This 2023 Chevrolet Silverado Just Got a New Base Engine
Chevrolet just announced the 2023 Silverado 1500 RST Crew Cab is getting a new base engine. The news is a bit surprising because, until now, the Silverado base engine was the 5.3-liter L84 V8. The latest version is the 2.7-liter L3B turbocharged inline four-cylinder. That covers all RST Crew Cab trucks, whether with the short or the standard bed.
Wasn’t the 2.7-liter always the Silverado 1500 base engine?
The announcement is confusing because the Silverado 1500 RST Double Cab already lists the 2.7-liter as its base engine. In any event, the RST models will continue offering the 6.2-liter L87 V8 gas engine, the formerly base 5.3-liter V8, and the 3.0-liter LZ0 inline six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel. For comparison, the 2.7-liter inline-four makes 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, versus the now-optional 5.3-liter V8, producing 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.
So the difference between these Silverado engines isn’t significant. But keep in mind that the V8 means you can opt for the Z71 off-road package. According to GM Authority, it’s not available with the 2.7-liter. There’s also the matter of fuel economy. The 3.0-liter Duramax has the best EPA-estimated gas mileage at 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Four-wheel drive drops those figures.
What MPG and towing capacity does the Silverado 1500 have?
If you choose the base 2.7-liter, the mileage is 20/22 mpg city/highway. With the 5.3-liter V8, the city number drops to 16 mpg but stays at 22 mpg on the highway. The 6.2-liter V8 has similar numbers at 16/21 mpg city/highway.
The top-of-the-line Silverado 6.2-liter V8 harnesses 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the options, it has a towing capacity between 8,900 and 13,300 pounds. Towing capacity for the 5.3-liter is between 9,300 and 11,300 pounds, and the base 2.7-liter engine can pull 9,500 pounds. The 3.0-liter LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax generates 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque and can two 9,000 to 13,300 pounds.
With the base engine, you get the eight-speed automatic transmission. The other three engines are hooked to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Two- and four-wheel drive are available.
What are the 2023 Silverado trims and their prices?
For 2023, the Chevy Silverado 1500 offers nine trims and five cab/bed configurations.
The base model is the Work Truck (WT), starting at $36,300. Next is the Custom, jumping to $43,945. With a nicer interior, the LT bumps up to $48,345. Following that is the Custom Trail Boss, starting at $53,695. The sporty RST starts at $54,895. And the upscale LTZ is priced at $59,045. Then there’s the upgraded LT Trail Boss at $59,895. The luxurious High Country starts at almost $64,000. And last is the high-performance ZR2, starting at $73,395.
The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado’s technology, safety, and driver-assistance features are on par with rivals. The Ram 1500, Ford F-150, and Silverado 1500 bring unique attributes. We’d place the Silverado 1500 between the Ram and F-150 for capability, features, and overall use. Interior appointments, overall design, and seat-of-the-pants feel will help guide you to the 2023 pickup that fits you best.
