Taking a closer look at the Silverado

The new 2019 Silverado pickup from Chevrolet is 450 pounds lighter, has more cargo volume, higher-strength steel in its design and a range of new features. They've even upgrade the CornerStep bumpers to accommodate steel-toed boots. For this market, competition is in the details. This is the new top end High Country model that features custom chrome and bronze features.

The new Silverado sports something not seen for several years – the Chevrolet name embossed in the design. These trucks come in eight trim levels in three classes – high value, high volume and high feature.

The new truck is larger than before including a wheelbase that is up to 3.9 inches longer and an overall length 1.6 inches longer for more cargo volume and more interior room for all cab lengths. Chevy reports that the engineering team doubled many of the key validation metrics for the next-gen truck so it's the most-tested vehicle GM has produced.

The new Silverado didn't opt to go all aluminum, instead the frame and body panels are from four different materials including advanced high-strength steel (shown in black), high-strength steel (yellow), steel (gray) and aluminum (white). This material mix trims 450 pounds. The fully boxed frame 88 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The exterior swing panels – doors, hood and tailgate – are aluminum while fixed panels are made from steel (fenders, roof and bed). There are seven different grades of steel in the underlying safety cage.

New for 2019 is the LT Trailboss that adds off-road equipment to the LT including a 2-inch suspension lift and the Z71 Off Road Package, including a locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho shocks, 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires. This is one of 8 trims that start with the High-value line featuring the Work Truck, Custom and Custom Trailboss – with the off-road package. In the High Volume class is the LT, RST – also new – and that LT Trailboss shown. And in the High-Feature area Chevy has the LTZ with chrome accents on the bumpers and more; and the High Country for the man who has everything including an exclusive front-grill design with two-tone chrome and bronze finish.

The new truck features plenty of space including a short box with 63 cubic feet of volume. The new space comes from a wider bed floor (up nearly 7 inches). Chevrolet Accessories will offer storage bins that fit over the wheel wells, offering 7-cubic feet of lockable carge space for short-box models. And that model will accommodate a 4-by-8-foot sheet of plywood. There are also more, and stronger, tie-downs with 12-fixed locations. Their strength is also doubled to 500 pounds of force before bending. And there are nine removable tie points for even more cargo flexibility.

Aerodynamics and pickup design don't usually mix in the same sentence, yet Chevy claims a 7% improvement in airflow around it's muscled body. That can help with fuel economy. So can engines with unique new technologies. There are two new 5.3 and 6.2-liter V-8s that feature something new – Dynamic Fuel Management. With that system the program can actively shut off any number of cylinders in a variety of combinations depending on immediate needs to optimize fuel economy. New for 2019 is a Duramax 3.0-liter V-6, turbodiesel. The new diesel and the 6.2-liter V8 are mated to a new Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. The new diesel will be built at the Flint, Mich., facility

The 2019 Silverado has a redesigned interior. This is the High Country trim, with top-of-the-line tech and details. The cab has been stretched with the crew cab offering an added 3-inches of rear seat legroom. And every feature is designed with an eye toward ergonomics including the rotary knob textures and the infotainment screen angle. The High Country is subjected to a 100,000 seat-slide test to maintain durability. The Silverado was the first to offer 4G LTE wifi, Apply Car Play, Android Auto, wireless phone charging and OnStar safety and security features. And Chevy promises a list of safety features to be announced later.

The new Silverado RST – new for 2019 – offers a street performance appearance on the LT, with body color and trim, full LED lighting (foglamps, headlamps and taillamps) and up to 22-inche wheels with all-season tires.

In the same High Feature class as the High Country is the LTZ featuring chrome accents on the bumpers, front grill, mirror caps, door handles and hockey-stick beltline. There are also power folding and heated outside rearview mirrors. Leather interior trim is a standard equipment.

The new 2019 Silverado pickup is feature-filled and offers 8 different trim choices. Buyers should be able to find just the right pickup for their operation.