Chevy Silverado Trim Levels Explained

What Are Trim Levels?

You’ve likely heard the term “trim level” passed around while researching new pickups; however, to the unknowing buyer, trim levels can be a confusing mess of abbreviations and drastically varying price tags. So, what exactly are trim levels, anyway? 

Trim levels are pre-selected option groups offered by manufacturers. These groups vary significantly in price, features, and consumer base, as some options are better suited for select individuals. These options typically affect comfort, styling, and overall performance, and as a rule of thumb, the more options, the higher the price tag! 

Manufacturers group features and options together to suit select truck-owner archetypes; for example, you'll typically have your designated work truck trims, budget-friendly daily-driver trims, luxury trims, off-road-centric trims, and even your high-performance trims! Chevrolet is no exception, offering nine different trim levels for drastically different buyers. Let’s take a closer look at Chevy Silverado trim offerings and the features that set each apart.

Chevy Silverado Trim Levels

Now that we’ve grasped a basic understanding of what trim levels are, let’s get into Chevy’s available trim levels for the Silverado platform! In this section, we’re discussing each of the available trim levels for Silverado 1500 and HD models, including some standout features and what kind of buyer each trim level is best suited for.

WT

Pricing starts at $36,800 for 1500 models and $43,400 for 2500 models. 

The WT trim, which stands for Work Truck, is exactly as the title describes: a stripped-down pickup that’s ideal for trade workers and fleet vehicles. This trim level provides basic features like power windows, locks, an AM/FM radio, and steel wheels, alongside: 

• Durabed design with 12 standard cargo tie-downs

• Standard 2.7L high-output turbocharged I-4 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission (1500)

• Standard 6.6L V8 engine (Optional Duramax® 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine) and 10-speed automatic transmission (2500 HD)

• Auto-locking rear differential (2500 HD) 

• Standard tow package and tow mirrors (2500 HD) 

• Black steel bumpers and black grille

• 17” steel wheels wrapped in all-season tires

• Remote keyless entry with push-button start

• Chevy Safety Assist

• Vinyl 40/20/40 split-bench front seat

Custom

Pricing starts at $43,600 for 1500 models and $46,800 for 2500 models. 

The Silverado Custom is a moderate upgrade from the base-model WT, offering several aesthetic and convenience upgrades that lend it toward daily driving and weekend projects. 

The Custom includes all of the features of the WT, as well as: 

• 20-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in all-season tires 

• Standard tow package

• Remote start system 

• EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate

• 10-way power-adjustable driver seat

• Power-adjustable towing mirrors with heated upper glass (2500 HD)

• Power windows and door locks

• Cloth 40/20/40 split-bench front seat

Custom Trail Boss

Pricing starts at $51,800.

The Custom Trail Boss is a 1500-specific trim level, offering an off-road-centric appearance and suspension on par with the RAM Rebel and Ford Tremor. Aside from aesthetics and suspension upgrades, the Custom Trail Boss package is based on the Custom, offering relatively basic creature comforts and accessories. 

The Custom Trail Boss includes all of the features of the Custom, as well as: 

• 2-inch suspension lift 

• Z71 Off-Road Package 

• Autotrac® 2-speed transfer case

• Auto-locking rear differential 

• Protective underbelly skid plates

• 18-inch gloss black-painted alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac® MT tires

• Raised hood with Black insert

• Power retractable assist steps

LT

Pricing starts at $48,000 for 1500 models and $47,400 for 2500 models. 

The LT trim, which stands for Luxury Touring, is a significant upgrade over the base WT and Custom trims; while not fully loaded by any stretch of the imagination, this trim level offers numerous standard convenience and aesthetic upgrades ideal for a daily driver or family vehicle.  

The Silverado LT includes all features of the Custom, as well as: 

• 13.4-inch touch-screen infotainment display

• 12.3-inch Driver Information Center

• Chrome front and rear bumpers

• Painted body-color door handles

• Optional 20-inch machined aluminum wheels wrapped in all-season tires

• LED reflector headlamps

RST

Pricing starts at $51,400 for 1500 models.

The Silverado RST is a sleek, half-ton sport truck featuring several street-tuned aesthetic upgrades. Though primarily focusing on aesthetics, the RST is also feature-laden, offering all features of the LT, as well as: 

• Body-color grille, bumpers, and door handles

• Optional 20-inch gloss-black wheels wrapped in all-season tires

• Active exhaust system with Sport mode

LT Trail Boss

Pricing starts at $58,000. 

The LT Trail Boss is a rugged, off-road-inspired pickup with luxury to boot! In the same way that the Custom Trail Boss is an off-road-tuned variant of the Custom trim level, the LT Trail Boss is an off-road upgrade to the LT, featuring similar styling to the Custom Trail Boss, only with far more luxury and convenience features. 

The LT Trail Boss includes all of the features of the LT, as well as: 

• 2-inch suspension lift 

• Z71 Off-Road Package 

• Autotrac® 2-speed transfer case

• Auto-locking rear differential 

• Protective underbelly skid plates

• 18-inch gloss black-painted alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac® MT tires

• Raised hood with Black insert

• Power retractable assist steps

LTZ

Pricing starts at $57,200 for 1500 models and $56,800 for 2500 models. 

The Silverado LTZ, which stands for Luxury Touring Z, is the next step up in luxury after the LT trim. This trim level is an incremental update, adding several high-end features to the already well-equipped LT trim. 

The Silverado LTZ includes all of the features of the LT, as well as: 

• 10-way power-adjustable perforated leather upholstery 

• Standard 20-inch painted alloy wheels

• 8-camera system for superior viewing and spatial awareness 

• Advanced safety technologies

• In-vehicle Trailering App with Hitch View (2500 HD) 

• Premium LED headlamps and DRLs

• Power-folding tow mirrors (2500 HD)

High Country

Pricing starts at $62,700 for 1500 models and $71,000 for 2500 models. 

The High Country is the top-of-the-line luxury trim offering for the Silverado, serving as yet another incremental update from the premium LTZ trim. This trim level is comparable to a luxury SUV, offering such standard features as exclusive perforated leather interior and wood trim, driver assistance features, and more! 

The High Country includes all standard features of the LTZ, as well as: 

• Premium leather upholstery with exclusive perforation and stitching

• Genuine open-pore wood trim

• Heated front and second-row seats

• Optional Super Cruise driver assistance system

• Power-retractable running boards

• Active exhaust with Sport mode (1500)

• Polished 20-inch wheels

• Power-lowering/raising tailgate

• Bed-view camera (2500 HD)

ZR2

Pricing starts at $69,900 for 1500 models and $70,600 for 2500 models. 

Last, we have the ZR2 trim: a rugged, off-road-tuned sport truck engineered to rival even the top-of-the-line Ford Raptor and RAM TRX. The ZR2 is built to be driven off the beaten path, featuring a premium off-road suspension system, heavy-duty steel bumpers, integrated alloy skid plates, and more! 

The Silverado ZR2 trim features such standout features as: 

• Multimatic DSSV dampers 

• Front and rear electronic-locking differentials

• Lightweight aluminum wheels and 33-inch (1500) or 35-inch (2500) Goodyear all-terrain tires

• High-clearance steel bumpers

• 13.4-inch touch-screen infotainment display

• 12.3-inch Driver Information Center

• Factory-installed suspension lift

• Perforated leather upholstery

• Stylish black/red trimmings

Which Trim Level is Right for You?

Now that you understand what each Silverado trim offers, which is right for you? You’ll need to consider various factors to make a well-informed decision, including your budget, your needs and expectations, and your vehicle’s planned use. Let’s dig deeper into each. 

Regarding budget, you’ll need to settle on a pickup that’s reasonably priced for your income and available funds; after all, the goal here is to enjoy our pickups, not rue the day we bought them! Silverado trims differ greatly in price; for instance, an entry-level 1500 WT comes in at just under $37,000, whereas a fully loaded ZR2 comes in at $70,000! We recommend coming up with a budget before you go shopping and then reviewing the trims within your budget. With nine trims to choose between, you’ll likely have a few options in your budget. 

Next, let’s discuss features. What’s important to you? What can you live without? It’s essential to rank features based on their value, or the benefit versus the cost they add to a pickup; for instance, is the factory lift kit on the trail boss worth the extra $8,000? Or would you be just as happy after installing a leveling kit on a base WT or Custom? Alternatively, you’ll need to rank which convenience features are most pressing. 

Lastly, let’s cover your planned use of your Silverado. If it’ll be a dedicated work truck, consider an entry-level WT or Custom trim to save yourself some money…that way the scratches and dings on the bed won’t hurt as much. If it’s a daily driver, consider upgrading to an LT, RST, LTZ, or even a high-country if it’s in the budget! For off-road performance, we’d recommend the Trail Boss or ZR2; both offer outstanding capabilities for off-the-shelf pickups. 

And remember, if you can't find the exact options you’re looking for on dealer lots, you don’t have to settle; you can always Special Order a New Pickup or upgrade your new Silverado with accessories from RealTruck!