A Closer Look at the Chevrolet Silverado and its Special Edition Lineup

The Chevrolet Silverado’s roots run deep in American car culture. General Motors’ marquee full-size pickup truck is loved by many for the balance it offers as both a work truck and family vehicle. Originally born as the C/K for Chevrolet and GMC in the 1960s, the iconic truck was dubbed, “Silverado,” starting from the 1999 model.

Over the years, the Chevy Silverado’s varied lineup has kept its customer base excited and loyal. The third-generation Silverado (2014-2019), for instance, had 14 different special editions at one point in its life cycle. Now, Chevrolet is rewarding Silverado devotees once again with their latest set of releases, including the return of two hugely popular special editions for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500—the Silverado Midnight and Rally Editions.

We’ll take a closer look at current Silverado models on the market and what the new Midnight and Rally Editions offer. Want to upgrade your Silverado, but don’t have the money to buy a new one? We’ll tell you how you can accessorize and modify your current truck to look and drive like a Special Edition.

What are the different Silverado models in the market today?

The debut of the fourth generation Silverado happened exactly 100 years after Chevrolet delivered their first trucks to customers. Eight different models make up the current lineup for the Silverado—the High Country, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, RST, LT, Custom Trail Boss, Custom, and Work Truck. Each model has a different engine, body, and interior trim combination.

Buyers can choose from five engine options for the 2020 Silverado: a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8, a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 with an eight-speed or six-speed automatic transmission, a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6, or a 2.7L Turbo. On top of the vast engine selection, you can also opt for a Crew Cab (four-door body), Double Cab (short four-door body), or Regular Cab (two-door body). This is also the first year for Silverado light-duty pickup trucks to be offered with a Duramax diesel engine. With these many options to mix and match, it’s no wonder why the Chevy Silverado is the truck of choice for many Americans.

What are the new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Special Editions?

As they say, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” which made the State Fair of Texas a very fitting venue for Chevrolet to unveil their next big additions to the Silverado line—the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Midnight and Rally Editions. Let’s dive into how these trucks differ from the base model.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Midnight Edition

Offered for the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss variants, the Midnight Edition is more than just an appearance package. For the Custom Trail Boss Midnight Edition, you can choose from a 5.3L V8 mated with a six-speed automatic transmission producing 355 horsepower, or a 6.2L V8 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission producing 420 horsepower. Meanwhile, the LT Trail Boss Midnight Edition is powered by the same 6.2L V8 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Other mechanical options for both the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss Midnight Edition are the two-inch factory suspension lift and the Z71 Off-Road Package with Rancho monotube off-road shock absorbers, and an automatic locking rear differential.

Aesthetics for the Midnight Edition add to the Trail Boss’ overall macho off-road looks. Form and function are perfectly combined in its skid plates and 18-inch black-painted wheels wrapped in off-road tires. Continuing the tradition of the previous Midnight Edition, the 2020 Silverado Trail Boss is enhanced by black accents. The Chevy Silverado grille is blacked out along with the iconic Chevrolet Bowtie emblem, while an aggressive blacked-out Silverado bumper completes the front fascia. More black covers the “Silverado” designation, exhaust tips, and off-road side steps. Red recovery hooks contrast from the sea of black trimming.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Rally Edition

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Rally Edition is offered on the Custom and RST variants with a sporty street-style, focused look. Buyers can choose from multiple color options: Black, Red Hot, Silver Ice Metallic, or Summit White. Aesthetic touches that make this truck even more of a head-turner include a body-colored iconic Chevy Silverado grille backing the black bowtie emblem, black Rally stripes on the hood and tailgate, and black Chevrolet tailgate lettering. Like the Midnight Edition, the exhaust tips and Chevrolet Silverado side steps are black. Completing the urban look are 20-inch black-painted wheels for the Custom Rally Edition and 22-inch black-painted wheels for the RST Rally Edition.

The Custom Rally Edition is powered by a 2.7L Turbo engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. For the RST Rally Edition, buyers have several engine options, including a 2.7L Turbo mated to an eight-speed automatic, a 5.3L V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic, and a powerful 6.2L V8 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Can you customize a regular Silverado to look and feel like a Special Edition?

Don’t have the extra cash for a Silverado Rally or Midnight Edition? You may be surprised to know that there are ways to make your Chevy Silverado look as tough and stylish as these two special editions. With ample power and torque from the engine, you might not even have to modify anything under the hood. Here are some ideas to upgrade your pickup truck:

Suspension and Wheels

If you plan to make your Silverado an off-roader like the Midnight Edition, a great place to start is the suspension. A choice of aftermarket suspension, brakes, and steering parts are readily available online. Before you purchase any parts, consult a certified suspension specialist to make sure your modifications are safe and within your state laws.

Wheel and tire combinations all depend on how you intend to use your pick-up. If you want it to be as stylish as the Rally Edition, consider a combination of low profile tires with large wheels. On the other hand, if you plan to cover off-road trails on weekends and still use your pickup as a daily driver, consider all-terrain tires over hardcore mud-terrain tires. Aside from decreased comfort, the wrong tire choice may also lead to decreased fuel economy.

Aesthetics

Both Special Editions have blacked out trims in place of the standard chrome or plastic trimmings. If you can’t commit to permanent modifications like painting the body of your pick-up truck, consider getting it vinyl wrapped. Aside from the infinite design possibilities of wrapping your pickup, it can protect the paint underneath from scratches and fading. Peel off the wrap and replace it with a new one if you get tired of the design. The same can go for the chrome and plastic trimmings, which can be blacked out by simply applying air-dry rubber coatings. When the time comes to freshen up your pickup’s look, you can simply peel off the layer, revealing the stock finish of the trim.

Apart from styling up your pickpup’s form, you can take it a step further and improve its function by installing aftermarket parts. Silverado nerf bars and running boards are readily available with easy-install kits. Protect your truck bed with a direct-fit bed liner, then match it with a tonneau cover to complete its sleek look and enhanced functionality.