Key Specifications — 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Body Style
Truck
Base Price
$43,065–$54,854
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL earns a Good rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.1/10, while Reliability at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.8/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.9/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.1/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $43,065–$54,854, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. Value lands at 7.0/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL ranks #251 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 51% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $43,065 starting price is about 23% above the segment's median of $35,138.
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.4 — and starts roughly $4,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL reliable?
We rate the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL worth buying?
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #251 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 51% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL cost?
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL starts at $43,065 and ranges up to $54,854 across trims (MSRP when new). At 17 MPG, expect roughly $3,088/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Owner Essentials — Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SL
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