Chevy’s RST stands for Rally Sport Truck. It began as a street-styled appearance/performance idea on Tahoe/Suburban in the late 2010s and today lives as a dedicated “sport look” trim on Chevy’s mainstream truck and full-size SUV lineup. Think blacked-out details, body-color trim, big wheels, and a more urban stance—without sacrificing work-truck capability.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the RST package usually includes and where you can find it among Chevy models.
Is RST a package or a trim?
It’s both—historically, RST appeared as an appearance (and later performance) package on Tahoe/Suburban, including an option to combine the 6.2-liter V8, Brembo brakes, and Borla exhaust. In the current generation, RST is a standalone trim on Tahoe/Suburban and Silverado 1500, with content that aligns to the “street” theme. Chevy’s 2025 Tahoe/Suburban materials and earlier performance-edition releases document that evolution.
What the “RST look” usually includes
While exact content varies by model/year, the through-line is consistent:
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Monochrome/black details: black bowties, black or body-color grille bars and bumpers, black badges/roof rails.
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Bigger wheels: 22-inch wheels are common on Tahoe/Suburban RST; 20-inch black wheels are typical on Silverado RST (larger wheels available via packages).
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Sport interior accents: Jet Black cabins with red (Victory Red) stitching on full-size SUVs.
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LED lighting and the modern Chevy infotainment suite on trucks.
Other features include:
- Keyless start
- Cargo Bed
- Remote Start
- Chrome side-view mirrors and bumpers
- Leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Power driver’s seat
- Lumbar support
- LED fog lamps as well as tail lamps
- 3.0L Duramax Diesel engine (277 HP/ 360 lb.-ft. torque)
Other than these basic features, the RST package’s main selling point is the performance aspect that offers great options to different driver needs.
Where you’ll find RST right now
Silverado 1500 (gas/diesel)
On the half-ton Silverado, RST sits in the heart of the lineup with body-color bumpers/handles, a monochrome look, LED lighting, and the large 13.4-inch infotainment plus 12.3-inch driver display introduced with the recent refresh. The trim is configurable for work or family duty and offers multiple engines.
Engines available on 2025 Silverado 1500 RST (U.S.)
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TurboMax 2.7L I-4 (standard on RST): 310 hp, 430 lb-ft; 8-speed automatic.
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5.3L V8 (available).
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6.2L V8 (available on Crew Cab 4×4).
- 3.0L Duramax diesel (LZ0) also offered, bringing 305 hp/495 lb-ft to the half-ton family.
The broad engine menu means you can spec RST as an efficient daily (TurboMax)T, a long-range tow rig (Duramax), or a punchy street truck (6.2L).
Signature RST touches you can spot at a glance
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Body-color center grille bar, body-color bumpers/handles, and available 20-inch high-gloss Black wheels.
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LED reflector headlamps and signature DRLs (part of the post-refresh lighting suite).
Tahoe (gas)
Tahoe RST pairs the blacked-out, street-leaning look with the latest 2025 refresh: new exterior lighting, a reworked interior with a 17.7-inch center screen, and chassis/tech updates. Inside the RST, you’ll see the Jet Black cabin with Victory Red stitching; outside, the monochromatic black grille with Black Ice accents and available 24-inch wheelsunderline the theme.
There’s also the enthusiast-focused Tahoe RST Performance Edition (introduced for 2023) that upgrades the 6.2-liter V8 model with police-vehicle-derived chassis tuning, bigger Brembo front brakes, unique tires, plus calibration changes that lift output to 433 hp—a factory package priced from $8,525 when launched. If you’re shopping used or lightly used, look for that very specific “Performance Edition” note.
Suburban (gas)
Everything you read for Tahoe applies to Suburban RST as well—same updated tech and RST-specific interior and exterior cues, including Black emblems/roof rails and the available 24-inch Carbon Flash Metallic wheels. If you prefer the long-wheelbase family hauler with the street stance, this is the one.
Silverado EV (electric)
Chevy also uses RST on the Silverado EV. The First-Edition RST launched production in 2024; for 2025 Chevy broadened the EV lineup and announced a more affordable RST alongside new WT and LT versions, with range/price changes versus the launch model. If you’re cross-shopping gas vs. electric RSTs, note that the EV’s specs, pricing and battery/range options are evolving quickly.
Powertrains & capability: what to expect with RST
Silverado 1500 RST (gas/diesel)
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Standard TurboMax 2.7 I-4: 310 hp / 430 lb-ft; strong low-end torque for daily towing/hauling.
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Available 5.3 V8 and 6.2 V8 (Crew Cab 4×4) if you want the classic V8 feel and higher tow ratings; 3.0 Duramax (LZ0) delivers 305 hp/495 lb-ft and excellent highway range.
Tahoe/Suburban RST
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Street-focused style on the full-size SUV platform. With the 2025 refresh, both add a larger 17.7-inch infotainment screen and can be optioned for performance/comfort to taste; the Tahoe RST Performance Edition (2023) specifically adds chassis and brake upgrades and a 433-hp calibration to the 6.2L V8.
Silverado EV RST
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BEV performance with features like WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode and big-range battery options; lineup/pricing updated for 2025. If you want a street-styled electric pickup with serious power and range, this is the RST to watch.
Which RST is right for you?
Pick Silverado 1500 RST if you want…
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A street-clean look on a legit work truck.
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Flexibility to choose TurboMax, V8, or Duramax power to suit towing, highway range, or punch.
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The updated Chevy 13.4-inch/12.3-inch screen pair in a value-rich trim.
Pick Tahoe/Suburban RST if you want…
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A family-size SUV with blacked-out styling and the new 17.7-inch interior tech.
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The option (Tahoe only) to hunt for a 2023 RST Performance Edition if you crave more brake/chassis bite and the 433-hp calibration on the 6.2.
Consider Silverado EV RST if you want…
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The RST aesthetic with EV performance and the latest range/price options announced for 2025.
Chevy RST hopping & spec tips (save yourself headaches
1) Nail the engine early (Silverado RST).
The trim spans four very different powertrains. If you tow often, test the Duramax; if you want a sleeper-quick street truck, look for the 6.2L availability on Crew Cab 4×4; if value and torque are your priorities, the TurboMax is the standard fit. Chevy’s configurator/trim page shows which engines pair with which RST body/drive layouts.
2) Look for appearance vs. performance clues (Tahoe/Suburban).
All RSTs carry the look; only the Tahoe RST Performance Edition adds the uprated brakes/chassis and 433-hp calibration to the 6.2L. If a listing mentions “RST” but not “Performance Edition,” assume the standard RST spec.
3) Mind wheels/tires.
The SUVs can be configured with 22- or 24-inch wheels; they look fantastic but replacement tires cost more and ride quality is firmer. The official Tahoe/Suburban pages call out those available 24-inch wheels on RST.
4) Double-check the screen and safety tech you want.
The 2025 Tahoe/Suburban refresh brought the 17.7-inch infotainment and wider safety/trailering tech across the lineup; details are in Chevy’s 2025 announcement. On Silverado 1500, the dual screens are part of the current interior (including RST) post-refresh.
5) If you’re EV-curious, watch the Silverado EV RST lineup.
Chevy’s 2025 update introduced additional trims and a lower-priced RST variant with adjusted range; that may change your budget calculus compared with the 2024 First-Edition RST.
FAQs
What does RST stand for?
Rally Sport Truck—Chevy’s street-oriented aesthetic on its trucks/SUVs.
What are the main RST visual cues?
Blacked-out or body-color trim, dark emblems, big wheels (22–24 in. on SUVs), and sport interior highlights like Jet Black with Victory Red stitching on the big SUVs.
Does RST change capability?
On Silverado 1500, capability depends on engine and towing packages you choose (RST supports the broad engine menu). On Tahoe, the RST Performance Edition (2023) adds significant brake/chassis hardware and a power bump; standard RST is primarily appearance/feature content.
How is RST different from Z71?
RST is street-styled; Z71 is off-road-tilted (skid plates, all-terrain tires, unique fascia/hardware). Chevy’s model pages show the split for the 2025 lineup.
Tomas is a retired Chevy Auto Technician that brings decades of hands-on experience and expertise to the table. He’s also a father to two incredible daughters. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help you solve and find reliable information on Chevrolet vehicles. Whether it’s troubleshooting engine problems or providing tips for maintenance, Thomas is committed to helping Chevy owners keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.
