?2019 Chevrolet Silverado RST 4WD CrewCab Z71?
Silverado Slims Down While Beefing Up
Chevrolet has been building trucks now for 100 years with more than 7 million miles of testing and the new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado RST is a prime example of how they do it right. The Bowtie truck camp now offers several trim levels to choose from All are lighter, bigger and stronger.
OVERVIEW
Available models include: WT (Work Truck); Custom; Custom Trail Boss; LT; RST; LT Trail Boss; LTZ; Trail Boss; and High Country. Cab choices are a Double Cab or Crew Cab configuration.
There are also six advanced powertrains with up to 420 horsepower. Available engines In the U.S. marketplace include: a 2.7 ?liter turbocharged 4-cylindera 4.3-liter EcoTec V6 as standard; an optionally available 5.3-liter V8; also with late optional availability, a 3.0-lier Duramax Turbo-Diesel; and a 6.2 liter V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management. Horsepower ranges from 285 to 420. There are two transmissions: an eight-speed automatic and a 10-speed automatic. The standard bed size is 79.4-inches, with a shorter bed measuring 69.9-inches. There?s also a long bed available. The Durabeds combine high-strength roll-formed steel, more cargo volume than any other truck and 12 standard tie-downs ? three times more than any competitor ? with innovative features like an available industry-first power-up/-down tailgate to offer the most functional bed of any pickup.
FRESH NEW LOOK
In terms of design and styling, the latest iteration Chevrolet Silverado truck serves up a bolder, more athletic persona along with enhanced aerodynamics with each model presenting its own unique design and capability. Grille treatments in particular are different serving up a distinctive first image. The sculpted hood reaches back to the sharply angled windshield and drops off into a rearward sloping cabin back. A character line reaches from the headlights to the ?A? pillar, fading and then picking up through the rear door an continuing along the bed side to the tailgate. In profile, there are strongly pronounced fender arches above the rounded wheel wells. Another inset lower character line runs from the front to the suggested rear fender. Different wheel designs appear on different models. The rear features a locking power tailgate with a central raised panel and an embossed Chevrolet signature flanked by the vertical taillamp treatment, and the rear bumper comes with toe insets on both sides for easier access.
The overall image upon the first viewing, is that this is one big mother of a truck, although it?s actually only 1.5-inches longer (the wheelbase is 3.9-inches longer). Despite the extension of its footprint, the new styling shortens the front overhang avoiding compromising the longer truck?s turning radius.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Entering the spacious cabin, one notes the balanced symmetry, with user friendly controls and switchgear. There are real knobs to control volume and to select stations the old fashioned way, with a legible touch screen for other functions, and there are two glove boxes stacked on the right side of the IP. The center console houses multiple cupholders along with a large storage bin and accessory outlets. There?s ample connectivity and infotainment available. There?s a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot with a one-month / 3 GB data trial.
AS TESTED
My test 2019 Chevrolet Silverado was an RST (stands for Rally Sport Truck) 4WD model with the Z71 off-road package, powered by the 5.3-liter V8. The RST model is focusedabout making a visual street performance statement. A monochromatic paint scheme with a body-color grille, front and rear bumpers, and side mirrors set the tone, and the RST lights the scene with standard LED headlamps, tail lamps and fog lamps.
This newest Chevy Silverado RST is focused on making a visual street performance statement. A monochromatic paint scheme with a body-color grille, front and rear bumpers, and side mirrors set the scene, while the RST lights the scene with standard LED headlamps, tail lamps and fog lamps. The exterior wore a Northsky Blue metallic finish, while the interior was done in Jet Black leather.The base price of my new Bowtie hauler was set at $44,500., while a wide range of options boosted the sticker total to $56,640. Optional fare included: the Z71off-road and Protection Package; the All Star Edition that elevated the level of the truck?s measurable comfort and convenience; the Assist steps and tri-fold tonneau cover; the impressive Convenience Package; the 5.3-liter EcoTec V8, the Leather Package; a Safety Package; a Trailer Brake Controller, and the Destination charge.
PERFORMANCE
Piloting the new Silverado RST around presents a pleasurable experience, with improved ride quality and a more favorable approach angle for off-roading sojourns. Besides being more attractive, the new bodywork treatment is also more efficient and functional utilizing lighter weight materials ? the hood, doors and tailgate are fashioned from aluminum, and other parts are made of higher-grade, lighter weight steel. Engineers managed to chisel away 88 pounds from the bodywork and an additiona 88 pounds from the chassis as well. When comparing crew-cab V8 models, the new truck weighs in at roughly 450 pounds less than its predecessor.
The new bed, benefits from a complete redesign. New stamping methods and higher-grade steel allows for a bed that’s not only stronger, but seven-inches wider and it’s also deeper. Compared to 2018 models, the resulting roll-formed Durabed provides 10 more cubic feet of space in short- and standard-box, and an increase of 14 cubic feet in the long-box.
The dozen cargo tie-downs are rated to withstand 500 pounds of bending force ? double that of before. There’s available LED in-bed lighting and a 110/120-volt outlet to power accessories. Large, lockable in-bed bins are also available. The optional power tailgate not only lowers, it lifts, as well. The lockable folding hard tonneau cover may be okay for some, but a bit cumbersome for others.
There’s new available technology including a slick multicolor head-up display, USB-C (and standard USB) ports and more.The eight-inch touchscreen provides better-quality graphics and quicker performance with the available navigation system features single-line address entry and enhanced maps. Apple CarPlay and Android auto included. Not only are front-seat passengers treated well, the new Silverado provides three inches of added rear-seat leg room on four-door crew cabs (growing from 40.9 to 43.9 inches). The entire cabin offers more stowage space, including twin gloveboxes and handy second-row seatback storage bins.
An infotainment app with the optional Advanced Trailering System allows for the creation of different trailer profiles. ATS not only presets the brake gain for specific trailers, it keeps track of mileage, fuel economy and transmission temps, as well.
The new Silverado represents a vast improvement over its forbears. It’s now available with forward collision alert with low-speed automatic emergency brake, lane-keep assist and blind-spot alert. Also offered are significant technological improvements in visibility, including more powerful LED lights with an automatic high beam feature, an available surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror to boot.
OurAutoExpert?s Conclusion
All in all, the new Chevy Silverado is a winner ? clearly the best yet, and with the variety of choices available to suit individual needs, It?s sure to enjoy continued sales success.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado RST 4WD CrewCab ZZ1
Base Price: $44,500.
Price as Tested: $56,640.
Engine Type and Size: 5.3-liter Ecotec C3 V8 with Direct Injection and Dynamic Fuel Management.
Horsepower (bhp): 355 @ 5,600 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 383 @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission: 8-Speed automatic
Drive Train: Longitudinally-mounted front engine / 4WD
Suspension: Front – Independent coil-over-shock with twin tube shock absorbers.
Rear – Solid axle with semi-elliptic, variable-rate, two-stage multileaf springs and splayed twin-tube shocks
Brakes: Four-wheel discs with electro-hydraulic power assist and ABS; vented front/rear Duralife rotors
Tires: Bridgestone Dueler A/T 275/60R20/115S M&S mounted on 5-Geo-?U?-spoke machine face alloy wheels with painted inners.
Wheelbase: 147.4 inches
Length Overall: 231.7 inches
Width: 81.2 inches
Height: 75.5 inches
Curb Weight: 5,090 lbs.
Turning Circle: Not listed
Fuel Capacity: 26 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 16 mpg city / 22-mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: Not listed
0 – 60 mph: Not tested
Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.
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