2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
I got the privilege of spending some time in the new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in Jackson Hole, WY recently. I was able to drive a variety of 2019 Silverado 1500 trucks, but they were all fitted with one of the two V8 engines on offer.
I’m going to make this one super short and sweet. The 2019 Silverado is a really good light duty pickup. I’d very much consider buying one if I was in the market for a full size light duty truck. Here are a few specific thoughts on the truck:
-It is a BIG truck, both for passengers and cargo. That size hurts it a bit for off road activities, as the breakover angle is not good. The volume in the truck bed is massive though, and best in class.
-The Trail Boss is basically an appearance package with a few nice little standard features. If you don’t like the Trail Boss looks, you can get the same off road capabilities by adding the Z71 package to one of the other Silverado models.
-You can’t get a Trail Boss, yet, with the 6.2L V8 and 10-speed transmission. That’s a shame, as that engine is a lot of fun to drive and great for towing.
-The 2″ lift on the Z71 package is accomplished by adding lift blocks to the rear leafs and an adjusted height spacer ring on the longer monotube Rancho Shocks on the front. The shocks are adequate at best. I’d upgrade them quickly if I were to buy this truck, at least if you plan to drive it at speed off road.
-The G80 self engaging rear differential lock comes standard on the Z71 and Trail Boss, and optional on other models. It is a basic Detroit auto locker. While it’s much better than no locker, I’d much prefer a selectable locker option, like found in the Colorado ZR2.
-The Goodyear Duratrac tires are a solid OEM option, but I think there are better off road tires out there, especially when it comes to sidewall durability. I’d also try to wedge a bit larger tire under the new Silverado, both for capability and looks.
-I really like the HUD, heads up display, on offer on the new Silverado. It is a technology you’ll start seeing in nearly all new vehicles very soon.
-I’ve got back issues and sciatic nerve issues. I also put in long hours behind the wheel of my vehicles. A comfortable and adjustable drivers seat is a must. The new Silverado has some of the best seats I’ve tried on a new truck. I particularly like the adjustable angle on the lower cushion and the adjustable lumbar support. The bottom cushion is quite firm though, which isn’t the best for my 170 lb frame, but would be fine for someone heavier.
-I really like that you can get heated and/or cooled seats, in both cloth and leather, across most of the new Silverado lineup. The cooling fan in the front seats isn’t the strongest however, especially in the lower cushion.
-The Bose stereo options on the new Silverado sound a bit flat to me. I like a wider range, especially deeper lows in the bass.
-The 26 gallon fuel tank is a bit small when compared to the competition, but adequate for most uses.
-There is little info known about the new 3.0L inline 6 cyl diesel on offer for the new Silverado, but I think it is one of the most exciting parts of this new truck. I can’t wait to get my hands on one with a diesel and 10-speed trans and see what it’s all about.
I think that about sums up my rambling feelings about the new 2019 Silverado 1500 for now. I’ll hopefully get some more real world seat time in this truck soon and drive one with the new diesel. I’ll of course report back when I do.
Please let me know your thoughts on this new truck. Would you/are you going to buy one?
