Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trim & How It’s Different From Other Trims

The main reason for the existence of the Chevrolet Silverado Custom trim is to offer buyers a balanced option that sits between the base work truck (WT) trim and the more equipped LT trim, providing a range of essential features at a more affordable price point.

The Custom trim tends to offer a better aesthetic with body-colored bumpers and door handles, upgraded wheels, and other exterior enhancements that give it a more refined look compared to the base trim. Meanwhile, it retains a focus on value, foregoing some of the high-end amenities found in pricier trims to keep costs down. It’s a choice that marries functionality with style, aiming to meet the needs and preferences of a wide array of truck enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.

Overview of Chevrolet Silverado Custom

In 2015, Chevrolet introduced a new trim to its Silverado lineup: the Custom trim. This trim is situated in the mid-range of the available options, offering a balanced approach for customers looking for a blend of functionality and comfort.

At the starting level of the trim hierarchy is the Work Truck (WT) trim, which is designed with basic functionalities, primarily focusing on utility. As we move up the hierarchy, we find the Custom trim which provides more amenities than the WT, making it a more comfortable option while still being affordable.

At the top end of the trim hierarchy, there are high-end options like the LTZ and High Country trims, which offer a range of luxury features for a premium price.

Thus, the Custom trim serves as a middle ground, appealing to those who are looking for something more than the basic offering without the substantial financial commitment that the high-end trims require. It has been a popular choice since its introduction, offering a good blend of features at a moderate price point.

Key Features of the Custom Trim

Engine and Performance:The Chevrolet Silverado Custom trim comes equipped with a standard 2.7L Turbo 4-Cylinder engine that pumps out an impressive 310 horsepower and a robust 430 lb-ft of torque, providing potent performance in both city and off-road environments. Despite its powerful specs, it maintains a respectable fuel efficiency with 18 MPG in city driving scenarios and 21 MPG on the highway, serving as a sensible option for both daily commuting and tackling demanding tasks.

Drivetrain Options: Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) offers better traction in off-road conditions and adverse weather, albeit at a slightly lower fuel efficiency.

Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission balances performance and fuel efficiency, providing a smooth driving experience in a variety of conditions.

Towing Capacity: While it might not match the high-end trims in towing capacity, it offers decent 9,500 lbs. of towing capacity for moderate workloads, with exact capacities varying based on engine choices and other configurations.

Chevrolet Silverado Custom Key Features

Engine	2.7L Turbo 4-Cylinder Engine
Horsepower	310 hp
Torque	430 lb-ft.
Fuel Efficiency	18mpg / 21 mpg
Drivetrain	Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic Transmission
Towing Capacity	9,500 lbs.

Other Important Features

Exterior: 20″ aluminum wheels

Interior

• • Chevrolet Infotainment 3
  • Wireless Apple Carplay
  • Remote Start
  • Rear Window Defogger
  • Cargo Bed LED lighting
  • Tailgate with EZLift assist
  • OnStar®
  • SiriusXM®
  • Trailering Package
  • Hitch Guidance

Comparison with Other Trims

The Chevrolet Silverado’s Custom trim introduces a plethora of enhancements to the base model, inviting buyers to experience a more refined and personalized version of the well-loved truck. This trim is distinguished by a curated selection of options that build upon the foundational features of the base truck, allowing for a middle ground between the basic and more premium offerings. It’s important to note that each trim in the Silverado lineup offers a unique combination of features and amenities, designed to cater to a diverse range of preferences and needs.

In the sections to follow, we will look deeper into each, setting the Custom trim against other trims in the lineup. This will offer you a comprehensive view, helping you pinpoint the exact differences and understand the specific upgrades that come with the Custom trim, guiding you to make an informed decision tailored to your requirements.

Custom vs. WT (Work Truck)

The Custom trim is a step above the WT, or Work Truck trim, in the Chevrolet Silverado lineup, offering a more refined experience for users. While the WT trim focuses on providing the essential features and functionalities aimed at work-related utility, the Custom trim takes it a notch higher by incorporating a greater level of comfort and style into the mix. It is designed with a more aesthetically pleasing interior and offers additional features such as upgraded infotainment options and alloy wheels, which are not standard on the WT trim. Despite the enhancements, the Custom trim maintains a level of affordability, presenting a compelling option for buyers looking for a truck that balances work utility with comfort and style.

Custom Trim vs WT (Work Truck)

	Custom	WT (Work Truck)
2.7L 4-Cylinder Engine	YES	YES
5.3L V8 Engine	NO	YES
6.2L V8 Engine	NO	NO
3.0L Duramax® Diesel	NO	NO
8-Speed Automatic Transmission	YES	YES
10-Speed Automatic Transmission	NO	YES
20" Wheels	YES	NO
Fuel Efficiency	18/21 mpg	18/21 mpg
Brembo Brakes Upgrade	YES	NO
Body Color Bumpers	YES	NO
10-Way Driver Power Seat	YES	NO
Adaptive Cruise Control	NO	YES
Tonneau Cover	YES	NO
Remote Start	YES	NO

Custom vs. LT

The Custom and LT trims both feature a range of amenities including a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, and 20″ wheels. Despite these similarities, they also host a variety of differences that distinguish them from one another. The LT trim offers additional engine options, including the availability of a 5.3L V8 engine and a 3.0L Duramax® Diesel, which are not available for the Custom trim. In terms of transmission, the LT trim stands out with the option for a 10-speed automatic transmission, absent in the Custom trim. The LT further differentiates itself by offering adaptive cruise control, a feature not found in the Custom trim, which allows for more relaxed and safer driving on highways by maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. Conversely, the Custom trim brings its own unique offering to the table with body-color bumpers, which provide a seamless and stylized aesthetic, a feature the LT trim lacks.

Custom Trim vs LT

	Custom	LT
2.7L 4-Cylinder Engine	YES	YES
5.3L V8 Engine	NO	YES
6.2L V8 Engine	NO	NO
3.0L Duramax® Diesel	NO	YES
8-Speed Automatic Transmission	YES	YES
10-Speed Automatic Transmission	NO	YES
20" Wheels	YES	YES
Fuel Efficiency	18/21 mpg	18/21 mpg
Brembo Brakes Upgrade	YES	YES
Body Color Bumpers	YES	NO
10-Way Driver Power Seat	YES	YES
Adaptive Cruise Control	NO	YES
Tonneau Cover	YES	YES
Remote Start	YES	YES

Custom vs. RST

The Custom and RST trims share a multitude of features, including the presence of a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and body-colored bumpers that offer a seamless exterior appearance. However, when we delve deeper, we notice that the RST trim offers a bit more in terms of performance and convenience, setting it a notch above the Custom trim. For starters, the RST trim provides more engine options, incorporating the availability of both a 5.3L V8 and a 6.2L V8 engine, as well as a 3.0L Duramax® Diesel engine — options that are not accessible with the Custom trim. Moreover, it houses a 10-speed automatic transmission providing potentially smoother and more adaptable driving dynamics compared to the 8-speed version available in the Custom trim. Adding to its upper hand in technology, the RST trim is equipped with adaptive cruise control, a modern convenience that automatically adjusts the speed of the vehicle to maintain a safe distance from others on the road, a feature absent in the Custom trim. This addition of more advanced engine options, a sophisticated transmission, and adaptive cruise control positions the RST as a premium option with an emphasis on performance and technology.

Custom Trim vs RST

	Custom	RST
2.7L 4-Cylinder Engine	YES	YES
5.3L V8 Engine	NO	YES
6.2L V8 Engine	NO	YES
3.0L Duramax® Diesel	NO	YES
8-Speed Automatic Transmission	YES	YES
10-Speed Automatic Transmission	NO	YES
20" Wheels	YES	YES
Fuel Efficiency	18/21 mpg	18/21 mpg
Brembo Brakes Upgrade	YES	YES
Body Color Bumpers	YES	YES
10-Way Driver Power Seat	YES	YES
Adaptive Cruise Control	NO	YES
Tonneau Cover	YES	YES
Remote Start	YES	YES

Final Thoughts

If you want the bare minimum of a truck, it seems the WT (Work Truck) is all you need but with a Custom trim you get just a bit more luxury and convenience. It is also not really made for doing any serious work, more for grocery runs and an occasional Home Depot trip. This could make a good sport truck or a low-rider truck. In essence, the Custom trim is a better looking base Chevy Silverado.