The Silverado is a vehicle that has gained a lot of traction across a wide range of consumers. You will often find workers with blue-collar jobs who like the towing and hauling capabilities of these trucks. However, there are some individuals and families that like going camping and that get them for their ability to tackle tough, mountainous terrain.
The Silverado HD may be your dream vehicle, but have you thought about whether you should get a gas or diesel-powered model? There are certainly some notable advantages of each option, and we will talk about them right now. We will also discuss some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of.
The Basics
There are many ways to down the merits of the gas version of the Chevy Silverado vs. the diesel one. We’ll start with some of the basics.
If you look at which of these uses combustion, you will see that both do, so there’s no advantage either way. As for fuel efficiency, though, the gas-powered one tends to be less fuel efficient than its diesel counterpart.
The repair costs of the diesel version are usually higher than if you need repairs for the gas-powered one. This might come into play more if you plan to own one of these vehicles for a very long time.
The acceleration ability of the gas-powered Silverado is more impressive than that of the diesel option. However, the torque output is higher with the diesel one.
The diesel version does not need spark plugs, which some consumers like. The gas version requires them, so keep that in mind, as they will likely need to be replaced eventually.
Now, let’s get into a little more detail about what you can expect as an owner of either of these models.
Notable Pros of the Gas-Powered Silverado
First, we should mention that if you go with a gas-powered version of the Chevy Silverado, you can almost always get it at a lower cost, though that does depend on the trim package to some degree. That means, if you have your heart set on this truck, but you only have a limited amount of money to spend, this may be a relatively easy decision.
There are also usually lower maintenance costs with the gas-powered version, as we alluded to a moment ago. The reason for this is that the gas-powered elements that go into this model are simpler and easier to find.
If you are going to be driving this truck every day, you may also find that it’s smoother and quieter than what you can get with the diesel version. There are also gas stations practically everywhere. By contrast, ones that also have diesel tend to be fewer and farther between, though this also depends on what part of the country you’re in to some extent.
The Most Obvious Pros of the Diesel-Powered Version
Now, let’s look at what you might like about the diesel-powered version of the Silverado. The higher torque and towing capacity is what makes the diesel version a winner with many consumers. If all you care about is how it’s going to do on a construction site, this might be the superior option for you, hands down.
It’s also true that you get slightly better fuel economy with the diesel version of the Silverado. However, the difference is not so great that this is probably going to be the final determining factor for most would-be buyers.
One final factor that might go into your decision to get the diesel version over its counterpart is that diesel trucks are built to last. This is not necessarily to say that a gas-powered one isn’t. If you talk to many individuals who opted for the diesel version of this popular model, though, they might gush about how long they’ve owned theirs and how well it’s still doing.
So, Which is Better for Your Lifestyle?
As you start to look at the benefits and drawbacks of each model and consider your life and what you would like to do with this truck, the answer of which one you should buy will probably emerge. If you want to save money, and you’re intent on getting a Silverado, then the gas version is likely your go-to option. Lower maintenance costs are also a factor you should consider because getting components for the diesel version can be a little tricky in some markets.
The smooth ride and less noise that you can expect with the gas-powered version might sway you in that direction as well. You may like the fact that you can often find a gas station where you can fill it up even if you’re in a relatively remote part of the country.
By contrast, if you want performance more than anything else, it’s hard to beat the diesel-powered version of Ford’s signature truck. The torque and towing capabilities of the diesel version mean that this behemoth can stand up to some rough treatment with ease. If you’re buying this specifically as a vehicle for work, you may decide diesel is for you.
In addition, there’s the fact that if you buy a diesel-powered version of the Silverado, you might very well be able to use it with no issues for the next two decades. This is a vehicle built to last, and while the higher price tag reflects that, it’s hard to argue with its staying power and reliability.
As you look at your lifestyle and what you plan to do with this vehicle, the answer may emerge, but if you’re still having a hard time deciding, talk about it with anyone in your family who plans on using this truck. They may have some input you’ll want to take into account.
The other thing you can do is to get online and look at message boards where truck owners congregate. Often, they love talking about their vehicles. Getting a first-person perspective from someone who has owned either the gas or diesel-powered Silverado may help.