Should I Buy a Pre-Owned 2018 or 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500?

Buying a pre-owned pickup truck offers you, as a truck shopper, a wealth of options. There is a buffet of different model years, trims, makes, and brands to choose from, but you probably would prefer a quality truck with some sort of guarantee. That’s why going with a certified pre-owned Silverado is certainly a good bet. The Silverado is one of the most popular pickup trucks in automotive history, and getting a certified pre-owned truck means you have guarantees in place with manufacturer-backed warranties. Now the only issue you face is whether you should go with a 2018 or 2020 Silverado 1500?

Why choose between these two models specifically? Most times, this would be a simple decision, and you probably wouldn’t think much of having a choice between two model years so close to one another. However, the reality is that there’s a fairly significant difference between the 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 series and the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 series due to some changes that took place in between the release of each model year.

What Does the 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 Feature?

The 2018 Chevy Silverado was the last model year of the third generation of the popular marque. It sports three different powertrains, including a 4.3-liter V6, a 5.3-liter V8, and a 6.2-liter V8. The 2018 Chevy Silverado maintained the cubicle design that was prevalent throughout the third generation, including the flared boxed fenders and relaxed front fascia with the solid bowtie badging. The rectangular ‘A’ and ‘B’ pillars that were prevalent throughout the previous generations help retain the stylistic design of the Silverado. The model year includes all of the standard features from the 2017 model year, but with a few additional features added to some of the eight available trims, including standard alert systems, a standard inclusion of the Chevrolet Mylink infotainment display on the Work Truck trim, and the addition of OnStar and SiriusXM Satellite Radio in select packages.

What Does the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Feature?

The 2020 Chevy Silverado is part of the fourth generation of the popular pickup truck series and carries with it a completely different design and a new slate of features compared to the 2018 Silverado. The 2020 pickup is part of the new generation that started in 2019 and is on a different platform than the 2018 Silverado, featuring an all-new powertrain and drivetrain configuration. The 2020 model year features a lighter chassis, a completely new wheelbase, an all new alloy steel bed, and a completely redesigned exterior. The rectangular fenders were smoothed and rounded out for the fourth generation, while the front and rear fascia underwent massive changes.

The third-generation body-colored fascia and bumper were replaced with a reinforced black bumper for the fourth generation, along with an open-grille fascia. The bowtie badge is also redesigned to be more aerodynamic for some trims, while the ‘A’ and ‘B’ pillars have more rounded edges. From a visual perspective alone, there’s a fairly stark difference between the two models. If you had planned on purchasing a used Chevy Silverado, there’s a significant design contrast between the two model years, and that’s certainly something to consider with your purchasing decision.

Major Differences Between the 2018 Silverado and 2020 Silverado

The 2018 Chevy Silverado comes with three different powertrains, but the 2020 Chevy Silverado comes with five different powertrain options. While the 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter V8, and 6.2-liter V8 have all been retained, a brand new optional 2.7-liter turbo 4-cylinder and 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine have been added to spice up the line-up. All new transmission options have also been made available with the fourth generation Silverado 1500.

Instead of being limited to a 6 or 8-speed automatic transmission, you now have access to a 6-speed automatic for the 4.3-liter 6-cylinder, while the 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder can be paired with the 8-speed automatic. The 5.3-liter V8 offers the most versatility now, with the EcoTec3 V8 allowing truck shoppers to pair it with the 6-speed automatic, the 8-speed automatic, or the 10-speed automatic.

The 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder is also paired up exclusively with the 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering up to 23 miles per gallon in the city and up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway. This is a stark improvement over the fuel economy of the 2018 Chevy Silverado, which topped out at 18 miles per gallon in the city and up to 24 miles per gallon on the highway. Essentially the fuel economy for the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 in the city is equivalent to the 2018 Chevy Silverado’s fuel economy on the highway.

Is a Used 2018 or 2020 Chevy Silverado Right for Me?

When it comes to buying used, there are a lot of variables to consider. If you like the more rectangular design aesthetic of the Chevy Silverado during the third generation, then the 2018 model might be preferable. If you prefer the more rounded curves, smooth edges, and more masculine and aggressive fascia for the fourth-generation Chevy Silverado, then the 2020 model is going to be a much better buy. You also have access to more powertrain options with the 2020 Chevy Silverado, including better fuel economy thanks to the turbocharged inline 6-cylinder diesel engine.

There are also more driver assists made available for the 2020 Chevy Silverado, including adaptive cruise control, up to 15 unique camera views for trailering, and all-new smart trailer technology via the iN-Command Control System available through the myChevrolet app. You can also access apps related to the 2020 Chevy Silverado through the standard inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lighter platform and chassis for the 2020 Chevy Silverado also made it viable for increased towing thanks to the new Duramax diesel engine, giving it the ability to tow up to 400 additional pounds over the 2018 Chevy Silverado. So overall, everything is improved for the 2020 Chevy Silverado over the 2018 Chevy Silverado, from handling to suspension, from powertrain performance to fuel economy, and from aesthetic design to towing capacity.

Get Your Certified Pre-Owned Chevy Silverado From DePaula Chevy

Now that you know the differences between the 2018 Silverado and the 2020 Silverado, when you figure it’s time to visit a used Chevy dealer like DePaula Chevrolet, you definitely want to go with a certified pre-owned Silverado. The benefits just can’t be denied. With the ability to make use of our trade-in program so you can reduce the costs of your next purchase, we make everything as easy and accessible both in terms of the process of buying a used Silverado as well as making it convenient on your finances.

Certified pre-owned vehicles are also backed by Chevy’s certified pre-owned warranties, which includes two factory-backed warranties. The Powertrain Limited Warranty extends for up to 6-year or 100,000 miles, and the 12-month or 12,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper warranty covers any sort of service or mechanical issues you might have, along with roadside assistance. Certified pre-owned vehicles also go through rigorous multi-point testing and reconditioning, so you’re getting quality OEM parts and with fewer than 75,000 miles, a clean title, and a complete history report of the vehicle courtesy of CARFAX.

Call or visit DePaula Chevrolet right now to find out how you can gain the benefits of a certified pre-owned Chevy Silverado and experience the quality and comfort provided by one of the best-selling pickup trucks in America. Browse through our inventory to see what trucks we have in stock, and find the perfect one for you. Visit us today to discover what makes certified pre-owned vehicles such a good choice.