Here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse during the
summer, one of the first things we were told about the re-design of the
full-size Silverado
for 2019 was that Chevy was definitely proceeding with caution. The chassis and
suspension were updated rather than completely re-worked, and the 2.7-liter
turbocharged 4-cylinder is the new engine for some, with the six-cylinder
turbo-diesel on deck to join the lineup soon. The prime power source is once
again the two traditional V8's, and they are available in both the 5.3 and
6.2-liter variants. The 6.2-liter is the largest engine offered in a half-ton
pickup period, and situated directly towards those who want to churn through
the workday with sheer force.
The testing staff at Car and Driver were not at all
surprised that the 6.2-liter's numbers make this Silverado
much quicker than its rivals with V-8s, and the all-wheel-drive crew-cab High
Country completes the zero to 60 spec in just 5.4 seconds, which is better than
the F-150 Platinum V-8, the Hemi-driven Ram Laramie, as well as the 5.7-liter
Tundra. The 6.2-liter earns a bit higher of a tow rating than the 5.3, sporting
a grand total of 9,300 pounds in this case. One surprising thing about the Car
and Driver staff's rigorous testing was documented for the 5.3-liter:
they thought that the Dodge Ram's pipes and exhaust sounded a bit better than
ours, and while that's OK “for now,” they are still loyal to the Silverado,
having named it on numerous “Best of” lists throughout the years.
Once they got to business and began driving with a
purpose, they realized a few awesome traits that are commonplace on many
full-size pickups, yet somehow very unique to the Silverado.
The high-sidewall tires help mask the harsh qualities of pavement that has seen
better days, and from behind the wheel, the multi-angle cameras are useful in
all types of maneuvers, since the high-and-mighty hood tends to hide any
obstacles near the front end. As soon as you shift into reverse the camera pops
up, one of the best features to give you the added helping hand of fine new
tech on-demand.
Also doling out high praise for the overall
functionality of the cabin, it was noticed that the wide center console has a
few different stowage cubbies, including one that has the ability to provide
wireless charging for your smartphone. Immediately behind the seatbacks, there
is more stowing space tucked behind hidden doors, and we also fully agree with
the testing crew that the switches, knobs, and buttons on the pickup's
infotainment interface are “logical, and gimmick-free.” Even over the next few
years, we will be very surprised at the advancements in dashboard tech, and
some of them will undoubtedly hit the driver with too much punch off the bat.
If you are looking for a truck that will defy the
laws of “ordinary-ville” and keep you occupied with the best in what the market
has to offer, check out the High Country trim: the leather and two-tone scheme
on the inside are just the thing to make the delivery, drilling session, or
taking toys to the lake the absolute perfect and primo-powered outing!
