Engine options, trim levels and additional upgrade packages abound, so much that it's enough to make your head spin. But the plus side is that the Silverado allows for a seemingly endless amount of customization combinations that allow you to tailor the truck specifically to your needs and wants.

The Silverado comes in three basic cab layouts: regular, double and full-size crew. If you're like most other Silverado drivers, you'll most likely want to opt for the double or crew cab option, as both come with rear seats and will accommodate up to six passengers while regular cab editions can fit only three on a single front bench.

In addition to the three cab configurations, the Silverado also has five different trim options: WT, Custom, LT, LTZ and High Country.

The WT – short for "work truck" – is the base model, which features a 4.3-liter V-6 engine with 285 horsepower, an automated six-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive. Priced starting at just over $29,000 new, it comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen for operating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, Chevy's Teen Driver safety system, two USB ports as well as synthetic leather seats.

Stepping up to the Custom trim brings remote start, hitch guidance, a power lock-and-release tailgate, a rear-seat reminder, satellite radio capability, a Wi-Fi hotspot and other basic add-ons like cruise control, cloth upholstery and power windows and door locks. The Custom trim ranges from $36,500 for the double cab to $39,000 for the crew cab.

While both the WT and Custom editions allow for an additional fee the option of upgrading to a 310-horsepower turbo-four engine that's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine comes standard on the LT trim. Priced at $40,300 for the double cab and $42,700 for the crew cab, the LT also sports a locking rear differential, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, an enlarged 8-inch touchscreen and extra USB ports, too. Additional upgrades include the option of a 355-horsepower V-8 engine or a 277-horsepower six-cylinder turbo diesel engine and four-wheel-drive as well.

Starting at $49,400, the LTZ is only available as a crew cab with a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 engine. It also features front and rear parking sensors, a lane change alert system, a trailer brake controller, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a power outlet in the bed, HD Radio and wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, leather upholstery and heated rear seats. Navigation, a seven-speaker Bose sound system and wireless device charging are included in the LTZ Premium package. A head-up display, a surround-view parking camera system, a Rear Camera Mirror, and a bed-view camera are included in the Technology package.

The LTZ also allows for the option of a second-tier safety package that includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and a safety alert seat.

At the top of the line is the Silverado High Country, which starts at $53,900 and comes with an 8-inch digital gauge display, a seven-speaker Bose sound system, navigation and wireless charging.

And, if you'd like more power or better fuel economy under the hood on either the LTZ or the High Country editions, you can upsize to a 420-horsepower V-8 or the turbo diesel option, both of which are paired with a 4WD drivetrain.

When sizing up different options of full-size vehicles, especially in the case of pickup trucks, one essential factor to take into consideration is the vehicle's weight and size compared to other contenders in its category.

The Chevy Silverado measures 19-20 feet in length, 6 feet to 6.5 feet in height and – when not carrying any passengers or cargo – 4,400-5,150 pounds. The F-150 is roughly the same size and weight as the Silverado and both have similar fuel efficiency and horsepower, too.

Generally speaking, when equipped with the same engine, regular cab versions of the Silverado are able to tow significantly more than double cab and crew cab versions, although it's important to remember that not every engine is available with the regular cab configuration. The same goes for rear-wheel-drive versus four-wheel-drive variants, too.

Depending on the cab design and trim level, the base V6 engine has a towing capacity of 7,200-7,900 pounds. The turbo-four engine allows for a total of 9,000-9,600 pounds, as does the turbodiesel (OK, it technically maxes out at 9,500 pounds), while the 5.3-liter V-8 can haul anywhere from 9,300 to 11,500 pounds. The 6.2-liter V-8, however, is capable of tugging up to an impressive 13,300 pounds. That's the equivalent of an adult male African elephant.

So that's to say the Silverado, when properly equipped, can literally haul the weight of the largest land animal on Earth.

Depending on the model year, used Silverado LTs with an understandable amount of mileage under their belt – 70,000 miles or so – usually go for $20,000-$30,000, a significant savings of $10,000-$20,000 altogether. Expect to pay slightly more for used models with lower mileage, regardless of the year. LTs with 40,000 miles or so tend to cost around $35,000. Upper-trim LTZs with lower mileage – 20,000 or so – hover in the upper $40,000s or lower $50,000s.

Given that Silverados are known to last anywhere between 200,000 and 300,000 miles depending on how well they're maintained and how hard they're worked over the years, used models for the most part still have plenty of life left in them.

And on that note, it's helpful to remember that any of Shift's automobiles can be purchased directly from the comfort of your own home, and thanks to Shift's rigorous 150-point inspection, you know that it has no hidden flaws and that you are getting a fair, up-front price.