Many of us take pickup truck names for granted, but there is history behind every name. In this case, the Chevrolet Silverado vehicle brand is turning 25 years old, and the Silverado trim level name turns 50 years old. To mark this occasion, Kase and Zach flew out to Michigan to drive one of the first 1999 Chevy Silverado 1500 GMT800 truck and see how it compares to the newest 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 and the Silverado EV.
1999 Chevy Silverado 1500
Before the Silverado was the name of the truck lineup, it was a trim on older square-body pickup trucks. This video focuses on a 1999 Chevy Silverado 1500 regular cab. This generation of the Chevrolet truck lineup is referred to as the GMT800. It’s a 4×4 with a longer bed, a Z71 off-road package, and a 5.3L V8 engine. This was a very typical configuration for a light-duty half-ton pickup truck in 1999. Believe it or not, a Silverado 1500 four door crew cab was not even an option back then. Heavy-duty pickup trucks were available with four doors and seating for up to six, but it was not so for smaller trucks.
In 1999, this V8 pickup truck was rated at 270 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. The engine was backed up by a 4-speed automatic transmission (4L60E). It was rated to tow up to 8,200 lbs. However, the relatively short wheelbase and lighter weight of these older trucks did not inspire ultimate trailer towing confidence when approaching the limits.
Nonetheless, these older trucks were fairly comfortable to drive and provides good fuel efficiency when compared to new trucks.
2025 Chevy Silverado 1500
Things a wildly different now. The most popular pickup configuration is a four door crew cab with a shorter bed. The pickup truck became more refined, comfortable, powerful, and capable. It also became much more than a work tool. It became a family vehicle and an everyday commuter.
Kase takes a new 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 for a drive as well. This generation is referred to as the T1, T1XX, or GMT T1XX. This generation made its debut as a 2019 model year. The T1 has been updated a couple of times since its introduction, but the powertrains remain mostly the same. The T1 is powered by a selection of gasoline or Diesel engines: 2.7L TurboMax I4, 5.3L Ecotec3 V8, 6.2L Ecotec3 V8, or a 3.0L LZ0 Duramax I6.
Kase drives a Silverado 1500 High Country with a 6.2L V8 that is equipped with a performance intake and exhaust systems. This 420 horsepower engine is backed up by a 10-speed automatic transmission (not a 4-speed that was available in the 1999 models). The new truck is rated to tow heavier loads (up to 13,300 lbs), it’s comfortable, and it can be equipped with a hands-free SuperCruise driver-assistance technology.
Silverado EV
The Silverado lineup has an all-new electric version – the Silverado EV. It’s based on a different platform and shares very little with its internal combustion siblings. The truck you see in this video is a Silverado EV RST. It is currently at the top of the electrified Silverado range. It boasts 760 horsepower. It offers AWD/4WD capability and very quick acceleration times despite its heavy curb weight.
The large battery in this truck allows it to drive up to 460 miles on a full charge (according to Chevrolet). We tested a Silverado EV work truck in Colorado, and we can confirm that it has a very long driving range, even when pulling a trailer. The Silverado EV has a class exclusive mid gate that expands its cargo-carrying capability and utility.
It has a couple of negatives as well. The Silverado EV costs more than most of its internal combustion counterparts. The new Silverado EV is priced between $57,095 and $97,895. Most of the Silverado EV trucks that we have seen or tested were prices above $75,000.
While an electric pickup may be a great around town vehicle, it’s still challenging to road trip an electric truck. Although, the Silverado EV offers very fast level3 charging – the charging network has reliability issues. It’s also difficult to find a level3 electric charging station that accommodates trucks with trailers.
What will the next 25 year bring? Will there be a flying 2050 Chevy Silverado? Will there be a Chevy Silverado driving on the moon? It’s not out of the question. What do you think?
