Changes on Small Blocks: Our Test of the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

A broader Silverado lineup

Chevy’s 2027 Silverado 1500 gets updated exterior sheetmetal and redesigned cabins with materials including carbon fiber and wood. The lineup is aimed at both work and recreation, with a broad range of trims and equipment.

Every model has a 12.2-inch gauge display and a 16.3-inch central screen. ZR2 and High Country versions add an 11.5-inch screen for the front passenger.

Four engines, varied roles

Lower trims use an upgraded turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder rated at 350 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. The Duramax 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six returns with 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet; an optional 34-gallon tank supports a claimed range of 900 miles.

The new 5.7-liter V-8 produces 402 horsepower and 428 pound-feet. The new 6.6-liter small-block makes 481 horsepower and 501 pound-feet, and is available in the High Country and ZR2 but not the Trail Boss.

V-8 power on road and trail

The 6.6-liter engine felt powerful, smooth and quiet at idle during drives in High Country and ZR2 models. Its low-speed port fuel injection works alongside direct injection as throttle input rises.

The Trail Boss pairs the 5.7-liter V-8 with a roughly two-inch lift, 34-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires on 18-inch wheels, and optional underbody cameras. It rode less smoothly than the High Country and ZR2, but felt quicker and more planted on the road than its test results indicated.

Trail Boss test results

At the test track, the Trail Boss reached 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds at 94 mph. Its dirt-oriented tires may have limited other results.

Braking from 70 mph took 198 feet, and the truck recorded 0.70 g on the skidpad. At 70 mph, the 5.7-liter model registered 66 decibels and 21 sones.

Prices, screens and controls

The base 2.7-liter work truck starts at $40,045. The Trail Boss test truck cost $76,795 as equipped, including options such as multi-camera systems and green paint; the 5.7-liter engine alone costs $2690.

Moving to the 6.6-liter engine costs an extra $2505 on the ZR2 and $2800 on the High Country, which also requires four-wheel drive. The updated system brings back Android Auto and Apple CarPlay alongside Google’s built-in navigation and search, though the native navigation caused directional confusion during testing.

The touchscreen interface was quick and clear, but its accuracy raised concerns. Controls are spread across the dashboard, the touchscreen and buttons above the console; owners can set up menu shortcuts for frequently used functions.