What makes a vehicle a work truck? The simple answer is: something with four wheels used for work. In reality, this can be anything. I’ve seen plenty of atypical work trucks on the streets, from old Lexus SUVs to Cybertrucks wrapped with company logos. But the average answers are less varied if the question becomes, “Who makes a work truck?”  

Chevrolet is usually on that short list—and the Silverado is the reason.

I recently got the chance to review a 2026 Silverado 1500 RST (the diesel version), and here are my thoughts.

The Silverado 1500 RST Duramax is built for work

Chevrolet offers its flagship pickup with multiple models, engines, trims, and additional options and features. While owners have a choice between several gas-powered engines, which offer towing capacities from 8,800 lb. to 13,200 lb., those who haul more regularly will likely have more ease with the 3.0L turbodiesel. 

What it’s like driving the Silverado 1500 RST Duramax

As a former owner of a diesel pickup, I thoroughly enjoyed whipping around town in the Silverado 1500. I elected to garage my personal car for the week, so, naturally, I took the truck absolutely everywhere. And because my sister happened to be visiting from out of town the same weekend, we definitely put some miles on it.

First impressions of the Silverado 1500 RST Duramax

I first got the keys to the Silverado 1500 RST in the middle of the workday, but even the short time I had with the truck before rushing back to my desk for a meeting gave me a chance to admire it. 

What immediately stuck out were the details. I received the Redline Edition of the 1500, which gives the truck pops of red that outline the letters of “Silverado” on the fenders and tailgate, two bold red stripes on the glossy black wheels, and red recovery hooks below the grille. In my opinion, the Redline Edition gives the RST some aesthetic points of interest without tacking on the higher price of a more flashy model, such as a Trail Boss or a High Country.

Here’s how the Silverado 1500 RST Duramax drives

I spent a lot of my time in this truck on crowded Metro Detroit highways and tight city and suburban streets—that includes parallel parking on just about every trip. And what I loved about this truck was how easy it was to maneuver, its smooth ride, and how comfortable it was. When it came down to it, everything about this truck was easy. 

I pride myself on my ability to parallel park, but that’s usually when I’m in my personal SUV, not a pickup with a much longer wheelbase. Yet this truck’s tight turning radius and rear camera view guidelines ensured a perfect parallel park nearly every time.

My one complaint about the truck, however, pertains to its backup camera. I think Chevrolet skimped a bit on camera quality. The image appeared more pixelated and grainy compared to others on the market. I noticed this first with the Chevy Brightdrop I drove last year, and now with the Silverado 1500 (obviously, this was not the case in the Silverado EV, as mostly everything in that truck is premium). 

Regardless of the lack of a high-definition backup camera, I didn’t feel that the tech features on this truck were lacking. That’s largely thanks to the 13.5-inch infotainment screen with Google built in. This allows drivers to sign into their profile and navigate to saved or frequented addresses with just the click of a button or with a simple “Hey Google…” Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is also available for those who prefer using their own devices.

Additionally, the RST model includes multiple creature comforts that any driver will appreciate. These include power windows and 10-way adjustable seats, dual zone climate control, a wrapped heated steering wheel, and heated seats. All of these are standard features in the RST.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the truck is equipped with a suite of safety technologies, from automatic emergency braking to lane-keeping assist and the rest of the Chevy Safety Assist lineup.

Overall, my impressions of this truck are that it’s quite capable of work, thanks to the Duramax, but it’s also not your typical bare-bones work truck. The RST offers body-color door handles and a grille bar with the Chevy bowtie, and its multiple edition options, such as the Redline Edition, add styling that takes this truck from basic to bold.

Any diesel engine is going to come at a price premium compared to a gas engine. But adding Silverado 1500 RST Duramax to the fleet might be the ticket to handling towing and hauling needs at a reasonable price.