Ever since farmers strapped wooden crates onto their Model Ts the auto industry created a new niche and strived to bring the best pick-up trucks to market. With 80 years of history behind it, the pick-up truck segment has a brand-new breed of champions to lead it into the future. Among them is Chevrolet’s Silverado, a pick-up truck that looks every bit as luxurious and feels just as comfortable as an upscale SUV.
The biggest shift in thinking was regarding design and comfort, both qualities that were considered secondary up to a decade ago. What mattered most was functionality, so pick-up trucks were extremely reliable machines, but not the type you’d pride yourself driving.
As the average consumer started to demand more, the segment evolved, and the current Silverado is a testament to just how far it has come. The moment you look at it you’re drawn in by the modern, sharp lines, but you still feel that subdued and tamed aggressiveness every serious pick-up truck should put on display.
Inside, the overall look and feel match that of an upscale SUV. Quality materials have been used all-around and there are some incredible standard features like the infotainment system made up of the 7-inch touchscreen you'll find in the middle of the dash and Chevrolet's infamously good MyLink system or modern features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for complete smartphone connectivity, one USB port, Bluetooth connectivity or a six-speaker audio system, and high-end upgrades like a state-of-the-art seven-speakers BOSE audio system and a sunroof are also available.
When it comes down to passenger capacity you can choose between bucket seats or a bench up front at no cost difference between the two, the only difference being that a bench will sit up to three people and the bucket seats just two. There is also a clear distinction between Regular and Double or Crew Cabin modes. The former two include an additional row of seats while the latter has only the front row. This means that Double and Crew Cabin models will be able to carry three more passengers than the Regular ones.
As we are talking about a pick-up truck, after all, it's worth mentioning that no less than 5 different engine options will be made available for the new Silverado. 4 right away and the 5th, a turbodiesel, will join later this year.
The standard Silverado model will be equipped with a V6 capable of producing 285 horsepower. It is a capable engine, especially since the new model lost a massive 450 pounds as compared to the previous version. The first possible upgrade is a 4.3-liter V6 that will put out 310 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque, which will make the car drive considerably better.
The true power though comes from the two available V8s. The first is a 5.3-liter that produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an 8-speed automatic, while the second is a 6.2-liter that will give you 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The former is able to tow in excess of 12.000 pounds and that’s with the cabin at full passenger capacity.
Chevrolet’s brand-new rendition of their most successful car in production is a triumph not only for its parent company but the pick-up truck class in general. It is a car that manages to seamlessly combine looks with functionality, raw power with modern comfort. It is a giant leap that will make all competitors’ models to step up their game or face catastrophic sales. Until then the 2019 Silverado is probably the best pick-up truck money can buy.
