What transmission is in a Chevy Silverado?
The answer depends on the model year and engine. In recent Silverado 1500 pickups, the standard transmission is an eight-speed automatic, while many larger engines and the Duramax diesel use a ten-speed automatic. Earlier generations used four- or six-speed automatics.
Current transmission options in the latest Silverado 1500
This section outlines the typical engine-to-transmission pairings found in current production Silverado 1500 models. Exact configurations can vary by trim and market, so check the specific build sheet for your vehicle.
- 2.7L Turbocharged inline-4: 8-speed automatic
- 3.0L Duramax inline-6 (diesel): 10-speed automatic
- 5.3L V8: 10-speed automatic
- 6.2L V8: 10-speed automatic
Common engine-and-transmission combinations show a clear split: the 2.7L turbo uses the 8-speed, while the larger gasoline V8s and the diesel typically pair with the 10-speed. Always verify your exact vehicle’s specs via the build sheet or VIN.
Common pairings by engine
To summarize how the engine lineup generally aligns with transmissions in the latest Silverado 1500s, most drivers will encounter either an 8-speed or a 10-speed automatic, depending on the chosen powertrain.
How the Silverado's transmission has evolved over time
Chevrolet has progressively expanded the Silverado’s automatic transmission lineup to improve towing capability, performance, and efficiency. The shifts reflect broader GM strategies across trucks and SUVs in recent decades.
- Late 1990s to mid-2000s: Four-speed automatics (notably the 4L60-E) were common in base configurations.
- Late 2000s to early 2010s: Six-speed automatics (such as the 6L80E/6L90E) began to replace four-speed setups in many trims.
- Mid-2010s onward: Eight-speed automatics (8L60/8L90 family) became standard on more engines, including many V6 and V8 configurations.
- Late 2010s to present: Ten-speed automatics (10L80/10L90 family) appeared for diesel and higher-output gasoline engines, enhancing torque delivery and highway efficiency.
These shifts reflect Chevrolet’s aim to balance payload, acceleration, and fuel economy across the Silverado lineup.
How to confirm the transmission in your Silverado
Because options vary by year, trim, and market, the most reliable way to confirm the exact transmission is to check the vehicle’s documentation or VIN. You can use these methods:
- Look at the door jamb sticker or the owner's manual for the listed transmission.
- Check the GM VIN build sheet or window sticker for the exact factory-installed transmission.
- Ask a Chevrolet dealer or use GM’s online configurator for your specific year and trim.
Knowing the exact transmission is important for maintenance intervals, towing ratings, and resale value.
Summary
In short, the Chevy Silverado’s transmission is not one-size-fits-all. Today’s Silverado 1500s primarily use an eight-speed automatic for the base engine, with a ten-speed automatic selected for most diesel and larger gasoline engines. Older Silverado generations used four- or six-speed automatics. For any given vehicle, verify the exact transmission via the build sheet, VIN, or dealer documentation.
