- Auto123 gets in a first drive of the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
Tucson, AZ — That the offering for the 2027 Silverado 1500 includes two new V8 engines begs the question: Did General Motors engineers get the memo that gas prices are hovering near $2 per litre in several regions of Canada? While some competitors are betting on turbocharging and hybridization, Chevrolet is increasing the displacement of its 8-cylinder powerplants.
At least, the electric variant of the Silverado remains available, which is more than you can say about the F-150 Lightning, already eliminated by Ford.
There’s more to the renewal of the Silverado for 2027 than what’s possible under the hood, of course. While the Silverado retains its frame, the pickup features redesigned sheet metal, a reworked cabin and a new digital interface. Chevrolet has also streamlined its catalog.
During our first introduction to the 2027 Silverado in mainly sunny Arizona, we briefly drove a model with the new 5.7L V8 and discovered the capabilities of the 6.6L unit. The ZR2 version was also on hand and showed us that its qualities extend beyond its appearance as an off-road-ready truck.
Where is the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 assembled?
The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 we’re getting in Canada is built at GM's plants in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Silao, Mexico. Note that the model’s new V8 engines will be produced at GM’s plant in St. Catharines.
2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – What’s new?
The 5.3L and 6.2L V8s thus make way for the new 5.7L and 6.6L engines; Chevy says it also improved the 4-cylinder TurboMax engine. A 10-speed automatic transmission now accompanies all four powertrains, including the diesel.
It should be noted that the Silverado 1500 equipped with the smallest displacement wasnt available for testing during the launch.
Chevrolet is also cleaning up its trim nomenclature. The LTZ trim disappears, while Z71 becomes a standalone trim level. The lineup includes seven variants, from the Work Truck to the ZR2, by way of the Custom, Custom Trail Boss, Z71, Trail Boss and High Country. In short, there’s a Silverado for anyone who wants one: a stripped-down work truck, a luxury truck, an adventure truck with a strong personality, etc.
Design of the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 7.0/10
The Silverado still casts a massive shadow, but the new model is defined by new lighting signatures, more pronounced wheel arches and lower body treatments.
More than any others, though, it’s the ZR2 that stands out. Its look is significantly more assertive than in the past. The hood, 35-inch tires and lifted suspension give it a sufficiently distinct personality to justify its positioning in the lineup.
Not that the Trail Boss goes unnoticed with its 34-inch tires. At the other end of the spectrum, the High Country focuses on a more luxurious presentation, and it comes on 22-inch wheels and with unique exterior trim. Confession regarding this higher-end variant: we find the side mouldings added to the doors a bit tacky.
Interior of the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 8.0/10
Chevrolet amped up the level of luxury in the new generation of the Silverado. The cabin has been reworked for a more contemporary presentation and to better differentiate trims. The ambiance of the High Country, in particular, moves further away from that of a work truck and leaves behind the western theme of yore. The focus is squarely on luxury, although it’s careful not to step on the toes of GMC's Denali and Denali Ultimate variants.
While that trim receives genuine wood trim, the ZR2 takes another direction with red accents and forged carbon trim. The overall package possesses more character.
The centre console gains in versatility. For one, it now longer harbours the gear selector, which now resides on the steering column. That frees up space on the console and contributes to a more practical layout.
Higher trim levels offer features such as a panoramic sunroof and massaging seats. Those additions contribute to comfort, but also serve as a reminder of how high the price of a pickup truck can climb when you start ticking boxes on the options list
Technology in the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 7.0/10
Chevrolet places strong emphasis on technology. The 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 16.3-inch central display are standard across the entire lineup. In other words, even the tradesperson's work truck gets a big screen. An 11.5-inch passenger display is added to the High Country and ZR2 models.
The overall screens package is modern and visually striking. Unfortunately, the three screens don’t really appear seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. As for the passenger screen, it strikes us as an entirely unnecessary gadget.
The new interface nevertheless includes relevant improvements. In particular, it allows navigation to be displayed alongside towing information or media content. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are retained and integrated into this layout.
Powertrains of the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 7.5/10
The new 5.7L V8 develops 402 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.6L ups the ante to 481 hp and 501 lb-ft. The two sixth-generation engines combine direct and port injection and feature a revised lubrication system.
Mindful as we were of the numerous issues with the old 6.2L engine, brand engineers assured us they have taken steps to avoid repeating past mistakes. Let’s hope they’re right. Only time will tell regarding the reliability of the new powerplants, however.
One mill you won’t find in the offering? A turbocharged V6. Chevrolet instead offers a 2.7L TurboMax 4-cylinder engine, now boasting 350 hp and 455 lb-ft.
Also, GM maintains a distinctive advantage over rivals: it remains the only automaker to offer a diesel in this category. The 3.0L Duramax inline-6 provides 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. That block continues to shine with its exceptional efficiency, even as diesel prices have climbed in recent months.
Interestingly, the 5.7L engine is the one that allows the highest maximum towing capacity at 13,700 lb, when the truck is properly equipped. Horsepower doesn’t tell the whole story.
Fuel consumption
The conditions of this first test drive didn’t allow for meaningfully measuring fuel consumption under normal usage. We prefer to reserve judgment rather than publish an unrepresentative average.
The arrival of two larger V8s nevertheless raises a legitimate question about fuel expenses. Can new technologies offset the increase in displacement? A prolonged test drive will be required to determine that.
For its part, Natural Resources Canada has yet to publish official fuel consumption ratings.
Driving the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 8.0/10
Our brief experience with the 5.7L reveals smooth continuity compared to the old 5.3L engine. Returning buyers should easily find their bearings. This engine strikes us as convincing enough to satisfy a majority of buyers.
The 6.6L mill is more impressive in terms of output. Performance is a tangible argument, even if not all owners will need that much horsepower on a daily basis.
The real surprise comes from the ZR2. Its suspension and Multimatic DSSV dampers flatten out road imperfections with impressive efficiency. Despite its more radical appearance, it rides better than a Trail Boss.
This observation deserves to be highlighted: choosing the most specialized off-road version does not necessarily demand the greatest compromise on comfort. The ZR2's qualities are also felt on tarmac.
The final word
The 2027 Silverado 1500 includes significant Canadian contribution. The St. Catharines plant in Ontario is set to produce the new V8s. Canadian teams also participated in the development of Super Cruise and trailering features, including trailer brake tuning assistance and the new dedicated app interface.
For a 4x4 Crew Cab with a short bed, Chevrolet announces pricing ranging from $64,499 CAD for the Work Truck to $101,499 CAD for the ZR2, freight and air conditioning tax included.
The 5.7L represents a logical choice, the diesel remains a distinctive proposition and the ZR2 convinces with its comfort. Whether the new V8s prove reliable and fuel-efficient will be determined by future, real-world use.