2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is wider use of a six-speed automatic on V8 trucks. It is not a redesign, but the lineup also grows with a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 for crew cabs, fuel-saving Hybrid and XFE models, and added cabin technology.
About the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2nd generation Silverado 1500 (GMT900), third model year, pre-refresh.
Chevrolet positioned the Silverado 1500 as a full-size pickup that could handle real truck work without giving up ride comfort or cabin space. The core pitch was broad choice: regular, extended, and crew cabs; multiple bed lengths; and trims that ranged from basic work duty to SUV-like comfort. Versus rivals, Chevrolet leaned on towing strength, a strong V8 lineup, a roomy cabin, and a smoother, quieter feel than older-school half-ton trucks.
The 2009 Silverado range stretches from the basic, work-ready Work Truck to the mainstream LT and comfort-focused LTZ. The XFE pairs a 5.3-liter V8 with fuel-saving changes, while the Hybrid uses a 6.0-liter V8 and GM’s 2-Mode hybrid system; LTZ stands out with heated leather seats, Bose audio, and dual-zone climate control.
What changed, by category
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.8 Liter | V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, FF, 5.3L | V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, 6.0 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter | V8, Hybrid, 6.0 Liter | V8, 4.8 Liter / V8, 5.3 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.3 Liter / V6, 4.3 Liter / V8, FF, 5.3L |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 4-Spd Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, EVT | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 4-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Hybrid | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 13–14 mpg | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 14–15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 19–20 mpg | 19–20 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 18–21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 295 hp | 295–367 hp | 315–403 hp | 315 hp | 195–315 hp | |
| Torque | 305 lb-ft | 305–375 lb-ft | 338–417 lb-ft | 338 lb-ft | 367 lb-ft | 260–338 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5200–10600 lb | 7600–10400 lb | 7600–10400 lb | 10600 lb | 5900 lb | 7800–9600 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.3–38.7 in | 34.3–38.7 in | 34.3–38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 34.3–38.7 in |
| Seats | 6 | 3–6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 3–6 |
| Doors | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Stability Control | ||||||
| Traction Control | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 redesigned?
No. The 2009 Silverado 1500 remains part of the second-generation GMT900 model introduced earlier, with expanded powertrain choices, new fuel-saving models, and added technology rather than a full redesign.
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Silverado 1500?
The biggest change is wider use of a six-speed automatic across the V8 lineup. Chevrolet also added a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 for crew-cab models.
Was the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid new for 2009?
Yes. The Silverado Hybrid joins the lineup for 2009 with a 6.0-liter V8, GM’s 2-Mode hybrid system, a crew-cab body, and truck equipment that includes a towing package.
What is different about the 2009 Silverado XFE?
The XFE is a fuel-saving model added for 2009. It combines a 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic with a 3.08 rear axle, reduced weight, a lower rear suspension, and an extended front air dam.
What technology was added to the 2009 Silverado 1500?
Bluetooth phone connectivity, updated OnStar features, and a rearview camera were added for 2009. These additions improved phone integration, connected services, and visibility while reversing.