They Grow Up So Fast: The Best Chevy Models of the Last Four Years

2021 is in its last quarter. Can you believe it? As 2022 fast approaches, it’s a good time to reflect back on where we’ve been. Walk into any used truck dealership, and you’ll already find used 2021 vehicles and even more from 2020, 2019, 2018, and so on. 2018 was almost four years ago now, and a lot has happened since then. Not the least of these happenings was Chevy’s 100th birthday in 2018, which was celebrated with a very special centennial edition of the Silverado 1500. We want to look back over the past four years and remember some of the highlights, especially as regards trucks and SUVs. So, with that, here’s our pick for the best Chevy models of the last five years.

2018 Silverado 1500 - Centennial Edition

When Chevy blew out all 100 candles in 2018, they knew that it was better to give than to receive, so they gave us the Silverado 1500 Centennial Edition. The truck comes in three cab sizes: crew, regular, and double. Perhaps the most exciting thing about the Centennial Edition was the number of editions across five different trims - WT, LS, Custom, LT, and LTZ, and High Country. While all of these trims had been seen before, they now brought with them a multitude of editions.

The list, courtesy of Chevy’s pressroom, is long, so get ready:

• Black Out Edition - available on WT
• Special Ops Edition - available on WT
• Rally 1 Edition - offered on Custom
• Rally 2 Edition - offered on LT Z71 (2LT) with double cab or crew cab
• Redline Edition - offered on LT Z71 (2LT) All Star with double cab and LTZ Z71 (2LZ) with crew cab
• Midnight Edition - offered on LT Z71 (2LT) All Star with double cab and LTZ Z71 (2LZ) with crew cab
• Realtree Edition - offered on LTZ Z71 (2LZ)
• High Desert Package - offered on LT, LTZ and High Country
• Z71 Package - offered on LT and LTZ
• All Star Edition - offered on LT

Omitted from this list is the Texas edition, which was offered on LT and LTZ but was only available in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and of course, Texas. The Centennial Edition also offered HID headlamps with LED lighting or LED projector headlamps on certain trims. That was a good birthday.

2019 Silverado 1500

Interestingly enough, while the 2018 Centennial Edition brought some new trim editions and the novelty of having the Birthday Model (if you will), the really exciting updates came to the Silverado in 2019, as it went through a major-league makeover.

With the makeover came all-new trims:

• The Work Truck trim is primarily focused on style, notably displaying the “CHEVROLET” name across the grille and the tailgate.
• Custom Trail Boss builds upon the Custom but amps it up for a dynamic off-road experience.
• The LT focuses on style with both its interior and exterior features, including LED reflector headlamps and an 8-inch touchscreen.
• The RST trim expands upon the LT by providing a street-performance vehicle with up to 22-inch wheels.
• The LTZ trim offers a stylish design with chrome accents all throughout the exterior and leather interior. A benefit of the LTZ is the power-folding, heated outside rearview mirrors. So, no more foggy mirrors!
• The High Country trim has its own exclusive grille design and includes a power tailgate.

With the makeover came a 450-pound reduction to the vehicle, making it more mobile than ever. Speaking of mobility, the 2019 edition introduced six engine and transmission combinations to provide a customized driving experience ready to suit a variety of needs. Buyers of new vehicles could choose from the 4.3-L V-6 (six-speed automatic), 5.3L V-8 (six-speed automatic), 2.7L turbo I-4 (eight-speed automatic), 5.3L V-8 (eight-speed automatic), 6.2L V-8 (10-speed automatic), all of which offer Fuel Management, either Active or Dynamic. Additionally, the 3.0L I-6 turbo-diesel offers 10-speed automatic transmission.

The 2019 Silverado 1500 comes with an optional Z71 Off-Road Equipment package on all models. The package includes Rancho monotube shocks, Electronic Hill Descent Control, a two-speed transfer case, locking rear differential, front skid plates, and heavy-duty air cleaner. Hey, 2019 wasn’t that long ago. This truck is certainly not old.

2020 Suburban

The 2020 Suburban maintains the signature, durable Suburban stance and all of the best features but rolls in with one of the smoothest rides you’ll experience in a truck anywhere. Offering up to 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque combined with excellent shock absorption, the 2020 Suburban provides a ride that is exciting, smooth, and safe.

Part of what makes the 2020 Suburban such a smooth and enjoyable ride is the steering and the pedals. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering makes for a steering wheel that is sensitive when it needs to be, but not so much so that the slightest touch will send you veering. Combine this with the power-adjustable pedals available on the LT, Premier, and LS trims, and you’re in for a smooth, controlled ride. The steering wheel and pedals are almost shockingly smooth compared to most other vehicles, so it may take some getting used to, but it will be a treat for you.

If you anticipate driving the family, then the Suburban offers that which most pickups do not: 7 or 8-passenger capacity with a passenger volume of 122.4 cubic feet. If you’re looking to get the kids in the car for a road trip, there is the option of two video screens (one for the second row, one for the third) attached to the ceiling in addition to the normal 8-inch infotainment touchscreen (standard on LS and LT).

If this is a car that will grow with the kids - one which they may someday be driving - parents will be thrilled to hear about the Teen Driver feature, which provides an in-vehicle report of teen’s driving habits based upon controls set by the parents. They won’t be getting away with anything if you use this feature!

2021 Colorado

Is it just us, or does the Chevy Colorado seem underappreciated? It seems to live in the shadow of its brother, the Silverado. While it is a slightly smaller pickup than the Silverado, the Colorado has its own skill-set, and a new 2021 Colorado has an MSRP of $4,000 less than a new 2021 Chevy Silverado, meaning that a used vehicle will come in at an even lower price.

The 2021 Colorado made advancements primarily in the realm of style, with a new grille giving the Colorado a more youthful, athletic appearance. The addition of 17-inch wheels, a chrome package, and new exterior color options all served to help the Colorado take on a more mobile appearance than the Silverado. The vehicle’s Crush (orange) color option particularly showcases its stylish features. The Colorado could be a good place to start for anyone looking to ease their way into larger pickups.

2021 Silverado

The M.O. of the 2021 Silverado is towing. With the addition of a Multi-Flex tailgate and overall increased trailering capability of up to 13,300 pounds (yes, you read that correctly) with the right configuration, the 2021 Silverado strives to make towing less of a hassle for you.

Now, you may be wondering how one is supposed to drive safely, smoothly, and effectively while towing up to 13,300 pounds. Well, the 2021 Silverado has increased its camera trailering features to provide up to 15 possible camera views to work around your trailer. These views include hitch view, transparent trailer, rear trailer view, and even inside trailer view. Big trailers are no problem for the 2021 Silverado 1500.

Put it to Use

It’s amazing how many truck drivers never make use of all of the potential their vehicle has to offer. A lot of people find their groove and use the features that make everyday life convenient. While this is to be expected, the trucks we’ve pointed out here are all dynamic vehicles that provide for a variety of experiences and ample opportunity to play. So, find a buddy and go have fun with your used Chevy truck!