As if the Chevy Silverado already didn’t have enough choices for consumers.
The all-new 2019 Silverado 1500 offers eight trim levels paired with six engine/transmission combinations. This ensures a ride perfectly tailored to customers’ specific needs for performance, efficiency, technology and value.
My tester was the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD LT with double cab which seats up to six passengers.
It was powered by an all-new 2.7L turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It replaces the 4.3L V6 and delivers 22 percent more torque, greater fuel efficiency, and a stronger power-to-weight ratio. It also delivers 22-miles-per-gallon fuel economy down the highway when not lead-footing. So it was lower for me.
Over half of the models will be equipped with the most advanced V8s in the brand’s history – updated versions of Chevrolet’s proven 5.3L and 6.2L engines equipped with industry-first Dynamic Fuel Management featuring 17 different modes of cylinder deactivation.
“A major focus of the next-generation Silverado is expanding the range of choices,” said Tim Asoklis, chief engineer for the Silverado 1500. “With all-new engines and a broader model range, there’s a Silverado for everyone, whether you’re buying your first pickup or your tenth.”
The new model is bigger than ever with a couple inches added to the wheelbase and length, adding both cargo volume and passenger comfort. My tester came with a flashy Red Hot coat of enamel that – along with some cool new exterior tweaks – got more than its fair share of double takes and thumbs up.
It made for a parking challenge as the snow plowing wiped out a couple feet of depth on either side, so back out required a minimum if two or three three-point turns.
Silverado features functional front grille air curtains, similar to those introduced on the sixth-generation Camaro, that reduce wind drag by routing air around the front wheel wells.
A powerful side profile also enhances aerodynamics, with an integrated spoiler at the rear edge of the cab that directs air onto the contoured tailgate, reducing wind drag from the bed. Most models also feature active aero shutters integrated in the front grille that close to reduce wind drag and open to provide improved engine cooling when needed.
Other features making the 1500 functional were Chevytec’s spray-on bed liner, tailgate with lift-assist, trailer package and all-terrain tires augmented by 18-inch bright silver painted aluminum wheels.
Storage options are mindboggling. There’s front undersea storage, a massive center console that folds back for extra seating when needed, then there’s more storage below that.
Creature comforts are so plentiful; you really forget you’re driving a pickup. There are power-heated seats that include lumbar adjustments, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, front and rear USB ports, power sliding rear window, HD rear vision camera, front and rear 12V outlets, dual-zone climate control, telescoping steering wheel and more.
Safety features are just as plentiful. The highlights include lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, front- and rear-park assist, theft-deterrent system, Stabilitrak with trailer-sway control and hill-start assist, teen-driver mode and more.
Silverado’s final assembly is in Roanoke, Indiana and is built with 46 percent Mexico-sourced parts and 42 percent U.S. and Canada parts. We’ll have to guess where the remaining 12 percent came from.
Base Price: $41,695
Price As Driven: $49,365
Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
