2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2012 Silverado 1500

If you’ve got a lot of towing and hauling to do, it’s easy to see why you need a Chevrolet Silverado 1500. These full-size pickup trucks deliver more than just power, too, with plenty of passenger space, upscale cabins, and high-tech features. When you’re shopping the segment, you might wonder whether it’s better to buy new or used. We want to help. That’s why we’ve devised this comparison guide. In it, we take a look about the differences between the new 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the used 2012 truck.

Customization

If you’re like most of us, there are certain features that you simply can’t live without. That’s why it’s better to shop new. The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers so many configurations that it’s nearly impossible not to drive away without the model that best suits you. Choose between three cabin options: the regular, extended, and crew. You can also pick the bed size you need. That way, you have both the passenger and cargo space you require. When you pick the used 2012 model, you have fewer options in front of you. You’re going to have to pick and choose from whatever models happen to be on the lot.

Besides body configurations, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 gives you the luxury options you crave. If you want leather upholstery and heated front seats, they’re all yours. On the flip side of that, you can save money by choosing the used 2012 Silverado work truck. Once again, buying used means that you pay for whatever features the model happens to have.

Power and Fuel Economy

To tackle major loads, you’re going to want the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. With its strongest engine, this pickup truck can tow up to 1,300 more pounds than the 2010 Silverado. Depending on configuration, the 6.2-liter V8 engine can tow up to 12,000 pounds. Compare that to the used 2012 Chevrolet Silverado’s most powerful engine, which can only tow a max of 10,700 pounds.

Besides stronger engines, the 2016 also gives you better fuel economy. The best the 2012 can do is 15 city/22 highway mpg. The 2016 Silverado, on the other hand, gives you 18/24 mpg with its V6 engine. You can even upgrade to the 5.3-liter V8 and still earn up to 16/23 mpg. The 2016 Silverado’s most powerful engine earns 15/21 mpg, which is almost as good as the 2012’s best effort. As you can see, the 2016 Silverado takes the lead in terms of power and fuel economy.