Pickups are huge for manufacturers as the three top-selling vehicles in America are full-size trucks.
So, when you redesign one of those bestselling vehicles, you have to get it right. However, when Chevy launched the redesigned 2019 Silverado, it was not what it needed it to be, with odd looks and an interior that fell short of the competition.
GM fixed the interior with a more up-to-date look and improved materials better suited for the cost of entry. The dash now houses a modern digital instrument cluster and large 13.4-inch central screen that works well. The updated interior has higher-quality buttons and knobs and most of the hard plastics are below eye level. The cloth seats provide plenty of comfort for road trips and the split heated seats allow for heat on the back or back and bottom.
I’m not sure why more companies don’t offer this. Choosing the crew cab means that five adults fit easily and comfortably with great head and leg room.
The exterior styling has also been cleaned up with a new front end that looks less clunky and more cohesive. Much of the credit goes to a redesigned grill that better blends with the new LED lighting clusters with signature daytime lights. The Trail Boss version looks burlier than the regular Silverado trucks thanks to a two-tone hood with plenty of power bulges that give the Silverado a more intimidating look. It’s a more competent off-road ride with a two-inch lift, monotube shocks and skid plates.
The high-gloss, 18-inch wheels with Goodyear Wrangler tires will also help when the pavement ends. The bed has 12 tie-downs, and now Chevrolet has the nifty multiflex tailgate, which has six unique settings rather than just open or closed.
What’s new this year is an improved Duramax diesel engine that provides more power and torque than before. The power comes in exceptionally low in the rev range, so the Silverado moves swiftly. Even with the bed loaded and the seats filled, it never felt underpowered.
The fuel economy is better than the V-8 version or hybrid trucks I’ve driven in the past. I saw over 24 mpg without trying. The Silverado Crew Trail Boss is a large vehicle, but I found it easier to drive with confident handling in most situations. Bumps in turns though seem to upset the calm ride.
Even with the tires geared for off-roading the cabin is mostly hushed on the highway. The extra lift with the Trail Boss package could pose a problem when parking in lower clearance garages.
Cost: $56,300; as tested $64,780
MPG: Vehicles in the class are not rated. I managed 16.2 mpg in 572 miles of mixed driving and hauling.
Options: $2,590 Duramax 3.0L turbodiesel; $1,250 hard tonneau cover; $1,145 off-road high clearance steps; $685 protection package; $620 front bucket seats with center console; $445 multiflex tailgate; $1,795 destination charge
Safety: front & rear park assist; adaptive cruise control; multicolor head-up display; teen driver mode; automatic emergency braking; lane change alert with side blind zone alert; forward collision alert; following distance indicator; IntelliBeam headlamp control; rear cross traffic alert; Chevy safety assist
Things to know: The Silverado sees improvement inside and out. The optional diesel engine has more power and torque while delivering good MPG for a large pickup.
Pros:
- Turbo diesel engine improves the MPG and has more power for 2023
- Trailboss trim level has improved off-road capability
- Interior finally sees the improvement to better match the competition
Cons:
- Gets pricey with higher trim levels and optional diesel engine
- Improved interior but there are still cheaper trim pieces
- Ride is improved but still is not as refined as some of the competition
