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2026 Silverado 1500 Towing and Payload: How It Stacks Up Against the Rest

If you tow for work or for the weekend, the engine under the hood matters more than the badge on the tailgate. The 2026 Silverado 1500 is built to haul serious weight right out of the box, and it does something none of its full-size rivals can match: it offers a diesel option for buyers who want towing power without the fuel bill. Here is a straightforward look at what the 2026 Silverado 1500 can tow and haul, and how it compares to the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra.If you tow for work or for the weekend, the engine under the hood matters more than the right out of the box, and it does something none of its full-size rivals can match: it offers a diesel option for buyers who want towing power without the fuel bill. Here is a straightforward look at what the 2026 Silverado 1500 can tow and haul, and how it compares to the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra. 

2026 Silverado 1500 Towing and Payload Specs 

Properly equipped, the 2026 Silverado 1500 offers up to 13,300 pounds of maximum towing capacity with the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel or the 6.2L V8 and the Max Trailering Package, plus up to 2,260 pounds of maximum payload with the 2.7L TurboMax engine. What sets Silverado apart is what happens before you upgrade anything. The standard 2.7L TurboMax engine tows up to 9,500 pounds right off the lot, more than the standard engine in either the F-150 or the Ram 1500.

Engine Max Towing Notes 
2.7L TurboMax (standard) 9,500 lbs. Highest payload rating in the lineup at 2,260 lbs 
5.3L V8 11,300 lbs. Handles most horse trailers, mid-size RVs, and boats 
6.2L V8 Up to 13,300 lbs. Requires Max Trailering Package 
3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel Up to 13,300 lbs. Best-in-class 28 MPG highway while towing 

What does that translate to on the roads and lakes around central Iowa? The standard 2.7L TurboMax comfortably handles a bass boat out to Saylorville Lake or Big Creek Lake, a single-axle utility trailer, or a small snowmobile trailer for a weekend run up north. Step up to the 5.3L V8 and you can pull a two-horse trailer to a show, a mid-size travel trailer for a Ledges State Park camping trip, or a tandem-axle equipment trailer hauling a skid steer or Kubota. With the 6.2L V8 and Max Trailering Package, or the Duramax diesel, you have the most room to work with, enough for a bumper-pull livestock trailer or a loaded small grain wagon at harvest. Larger fifth-wheel campers and big multi-hundred-bushel grain carts run heavier than any half-ton truck is rated for, so those jobs call for a heavier-duty truck. Browse current Silverado 1500 inventory at Karl Chevrolet Ankeny to find the configuration that matches what you want. 

What You're Towing Empty Loaded Best Fit Engine 
Bass boat and trailer ~2,400 lbs. ~3,200 lbs. 2.7L TurboMax 
Single-axle utility trailer ~700-1,000 lbs. ~2,000-2,500 lbs. 2.7L TurboMax 
Two-place snowmobile trailer ~300-500 lbs. ~1,500-1,800 lbs. 2.7L TurboMax 
Two-horse trailer ~2,500-3,000 lbs. ~4,500-5,500 lbs. 5.3L V8 
Mid-size travel trailer (20-26 ft) ~4,000-6,000 lbs. ~6,300-8,500 lbs. 5.3L V8 
Tandem equipment trailer with skid steer ~2,000-2,500 lbs. ~8,000-8,500 lbs. 5.3L V8 
Bumper-pull livestock trailer ~2,300-2,800 lbs. up to ~7,000 lbs. 6.2L V8 or Duramax 
Small gravity grain wagon (100-125 bu) ~1,000-1,500 lbs. ~6,000-7,500 lbs. 6.2L V8 or Duramax 

Weights above are typical industry ranges for reference, not exact figures for any specific unit. Larger fifth-wheel campers and multi-hundred-bushel grain carts commonly exceed a half-ton truck's rated capacity and are not included here. Always weigh your actual loaded trailer and check its GVWR and your Silverado's specific rating before towing. 

How the Silverado 1500 Compares 

On paper, every full-size half-ton truck can pull a trailer. The differences show up in what the standard engine can do, whether a diesel is even on the table, and how many engine choices you get to match your budget and towing needs. 

Silverado 1500 Advantages 

  • Standard engine tows 9,500 lbs., ahead of F-150 (8,400 lbs.)  
    and Ram (8,130 lbs.) 
  • Only truck in this group offered with a diesel engine 
  • 28 MPG highway towing rating with the Duramax diesel 
  • Four distinct engine choices to match the job 

The Competition 

  • Ford F-150 tops out at 13,500 lbs towing and 2,440 lbs. payload, but only with the 3.5L EcoBoost and no diesel option 
  • Ram 1500 maxes out at 11,610 lbs towing, nearly 1,700 lbs short of Silverado's top rating 
  • Toyota Tundra reaches 12,000 lbs. towing but under 2,000 lbs of payload, the lowest of the group 

The F-150 does edge out Silverado at the very top of the range, 13,500 pounds versus 13,300 pounds towing and 2,440 pounds versus 2,260 pounds payload. But that comparison only applies to one specific EcoBoost configuration. For the buyer who does not want to chase a single trim and package combination just to get real capability, Silverado's standard engine and diesel option make it the more balanced choice across the whole lineup. 

Towing Tech: Super Cruise vs. Ford BlueCruise 

Capability is only part of the towing equation. The 2026 Silverado 1500 also offers Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver assistance system, and it works while towing on compatible roads. The system accounts for the added weight and drag of a trailer and continues to manage steering and speed, which takes real fatigue off long highway hauls. Super Cruise is available on LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, ZR2, and High Country trims for 2026, a wider reach across the lineup than in previous model years. 

Ford's equivalent system, BlueCruise, does not support hands-free operation once a trailer is connected. It works hands-free only on compatible highways without a trailer attached. For anyone who tows regularly, whether it is a work trailer during the week or a camper on the weekend, that is a meaningful difference between the two trucks, not a minor spec sheet footnote. 

Silverado backs up its trailering tech with up to 14 available camera views, including Transparent Trailer View, and an in-vehicle Trailering App that stores custom trailer profiles and pre-departure checklists, all viewable on the available 13.4-inch touchscreen. Ford's F-150 offers its own strong trailering aids, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, and features like Smart Hitch for estimating tongue weight, but none of them restore hands-free driving once a trailer is hooked up. 

Why Buy Your Silverado 1500 at Karl Chevrolet Ankeny 

Karl Chevrolet Ankeny has been Iowa's #1 new car dealer for all brands since 2011, according to Polk Registration Data, and has earned 22 consecutive Chevrolet Dealer of the Year awards from 2004 through 2025. Our service team includes 26 GM World Class Technicians and 37 GM Master Technicians, so your Silverado is serviced by some of the most credentialed technicians in the industry, both before and after the sale. Karl Auto Group has served Iowa drivers since 1978. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Silverado 1500? 
Properly equipped with the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel or the 6.2L V8 and Max Trailering Package, the 2026 Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 pounds. 

What is the maximum payload for the 2026 Silverado 1500? 
The 2026 Silverado 1500 offers up to 2,260 pounds of maximum payload with the 2.7L TurboMax engine. 

Does the Silverado 1500 tow more than the Ford F-150? 
The F-150 has a higher ceiling at 13,500 pounds with its 3.5L EcoBoost engine, but the Silverado's standard 2.7L TurboMax tows more than the F-150's standard 2.7L EcoBoost, 9,500 pounds versus 8,400 pounds. 

Does the Silverado 1500 tow more than the Ram 1500? 
Yes. The Silverado 1500 maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds is nearly 1,700 pounds more than the Ram 1500's maximum of 11,610 pounds. 

Is a diesel engine available on the Silverado 1500? 
Yes. The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel is available on the Silverado 1500 and delivers up to 13,300 pounds of towing with a best-in-class 28 MPG highway rating. Neither the Ford F-150 nor the Ram 1500 currently offers a diesel engine. 

How does the Silverado 1500 compare to the Toyota Tundra in towing and payload? 
The Silverado 1500's maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds beats the Tundra's 12,000 pound maximum. Payload is a bigger gap: the Silverado's 2,260 pound maximum payload is well ahead of the Tundra's maximum, which falls under 2,000 pounds depending on trim. 

Which Silverado 1500 engine has the best payload rating? 
The standard 2.7L TurboMax engine offers the highest payload rating in the Silverado 1500 lineup at up to 2,260 pounds, even though it is not the engine with the highest towing number. 

What is the Max Trailering Package on the Silverado 1500? 
The Max Trailering Package is required to reach the Silverado 1500's top towing rating of 13,300 pounds with the 6.2L V8 or 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel. It is available on select trims and adds equipment such as a heavy-duty cooling system and trailering hardware. 

How many engine options does the Silverado 1500 offer? 
The Silverado 1500 offers four engines: the 2.7L TurboMax, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, and 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, giving buyers more ways to match an engine to their towing needs and budget than Ram 1500's three engine lineup. 

Does drivetrain affect Silverado 1500 towing capacity? 
Yes. Four-wheel drive is required to reach the Silverado 1500's maximum towing rating. Two-wheel drive configurations carry slightly lower capacities, so it is worth confirming drivetrain and configuration together when comparing tow ratings. 

Towing and payload figures are manufacturer estimates for properly equipped 2026 model year vehicles and vary by cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio, and installed equipment. Visit Karl Chevrolet Ankeny or review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual to confirm capacity for a specific configuration before towing. 

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2026 Chevy Equinox vs. Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Outback: Which Compact SUV Is Right for Iowa Drivers?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the smarter value for Iowa families and commuters shopping compact SUVs. It pairs a 175 hp turbo engine, available AWD, and standard Google Built-In, and it starts thousands of dollars below the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Subaru Outback. Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, Iowa stocks the lineup, including the all-electric Equinox EV. Key Facts The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox delivers 175 hp from a 1.5L turbo engine, FWD standard, AWD available. Equinox is EPA-estimated at up to 27 mpg combined. Equinox offers up to 63.5 cu. ft. of cargo room and tows up to 1,500 lbs. Equinox comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Google Built-In is standard on every Equinox trim. The all-electric Equinox EV offers up to 319 miles of EPA-estimated range. The 2026 RAV4 is offered only as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Karl Chevrolet: 1101 SE Oralabor Rd, Ankeny, IA 50021, off I-35 at Exit 90, 515-299-4402 Specifications reflect manufacturer information as of September 2026. How does the 2026 Equinox compare to the RAV4 and Outback? Category 2026 Chevrolet Equinox 2026 Toyota RAV4 2026 Subaru Outback Drivetrain FWD standard, AWD available Hybrid FWD or AWD, depending on trim Symmetrical AWD standard Engine / powertrain 1.5L turbocharged engine Hybrid or plug-in hybrid BOXER engine; turbo available Standout feature Turbo power, available AWD, Google Built-In Hybrid powertrain Standard AWD Should I buy the gas Equinox or the all-electric Equinox EV? Chevrolet sells the 2026 Equinox with a gas engine or as the all-electric Equinox EV. The 2026 RAV4 is hybrid or plug-in hybrid only, and the 2026 Outback is gas-only. Category Chevrolet Equinox (Gas) Chevrolet Equinox EV Powertrain 1.5L turbocharged, 175 hp Single-motor electric, FWD Range / efficiency Up to 27 mpg combined Up to 319 miles EPA-estimated range Charging / fueling Standard gas fill-up DC fast charge adds ~70 miles in 10 minutes What is Google Built-In, and does the 2026 Equinox have it? Google Built-In runs Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Gemini directly on the vehicle, so navigation and voice commands do not need a paired phone. Every 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trim includes it as standard. How does the 2026 Equinox handle Iowa winters and gravel roads? AWD is available on every 2026 Equinox trim and pairs with an 8-speed automatic. The standard Drive Mode Selector adjusts the vehicle to conditions, the ACTIV adds all-terrain tires, and the LT includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Chevy Safety Assist is standard on every trim. Why buy an Equinox from Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, Iowa? Track Record Founded in 1978 by Carl Moyer on the Dealer for Life principle. 22 consecutive Chevrolet Dealer of the Year awards, 2004 to 2025 Iowa's number one new car dealer for all brands since 2011, per Polk Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars across 3,483 Google reviews. Visit Us 1101 SE Oralabor Rd Ankeny, IA 50021 Off I-35 at Exit 90, next to The Rock Phone: 515-299-4402 Website: karlchevrolet.com Open in Google Maps How far is Karl Chevrolet from nearby Iowa cities? Karl Chevrolet sits off I-35 at Exit 90 in Ankeny. Times reflect normal conditions with no traffic. Select a city for Google Maps directions. City Drive Time to Karl Chevrolet, Ankeny (No Traffic) Des Moines, IA (near the Iowa State Capitol) 15 minutes Ames, IA (near Iowa State University) 25 minutes Urbandale, IA (near Living History Farms) 20 minutes Altoona, IA (near Adventureland Resort) 15 minutes West Des Moines, IA (near Jordan Creek Town Center) 25 minutes Frequently Asked Questions What is the starting price of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox? A 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT at Karl Chevrolet, Stock #61628, runs $31,330. Pricing varies by unit and availability. Call 515-299-4402 or visit karlchevrolet.com to confirm. How does the Equinox LT price compare to the Subaru Outback Premium? A 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT at Karl Chevrolet, Stock #61628, runs $31,330, thousands less than a comparably positioned Subaru Outback Premium at $37,790, currently listed at an area dealer. Prices reflect specific in-stock units and may vary. How does the Equinox RS price compare to the RAV4 SE Hybrid? A 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS at Karl Chevrolet, Stock #62227, runs $39,019, close to a comparably positioned RAV4 SE Hybrid at $40,403, currently listed at an area dealer. The Equinox EV LT, Stock #60961, runs $41,513. Prices reflect specific in-stock units and may vary. What are the differences between the 2026 Equinox LT, RS, and ACTIV trims? The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox comes in three trims. The LT is the entry trim, with a 1.5L turbo engine, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an 11.3-inch touchscreen. The RS adds sport styling, including 19-inch black machined wheels, a blacked-out grille, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The ACTIV brings all-terrain tires and a uniquely tuned suspension for rougher roads. AWD is available on all three, and Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, Iowa can show you each one. Does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have AWD for Iowa winters? Yes. AWD is available on the LT, RS, and ACTIV trims, with FWD standard. Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, Iowa stocks both drivetrains. How much horsepower, cargo space, and towing capacity does the Equinox have? The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox has 175 horsepower, up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo room, and tows up to 1,500 lbs. What safety features come standard on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox? Every 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trim comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking, Intelli Beam auto high beams, and a following distance indicator. Additional driver assistance features are available depending on trim. Does the Equinox come in an electric version? Yes. Chevrolet offers a gas Equinox or the all-electric Equinox EV, with up to 319 miles of EPA-estimated range. The 2026 RAV4 is hybrid or plug-in hybrid only and the 2026 Outback is gas-only. Does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have Google Built-In? Yes. Every 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trim runs Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Gemini natively, with no paired phone required. Where can I see the Equinox lineup in person near Des Moines? Karl Chevrolet is located at 1101 SE Oralabor Rd, Ankeny, IA 50021, about 15 minutes from downtown Des Moines. Call 515-299-4402 or visit karlchevrolet.com to explore the Equinox lineup in stock. Specifications shown are subject to change. Confirm exact configuration, options, and current details with Karl Chevrolet before purchase.

What Happens When You Bring Your Car to Karl Chevrolet Collision Center in Ankeny?

Quick answer: Karl Chevrolet's Collision Center in Ankeny, IA repairs all makes and models, from paintless dent repair and scratch touch ups to full structural frame straightening, computerized paint matching, and safety system recalibration. The shop is GM Collision Repair Network and I-CAR Gold Class certified, works directly with most insurance companies as a direct repair facility, and offers customer pay financing through Sunbit for anyone paying out of pocket. Key Facts Located at 1101 SE Oralabor Rd, Ankeny, IA 50021, off I-35 Collision estimates: 515-299-4337 | General questions: 515-299-4403 GM Collision Repair Network certified and I-CAR Gold Class certified Offers paintless dent repair (PDR), structural welding, glass replacement, and ADAS recalibration Backed by Karl Chevrolet, founded by Carl Moyer in 1978 under the Dealer for Life promise, Iowa's number one new car dealer for all brands since 2011, and 22 consecutive years as Chevrolet Dealer of the Year Separate fleet and commercial collision line at 515-299-4307 for business vehicles Full inventory, hours, and scheduling available at karlchevrolet.com What Collision Repair Actually Involves Collision repair isn't just bodywork. Every vehicle starts with a full damage assessment using computerized measuring systems and diagnostic scans, since frame damage, sensor issues, and pinched wiring often aren't visible from the outside. Technicians then handle disassembly, structural straightening, parts replacement, refinishing, and reassembly, with quality checks built in at each stage. Before a car goes back to its owner, it gets a final inspection and road test to confirm the paint, fit, and safety systems all work the way they should. The Collision Center Works on All Makes and Models, Not Only Chevrolets Karl Chevrolet's Collision Center repairs all makes and models, whether or not the customer bought the vehicle there. That includes everything from minor scratch and chip repair to full structural and framework on aluminum and steel bodies. Drivers of Fords, Toyotas, and Chevrolets like the Silverado, Equinox, and Traverse all bring their vehicles here for the same certified technicians and professional grade equipment. The shop is also EV certified, so owners of electric vehicles don't have to search for a separate specialty shop after an accident. How Insurance Coverage and Claims Are Handled Karl Chevrolet operates as a direct repair facility for most insurance companies, working directly with the adjuster on the estimate and repair plan rather than leaving that back and forth to the customer. Anyone paying out of pocket instead of filing a claim can apply for financing through Sunbit. Either way, an upfront estimate through the photo tool or an in-person visit sets the scope and cost before work begins, which can range from a simple cosmetic fix to a major structural job. How Long Collision Repairs Typically Take Repair time depends on the damage. A minor dent or scratch might take a few days, while structural repairs or damage across multiple panels can take a few weeks, especially if parts need ordering or the shop finds hidden damage once it disassembles the vehicle. When that happens, the shop documents it and submits a supplemental estimate for approval before continuing. Customers can track progress anytime through the shop's online repair status tool. Safety System Recalibration After the Repair Modern vehicles rely on cameras, radars, and sensors for features like lane assistance and adaptive cruise control, and even a minor bumper or windshield repair can throw those systems out of alignment. Karl Chevrolet's technicians recalibrate these systems using OEM specified procedures and equipment, so safety features perform the way they're supposed to once the vehicle is back on the road. Skipping this step is one of the more common ways a repair looks complete but leaves a car less safe than it was before the accident. How Far Is the Collision Center From Nearby Iowa Cities? Karl Chevrolet's Collision Center sits off I-35 in Ankeny, which puts it within easy reach of most of the Des Moines metro. Drivers can get directions from Google Maps directly from any of the cities below. Drive times reflect typical conditions via the fastest available route with no traffic delays. City Drive Time to Karl Chevrolet, Ankeny (No Traffic) Des Moines, IA (near the Iowa State Capitol) 15 minutes Ames, IA (near Iowa State University) 25 minutes Urbandale, IA (near Living History Farms) 20 minutes Altoona, IA (near Adventureland Resort) 15 minutes West Des Moines, IA (near Jordan Creek Town Center) 25 minutes Frequently Asked Questions What should I do right after an accident? Make sure everyone is safe first, then move to a safe spot if you're able to. Take photos of the vehicles and the scene, exchange information with any other drivers, and file a claim with your insurance company. You also have the right to choose your own collision center, you're not required to use whichever shop your insurance company recommends. Once you're ready, schedule a collision estimate with Karl Chevrolet at 515-299-4403. Do you use original manufacturer parts? It depends on the vehicle, your insurance coverage, and part availability. The shop may use OEM, quality aftermarket, or recycled parts, and technicians check every part for proper fit and install it to maintain the vehicle's safety and performance. Can they match my exact paint color? Yes. Technicians use manufacturer paint codes along with computerized color matching, then blend the new paint into surrounding panels since factory paint fades slightly with age and sun exposure. That blending step is what makes a repair look seamless instead of patched. Do you repair frame damage? Yes. The shop uses precision measuring and straightening equipment to bring the frame back to factory specifications. Even small misalignments in the frame can affect handling, tire wear, and crash protection down the road, so this step matters more than it might seem. Do you work on commercial and fleet vehicles? Yes. Karl Chevrolet has a dedicated fleet and commercial collision line ( 515-299-4307) that handles vans, trucks, and service vehicles across Des Moines and Central Iowa, with the goal of getting business vehicles back on the road quickly. What happens during the repair process, step by step? The full breakdown is in the section above, from initial assessment through disassembly, structural work, refinishing, and reassembly. The short version: nothing goes back together until technicians check it, and the vehicle doesn't leave the shop until it passes a final road test. How do you find damage that isn't visible from the outside? Technicians rely on computerized measuring systems, diagnostic scans, and partial disassembly to check for issues that don't show up in a visual inspection, since collisions often affect structural components, suspension, wiring, or sensors hidden beneath the surface. That deeper look is what makes the estimate accurate from the start. Will my vehicle be as safe as it was before the accident? When repairs follow manufacturer procedures and use the right equipment, technicians can restore a vehicle to its original safety standards, including structural repairs, component replacement, diagnostic testing, and recalibration of safety systems. That's important because engineers design modern vehicles with crumple zones and sensors that work together during a collision. What happens if you find more damage once repairs are already underway? As covered in the repair timeline section above, the shop documents any newly discovered damage and gets it approved through a supplemental estimate before continuing, so nothing extra is done to the vehicle without sign-off first. Is there a financing option for collision repair? Yes, through Sunbit, which lets customers pay overtime with no interest for the first 90 days. It's a customer pay option for anyone covering the repair out of pocket instead of going through insurance, so a repair doesn't have to wait until the full cost is saved up. It also doesn't change how the shop handles the vehicle, the same certified team still handles everything from the initial estimate through the final road test.

#5 Volume Silverado Dealer in the Nation: Engine Guide for Every Trim

Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, Iowa is the #5 volume Silverado dealer in the nation for 2026 year to date, with over 400 Silverados in stock. The 2026 Silverado 1500 is built around three core engines, the 2.7L TurboMax turbo four-cylinder, the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8, and the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, and Karl Chevrolet stocks all nine trims so buyers can match an engine to the job, whether that is daily driving, heavy towing, or off-road work. View Silverado Inventory | Call 515-299-4402 What Engines Are Available on the 2026 Silverado 1500? Three core engines cover all nine trims, from the Work Truck to the ZR2: Engine Output Max Towing Standard On 2.7L TurboMax Turbo I4 310 hp, 430 lb-ft Up to 9,500 lbs. WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 355 hp, 383 lb-ft Up to 11,300 lbs. LTZ, High Country (optional on Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss) 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 305 hp, 495 lb-ft Up to 13,300 lbs. ZR2 (optional on Custom Trail Boss, LT, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, High Country) The Duramax leads the lineup on torque at 495 lb-ft and offers the Silverados highest available tow rating, making it the choice for buyers who tow the most. Which Silverado Trim Fits Your Engine Choice? Trim and engine are separate decisions on the Silverado, so buyers can match a trim's features to an engine that fits their budget and use case: Work Truck, Custom: Fleet and budget-focused trims built around the 2.7L TurboMax Custom Trail Boss, LT Trail Boss: Off-road suspension and styling, available with the TurboMax, 5.3L V8, or Duramax diesel LT: The most popular value trim, TurboMax standard with V8 or diesel available RST: Sport-styled trim that can be built with the Duramax diesel for maximum towing capability LTZ, High Country: 5.3L V8 comes standard, with the Duramax diesel available as an upgrade ZR2: Chevrolet's factory off-road Silverado, built with the 3.0L Duramax diesel standard Key Facts #5 volume Silverado dealer nationally as of August 31st, 2026 Over 400 Silverados in stock, every trim and engine Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars across 3,483 Google reviews 22 consecutive Chevrolet Dealer of the Year awards, 2004 to 2025 Iowa's #1 new car dealer for all brands since 2011, per Polk Registration Data 48 years serving central Iowa, founded in 1978 by Carl Moyer, backed by the Dealer for Life promise Backed by 26 GM World Class Technicians and 37 GM Master Technicians so your Silverado is in good hands whenever service comes up 1101 SE Oralabor Rd, Ankeny, IA 50021, off I-35 at Exit 90 How Far Is Karl Chevrolet from Central Iowa? Karl Chevrolet sits right off I-35 at Exit 90 in Ankeny, next to The Rock, which puts most of Central Iowa within a short, easy drive. City Landmark Drive Time Des Moines, IA Iowa State Capitol 15 minutes Urbandale, IA Urbandale High School 15 minutes Ames, IA Iowa State University 30 minutes Altoona, IA Adventureland Park 14 minutes West Des Moines, IA Jordan Creek Town Center 25 minutes Where Is Karl Chevrolet Located? Karl Chevrolet is located at 1101 SE Oralabor Rd, Ankeny, IA 50021, off I-35 at Exit 90, next to The Rock. FAQ Is Karl Chevrolet really the #5 Silverado dealer in the nation? Yes. Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny ranks #5 by Silverado sales volume nationally for 2026 year to date, out of thousands of Chevrolet dealers across the country. It holds that ranking alongside a 4.6-star rating across 3,483 Google reviews and Iowa's #1 new car dealer title for all brands since 2011. How many Silverados does Karl Chevrolet have in stock? Karl Chevrolet carries over 400 Silverados in stock, spanning all nine 2026 trims, all three core engines, and multiple cab and bed length combinations, so buyers can find a specific build without ordering and waiting. Which Silverado engine has the highest towing capacity at Karl Chevrolet? The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel has the highest towing capacity, reaching 13,300 pounds on the RST 4WD. It also leads the lineup on torque at 495 lb-ft, which is why it is the standard engine on the off-road focused ZR2. Which Silverado engine is standard on the most trims? The 2.7L TurboMax turbocharged four-cylinder is standard on six of the nine 2026 trims: Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss. It produces 310 horsepower, 430 lb-ft of torque, and tows up to 9,500 pounds. What is the difference between the 2.7L TurboMax and the 5.3L V8? The TurboMax makes 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque with a 9,500-pound max tow rating. Stepping up to the 5.3L V8 raises that to 355 horsepower and an 11,300-pound tow rating, and it comes standard on the LTZ and High Country. What is the difference between the 5.3L V8 and the Duramax diesel? Torque is the biggest gap between the two. The Duramax diesel produces 495 lb-ft against the 5.3L V8's 383 lb-ft, though the V8 holds a horsepower edge at 355 to the diesel's 305. That extra torque also gives the Duramax the higher max tow rating, 13,300 pounds versus 11,300 pounds. Which Silverado trim is best for off-roading? The ZR2 is Chevrolet's factory off-road Silverado, built with the 3.0L Duramax diesel standard along with off-road suspension tuning and skid plate protection. The Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss offer similar off-road suspension packages at a lower price point. Does every Silverado 1500 trim offer four-wheel drive? Yes, though it is optional rather than standard on Work Truck, Custom, LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country, which come rear-wheel drive by default. The Custom Trail Boss, LT Trail Boss, and ZR2 come with four-wheel drive standard, since they are built for off-road use. How do I check current Silverado availability at Karl Chevrolet? Buyers can browse live inventory on the Karl Chevrolet website or call 515-299-4402 to check availability on a specific trim, engine, cab, or color combination before making the drive to Ankeny. Why Is Karl Chevrolet the #5 Silverado Dealer in the Nation? Karl Chevrolet has built its Silverado volume on a track record buyers can verify: 22 consecutive Chevrolet Dealer of the Year awards and a 4.6-star rating across 3,483 Google reviews. That reputation is backed day to day by deep inventory across every trim and engine, a service team with 26 GM World Class Technicians and 37 GM Master Technicians, and a dealership that has served central Iowa since 1978. That volume shows up on the lot. With over 400 Silverados to choose from, buyers get enough combinations of trim, engine, cab, bed length, and color that they do not have to compromise on the truck they want. Browse current Silverado inventory to see what is on the lot today. Trims, engines, and towing figures reflect 2026 model year specifications and are subject to change by GM.