2019 Chevy Silverado 4WD: The Brand's Fourth Generation Truck

Highlight: The all-new Silverado is available with a 4-cylinder, 2.7-liter turbo engine, which produces 310-horsepower. It’s the first fullsize truck outfitted with a 4-cylinder engine.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $52,205 (Base Model: $36,095)    

Seating Capacity: 5 or 6 (depending upon trim)

Standard Safety Features: air bags; a locking tailgate; a tire pressure monitoring system; Daytime running lights; a stability control system; a hill start assist system; rear camera; and a teen driver safety monitoring system

Standard Equipment CrewCab Base Model (WT): 17-inch wheels; a 6-speed automatic transmission; single zone manual a/c; rear air vents (heating/cooling); a 7-inch infotainment screen; power door locks; rubberized-vinyl floor covering mats; a rear manual tilt inside center mirror; 40/20/40 manually adjustable split bench seat with a center armrest; a manual operated tilt steering wheel; a rear seat reminder system; cargo tie downs; tailgate and bed rail protection cap; a capless fuel filler door; 170-amp alternator; a heavy duty cold cranking battery; single outlet exhaust system; 3:42 ratio rear axle; and power electric steering 

Standard Equipment Review Vehicle (LT): a 5.3-liter/V8 engine; a fuel saving start/stop engine; an 8-inch infotainment screen; cruise control; a keyless entry system; color coordinated floor carpeting; a built in WiFi system; a rear bumper with a corner step; a driver’s spotter mirror; and a Durabed (pick up bed)

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: All Star Edition: a dual zone climate control system; a power driver’s seat; heated front seats; a heated steering wheel; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; rear seat USB ports; rear power outlets; a remote vehicle starter system; front seat covered armrest storage; under seat storage; a power locking tailgate; LED Durabed lighting; auto locking differential; and a trailer package with hitch

Z71 Off-Road And Protection Package: 18-inch wheels; suspension, off road; a hill descent control system; skid plates; air cleaner, high capacity; a transfer case; all-terrain tires; rear wheelhouse liners; Chevy spray-in bedliners; assist step and toneau package; trifold tounneau cove; assist steps; a 5.3-liter V8 engine; front and rear park assist and a dynamic fuel management system

Safety Package I: a front and rear parking assist system; a lane change alert with side blind zone alert system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a trailer brake controller system

Other Trims:

1500 Regular Cab
1500 Double Cab
2500 Heavy Duty Regular Cab
2500 Heavy Duty Double Cab
3500 Heavy Duty Regular Cab Single or Dual Rear Wheels
3500 Heavy Duty Double Cab Single or Dual Rear Wheels
3500 Heavy Duty CrewCab Single or Dual Rear Wheels

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle:  a 6-speaker AM/FM

Apple CarPlay/Android: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

iPod connectivity/USB Port: Yes                                                                                                    
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 4.3-liter, 6-cylinder/285-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
15-city/20-hwy

Towing Capacity: 9,800 lbs

What’s New: In the competitive truck market, the Silverado has been redesigned for the 2019 model year. In addition to an all-new design, this is the first truck in the fullsize segment to offer a 4-cylinder engine.

Why: The new Silverado is available in a variety of trims, with up to six engines. Buyers can opt for a regular cab, double cab or a crew cab model. As a result of its longer wheelbase, this year’s model offers more passenger space and cargo volume. In fact, Chevy’s design and engineering team were able to accomplish this feat, while placing the vehicle on a Slimfast diet, making it 450 pounds lighter. The vehicle also adds miles per gallon as a result of the fuel deactivation system available in the 5.3-liter, V8 engine.

Chevy engineers also stepped up its game with its best-selling model. This year’s model adds such features as a dual glove box, a power up and down tailgate, a bed mounted 120-volt power outlet, 12 fixed tie-downs for the bed, an improved braking system, a 360-degree camera and an advanced trailering package with a hitch view (and a trailering App).

Moreover, their engineering team has also infused a higher strength steel floor and the ability for the redesign Silverado to enhance its payload and trailer ratings in its heavy duty trucks. Furthermore, the engineering team has also altered the rear leaf springs on the LT trim in order to enhance the ride and handling capabilities.

Traditional Chevy loyalists will welcome the array of driver assist features too. Those features range from a rear park assist feature to a lane departure warning system to a lane keep assist system.

And, for those seeking leather, heated and ventilated front seats and 22-inch wheels, Chevy has made this and more available on a variety of trims.

But: Some critics believe the controversial headlights meshed into the bowtie grille isn’t one of the best styling attributes of this fullsize truck. The polarizing fascia could possibly cost the brand sales.

Furthermore, just as Chevy has stepped up its game, so has Ram. Ram's all-new interior, with its optional massive Tesla-like infotainment screen, is an industry standout, when compared to the Silverado’s more reserved instrument panel layout. The Ram also rides more like a car than a truck. 

Ironically, as a result of Ram’s more car-like characteristics along with them selling their previous truck, which is now known as the Ram Classic, side by side with the current generation, the two trucks have managed to outsell the Silverado for the first quarter of 2019.

Lastly, while this is a great truck, it does not seem as though Chevy moved the needle enough in this highly competitive segment, as much as Ram did with their truck.

Verdict: While Chevy has reworked its best-selling vehicle inside and out, its nemesis, Ram, has done the same. Thus, the pickup truck war is for buyers in the market for either a stripped work truck or a high end loaded up luxury truck. Chevy has the market covered, with its array of cabs, engines, trims and price points.

Competition: Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra