The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 now features an upgraded payload rating. This adjustment brings added advantages for General Motors Specialty Vehicles, granting exemption from federal emissions standards and bypassing another fresh regulatory demand.

The LTZ Premium starts at $135,990 before on-road costs while the ZR2 is listed at $147,490 plus on-roads. Both represent a $1000 rise over earlier pricing.

A GMSV spokesperson explained that the MY26i changes to the Silverado 1500 respond directly to buyer preferences and input in this segment. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 along with the rest of the GMSV lineup in Australia satisfies every relevant local rule.

Through the 2026i update the model gains higher payload and gross vehicle mass ratings that place it in the NB1 Medium Goods Vehicles group alongside light-duty trucks often used by moving services.

GVM climbs from 3300kg to 3505kg, clearing the 3500kg NVES limit. Payload reaches 942kg on the LTZ Premium and 922kg on the ZR2 compared with prior marks of 748kg and 713kg.

The GVM shift keeps the Silverado 1500 outside the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard count. The Australian Government is still reviewing comments on a plan to fold vehicles between 3501kg and 3855kg GVM into the NVES beginning July 1 2027.

Moving from NA Light Goods Vehicle status to NB1 classification, much like the rival Ram 1500 did last year, also frees the Silverado 1500 from Australian Design Rule 98/01 on advanced emergency braking for passenger and light goods vehicles even though it carries an AEB system with pedestrian detection.

Every light vehicle sold in Australia after August 1 2026 must satisfy this rule. That includes the NA-class Ford F-150 which must ensure its AEB detects and stops for pedestrians. All new models introduced since August 1 2024 already face the ADR 98/01 requirement.

Further revisions accompany this mid-year model refresh.

The LTZ Premium receives updated suspension still marketed as off-road suspension yet without the Z71 label and twin-tube dampers that drop the Rancho branding.

The ZR2 keeps its existing suspension hardware including Multimatic DSSV dampers.

Every Silverado 1500 now carries black Chevrolet lettering on the tailgate. The LTZ sheds much of its extra chrome as the front bow-tie badge and Z71 fender badges switch to black finish.

Power comes from a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre petrol V8 producing 313kW and 624Nm linked to a 10-speed automatic and four-wheel drive.

The LTZ Premium adds an automatic locking rear differential while the ZR2 includes a front electronic diff lock and taller ride height.

The Silverado 1500 and its larger Silverado HD stablemate remain the final full-size pickups offered in Australia with V8 power although Ram Trucks Australia has signaled plans to reintroduce a V8 option matching the US lineup.

Pricing

Model	Price before on-road costs
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium	$135,990 (+$1000)
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2	$147,490 (+$1000)