Should You Choose a Used 2018 Silverado 1500 or 2020 Silverado 1500?

Shopping for a used truck probably feels like a blessing and a curse for some shoppers. Why? Because the good part is that there are tons of great trucks out there and a lot of quality options you can choose from. In fact, you’ll find plenty of amazing used trucks for sale in Georgetown, KY at Dan Cummins CDJR because there’s no shortage of quality pickups on the market. However, the downside is that there are so many trucks out there that shoppers often don’t know which one they should go with and why. But don’t worry. That’s why there are guides like this that help answer some of the tough questions when it comes to truck shopping, such as whether you should buy a used 2018 Silverado 1500 or a used 2020 Silverado 1500?

What the 2018 Silverado 1500 Features

Before you commit to buying any vehicle, you should probably be made well aware of what it features. The 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 was the last model year of the third generation for the Silverado. So it comes with all of the upgrades, fixes, modifications, and alterations throughout the third generation. This makes the 2018 Silverado quite fetching for those who want a model year of the light-duty pickup that’s not only feature-rich but contains a lot of the incremental changes introduced from the 2014 redesign up until 2018.

The 2018 Silverado 1500 comes with an assortment of standard infotainment features, such as a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth support, a tire fill and pressure monitoring system, and a backup camera. The 2018 Silverado features three different powertrains, including a 4.3-liter V6, a 5.3-liter V8, and a 6.2-liter V8. All the powertrain options feature variable valve timing with direct injection and active fuel management. These features make for great fuel economy, with the 2018 Silverado 1500 topping out at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

What the 2020 Silverado 1500 Features

The 2020 Silverado 1500 is the second model year of the fourth generation, following the redesign for the 2019 model year. There have been some modifications to the powertrain line-up, along with a distinctly different look to the Silverado for its fourth-generation run. This model year iteration of the half-ton pickup sports softer curves, more relaxed lines, and a completely different front fascia from its 2018 counterpart.

In addition to the 4.3-liter, 5.3-liter, and 6.2-liter powertrain options, an additional 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, and 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel were made available. These new options provide a great blend of performance and efficiency. On the technology front, adaptive cruise control was made available for the 2020 Silverado 1500, along with the addition of some driver-assist features and trailering technologies.

Why You Should Buy the 2018 Silverado 1500

When deciding which truck to buy between a used 2018 Silverado 1500 and a used 2020 Silverado 1500, one of the big deciding factors is going to be price. Hands-down, a 2018 Silverado 1500 is going to be far cheaper than a comparable 2020 Silverado 1500. So if the price is a major factor for you when purchasing a used Silverado, then the 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 would be a better choice.

In addition to the price you also have to consider the availability. There are going to be a lot more models available for the 2018 Silverado over the 2020 Silverado simply because it’s been on the market longer. It’s something to consider, especially when looking for specific trim formats with specific features. If you also enjoy the more workman-like design of the third-generation Silverado, then you might be more inclined to veer toward purchasing the 2018 Silverado 1500.

Why You Should Buy the 2020 Silverado 1500

Maybe you have a slightly higher budget to work with and are willing to spend a little extra on a newer used vehicle. In this case, the 2020 Silverado 1500 would be your go-to solution for a light-duty pickup. The extra features, such as trailering technology and optional powertrains, might be exactly what you’re looking for, especially if you want a pickup with a diesel option. There’s also the form factor to consider.

For those who like the new fourth-generation redesign of the Silverado, the 2020 model year of the popular 1500 probably makes it an easy pick. The more relaxed exterior aesthetics and added technologies in the driver-assist department are great for those who would like to have the option for features such as lane departure warning or collision mitigation. Additionally, the 2020 Silverado comes with the optional 10-speed automatic transmission for trims that are paired with the 5.3-liter V8, the 6.2-liter V8, and the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel. So if you wanted those powertrain features, a used 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 would be worth the price of admission.

2018 Silverado Style vs 2020 Silverado Style

A lot of the differences between the 2018 and 2020 Silverado boil down to what sort of features you value and what sort of style you enjoy from your half-ton pickup trucks. Some people prefer the 2020 look of the Silverado because they have a preference for the more naturally rounded edges across the exterior body, including the subtle arch of the wheel wells and the curvature of the cab’s A and B-pillars. Then again, some truck enthusiasts and shoppers have opposite feelings about the redesign.

There are some people who prefer the more pronounced edges of the third-generation Silverado, where the cab has sharper corners and more aggressive edges. This gave versions like the 2018 model year of the Silverado 1500 a very bold and masculine look that separated it from the competition. The rectangular wheel wells that connected into the front fascia and the more traditional grille design might appeal to those who want a pickup that looks like the more recognizable Chevy truck design of old.

Alternatively, the fourth-generation redesign takes a bold approach to the design of the Silverado. It’s more than just stylized curves, less pronounced fenders, and smoother edges. The front fascia has a steeper, more technically complex design. The grille isn’t just about looks, though; it’s also about aerodynamics to help with performance. So there’s actually some functionality to the style redesign. But it’s all subjective based on what you as a shopper find appealing from the 2018 Silverado vs the 2020 Silverado.

2018 Silverado vs 2020 Silverado: Towing

One of the most important aspects of a light-duty pickup is its towing capabilities. If you’re stuck choosing between a used 2018 Silverado 1500 or a used 2020 Silverado 1500, you can’t go wrong with either truck on the towing, payload, and trailering front. The 2018 and 2020 Silverado 1500 both share the same max payload capacities at 2,250 pounds. When it comes to towing and trailering, the max rating for the 2018 Silverado 1500 clocks in at 12,500 pounds, while the 2020 Silverado 1500 maxes out at 13,400 pounds. Both are more than capable of getting the job done when properly configured. You also don’t lose anything in the payload department with either truck.

Are You Ready To Choose Your Used Silverado?

Ultimately the choice boils down to which truck has the style you prefer and which one fits within your budget. Both are great trucks depending on what you’re looking for and what you like out of a light-duty pickup. Thankfully, Dan Cummins has many used trucks for sale and you can trust we will help you find the right kind of Silverado for you, whether it be a 2018 model year or a 2020 model year.

Tags: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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