2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

We'd love to be able to say that a new pickup truck design is special because they don't come along that often, but that wouldn't be anywhere near the truth. Today's pickup market is ruthless and the company that doesn't update their truck regularly is the one that risks getting left behind.

It's Chevrolet's turn in 2019 to come out with an all-new Silverado, a truck whose maker claims has the most functional cargo bed of any full-size model, and is offered with a vast array of engine choices that include a turbo four-cylinder gas engine and an inline-six turbodiesel.

Chevy also says it cut more than 200 kg from the curb weight of the V8-powered crew cab model through the use of aluminum for the doors, hood, tailgate and some suspension components, while the frame features high-strength steel as a weight-saver.

The four-cylinder engine, a first in a modern, full-size pickup, is a 2.7L that makes 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque and becomes the new standard powerplant in LT and RST trims, displacing a 4.3L V6 that remains the base engine in other models with its 285 hp and 305 lb-ft.

Later, Chevrolet will add the inline-six diesel, but expect most Silverados to roll out of showrooms with one of two V8 offerings carried over from last year: a 5.3L makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft and a 6.2L cranks out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft.

Transmission choices depend on the engine specified: V6 trucks and some 5.3L models will get a six-speed automatic; the four-cylinder and 5.3L engines with cylinder deactivation will use an eight-speed and the 6.2L and diesel are to be paired with a 10-speed.

Because Chevrolet is positioned as the entry-level brand next to GMC, the Silverado doesn't get the carbon-fibre bed that the GMC Sierra will enjoy, nor that truck's more versatile MultiPro tailgate. However, Silverado will get a "class-exclusive" power tailgate (we'll see if Chevy's definition of the pickup class includes the Sierra), and claimed best-in-class cargo volume.

Still, a four-cylinder engine will set Chevy apart in this crowded field, whether that's for better or worse; it says something that Chevrolet is rolling the new Silverado out with V8 engines only and will add four-cylinder and V6 production later in 2018.

Trim levels for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado include Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trailboss, LT, RST, LT Trailboss, LTZ and High Country.