MM Test-Drive - 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500
https://www.federalflags.com/resize/...bh=1000&h=1000
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...553d0cfda5.jpg https://assets.nydailynews.com/polop...-dashboard.jpg I recently posted a thread on an 2019 F-150 XLT Extended-Cab 4WD I sampled for our Condo-Maintenance man. He will shortly be in the market for a new truck and is considering a Ford, even though, having owned an old Silverado and GMC Jimmy, he is clearly more of a GM fan. And, of course, he also asked me to check out the new Silverado as well. I won't do a long thread on the new Silverado, or explain it in minute detail, but I will briefly share what I found with it, and a brief comparison to the F-150, for any truck-shoppers here on CL as well. I sampled a 1500-series RST Double-Cab that, with options, listed for $53,740. The same guy at the Chevy/Buick/GMC shop that sold me both of my two Buicks said, if our condo-man were interested, the dealership would let it go for $44,705....that's a typical discount for full-sized trucks like this, which right now, are basically going for 8-10K of off list, which makes them a bargain even with the traditional large mark-up on full-size trucks. First, compared the Extended-Cab F-150, the Silverado felt a little longer and more bulky to maneuver at close quarters. Chevy does not offer an extended-cab version with small rear-hinged "suicide" doors like the F-150...only a choice between two smaller front-hinged doors and two somewhat larger ones for a slightly roomier rear seat. The Double-Cab version I drove had the smaller of the two rear doors, but, with its long bed-length, still felt a little longer and bulkier than the F-150 Extended-Cab. The Silverado, unlike the F-150, still has a steel body, but an aluminum tailgate.....I found that out when I tried to stick on the magnetized dealer test-drive-plate, and it wouldn't stick to the aluminum (I had to put it in the rear window instead). I generally preferred the Silverado's interior, controls, instrumentation, trim, and layout to the F-150's, and the Silverado's driver's seat, to my large frame, felt more comfortable. Both trucks had a traditional column-lever for the transmission. Neither one really seemed to use particularly durable materials inside (perhaps in an effort to save weight).....it seemed like a toss-up there. On the road, the normally-aspirated (non-turbo) 5.3L V8 had adequate power (348 ft-lbs of torque) but, of course, was hauling around a generally heavy vehicle. The F-150 had a noticeably smoother ride (the Silverado's was more traditional truck-stiff)......the F-150 would probably be the better of the two for a long trip, where comfort is more of an issue. Both trucks had decent wind-noise control, but, as speed increased, some audible road-noise from the large tires and open truck-bed in back. The Silverado had much better electric power-steering, with some steering/road feel...the F-150's is more or less like mush. Brakes on both were adequate, though they both have a lot of vehicle to stop. At speed, I did not notice any of the noted "Chevy-Shake" that has plagued the structure of some recent Chevy and GMC full-sized trucks/SUVs, but my test-drive wasn't really that long or that fast, and it was a brand-new vehicle without any real stress having been put on it yet. Both trucks carry the same standard factory warranty.....5/60 on the drivetrain and 3/36 Bumper-to-Bumper. There's also another ace in the hole. I have not test-driven an equivalent 1500 GMC Sierra, but, from truck-reviews I've read, the Denali version, at least, has a smooth ride that is (almost) the equal of the silky Dodge Ram 1500. That could (?) be a solution to the Silverado's stiffish ride, and also offering a slightly more upscale GMC-class interior, though the GMC will probably cost a little more, and I don't know just how much he can afford to spend. If it were me, I'd choose the F-150 if I were going to make long trips in it and/or drive appreciable distances. The F-150's reliability record is also somewhat better than the Silverado's, decreasing the likelihood of a breakdown on a long trip, although the F-150's 10-speed automatic (used only on some F-150 versions) is still basically new and untested in the long run. Its mushy steering is less of a factor on a long Interstate trip, where one is driving straight ahead most of the time. But, for everyday around-town driving and hauling loads, even with its stiffer ride, I'd choose the Silverado, with its better steering-feel, its steel bed vs. the F-150's aluminum, and (IMO) better dash/instrumentation layout. Except for a little more bounce over some bumps than the F-150, it is just a more pleasant truck to steer and drive. And I might also check out the GMC Sierra version and its smoother ride. And, as Always, Happy-Truck-Shopping.:) MM |
Thanks for taking the time to do a write-up.
I have a 2001 Silverado that has been very reliable, but is nothing special to drive. I use it for weekend runs to Home Depot and such. Otherwise it just sits. I suppose one day I'll replace it with something newer. I have a question about this: First, compared the Extended-Cab F-150, the Silverado felt a little longer and more bulky to maneuver at close quarters. Chevy does not offer an extended-cab version with small rear-hinged "suicide" doors like the F-150...only a choice between two smaller rear-hinged doors and two somewhat larger ones for a slightly roomier rear seat. If I were to buy a full size truck now, I'd probably go with a new F150 or perhaps a lightly used Tundra. I just don't like the Silverado interior design. |
Originally Posted by JDR76
(Post 10535299)
Thanks for taking the time to do a write-up.
I have a 2001 Silverado that has been very reliable, but is nothing special to drive. I use it for weekend runs to Home Depot and such. Otherwise it just sits. I suppose one day I'll replace it with something newer. Did you mean a choice between two smaller forward-hinged doors? If I were to buy a full size truck now, I'd probably go with a new F150 or perhaps a lightly used Tundra. I just don't like the Silverado interior design. |
The exterior picture you're using is not the 2019.
This is what a 2019 would look like: https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...553d0cfda5.jpg |
Originally Posted by pbm317
(Post 10535336)
The exterior picture you're using is not the 2019.
This is what a 2019 would look like: https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...553d0cfda5.jpg OK....good enough. Thanks. Google seems to have a problem labeling some of their images....this is not the first time there was a mix-up from a mislabeling. Starting with the next review or test-drive I do, probably on the new Explorer, I'm going to try and take more actual, direct shots with my I-Phone 7, though the lighting is not always good enough for some interior shots. |
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...553d0cfda5.jpg
to me that's the uglist truck design ever. :thumbdn: :eek1: there's at least 10 'layers' to that front 'cake' and that's not a good thing. the front is so ludicrously high visibility is more like this than a normal vehicle. :egads: https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...c1daa6a64a.jpg |
Originally Posted by bitkahuna
(Post 10535553)
to me that's the uglist truck design ever. :thumbdn: :eek1:
https://www.tfltruck.com/wp-content/...m-1024x523.jpg |
GM just can't get away from the cheap plastic looking interiors
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Originally Posted by Joeb427
(Post 10535611)
GM just can't get away from the cheap plastic looking interiors
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Originally Posted by mmarshall
(Post 10535304)
...I just thought that the Silverado's basic layout was clearer and easier to read at a glance....and the front beltlines on the doorsills avoid that awkward-looking dip on the F-150.
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Originally Posted by mmarshall
(Post 10535622)
Plastic has become the staple of many manufacturers, not just GM.
Originally Posted by Joeb427
(Post 10535611)
GM just can't get away from the cheap plastic looking interiors
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Originally Posted by Sulu
(Post 10535629)
Mike, what do you mean by this? As I understand it, the beltiine (the line where the window meets the door) and the door sill (the part you step over to enter the vehicle) are parallel so never meet.
https://www.athensford.com/assets/st...jpg?height=400 |
Originally Posted by mmarshall
(Post 10535622)
Plastic has become the staple of many manufacturers, not just GM.
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Originally Posted by mmarshall
(Post 10535622)
Plastic has become the staple of many manufacturers, not just GM.
To me, this interior looks like a particularly cheap plastic (in the worst sense of the word) dashboard.
Originally Posted by mmarshall
(Post 10535279)
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Originally Posted by Sulu
(Post 10535652)
To me, this interior looks like a particularly cheap plastic (in the worst sense of the word) dashboard.
Here'a a little more high-zoot version, BTW...I think you'll be able to tell the difference. http://article.images.consumerreport...erado-int-1-18 |
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