Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2019 Silverado is completely redesigned to battle its crosstown rivals. The Silverado's power delivery is improved; it's smoother and more responsive now, and fuel economy has improved by 1 mpg to 17 mpg overall for the 5.3-liter V8 engine. Added optional and thoughtful touches include a power tailgate that can open using the remote key fob or a button on the dash. The ride is stiff and snappy, but the cabin is very quiet. Handling is sound and secure. The infotainment system is easy to use. Rear-seat room in crew-cab versions is immense, but the high step-in requires a climb. New trim variants, such as the Trail Boss and High Country, run the gamut from an off-road special to a luxury chariot. Available advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, are optional on high-end trims.

Updates for 2020 include an available 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel pulls strongly, feels refined, and returns 23 mpg overall. Other changes for 2020 saw suspension tweaks improving the ride, and the availability of adaptive cruise control. 

Updates for 2021 include available wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Advanced safety equipment, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning, are standard for 2022. There's also a new ZR2 off-road model, which gets a modified off-road suspension, standard 6.2-liter V8, and 33-inch off-road MT tires. The rest of the line gets various exterior and interior updates, including an available 13.4-inch touch screen; optional Super Cruise driver-assistance technology; and more torque for the 2.7-liter turbocharged engine. 2024 saw the addition of a rear seat belt indicator.

The full-sized C/K1500 pickup was renamed Silverado in 1999. The Silverado is much improved over the dated C/K, and has powerful, efficient engines, a more inviting interior, and better braking and handling. Expect a stiff, choppy ride, however. Extended-cab models received a fourth door for 2000. The Z71 trim line has a harsh, stiff ride, but other trims ride better. Braking performance was adequate, but interior trim is unimpressive. The expensive Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system was available in 2004 and 2005.