What does LTZ stand for on a Chevy Truck?

The Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ is a great fit for so many drivers in and around Grand Forks. Chevy trucks have been enabling work and play all over North Dakota and Minnesota for generations, but the newest iteration is special. Thanks to intelligent use of high-strength steel, it’s stronger yet lighter. Plus it has an engine for every need. At Rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC, we understand why the Silverado is more popular than ever.

The LTZ trim is a very common choice. In Chevy lingo, LT means “Luxury Touring.” The Z means nothing specific, but is a nod to Corvette designations like Z51 and Z06. Maybe the Z means “Zoom.” How does a Silverado LT compare to an LTZ? Basically, the LT comes with the most popular performance equipment. The LTZ adds luxury elements to the basic truck. Yet the LT and LTZ only start the conversation. The Silverado can get fancier, simpler, or more powerful.

LT to LTZ Upgrade

The Silverado LT can do most everything the average person needs it to do. The standard 310 horsepower 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder delivers plenty of punch with surprising economy. Need more power? You can achieve nearly double the displacement by swapping out the standard engine for a 355 horsepower 5.3-liter EcoTec V-8. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Towing increases from 9,500 to 11,500 pounds when you make the switch. The LT also comes nicely equipped with features such as heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control.

But what about the Z? Step up to the LTZ trim, and you’ll get the Bose premium sound system, leather seats, a Chevytec spray-on bedliner, a larger driver information center, navigation, LED headlamps, and more. Chevy’s Infotainment 3 Premium and wireless charging make the LTZ a classy mobile office. It’s ready for white collar and blue collar work. But do you every feel like you’re piling firewood in the back of a luxury car? What happened to the humble trucks?

All About Business

Sometimes the best tool for the job is a simple one. We enjoy the comfort of the modern executive pickup, but when it comes to trucks and luxury, sometimes less is more. The Silverado WT (“work truck”) gets back to the truck’s dirty roots. You get two naturally aspirated engines: the 5.3-liter V-8 or the 4.3-liter EcoTec V-6 for more fuel efficiency. A six-speed automatic transmission comes standard. Basic features like a regular cab, 8-foot bed, vinyl seats, halogen headlamps, and a smaller information cluster will remind you of a simpler time for trucks. Thanks to Bluetooth and a back-up camera, though, the WT it still up-to-date.

Looking for more connectivity and capability without all the fanciness of the LTZ? Choose the Silverado Custom. Get cargo bed lighting and the trailering package to pull nearly 6 tons. You’ll get OnStar, keyless entry, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. This trim enjoys some modern touches, but it still has cloth seats and rubberized floor mats so it’s comfortable at the job site. Work truck configurations, with or without a bed, are customizable and endless.

So Many Engines

You’ve already seen mention of three engine choices for the 1500, but there are three more. Picking the right Silverado might begin with falling for an engine and transmission combination. What can you put under the hood?

• 2.7-liter Turbo I4: 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque with the eight-speed automatic.
• 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6: 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque with the eight-speed automatic.
• 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V-6: 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque with the six-speed automatic.
• 5.3-liter Ecotec3 V-8: 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque with the six-speed automatic.
• 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 with Dynamic Fuel Management and Auto Stop/Start: 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque with the eight-speed automatic for increased fuel economy.
• 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8 with Dynamic Fuel Management and Auto Stop/Start: 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque with the 10-speed automatic. Tows up to 13,300 pounds.

Silverado’s engine choices allow you to strike the perfect balance between power and economy. You can achieve that elusive target of just enough engine. So what do you tow? What do you haul and how much does it weigh? Know how much capability you require, then browse until you find the powertrain you love.

Going Heavy Duty

Maybe a Silverado 1500 just isn’t big enough for your ambitions and camping plans. In that case, you may need to step up to the three-quarter-ton Silverado 2500 HD or 1-ton 3500. With a towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds, choosing one of these models means you can say yes to every towing and hauling job. 

More good news: LTZ means just about the same in HD. Special heavy-duty touches include a power lock and release tailgate and hitch guidance with hitch view. The LTZ is a refined beast. You still have the practical options of WT, LT, or Custom trim. However, the best-equipped HD is the High Country. Get special 16-spoke, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, a power up and down tailgate, the Bose sound system, heated rear seats, and extensive leather and wood throughout the interior.

Your engine choices are simpler. Choose the 6.6-liter gas V-8 with a six-speed automatic to tow up to 17,370 pounds. Get serious with the 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel and 10-speed Allison transmission combination. Some serious truckers will only tow and haul with a Duramax and an Allison. Seat up to six and carry everything with the double cab, long bed version. 

The Chevy Silverado LTZ is a great choice, but far from the only one. In the Silverado family, you have an amazing array of engines, options, and special features. That’s before looking into the HD range, where the Silverado becomes a work hero. Buying a house doesn’t involve this much choice. Contemplate your next truck thoroughly. Bring your trade down to Rydell Chevrolet so we can talk trucks.

No amount of research replaces a quality test drive. Driving is why so many of our veteran staff are in the business. They love to share the joy of driving the right machine. Consider all the options you have with the Silverado name alone. To find the perfect truck, you’ll need the right guide. You can meet your guide at Rydell Chevy today.

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