The all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup is lighter, more tech-laden, and a bit more aggressively styled but doesn’t look radically different than the previous versions. There are four new grille designs depending on the model. It comes in eight trim levels that include the high value Work Truck, Custom, and Custom Trailboss; the high-volume LT, RST, and LT Trailboss; and high feature LTZ and High Country. There are Regular, Double, and Crew Cabs; short and long beds, and rear-, four- and all-wheel drive models, depending on trim levels. Interesting aerodynamic touches are included like air curtains that improve efficiency.
Silverado offers plenty of powertrain choices. There’s an all-new 2.7-liter, four-cylinder turbo that features cylinder deactivation and stop/start for efficiency, plus a twin-scroll turbocharger for improved low-end response. It connects to an eight-speed automatic transmission and delivers an estimated 20 city/23 highway mpg. Rated at 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft torque, this engine brings the Silverado a 2,280-pound payload rating and maximum tow rating of 7,200 pounds. A new 2.7-liter turbo engine replaces the naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V-6 in the Silverado LT and RST sport-truck. The 4.3-liter V-6 connected to a six-speed automatic transmission remains the base engine in other trim levels. A new 3.0-liter Duramax diesel paired with a 10-speed automatic and a stop-start system is coming in early 2019.
Furthering efficiency by an estimated 5 percent is the Silverado’s dynamic fuel management (DFM) technology that enables only those cylinders needed to deliver required power to come into play. DFM features 17 cylinder patterns that constantly determine how many cylinders are used to meet the torque demanded, making this determination 80 times per second to optimize efficiency and power delivery at all speeds. DFM is available on the optional 355-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8 with an eight-speed automatic and 420-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 teamed with a 10-speed automatic. These V-8 engines also feature stop/start.
The Silverado's weight has been reduced by as much as 450 pounds, depending on the model, through the use of varying thicknesses of high-strength steel throughout and aluminum on some body panels. The Silverado offers the all-new Durabed cargo box that’s seven inches wider with greater volume for more hauling capacity. The crew cab’s wheelbase is four inches longer, overall length has increased by about 1.6 inches, and the truck is 1.2 inches wider. There’s also 2.5 inches greater rear-seat legroom. A two-inch suspension lift is a factory option. Pickups are often used for towing and Chevy makes this easier with the Silverado’s Advanced Trailering Package and Trailering Camera Package. A trailering app with theft alert and more is included.
