City Motor Company – Which engine should you choose on the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for towing and daily driving near Lewistown, MT?
Choosing the right powertrain matters when you live and work around Lewistown, MT. From hauling a stock trailer on US-87 to weekend trips into the Highwoods, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers four distinct engines designed for different kinds of jobs and driving styles. At City Motor Company in Great Falls, our goal is to match your real-world needs with the Silverado that fits best — so you get confident towing, smooth everyday drivability, and capability you can rely on through every season.
Below, we break down what each available engine does best, how it impacts towing, and which trims near Lewistown, MT commonly pair with those powertrains. We also outline the trailering tech and bed innovations that help make work easier — whether you’re loading hay in a Durabed at dawn or backing a boat into the water at Ackley Lake.
Let’s start with a quick side-by-side look at Silverado 1500 powertrains and where each one shines for central Montana drivers.
- TurboMax™ (standard): 310 horsepower and best-in-class 430 lb.-ft. of standard torque* with an 8-speed automatic — ideal for daily driving, light-to-moderate trailer weights, and responsive passing on two-lane highways.
- 5.3L EcoTec®3 V8: 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque with a 10-speed automatic — a proven balance for mixed workloads, frequent towing, and long-term durability.
- 6.2L EcoTec3 V8: 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque with a 10-speed automatic — strong acceleration, higher-capacity trailering, and confident performance at elevation.
- Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel: 305 horsepower and 495 lb.-ft. of torque with a 10-speed automatic — best-in-class 28 MPG highway*, only diesel in its class*, and available towing up to 13,300 lbs.*
Power is only part of the story. Silverado’s trailering technology helps you work smarter in town and on gravel backroads alike. If you routinely hook up a trailer near Lewistown, MT, these features can make the difference between a good towing experience and a great one.
- Up to 14 Available Camera Views*: Surround views, hitch guidance, and transparent trailer perspectives help you maneuver with precision.
- In-Vehicle Trailering App*: Create custom trailer profiles, run step-by-step pre-departure checklists, and monitor status from the 13.4-inch diagonal touch-screen.
- Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert*: Visual alerts in your side mirrors when a moving vehicle is detected in your side blind zone while trailering.
- Autotrac® 2-speed transfer case: Available for improved control on variable surfaces, from snowy streets to rutted ranch roads.
Now, consider how you plan to use your truck most days between Lewistown and Great Falls. If you want a nimble, modern feel around town with strong low-end torque and occasional towing, the standard TurboMax™ is a standout — it delivers best-in-class standard torque* and excellent responsiveness for commuting and light work. If your week includes more frequent towing, the 5.3L EcoTec®3 V8 adds a broader, confident power band with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic. For heavier trailers, altitude, or wide-open interstates, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 supplies robust power you can feel on-ramps and grades. And if you log long highway miles or want abundant torque with impressive efficiency, the Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel is engineered for the long haul — it’s the only diesel in its class* with best-in-class highway fuel economy at 28 MPG*.
Trim availability also helps guide the decision. TurboMax™ is standard on WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss. The 5.3L EcoTec®3 V8 is standard on LTZ and High Country, and available across multiple trims. The 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 is available on RST (Crew Cab 4×4), LT Trail Boss, LTZ (4×4), ZR2, and High Country (4×4). The Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel is standard on ZR2 and available on Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. If you crave premium tech, High Country exclusively offers available Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance technology with trailering* — a confidence booster on long stretches between Lewistown, Stanford, and Great Falls.
To make your choice even easier, use this simple decision guide, then test your pick on a route that mirrors your daily drive.
- Define your tow needs: Estimate loaded trailer weights and how often you’ll tow — occasional, weekly, or daily.
- Match power to terrain: For frequent grades or elevation changes, consider the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 or Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel for sustained torque.
- Prioritize efficiency vs. peak power: If long highway miles matter, the Duramax® delivers standout efficiency; if maximum acceleration is key, the 6.2L leads the way.
Beyond powertrains, Silverado’s Durabed and available Multi-Flex Tailgate are productivity multipliers. Durabed brings roll-formed high-strength steel, 12 standard tie-downs rated at 500 lbs. per corner, and best-in-class standard cargo volume*. With six Multi-Flex configurations, you can create a full-width step, a desktop-style work surface, or a second-tier load stop — handy whether you’re hauling fence posts or camping gear.
When you are ready to compare engines back-to-back, our team at City Motor Company will help you build a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 that fits your use case, from a hardworking WT in Summit White to a striking ZR2 in Riptide Blue Metallic. We will walk you through trailering setups, camera views, and even a test loop that reflects central Montana driving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the maximum available towing capacity on the 2026 Silverado 1500?
When properly equipped, Silverado 1500 offers a maximum available trailering rating of up to 13,300 lbs.* Specific capacity depends on engine, cab, bed, drivetrain, and trailering equipment.
Which trims near Lewistown, MT offer the Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel?
Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel is standard on ZR2 and available on Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. It delivers 305 horsepower and 495 lb.-ft. of torque, along with best-in-class 28 MPG highway* and available towing up to 13,300 lbs.*
Can Super Cruise® be used while towing?
Yes. On compatible roads, available Super Cruise® with trailering* is offered on High Country and enables hands-free driver assistance — even with a trailer — to help reduce fatigue on long drives.
Is Chevy Safety Assist* standard on the 2026 Silverado 1500?
Every 2026 Silverado 1500 includes standard Chevy Safety Assist*, which features Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking*, Front Pedestrian Braking*, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning*, and Following Distance Indicator* to help you stay confident and in control.
Still deciding between TurboMax™, V8, or Duramax® for your life in and around Lewistown? Visit City Motor Company in Great Falls for a personalized walkaround and drive. We will help you compare real-world towing, explore up to 14 available camera views*, and choose the trim, color, and tech — from White Sands to Super Cruise® — that make your 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 the right tool for your work and weekends in Montana.
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