The El Camino is back, but it's not what you remember

Chevrolet brought back the El Camino nameplate in 2024 after a 40-year absence. The new version is built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Silverado truck and shares its engine options, interior technology, and safety features. It sits between a traditional pickup truck and a sedan — with a full rear bed but a passenger cabin that extends further back than older El Caminos, giving you more interior space and a shorter cargo area.

If you're considering one, you're looking at a vehicle that costs roughly what a mid-size Silverado costs, comes with modern infotainment and driver information systems, and appeals to buyers who want truck capability without a full-size truck's footprint. The trade-off is that the bed is smaller than a standard pickup, and the design choices that make it distinctive also limit its practicality for some uses.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 El Camino uses Silverado truck components, so it shares engine options (including a turbocharged four-cylinder and V8), transmission, and suspension with that truck line.
  • The bed is shorter than a standard pickup bed, typically around 5.5 feet, which affects what you can haul and how you haul it.
  • Pricing starts in the mid-$30,000 range for base models, with higher trims and engine upgrades pushing the price toward $50,000 or more.
  • Insurance and fuel costs will be closer to a full-size truck than to a car, even though the El Camino is smaller and lighter than a Silverado.
  • Resale value depends on how the market receives this reborn nameplate — early data is limited, so buying one involves some uncertainty about long-term value.

Engine and performance options

The new El Camino comes with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine as the base option, producing around 310 horsepower. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is standard on lower trims. It's fuel-efficient for a truck-based vehicle, but it's also the least powerful option available.

A 5.3-liter V8 is available on higher trims, producing around 355 horsepower. This engine offers more towing capacity and acceleration, but it consumes more fuel. A 6.2-liter V8 is also offered on the highest trims, with around 420 horsepower, though this option is rare and typically found on special editions or fully loaded models.

All versions come with four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, depending on the trim. Four-wheel drive adds weight and reduces fuel economy but improves traction in snow and off-road conditions. Rear-wheel drive is lighter and more efficient but offers less grip in winter or on loose surfaces.

Bed size and cargo capacity

The El Camino's bed is significantly shorter than a standard pickup truck bed. Most configurations offer a 5.5-foot bed, which is about 18 inches shorter than the shortest bed available on a Silverado. This matters if you regularly haul full sheets of plywood, long lumber, or other items that need a full 8-foot bed.

The bed can still handle typical truck tasks — hauling mulch, gravel, small appliances, or building materials for a single room renovation. But if you need to transport a full load of drywall or long steel beams, you'll either need to use a roof rack or reconsider whether an El Camino is the right vehicle for your needs.

Payload capacity (what you can load into the bed) is typically around 1,500 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain. Towing capacity ranges from about 5,000 pounds with the four-cylinder to around 9,000 pounds with the V8, which is respectable but lower than a full-size Silverado.

Interior space and comfort

The El Camino's cabin is noticeably larger than older versions because the passenger area extends further back. This gives you more legroom in the rear seats and a more spacious feel than you'd get in a traditional two-door truck. The back seat can comfortably fit two adults for short trips, though it's not ideal for long drives.

The dashboard and infotainment system are shared with the Silverado, so you get a touchscreen display (typically 8 inches on base models, up to 13.4 inches on higher trims), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available wireless charging. Climate control, power windows, and power locks are standard on most trims.

Storage is plentiful in the cabin — door pockets, a center console, and under-seat storage are all present. However, the shorter bed means you lose some of the open cargo space you'd have in a traditional truck, so you'll need to use the cabin storage more often for smaller items.

Safety features and technology

The El Camino comes equipped with modern safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and blind-spot monitoring on most trims. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera systems, and rear cross-traffic alerts. These systems are the same ones found in the Silverado, so they have a track record of real-world performance.

The vehicle also includes multiple airbags, stability control, and a reinforced frame. Crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are not yet widely available for the new El Camino, so you may want to check for updated ratings as they become available.

The infotainment system includes voice commands, navigation, and integration with your smartphone. Over-the-air software updates are available on some trims, which means Chevrolet can add features or fix issues without requiring a dealer visit.

Pricing and trim levels

The El Camino is offered in multiple trims, each with different standard features and pricing. Base models start around $35,000 to $37,000, depending on drivetrain and current market conditions. Mid-range trims typically fall in the $42,000 to $48,000 range, while fully loaded high-end trims can exceed $50,000.

Engine upgrades add $2,000 to $5,000 to the base price, depending on which engine you choose. Four-wheel drive adds roughly $3,000 to $4,000 compared to rear-wheel drive. Optional packages for technology, towing, or appearance can add another $1,000 to $3,000.

Dealer pricing and incentives vary by location and time of year. Some dealers may offer discounts on older model years as new ones arrive, while others may charge above sticker price if demand is high. It's worth shopping multiple dealers and checking current incentive information before committing to a purchase.

Fuel economy and running costs

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers the best fuel economy, typically around 20 to 22 miles per gallon combined (city and highway). The 5.3-liter V8 drops to around 17 to 19 miles per gallon combined, while the 6.2-liter V8 falls to around 15 to 17 miles per gallon. Four-wheel drive reduces these numbers by roughly 1 to 2 miles per gallon across all engines.

Insurance costs for the El Camino will be higher than for a comparable sedan but similar to a Silverado of the same year and trim level. Liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage will depend on your driving record, location, and the specific trim you choose. It's worth getting quotes from multiple insurers before buying.

Maintenance costs are predictable because the El Camino shares most of its components with the Silverado. Oil changes, tire replacements, and routine service are widely available at Chevrolet dealers and independent shops. Parts are not expensive compared to specialty vehicles, though they're not as cheap as parts for a compact car.

Resale value and market outlook

The El Camino nameplate has strong brand recognition and nostalgia value, which could support resale prices in the near term. However, the new version is so different from the original that it's unclear whether that nostalgia will translate to long-term demand. Early sales data is limited, so predicting how these vehicles will hold value over five to ten years is difficult.

Truck values in general have remained relatively stable over the past decade, even as sedan values have declined. The El Camino's unique position — between a truck and a car — could work in its favor if buyers continue to prefer truck-based vehicles, or against it if the market shifts back toward traditional pickups or sedans.

If you're buying an El Camino primarily as an investment, be aware that you're taking on some uncertainty. If you're buying it because you like the vehicle and its capabilities, resale value is secondary to whether it meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the new El Camino compare to a Silverado pickup truck?

The El Camino has a shorter bed (typically 5.5 feet versus 8 feet on a Silverado), a larger cabin, and a lower price point. It uses the same engines and transmission as the Silverado, so performance and towing capacity are comparable. The trade-off is less cargo space in exchange for more passenger comfort.

Can I fit a full sheet of plywood in the El Camino bed?

A standard sheet of plywood is 4 feet by 8 feet. The El Camino's 5.5-foot bed is too short to fit it lengthwise without overhang. You can transport plywood if you're willing to let it extend beyond the tailgate and find it properly, but a full-size truck bed is more practical for regular plywood hauling.

What's the difference between the four-cylinder and V8 engines?

The four-cylinder is more fuel-efficient (around 20-22 mpg combined) and costs less upfront, but produces less power and has lower towing capacity. The V8 delivers more horsepower, better acceleration, and higher towing capacity (up to 9,000 pounds), but consumes more fuel and costs more to buy and maintain.

Is the El Camino good for towing?

The El Camino can tow up to around 9,000 pounds with the V8 engine, which is adequate for small trailers, jet skis, or ATVs. It's not designed for heavy trailers or large boats. If towing is a primary use, a full-size Silverado or other heavy-duty truck is a better choice.

Will the El Camino hold its value?

Long-term resale value is uncertain because the new El Camino is so different from the original and has limited sales history. Truck values have generally held up well, but the El Camino's niche position means it could appeal to a smaller buyer pool when you sell. Buy based on whether you like the vehicle, not on resale value predictions.