Chevy’s next-gen 2027 Silverado brings a new face to the State Fair

The front end is what got me. Walking the GM display at State Fair of Texas media day, the 2027 Silverado 1500 looked like a different truck from across the floor. It has a new face, new LED headlights and new lighting signatures. The front end and lights stood out for sure.

This is the next-generation Silverado, and Chevy calls it the most powerful Silverado ever. Here’s what’s new.

Two new V8s

There are four engines, and two of them are all-new V8s. The 6.6-liter V8 makes 481 horsepower and 501 lb-ft of torque, and Chevy says it’s the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in the class. The new 5.7-liter V8 makes 402 horsepower and 428 lb-ft.

The 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder is back with 350 horsepower and 455 lb-ft, and Chevy claims best-in-class standard torque. The 3.0-liter Duramax diesel makes 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft. Every engine now runs a 10-speed automatic.

Max towing is 13,700 pounds with the 5.7 when it’s set up right. Chevy also says a diesel truck with the available 34-gallon tank can go more than 900 highway miles on a fill.

Big screens on every trim

Every 2027 Silverado gets a 16.3-inch center screen and a 12.2-inch driver display, even the Work Truck. ZR2 and High Country add an 11.5-inch passenger screen, a head-up display and a camera mirror. Chevy says that’s more than 60 inches of screens. The truck also debuts GM’s new software with Google built in, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still there.

Super Cruise hands-free driving now works while towing up to 13,600 pounds. It’s standard on High Country and ZR2 and available on Silverado and Trail Boss. Chevy added a boat ramp assist and something it calls an industry-first Trailer Brake Gain Assistant. There’s also a second-row camera called Cabin Glance that puts the back seat on the center screen. As a dad, I get that one.

Seven trims, three of them lifted

The lineup is Work Truck, Custom, Silverado, Custom Trail Boss, Trail Boss, High Country and ZR2. The Silverado trim replaces the old LT.

The ZR2 gets 35-inch mud-terrain tires, a 2-inch lift, front and rear lockers, Multimatic DSSV dampers and a new Baja drive mode. It also gets underbody cameras with washers, which Chevy says is a segment first. The Trail Boss rides on 34-inch tires with a 2-inch lift. The High Country gets 22-inch wheels, Adaptive Ride Control and a panoramic sunroof, a first for Silverado.

Pricing starts at $41,395 for the Work Truck, including $2,795 destination. The Silverado trim is $50,695, High Country is $74,495 and ZR2 tops the list at $79,995. Chevy says it goes on sale at the end of this year.

The Sierra was there too

GMC had the 2027 Sierra 1500 on the floor as well. It shares the same four engines and 10-speed, and GMC also says it has more than 60 inches of screens. There are six trims, starting at $51,295 for the Pro and running up to $87,895 for the Denali Ultimate, including destination. GMC says the first trucks reach dealers before the end of 2026.

My take

I liked the updates. The front end looks stronger, the screens are big on every trim, and you can still get a V8. I’m happy Chevy and GMC keep pushing these trucks forward.

Drive one at the fair

The Chevrolet Ride & Drive is in Chevrolet Park Plaza from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, and it doesn’t cost any coupons. You have to be 18 or older with a valid license, and you have to pass a breathalyzer. The lineup includes the Colorado, Corvette, Equinox EV, Silverado LD, HD and EV, and Traverse. You have to drive two vehicles before they’ll hand you a Corvette. Ask which Silverados are in the fleet when you get there.

The Texas Auto Show runs with the fair through Sunday, Oct. 18 at Fair Park in Dallas, with the buildings open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check out our full State Fair game plan, what Ram brought, Jeep’s electric Recon and indoor off-road course, the refreshed Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge’s all-V8 Durango and Fiat’s tiny Topolino.