How Do the Third and Fourth Generation Silverado 1500 Models Compare to Each Other?

Are you in the market for a Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale? With 25 years in the Chevy lineup, the Silverado 1500 is very much a staple of this manufacturer’s offerings, and the full-size, light-duty pickup segment. Many of our shoppers consider both new and used Silverado models because more recent models have many of the features today’s drivers care about most, so drivers can enjoy the amenities of a modern truck without the brand-new price tag.

For some drivers, it comes down to a third-generation or fourth-generation Silverado 1500. Chevy made some major changes to the pickup from the third to fourth generation, so it’s important to be aware of those before you begin shopping. Below, we’ll cover the highlights that the two generations share and then dive into the changes Chevy made as it moved into its fourth generation.

Major Features the Two Generations Share

Safety and technology features are a big focal point for our pre-owned vehicle shoppers. While other features can be fun and enjoyable, these two feature categories tend to make the biggest impact on a driver’s experience.

In-Vehicle Wi-Fi

Both the third and fourth generations have a Wi-Fi hotspot. We know how important it is to drivers and their passengers to be able to connect to the Internet on the road. Not everyone has a hotspot on their phone or unlimited data, which can leave them without Wi-Fi just when they need it. Every driver, whether it’s parents transporting kids or contractors transporting a crew, can think of the many ways having in-vehicle Wi-Fi comes in handy. From handling homework assignments to looking over digital blueprints, there’s a lot you can do with in-vehicle Wi-Fi, and a third or fourth-generation Silverado 1500 will allow you to utilize this crucial modern feature.

Notable Safety and Driver Assist Features

The roads can be perilous for any driver, but managing a vehicle as big as a pickup truck can be particularly trying in some scenarios. So you’ll be happy to know that both generations boast driver-assist features that can reduce the chances of accidents. They are as follows:

• Rear Vision Camera – Backup jobs are easier with this camera, as it gives you a clear view of your rear so you can get into that parking spot with confidence.
• Forward Collision Alert – This will provide you with alerts if you are getting too close to the vehicle in front of you and are at risk of a potential collision.
• Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking. In low-speed settings, if the system detects that you have not hit the brakes in time to avoid a collision, it will do so for you.
• Front and Rear Park Assist – This system has ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear bumpers that can detect nearby objects when parking and alert you if you’re getting too close to obstacles.
• IntelliBeam High Beam Assist – These smart high beams automatically alternate between headlights and low beams in certain conditions to improve visibility.
• Teen Driver – This system lets parents of teens set vehicle capability limits to encourage safer driving habits and shows a report card displaying important behavioral safety stats from your teen’s journeys.

There are other features the two have in common, like regular, double, and crew cab options, as well as standard, short, and long bed options. There is some engine overlap, too, like a 5.3L V8. However, the tech and safety features are a main point of interest for used truck shoppers, so keep this in mind when checking out our expansive selection.

Major Changes for the Fourth Generation

For the fourth generation, starting with the 2019 model, Chevy made many changes. There are a handful of special features and models that became available for the first time, so if you’re after those (we’ll explore them below), you’ll have to shop for the fourth generation. We’ll begin with one of the most buzz-worthy features of the fourth generation…

The Multi-Flex Tailgate

The Multi-Flex Tailgate didn’t come out until 2021, so we are jumping ahead in the generation a bit; however, for many, this tailgate is a huge selling point, and a lot of Silverado drivers refuse to buy another model without this feature. So we like to make it clear right away that only fourth-generation and onward models have it—specifically model years 2021 and onward.
This tailgate replaces the third generation’s traditional up-down tailgate with a six-position, highly versatile one. The Multi-Flex can be oriented to offer first and second-tier load stops, it can transform into a work surface, and it can even fold down into a full-width step for easy access to your bed. It was a game changer, to say the least, and if you’ve experienced it, then you know it’s hard to go back to a regular old tailgate.

The Trail Boss Trims

2019 was a big year for Silverado lovers looking for more variety in off-road options because Chevy introduced the Trail Boss trims: the Custom Trail Boss and the LT Trail Boss. The third generation had just the Z71 in terms of off-road-ready trims, but Chevy realized there was a whole market of off-roaders looking for more variety. So in came the Trail Boss trims. The Custom Trail Boss gets treats like a two-inch suspension lift and a Z71 off-road package, as well as Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires. The LT Trail Boss contains the Custom’s features, plus some city-ready styling perks like strategically-placed lights and a black center grille bar.

New Safety Features

The fourth generation will have all of the driver assist features found on the third one and then some. Here’s what it adds:

• Front Pedestrian Braking – In addition to notifying you when you’re getting too close to a vehicle in front of you, the fourth-generation Silverado 1500 can detect pedestrians and alert you to their presence and utilize braking if needed.
• Following Distance Indicator – This feature will provide visual notifications of how closely you’re following the vehicle in front of you, notifying you when you need to ease off the gas.
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert – This is a big step up from the third generation, as it senses when you intend to make a lane change (due to your turn signals being on) and then monitors your blind zone to see if vehicles are approaching it. If so, the system will alert you so you don’t make the change until it’s safe to do so.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert – In collaboration with that backup camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert gives you all the backup help you need. When you are moving in reverse, it monitors for vehicles approaching your rear and alerts you of their presence.

Test Drive the Silverado 1500 With Us Today

Now that you understand the major differences between these two generations, you’re ready to come to select your Silverado! At Riverton Chevrolet, we have a huge selection of new and used models, including the fourth and third generations. We only covered some of the major differences between the two today, but our knowledgeable team would love to tell you more about them in person. We’re rolling inventory onto our lot daily, so there’s always tons to explore! Visit us today and drive home in this popular full-size pickup!