Chevrolet’s Silverado 1500 is thoroughly remodeled for 2019, producing a fourth-generation version of this full-size pickup that was introduced in 1998. Nearly 12 million Silverados have been sold since then.
The new Silverado is cosmetically redesigned but the biggest changes apply to the truck’s capability, functionality, cargo volume, sizing, strength, features availability, and configuration options.
All beds are wider and deeper, and Silverado’s performance is improved by a weight loss of 450 pounds.
There are eight trims in the 2019 Silverado lineup: Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. The RST and LT Trail Boss are new for this year.
There are five engine options: A 285-horsepower V6, 310-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, 355-horsepower V8, and 420-horsepower V8.
My tester was a two-wheel-drive RST double cab model with the turbo engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The RST trim, while sharing Silverado’s workhorse heritage, is aimed at buyers more interested in street show than cowboy cred. It’s an LT with body-color trim, full LED lighting (including foglamps, headlamps and taillamps) and up to 22-inch wheels with all-season tires.
Passenger room as well as cargo space for small and large items is generous within the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 cab. (Manufacturer photo)
Based on the welcome stares of passing motorists and wistful positive comments from pickup aficionados, my RST tester delivered on its street show purpose.
The tester’s base price is $40,295 including a destination charge of $1,495. With a host of optional equipment including not one but two convenience packages, its total price comes to $47,795.
Standard features on the RST include a power-operated tailgate, remote start, an infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and Wi-Fi.
The 2.7-liter turbo engine and eight-speed automatic transmission proved a worthy combination for powering the truck swiftly and smoothly throughout the test week without guzzling too much gasoline. Fuel economy ratings for this model are 20 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
There’s no overlooking how big the Silverado is, but its handling on twisty roads was more agile than expected. The cabin’s comfort level is high enough to assuage any lack of aplomb during those twists and turns.
Turning radius was also less expansive than expected. I anticipated having to make a three-point turn on several occasions but my Silverado wouldn’t hear of it.
Trying to park the Silverado exposes its shortcoming.
In addition to the obviously impressive cargo volume of the bed, the truck has tons of room inside the cab. The center bin is massive, for example. For stowing smaller items, multiple other bins and cubbies are positioned in handy places.
Rear seats are more utilitarian than luxurious, not surprisingly. The seat cushions lift up with very little effort to create a large cargo area with a flat floor. In another nod to impressive cargo volume the seats are higher than usual, so there’s plenty of easily accessible space underneath them.
The infotainment system is mercifully straightforward and includes control knobs for the often-used functions.
There are eight trim levels and five engine choices for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size pickup. The new RST trim is shown here. (Manufacturer photo)
2019 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 2WD RST DOUBLE CAB
Base price, including destination charge: $40,295
Price as driven: $47,795
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild, and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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