Is the 2019 Chevy Silverado a Good Truck? Good and Bad Reviews

The Chevy Silverado 1500 was completely new for 2019. Larger, with more towing and payload capacity, it was an improvement over the previous generation. We checked both good and bad reviews from the three big consumer authorities. Then, we looked at owner comments compiled from various sources. Below are some of their conclusions about the 2019 Silverado. We hope that these consolidated reviews can give used truck buyers a beacon for determining whether to consider the Silverado or pass.

Consumer Reports:

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 | GM

Good: Interior room, new deeper bed, eight-speed automatic hooked to 5.3-liter V8.

Lows: Ride, step-in height. 

“Chevrolet has improved the Silverado 1500, with increased payload and towing capacities, plus a deeper bed versus the previous model. But the redesign doesn’t match the fancy cabin or comfortable ride of some competitors.

“The Silverado’s biggest change is in the powertrain. Its 5.3-liter V8 engine can now be paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination provides better throttle response and quicker acceleration, answering one of our chief criticisms of the dull, flat-footed previous generation. The new eight-speed automatic transmission and the loss of about 300 pounds help the Silverado achieve 17 mpg overall, a 1-mpg gain over the previous truck.”

What owners said about the 2019 Silverado:

2019 Chevrolet Silverado High Country | GM

Owners report they like the Silverado’s exterior styling, interior design, driving dynamics, visibility and safety, and storage and space. Their least favorite things about the previous generation Silverado were the engine/transmission, seats, climate control system, infotainment system, and fuel economy.

JD Power:

2019 Chevrolet Silverado High Country interior | GM

“While other recent truck redesigns have resulted in palpable improvements in terms of refinement, Chevy chose to stick with a preponderance of hard, glossy plastics inside the cab. This would be OK, if not for the LT Trail Boss’s $57,000 price tag tested by JD Power.

“A new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system features impressive graphics, a useful design, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone projection technology. It’s a good thing Apple CarPlay was aboard because the test vehicle didn’t come with an embedded navigation system. It’s only offered with LTZ or High Country trim.

“Providing motivational force, Chevy’s new 5.3-liter V8 makes 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 rpm. It’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 9,500 lbs. Maximum towing for a new Silverado is 12,200 pounds, depending on how the truck is equipped.

“Acceleration proved to be strong and brawny aside from occasionally harsh driveline lash when upshifting from lower gears. It is delivered seamlessly to the push-button Autotrac automatic 2-speed transfer case.

“However, other trucks boast bigger tow ratings, provide greater payload capacity, and feature more luxurious cabins. Value is a challenge with the new Silverado, too, given the short trial period for OnStar and lack of expected equipment at the LT Trail Boss test truck’s price.

Edmunds 2019 Silverado review: 

2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss | GM

Pros

Several available powertrains for various towing/hauling needs.

The longer cabin provides excellent rear legroom.

Lots of in-bed tie-down points and massive bed capacity.

A new touchscreen display is attractive and easy to use

Cons

Interior design and cabin controls seem old compared to rivals.

Extra-large center stack takes up lots of cabin space.

The quality of some cabin materials is subpar.

Edmunds scores are based on road tests, specifications, comparisons, and owner surveys.

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