TUCSON, Ariz. – Chevrolet flexes muscles I didn’t know it had in the 2027 Silverado 1500 pickup.
The new full-size pickup introduces a slick new infotainment center and a dune-jumping “Baja mode” in a desert-racing ZR2 that’s destined to square off with the Ford F-150 Raptor in a duel in the dirt.
Not to mention a pair of powerful new V8s crafted to challenge Ram’s Hemi with more power and new features.
The 2027 Silverado also introduces features and tech that will roll out across GM’s sprawling family of full-size pickups and SUVs. Sales should begin late this year.
I spent two days’ driving ’27 Silverados from suburban sprawl into the desert, over mountain roads in Coronado National Forest and finally to a severe off-road course.
I primarily drove
a loaded 4WD Silverado High Country that stickered at $77,995 and an equally well-equipped ZR2 off-road specialist that cost $80,000. All prices exclude $2,795 destination charge.
Smart design creates a spacious interior
Visually, the cab’s side window openings were enlarged for better visibility, creating an airy, spacious-feeling cab and a lower beltline that makes the whole truck look lighter. All models get LED head and taillights.
A large panoramic sunroof and re-contoured door inners amplify the cab’s sense of space.
Each of the Silverado’s seven trim levels has its own grille. There are two hoods: one touch screen for primarily on-road models and a raised power dome for the off-road oriented Trail Boss, Trail Boss Custom and ZR2.
Roughly the same size as the outgoing model, the ’27 has three cab sizes – regular, double cab and crew cab – four engines and can tow up to 13,700 pounds.
Driving impressions
I drove three 2027 Silverados, all well-equipped four-wheel drive crew cabs. Two – a High Country and a ZR2 – were powered by a new 6.6L V8 that produces 481 hp and 501 pound-feet of torque. It’s the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in a light duty pickup and the latest in Chevy’s exalted family of Small Block V8s.
The third – a High Country - featured the 3.0L straight-six Duramax turbodiesel that develops 305 hp, 495 pound-feet and can tow 12,000 pounds. The only diesel in a full-size light-duty pickup Duramax is essentially unchanged for 2027. Expect it to set the pace for combined light-duty pickup fuel economy and towing performance.
All three pickups were quiet, with little wind or road noise – even when I was driving over rough pavement with 35-inch tires in a rugged ZR2 off-roader.
I didn’t drive the fourth engine, a 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 350 hp and 455 pound-feet. Called Turbomax, the gasoline engine’s output increased 40 hp and 25 pound-feet for 2027.
A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard on all 2027 Silverado 1500s.
2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trim levels and prices
- Work Truck: $38,600
- Custom: $43,600
- Silverado: $47,900
- Custom Trail Boss: $54,400
- Trail Boss: $61,200
- High Country :$71,700
- ZR2: $77,200
Note: All prices exclude $2,795 destination charge
Source: Chevrolet
What’s it like inside?
Chevrolet elevated the High Country’s interior look and feel with diamond tufted black and tan synthetic upholstery, matching two-tone seat belts, microfiber suede trim and twin MagSafe chargers. A wide Multi-Flex center console has multiple storage compartments and a folding top that creates a surface for laptops and paperwork.
Designers’ main goals included accommodating a raft of new technologies, including more than 60 inches of display screens in top models.
It takes at least a few days to acclimate to a new infotainment system, but I think Chevy got this right with big, clear displays, easy access to frequently used features and a fast response times.
The Google built-in infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay.
The ZR2 also has the Multi-Flex center console, two-tone synthetic upholstery and embossed with the trim level’s new logo, a stylized mountain range.
The ZR2 adds unique displays and interior colors, including Torch Red trim.
2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 screens
- 12.2-in instrument cluster
- 15-inch head up display
- 16.3-inch infotainment touch screen
- 11.5-inch passenger touch screen
- 8.5-inch digital rearview mirror
Can Chevy outdo the Raptor and RHO?
Chevy equipped the ZR2 to challenge Ford and Stellantis’s of-road specialists, the F-150 Raptor and Ram RHO hero models.
Bragging points start with the most powerful naturally aspirated engine — the 6.6L Small Block V8 — a canny counter to the competitors’ turbocharged engines.
I drove ZR2 over brutal rocks and steep inclines in the mountains surrounding Tucson. It handled everything with ease, thanks to the V8’s power band, increased ground clearance, front and rear electronic locking differentials and a ‘Terrain’ driving mode that delivers automatic braking that will bring the truck to a halt without driver intervention.
The equivalent of electric vehicles’ popular one-pedal braking, it allows the driver to concentrate on steering and throttle in challenging terrain.
Multiple off-road cameras, including front and rear underbody views, help find the right path and avoid the worst obstacles.
Advanced Multimatic DSSV shocks are tuned for fast driving over rugged terrain and pavement. Unusual Multimatic DSSV auxiliary jounce dampers protect against the most severe impacts and reduces harsh rebounds.
There’s also a new Baja mode for desert racing and jumping off sand dunes, a tug on the Raptor’s crown as king of the hill.
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: I took Chevy's new Silverado into the desert. Raptor, look out
