inches for the Regular Cab Standard Bed configuration to 242.4 inches for the Crew Cab Standard Bed setup on the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss trims (241.41 inches for other trims with this bed-and-cab combination).
The brand-new RST Select Special Edition is available with the following bed-and-cab builds:
- Double Cab and Standard Bed
- Crew Cab and Short Bed
- Crew Cab and Standard Bed
Dimensions Summary
Our 2025 vs. 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 dimensions comparison reveals that both models have the same specs. You can enjoy up to 242.4 inches of length, a maximum cargo space of 89.1 cubic feet, and various cab-and-bed combinations.
What New Technology Features Come With the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500?
A side-by-side comparison of the 2026 vs. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 shows that the interior was left unchanged for this model year. It still features work-ready standard technology, including a standard 7-inch diagonal color touchscreen and Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as easy-to-clean upholstery, with leather seating available. Higher trim levels still provide excellent comfort and technology appointments, such as a 13.4-inch diagonal touchscreen and sport-mode-enabled dual active exhausts.
Interior & Technology Summary
The cabin of the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is identical to that of the 2025 iteration for all intents and purposes. Even the new RST Select Special Edition shares most of the same amenities from the RST level (other than its all-weather mats), so you can expect similar quality between both model years of this light-duty pickup.
How Safe Is the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 Compared to the 2025 Version?
Safety was overhauled in 2025, and all of the changes have stuck around. That means you still get standard Cruise Control, and have access to an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller and Front and Rear Park Assist on select trims. You can also find a 15-inch Head-Up Display, Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, and many other advanced driver-assistance systems that bolster confidence, depending on your preferred model.
When you review our Chevrolet Silverado 1500 lease deals, you'll quickly see how carefully the full-size pickup cares for you and your family. Test-drive a Silverado 1500 at Haley Chevrolet and experience how these additions can improve your peace of mind.
Safety Summary
The standard safety upgrades from 2025 have been brought over to this year without any major changes. Cruise Control comes standard with the WT. An integrated Trailer Brake Controller joins the lineup, beginning with the LT variant. Advanced systems like Front and Rear Park Assist, a 15-inch Head-Up Display, and Super Cruise can be found in high-end models like the range-topping ZR2.
2026 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Pros & Cons
2026 Chevy Silverado 1500
Pros
- 2 brand-new, exceptional paint options
- All-new special edition model
- Exceptional towing and payload limits carried over
- Price decrease for select models
Cons
- Loss of two exterior shades
- Very minor price increase for select models
2025 Chevy Silverado 1500
Pros
- Same towing capacity and payload limit
- Same payload limit
- Same number of exterior colors
- Slightly less expensive for select models
Cons
- Lacks the new special edition
- No access to the new shades
- Higher MSRP for select models
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 vs. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
What are the main differences between the 2026 vs. 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500?
The primary differences between the 2026 vs. 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 include customization options. The new RST Select Special Edition promises sporty style at an affordable price, with 4-inch Black round assist steps, an included spray-on bedliner, all-weather floor mats, and high Gloss Black wheels. Two exterior shades join the lineup – Polar White Tricoat and White Sands – replacing Iridescent Pearl Tricoat and Slate Gray.
Does the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 have the same engine as the 2025 model?
Yes, all four of the 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 engines made their way to the 2026 edition, including the following:
- 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder
- 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8
- 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8
- 3.0-liter Duramax I-6 Turbo Diesel
The 2.7-liter four-cylinder has the best payload rating, while the 3.0-liter Duramax I-6 provides the highest towing capacity.
Did the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 get a redesign compared to 2025?
No, the Chevy Silverado 1500 did not get a redesign for 2026. The 2026 Chevy Silverado offers two new color options, as well as a brand-new variant – the RST Select Special Edition – all of which provide a level of distinction from last year's version. However, most trims will look and feel similar to those who love the rugged design and sturdy frame of the Chevy Silverado 1500.
What Our Happy Customers Say About The Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Don Weaver
07-14-2022
Larry was great in helping me buy a new Silverado. He got me exactly what I wanted, even in these tough times with a limited inventory! I would recommend him & Haley Chevrolet to anyone looking to buy a new vehicle
About The Author
Haley Chevrolet, located in Midlothian, VA, has built its reputation on integrity, quality, and putting customers first. Serving the Greater Richmond area, they combine a specialized Chevrolet sales team, factory-trained service technicians, and genuine Chevy parts to deliver exceptional automotive care.
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1Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
2For comparison purposes only. See the Owner's Manual and the label on the vehicle door jamb for the carrying capacity of a specific vehicle.