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What is the Chevy truck called?

The Chevy truck most people reference is the Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet's flagship full-size pickup. The brand also offers the mid-size Colorado and a growing family of Silverado variants. This article explains the naming and lineup, and what each truck is best known for.


Current Chevy pickup lineup


Chevrolet’s pickup options in the United States today center on two main names: Silverado for the full-size segment and Colorado for the midsize segment. The Silverado family includes standard and heavy-duty variants, plus an all-electric option, while the Colorado serves buyers seeking a smaller, more maneuverable pickup.



  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — light-duty full-size pickup (most common consumer choice)

  • Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD / 3500HD — heavy-duty variants for maximum towing and payload

  • Chevrolet Silverado EV — fully electric version aimed at urban to rural work use

  • Chevrolet Colorado — midsize pickup for tighter spaces and lower fuel use


In summary, Chevy positions Silverado as its flagship full-size platform with a range of configurations, while Colorado provides a smaller, lighter alternative and the Silverado EV signals an electrified future for the brand’s truck lineup.


A brief history of the Silverado naming


To understand the current lineup, it helps to know how the names came to be. Chevrolet introduced the Silverado nameplate for its flagship full-size pickup starting with the 1999 model year, replacing the long-running C/K line. The Colorado has served as Chevrolet’s mid-size pickup since 2004, with a hiatus and revival in the mid-2010s to align with changing market demand. The Silverado EV expands the family into electrified propulsion while preserving the Silverado name for a traditional gasoline-powered truck.


The evolution of these names reflects Chevrolet’s strategy to cover a broad spectrum of truck buyers—from everyday drivers who need a capable utility vehicle to contractors requiring heavy hauling and those adopting electric work trucks for the future.


Key milestones in Chevrolet’s pickup naming (high-level)


Below are the major naming milestones that define Chevy’s truck lineup today. This list highlights how the brand separated sizes and introduced an electric option.



  • 1999 model year: Silverado replaces the C/K line as Chevrolet’s flagship full-size pickup

  • 2004: Introduction of the mid-size Colorado as a sibling to the Silverado

  • Mid-2010s: Colorado reintroduced to meet growing demand for smaller, efficient pickups

  • 2020s: Silverado EV announced and developed to address electrification trends in trucking


These milestones illustrate how Chevrolet has balanced traditional gasoline pickups with a move toward electrification, while maintaining a clear size-based naming system.


Summary


In short, Chevrolet’s truck lineup centers on the Silverado as the main full-size pickup, with the Colorado serving the midsize market and the Silverado EV signaling a shift toward electrification. The Silverado name has defined Chevrolet’s flagship truck for decades, while Colorado has offered a smaller alternative and the EV variant expands the brand’s options for future work and personal-use trucks. For buyers, the choice comes down to size, payload, and powertrain preferences.

What does K10 mean for Chevy?


For a Chevy, "K10" means a half-ton, four-wheel-drive pickup truck from the C/K series. The "K" specifically denotes the four-wheel-drive system, while the "10" signifies a half-ton payload capacity. This designation is associated with classic and robust trucks known for their off-road capability and versatility.
 

  • "K": Indicates a four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrain. 
  • "10": Denotes a half-ton payload capacity, as opposed to the C20 (three-quarter ton) or C30 (one ton) models. 
  • C/K Series: These models were part of a larger lineup where "C" was the designation for two-wheel-drive (2WD) trucks, while "K" was for four-wheel-drive. 
  • Key features: K10s are known for their rugged construction, which made them a popular choice for both work and recreational off-roading. 



What are the different models of Chevy trucks?


2024 Chevy Truck Comparison: Highlights And Differences. For 2024, there are five distinct Chevy truck models for drivers to explore: the Colorado, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500 HD, Silverado 3500 HD, and the Silverado EV. This all-star truck lineup covers everything that the modern truck driver may be looking for.



What is the name of the Chevy truck?


Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand.



What was the Chevy car truck called?


Chevrolet El Camino
The Chevrolet El Camino is a coupé utility vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet between 1959–1960 and 1964–1987. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the El Camino was adapted from the standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon platform and integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.