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2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: WT vs Custom, Trail Boss vs LT, RST vs LTZ & High Country
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

What 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trim Level Should you Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

The Silverado 1500 is one of Chevrolet's best-selling vehicles of all time. This full-sized, light-duty truck is legendary for its power and dependability. For 2020, Chevrolet promises they've made the Silverado bigger and stronger than ever before. That may be the case, but this latest model of the venerated truck is also lighter than before. This means better fuel economy and performance than in past years.

The 2020 Silverado 1500 comes in a wide variety of body styles and trim levels. Buyers will also get the choice of several different engines for this pickup truck. If you prefer V-8 engines, the Silverado 1500 boasts best-in-class V-8 performance. There's also a turbo-diesel option available for 2020. If you're looking for a workhorse vehicle, it's hard to beat the Silverado 1500. This truck can also be a good daily driver or family vehicle. It offers plenty of comfort and amenities at the higher trim levels.

There are a lot of options to consider when shopping for the right truck. It may be tricky to pick the best trim level for your personal needs. This guide will explore the different body configurations and the eight different trim packages for the Silverado 1500. We will compare every trim level to see what each has to offer.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Work Truck vs the Custom Trims. What is the difference?

The aptly named Work Truck is your base model for the Silverado 1500. It's a bare-bones model that is indeed perfect for work duties or even as a fleet vehicle. It still has enough features to make it a fine choice for cheap transportation as well. The Work Truck only comes in 2-wheel drive. You can get this model with a Regular Cab, Double Cab or Crew Cab. For the uninitiated, the Regular Cab is basically a two-seater. The Double Cab gives you a small backseat area. The Crew Cab has four doors and ample room in back for more passengers.

The bed length for the Work Truck can be 5.75 feet, 6.6 feet or 8 feet. You can select a 4.3-liter V-6 engine, a 5.3-liter V-8 or even a 2.7-liter turbocharged model. The first two engine choices get a 6-speed automatic transmission while the turbocharged engine comes with an 8-speed transmission system. The Custom trim package features the same choices here, so there's no difference when it comes to the power and performance of these two models.

One of the first major differences between the Work Truck and the Custom is that the Custom can be had in a 4X4 configuration. This makes for better off-road performance and more control of the truck during rough weather conditions. The exteriors are largely the same between these two models. The Custom gives you a few more options here and there. The taillights get upgraded to LEDs and the outside mirrors come heated in the Custom.

Moving on to the inside, both get the standard stereo setup with six speakers. The Custom model gets rubberized floor mats. It also comes equipped with cruise control. The Work Truck has easy-to-clean vinyl upholstery. This is exactly what you need for a work vehicle. The Custom comes with more comfortable cloth upholstery.

There's not much of a difference between these trims when it comes to safety features. Both come quipped with six standard airbags. An SD rear-view camera comes standard in both models. A tire-pressure monitor and stability control system are standard for both trims. Chevy also gives every trim level it's Teen Driver package. With this feature, settings can be configured to promote better driving habits. The settings are attached to specific key fobs so that they can be engaged as soon as your teen driver enters the vehicle.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom vs the Custom Trail Boss Trims. What is the Difference?

The previous trim packages didn't offer a ton of variety between the two. The main difference was that the Custom had a slightly more comfortable interior and some extra options. The Work Truck was designed to be easily cleaned and maintained. The Trail Boss gives you some extras that provide for a better off-road experience in the Silverado 1500. The engine choices are almost the same. The Trail Boss gives you the extra option of a 6.2-liter V-8 for more power. The Trail Boss also comes equipped with a 2-speed Autotrac Transfer Case and an Automatic Locking Rear Differential.

While the Custom comes with 17-inch all-season tires, the Trail Boss is sporting a set of 18-inch, all-terrain models. Skid plates are also installed to further the off-road theme of the Trail Boss. A trailering package is also standard for the Trail Boss, making it an excellent choice for the adventurous type. Last of all, the Trail Boss comes with a factory-installed, 2-inch lift kit. There are no significant differences when it comes to the interior or safety features between these two trim levels.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss vs the LT Trims. What is the difference?

While the Custom Trail Boss comes standard with the 4.3-liter V-6 engine, the LT model comes equipped with the turbocharged 2.7-liter. This little power plant cranks out 310 horsepower compared to the Trail Boss' 285 horses. It produces more torque as well. The LT is also the first model that can be had with the turbo-diesel engine. The LT comes with an upgraded battery and an automatic Start/Stop feature.

On the outside, the LT comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels. These come painted silver. Chevrolet gives you the option of moving up to larger wheels and a number of different design choices here that were not available on previous trims. Almost any exterior feature can be added on to the LT trim package. On the inside, the LT offers a 4.2-inch driver-information screen. You now get a 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with storage under the armrest. A 4G WiFi hotspot now comes standard. A compass and On-Star service is added in as well. Standard safety features remain the same, but you can opt for some extras in the LT. Extra options include Front and Rear Park Assist and an HD rear camera.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT vs the RST. What is the difference?

Like the LT, the RST comes stock with the turbocharged engine. Both vehicles can still be had with a V-8 or turbo-diesel. On the mechanical side of things, there aren't many differences between an LT and an RST. Both models of the 2020 Silverado 1500 come with the same body style and bed length choices as well. Buying an RST automatically upgrades your wheels to larger, 18-inch models. Both trucks have all-season tires and include a spare. Both can be upgraded to 22-inch wheels of various materials and finishes.

The RST adds on some fog lamps and upgrades the headlights and taillights. On the inside, you get an extra power outlet in the back for the RST. Both vehicles still get the basic audio system and 4-way, manually-adjusted seats up front. The RST adds on Keyless Entry and Remote-Start features. You'll also get a rear-window defogger for the move up in trim levels. The safety features remain the same, but the RST does include an Theft-Deterrent System. It's worth noting here that there isn't a huge price increase when you move up to the RST from the LT trim level.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST vs the LTZ Trims. What is the difference?

The LTZ trim package comes stock with Chevrolet's 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine. This power plant cranks out 355 horsepower and 383 pounds-feet of torque. It can be paired with either an 8-speed or a 10-speed automatic transmission. An advanced trailering system now comes standard for the LTZ. The automatic locking rear differential makes a return for the LTZ but is not standard on the RST models. You also get external engine and oil coolers. Both trucks can be purchased in 4X2 or 4X4 configurations. On the outside, the RST model gets the chrome treatment for both bumpers, the door handles and the exterior mirrors.

For the interior, the LTZ offers 10-way power-adjustable seats up front with lumbar support. You get an upgraded infotainment system with better audio and an 8-inch HD touchscreen for the upgrade. The LTZ gives you Chevy's Infotainment 3 Plus System and can even be upgraded to their Premium system for a small fee. This gets you a lot of connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A plethora of new options become available for the LTZ such as heated and ventilated front seats. The steering wheel comes wrapped in premium leather and there will be leather appointments on the front seats.

There are no new standard safety features with the LTZ, but Chevy does give you more options for moving up to this trim level. Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, HD Surround Vision and Automatic Emergency Braking all become available.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ vs the LT Trail Boss. What is the Difference?

Both of these trucks come equipped with Chevrolet's 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 engine. The Trail Boss comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission system. The LTZ offers an 8-speed transmission. The LT Trail Boss gives you a lot of the off-road performance features last seen on the Custom Trail Boss. You'll once again see the 2-speed Autotrac Transfer Case and Automatic Locking Rear Differential. It's also equipped with a set of skid plates. In short, you're going to see a perfect blend of the Custom Trail Boss and the LT trim packages. You get the best off-road features of the one with the comfort and amenities of the other added on.

The LT Trail Boss offers some new cosmetic features on the outside. You can have body-color bumpers and mirrors this time around. LED lighting in the cargo bed helps you to load and unload your goods even in the dark. The LT Trail Boss does away with some of the fancy chrome trim that can be found on the LTZ. You also lose the power adjustments for the seats when choosing the LT Trail Boss. The safety features per usual are almost identical.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss vs the High Country Trims. What is the difference?

The High Country was designed for truck enthusiasts who want the best of what Chevrolet has to offer. This is a truck for those who want rugged durability and performance with all of the comfort of a luxury vehicle. Once again, we see the 5.3-liter V-8 as the standard engine. The advanced trailering system and integrated trailer brake controller now come standard. The High Country comes with 20-inch aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires. These can be swapped out for just about any wheel and tire choice that Chevrolet offers for their trucks.

The High Country offers the body-colored bumpers, mirrors and trim. This time around, you get a premium, spray-in bed liner. The exterior mirrors offer auto-dimming and heating features. The headlights get upgraded to high-intensity LED reflectors. On the inside, the High Country offers more power outlets and USB charging ports. The audio is now a premium system by Bose. You'll also receive Chevrolet's Infotainment 3 Premium System. The driver's seat and front-passenger seat both now come heated.

Which Trim to Choose?

There is no definitive answer to which trim level is the best overall. Each is designed with different priorities in mind. If you want a Silverado 1500 for a work-only vehicle, then your choice should be clear. Save some money and just get the Work Truck base model. If you want a capable off-road vehicle for fun, get the Custom Trail Boss. You could also select the LT Trail Boss, but most off-road enthusiasts won't need the extra fancy features and higher cost.

For a daily driver that can still tackle some work duties and the occasional off-road adventure, the RST is probably your best bet. You get all of the top engine and body-configuration choices with this trim level. You also get plenty of nice comfort and safety features. The jump in price between the LT and RST trims isn't that much, making it worth the upgrade for most buyers.

Used 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
Previous Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trim Configurations:

Compare the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trim Levels