Chevrolet just announced that the 2023 1500 RST Crew Cab will get a new base engine. That’s a bit surprising because until now it’s been a 5.3-liter L84 V8. The new base engine is now the 2.7-liter four-cylinder L3B. This covers all RST Crew Cab trucks whether ordered with the short bed or the standard bed.
Wasn’t the 2.7-liter engine always the base engine?
It’s a little confusing, since the Silverado 1500 RST Double Cab actually lists a 2.7-liter as its base engine. In any case, RST models will continue to offer the 6.2-liter L87 V8 gas engine, the previous base 5.3-liter V8, and the LZ0’s 3.0-liter inline-six. The 2.7-liter four has 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, versus the now optional 5.3-liter V8 rated at 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.
Not available in 2.7L. There is also the issue of fuel economy. The 3.0-liter Duramax diesel has best mileage figures of 23 city and 33 mpg highway. Four-wheel drive drops those numbers.
What MPG and Trailing Capacity does the Silverado 1500 have?
If you choose the base 2.7-liter, the mileage will be 20 city and 22 highway. With the 5.3-liter V8, the city figure drops to 16 mpg but remains at 22 mpg highway numbers. The 6.2-liter V8 has similar numbers at 16/21 mpg.
The Silverado’s top-of-the-line 6.2-liter V8 makes 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It has a towing capacity of 8,900 lbs. to 13,300 lbs. depending on options. Towing capacity for the 5.3-liter is between 9,300 lb. and 11,300 lb., with the base 2.7-liter at 9,500 lb. The 3.0-liter Duramax LZ0 turbodiesel has 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque ratings, with towing capacity ranging from 9,000 lb. to 13,300 lb.-ft.
With the base engine, you get an eight-speed automatic transmission. The other three engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available.
What are the Silverado models and how much are they?
For 2023, the Silverado 1500 comes in five different grades. The base model is the WT or Work Truck, starting at $36,645. Next up is the Custom, jumping to $43,945. The LT is priced at $48,345 and also comes with a more luxurious interior.
In the middle is the Trail Boss at $52,145. Going at the top of the line is the High Country starting at roughly $64,000. It is followed by the LTZ at $59,045, and the RST at $53,345.
Of course, the technology, safety, and driver-assistance features are in line with its competitors. The Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Silverado 1500 each offer truck buyers unique traits. We’d place the Silverado 1500 between the Ram and F-150 in terms of capabilities, features, and overall usability. Substantial offerings such as specific interior trim, overall design, and trouser-seat feel will surely point you to the right 2023 pickup.
