2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RWD Prices: MSRP vs Dealer Invoice vs True Dealer Cost w/ Holdback

There's no guessing as to why the 2018 Chevrolet Silver 1500 2wd is one of GMC's hottest sellers. With a whopping six trim levels, three engine choices, three bed sizes, and three cab sizes to choose from, the 1500 has something for everybody. Whether you need a capable workhorse or a family-friendly daily driver, there is a configuration for you. This year, GMC has upped the ante by adding quite a few standard features and new style elements to the Silverado lineup.

What's New For 2018?

The new 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2wd now comes with a standard rearview camera and 7-inch LCD touchscreen display. Additionally, the LT and LTZ trims can now be ordered with the eAssist package. This package will turn your engine off while idling at a stop in order to conserve fuel.

Available Styles

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2wd is available as a small pickup model with three cab style options (two-door, four-door, and crew) and three bed sizes.

Available Trims

The 2018 Silverado 1500 comes in a total of six different trim levels. The Work Truck (WT) is powered by a 4.3-L V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, which garners 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. The WT features black bumpers, vinyl upholstery, and a steering wheel that is tilt-only. The LS trim includes stainless steel wheels, the OnStar system, and deep-tinted glass on the windows. The Custom trim comes with front tow hooks and a unique exterior trim design but is otherwise similar to the LS. The LT trim features an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen display and infotainment system including HD and satellite radio. Meanwhile, the LTZ trim boasts a security system and heated front seats, and this trim receives its power from a 5.3-L V8 engine. The High Country trim sits atop large 20-inch wheels and features built-in navigation. Many of the features that come standard on the higher level trims are available as optional add-ons in packages or as stand-alones for the lower trims.

Driving Impressions

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2wd receives ample power from all of the engine options, and the high-powered 6.2-L V8 can get the truck from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds. However, the transmission is sluggish and spends time searching for gears, which keeps the powertrain from providing a smooth performance. The brakes tend to feel a little squishy at first when you are driving down a slow-speed road, but they are perfectly capable of making safe emergency stops. The steering does feel a bit too heavy for a 1500 model and might be a bit fatiguing for some drivers, and the 1500 does tend to get a little wobbly and lose its composure while going through turns. You will also feel a lot of bumps when you have the truck mid-corner. Also, since this is a 2wd model, you will likely want to avoid doing any serious off-roading since the 2wd cannot be optimized for it with the Z71 package.

Fuel Economy

Since there isn't a high-powered diesel or turbo engine powering the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2wd, you will get a modest fuel economy from the truck. At best, you can get 20 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway) on the 2wd's base engine with the 6-speed auto. The 8-speed automatic does slightly worse, coming in at 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway).

While the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2wd is a popular choice for quite a few good reasons, there are competitors out there with more powerful engine options and improved steering and handling capabilities.

How to Calculate The Dealer Cost of a Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Formula for Calculating Dealer Cost:

• Example: Base Chevrolet Silverado 1500 invoice price + the dealer Invoice price of all the options + destination - Holdback = Total Dealer Cost.
• What is Holdback? A hidden amount that manufacturers give back to a dealer. It is a percentage of the MSRP or the Invoice price.

Total Dealer Cost - Rebate and Incentive + Taxes / Licensing Fees = True Dealer Cost. (You can get rebates and incentives here)

Note: All Chevrolet Silverado 1500 MSRP, invoice and dealer cost dollar figures above are approximate amounts. Prices are subject to change without notice.

A note about rebates: Most rebates are subtracted from the "on the road" figure. In most cases, you can have the rebate if you are arranging your own financing or you are paying cash. If you decide to use the manufacturer’s low interest financing, you do not usually get the rebate. Ask your dealer for details.