“5.3 has good power and decent fuel economy. Always wanted this style of body, color and trim.”
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a standard rearview camera with guidance lines on every trim. It is otherwise a light update for the outgoing truck, with a few safety, technology, powertrain-availability, and body-style changes before the 2019 redesign.
About the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
3rd generation (2014-2018), final year before the all-new 2019 redesign.
Chevrolet positions the Silverado 1500 as a full-size pickup that can cover hard work, towing, family use, and upscale daily driving without forcing buyers into one formula. Its big advantage is choice: multiple cab and bed layouts, strong V6 and V8 power, straightforward controls, and trims that run from simple job-site trucks to the luxury-focused High Country. Compared with rivals, the Silverado leans on familiar V8 capability, broad configuration flexibility, and easy-to-use tech rather than radical design changes.
The 2018 lineup ranges from the utility-focused Work Truck to the leather-lined High Country, which has navigation, Bose audio, and added driver-assistance features. LT serves as the everyday middle ground with an 8-inch touchscreen and an easier-to-lower tailgate, while Z71 versions add off-road suspension, underbody protection, and hill-descent control. The Custom emphasizes appearance with body-color trim and 20-inch wheels.
What changed, by category
Safety
A rearview camera with dynamic guidance lines becomes standard on every trim. Tire Fill Alert is also added across the lineup to help indicate when a tire reaches the correct pressure during inflation.
Tech
The Work Truck gains a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system.
Powertrain
The eAssist mild-hybrid system expands to nationwide availability on LT and LTZ models.
Structural
The appearance-focused Custom trim gains a Crew Cab body style.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, EcoTec3, Flex Fuel, 4.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V6 EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L | V6, EcoTec3, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter BAS3 / V6, EcoTec3, Flex Fuel, 4.3 Liter / V6 EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter BAS3 | V6, EcoTec3, Flex Fuel, 4.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter | V6, EcoTec3, 4.3L / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V6, EcoTec3, Flex Fuel, 4.3 Liter / V6 EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter | V6, EcoTec3, Flex Fuel, 4.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V6 EcoTec3, FF, 4.3L | V8, EcoTec3, 5.3 Liter / V8, EcoTec3, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive / Auto, 8-Spd BAS+ / Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 8-Spd BAS+ / Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd HD w/Overdrive / Auto, 6-Spd HD Overdrive | Auto, 8-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 2WD | 4WD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15–18 mpg | 15–18 mpg | 15–16 mpg | 15–18 mpg | 15–17 mpg | 15 mpg | 16–18 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20–24 mpg | 20–24 mpg | 20–22 mpg | 20–24 mpg | 20–22 mpg | 20 mpg | 22–24 mpg | 20–21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 285–355 hp | 285–355 hp | 355–420 hp | 285–355 hp | 285–355 hp | 355–420 hp | 285–355 hp | 355–420 hp |
| Torque | 305–383 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft | 305–383 lb-ft | 383–460 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5500–9800 lb | 6300–9800 lb | 6100–6200 lb | 7000–9100 lb | 6100–9500 lb | 6100–6200 lb | 5500–9800 lb | 9100 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 34.6–40.9 in | 40.9 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 3–6 | 6 | 6 | 3–6 | 6 | 3–6 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The biggest change is that a rearview camera with dynamic guidance lines becomes standard on every 2018 Silverado 1500 trim. Chevrolet also adds Tire Fill Alert across the lineup.
What changed on the 2018 Silverado 1500 Work Truck?
The 2018 Work Truck gains a standard rearview camera, 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and six-speaker audio. These updates make the basic utility trim less bare-bones than the 2017 version.
Was the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 redesigned?
No. The 2018 Silverado 1500 is the final model year of the third generation that began in 2014, with the full redesign arriving for 2019.
Did the 2018 Silverado 1500 Custom change?
Yes. The 2018 Custom gains a Crew Cab body style, along with the lineup-wide standard rearview camera and Tire Fill Alert.
Did eAssist availability change for the 2018 Silverado 1500?
Yes. For 2018, Chevrolet expands the eAssist mild-hybrid system to all states on the LT and LTZ trims.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
4.1
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
(663 reviews)
“It's a very sturdy vehicle. There's plenty of room for a family, and the truck bed fits whatever I need to go camping. I like the modern dash features.”
“My 2018 Silverado is the most comfortable vehicle I've ever driven. Additionally it is very good on gas considering it has a V-8 engine.”