Pickup trucks are not cheap, but that doesn’t stop Americans from buying them. The average cost of a truck can vary by size, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $42,000 to $65,000 on average for one, and probably a lot more if you check all the option boxes. Of course, if you finance a truck like this, you could spend that much money with low payments over time so that you can afford it.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.7L TurboMax I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
310 HP @5600 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
430 lb.-ft. @ 3000 RPM
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado is no exception. While its base models are relatively attainable, a fully loaded version can push the price up to luxury-car levels, rivaling premium SUVs in price and features. So, how much will a fully loaded Chevrolet Silverado set you back with every option box checked? We do the math so you don’t have to.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver and Edmunds.
Breaking Down The 2026 Silverado Trim Levels
For 2026, Chevrolet continues to offer the Silverado in a wide range of trim levels, ensuring that there’s something for every type of truck buyer. The lineup starts with the Work Truck, which is designed for utility and fleet use, and climbs through popular trims like the LT, RST, and Trail Boss, which balance capability with style. Higher up the ladder are the LTZ, High Country, and ZR2 trim levels, which bring luxurious touches and advanced technology.
Pricing for these trim levels reflects that spread, with the base Work Truck trim starting at around $48,000 and the top-trim ZR2 4WD trim starting at around $72,000. For buyers who want the Silverado at its absolute best, the ZR2 trim level sits at the top, and it’s where things start to get pricey when you start diving into the options.
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trims And Pricing
|
Work Truck (2WD) |
$45,195 |
|
Work Truck (4WD) |
$48,495 |
|
Custom (2WD) |
$47,295 |
|
Custom (4WD) |
$50,695 |
|
LT (2WD) |
$52,895 |
|
Custom Trail Boss |
$55,395 |
|
LT (4WD) |
$56,195 |
|
RST (2WD) |
$53,895 |
|
RST (4WD) |
$57,195 |
|
LTZ (2WD) |
$60,595 |
|
LT Trail Boss (4WD) |
$61,195 |
|
High Country (2WD) |
$65,495 |
|
High Country (4WD) |
$68,995 |
|
ZR2 (4WD) |
$74,295 |
Which Silverado Trim We Would Choose
While there are many Chevrolet Silverado trim levels to choose from, a cost-effective and value-driven pick would be the LT trim, which comes well-equipped and can be optioned with a V8 engine and a choice of cab and bed lengths. Opting for the V8 engine allows for the Z71 Off-Road package to be chosen, which adds some upgraded hardware for better off-road capability. However, for buyers who want the most from their Silverado, the ZR2 is the way to go.
What You Get With A Fully Loaded ZR2 Trim
When choosing the top-trim ZR2 trim level, buyers will get a myriad of standard features. Some of the most notable include a ZR2 suspension package, a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine that’s connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 13.4-inch infotainment system, and skid plates.
However, when you start checking the boxes, there is an option for the 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It’s also connected to a 10-speed automatic, and it’s the one we would choose for the added power and use of regular gas. Further loading up the truck, we would choose the Riptide Blue Metallic color, which adds $395, and the optional 18-inch Black Face Beadlock wheels for another $3,850, which brings the bottom line up to $77,735.
Options Quickly Drive Up The Price
Pushing the price even higher are the available options for the Silverado. Some of the most notable options that we would add to the top-trim build include:
- Dark Appearance Package ($200)
- Assist step and truck bed cover package ($2,395)
- Power sunroof ($995)
- Performance intake system ($850)
There are plenty more options to choose from, which include accessories like floor mats, a safe, and under-seat storage, which are great choices for convenience. However, we chose the heaviest-hitting options to see how much this truck can cost for those with expensive tastes. As such, the fully-loaded price (without the added taxes and other fees) came out to $82,175.
Optional Packages That Push The Price Even Higher
Where things really climb is in the package and options list. For example, the Assist Step and Truck Bed Cover Value Package III option that we chose comes with a hard-folding truck bed cover and off-road high-clearance steps to make ingress/egress easier. This package costs $2,395. However, that price is cheap compared to the $8,010 you would spend on the ZR2 Bison Edition package, which includes all-weather floor liners, rocker protection, a fuel-tank skid plate, gloss black wheels, and a spare wheel protector.
Those looking to save a little money but want added convenience features could opt for the Interior Convenience package, which comes with a console-mounted safe and rear under-seat storage for an extra $620. Also, the Value Package II comes with a soft-folding truck bed cover and round assist steps for $1,450, which is far cheaper than the aforementioned Value Package III. These packages may be pricey, but they bundle up the important options and accessories that most truck lovers want for added ease and convenience. Keep in mind that the dealer may charge extra for installation.
Is An $80,000+ Silverado Really Worth It?
Whether a fully loaded 2026 Chevrolet Silverado is worth its hefty price tag depends on what the buyer values. For some buyers, the Silverado’s combination of serious capability, cutting-edge technology, and near-luxury comfort justifies the price. Keep in mind that it’s a truck that can tow over 13,000 pounds during the week and serve as a plush road trip vehicle on the weekend.
However, others may scoff at spending luxury-car money on a truck, especially when lower trim levels offer similar performance and plenty of features for thousands less. In fact, you can save around $30,000 by choosing the LT trim level with a few options over the fully loaded ZR2 model and get the same engine.
Ultimately, a fully loaded 2025 Silverado ZR2 isn’t just about transportation; it’s about making a statement. For truck enthusiasts who want a truck that can do everything and look good doing it, the $80,000-plus price may look steep, but it’s worth every dollar considering the amount of capability and prestige that it comes with.