The Chevy Silverado has been completely redesigned for 2019, but no one can blame you if you don’t immediately notice it. In many ways, Chevrolet has taken a “don’t fix it if it’s not broken” approach to the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, choosing to not upset their core customers by making radical changes to the full-size pickup truck’s design.
In other words, Chevrolet designers kept their ambitions in check on the 1500 Silverado but went bonkers on the Silverado 2500HD unveiled this week. Given how polarizing the HD version is, it’s probably Chevrolet decided to play it cool with the 1500’s design.
On the other hand, there’s a lot of new stuff under the surface that you can’t see. There are also some innovative new technologies that make this pickup more functional and versatile which is what it’s supposed to be at its very core. Because before full-size pickups became legitimate daily drivers packed with luxury and connectivity features, they were first and foremost designed to be used as a tool on the job site.
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado remains a useful ally when hauling, carrying, or towing. It can also be driven daily and will prove quite capable at it. It’s comfy, quiet, and refined, albeit it’s not on the same level as its 2019 GMC Sierra brother.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado | Photo: Charles Jolicoeur
Why you should buy a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado
1) The 2019 Silverado is built on a brand-new chassis that provides several benefits. For starters, it’s much more rigid and we noticed it immediately on the 300 kilometers of dirt and rocks we first drove on with the new pickup. It felt stable and solid as if made of a single block of concrete. It felt really planted.
2) The new chassis also translates into more interior room. The Silverado is one spacious truck. More spacious than its competition? Not enough that you notice, but current Silverado owners will notice the extra room in the new truck.
3) Those V8 engines are still top-notch, especially the 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It’s silky-smooth, especially when paired to the 10-speed automatic gearbox.
4) Active Fuel Management works really well. If you haven’t heard about it yet, it’s basically a cylinder deactivation system that can shut off cylinders in more than one sequence or pattern in order to further improve fuel economy based on driving conditions. You don’t notice working which is a good thing.
5) You can tow up to 12,000 pounds which is more than you will or should ever need with a 1500 pickup.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado interior | Photo: Chevrolet
Why you shouldn’t buy a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado
1) Not much has changed inside. We said the same thing about the 2019 GMC Sierra. Compared to the new Ram 1500, for example, the Silverado is underwhelming inside. It’s still easy to use and ergonomic, but there’s very little “wow” factor and current owners won’t feel like they have a new truck.
2) No Multipro tailgate, one of the Sierra’s most innovative new features, on the 2019 Silverado right now. It may come eventually, but right now we are still waiting.
3) Despite Active Fuel Management, the 2019 Silverado isn’t exactly a fuel economy champion in its segment when powered by the V8 engines.
Final Word
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado drives better than the previous generation but hasn’t change the original recipe too much. Current loyal owners will be happy to get the 2019 model, but we don’t think Chevy has done enough with this new model to steal clients from Ford and Ram. What it really needs is a brand-new, completely redesigned and more modern interior to really make it stand out.
