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Which 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Is Right for You?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is one of the best-selling trucks in America, and there’s a reason for that. It’s powerful, durable, and ready to get the job done.

For the 2019 model year, the Silverado 1500 has undergone a highly-anticipated complete overhaul. The most immediate design change is the inclusion of highly-defined character lines flowing backward from the headlights and picking up toward the rear taillight.

For this comparison, we’re focusing on the trims for the crew cab, two-wheel drive, 4.3L V6 engine model. If you’re looking to increase the cabin size or the truck bed size, you can expect to pay a few thousand dollars on top of the prices listed below. Larger 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engines are also available for additional surcharges. Four-wheel drive models would also be a few thousand dollars more.

Overview

Many basic capabilities for all of the crew cab, two-wheel-drive models are the same. Each truck gets 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. They have a max GCWR of 15,000 lbs, max conventional trailering of 12,100lbs, and GVWR of 7,100 lbs when properly equipped.

WT

The WT, or “work truck” trim, has a starting MSRP of $36,095, making it the cheapest of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500s. It’s also the most stripped down and commercially-focused of Chevy’s trim levels. This truck has front and rear black bumpers, solar absorbing tinted glass, black outside manual mirrors, and 17-inch painted steel wheels. The black accents continue throughout the truck with black door handles, graphic grille, and tailgate. It also comes with a locking, manual tailgate.

The interior of the Silverado 1500 WT comes with a 3.5-inch diagonal color driver information system. It also comes with a 7-inch diagonal color infotainment display with USB ports, auxiliary jack, Chevrolet MyLink, and four total speakers. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT also comes with Bluetooth and capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety-wise, the WT comes standard with a rearview camera and six airbags. The seating standard is vinyl instead of cloth. This is definitely a truck designed to take some abuse compared to the more “lifestyle”-oriented trim levels.

Custom

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom has a starting MSRP of $38,495. The Custom trim is new for 2019, replacing the old LS trim, and comes with more options than the WT. To start things off, drivers will see three free months of OnStar’s Guidance plan. Additionally, it comes with a front and rear chrome bumper and deep-tinted glass. Heated power-adjustable mirrors, still in black, replace the previous trim's outside mirrors. The wheels are 20-inches and are a silver-painted aluminum.

Safety remains the same with no upgrades other than the OnStar Guidance Plan for three months. One of the biggest upgrades in the Custom trim is the addition of remote keyless entry. This allows you to access your truck using a key fob.

LT

The Silverado 1500 LT has a starting MSRP of $40,795 and has everything the Custom trim has and more. On the exterior, you’ll see body-color door handles and 17-inch bright machined aluminum wheels. The headlamps are LED with LED signature daytime running lamps as well. The 4.3L V6 engine is not offered on the LT trim. The standard option here is the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8.

The interior comes with Chevrolet MyLink, but there are also upgraded features here, as well. Instead of a 7-inch display, you get an 8-inch color touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and visor vanity mirrors. You’ll also find under-seat storage below the split-bench seating.

RST

The RST trim is also new for 2019. Like the LT trim, the standard engine offering is a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 with DFM. The starting MSRP is $42,695. With that, drivers will find keyless open and start. Cosmetic changes include body-color center bar on the grille, bumpers, and door handles. Also on the exterior of the vehicle are LED headlamps, taillamps, foglamps, and cargo area lighting. The new wheels are 18-inch bright silver painted-aluminum.

Custom Trail Boss

Next up in price is the Custom Trail Boss trim. This rugged trim level starts at $43,395, but the standard engine goes back to the 4.3L V6 compared to the RST trim. Drivers who opt for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss can expect a Z71 off-road package to come standard, as well as a 2-inch factory suspension lift. The touchscreen on this trim level drops to 7-inches again.

The only available drivetrain for the Custom Trail Boss is a 4WD option. The rugged Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Off-Road tires are set off by 18-inch black wheels. There is also an Autotrac-branded 2-speed transfer case.

LTZ

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ trim level reaches toward the upper-end in terms of expense. It has a starting MSRP of $46,895 for the 2x4 crew cab. This trim level also skips the 4.3L V6 engine and, instead, offers the 5.3L V8 as the basic engine option. The trim also comes complete with chrome accents (including door handles, mirror caps, and grille). There are also advanced trailering features included for better towing. Instead of the black wheels on the Custom Trail Boss, the LTZ features 18-inch bright silver painted-aluminum wheels. Perforated leather-appointed seating also comes standard.

LT Trail Boss

Like the Custom Trail Boss trim, the only available drivetrain for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss is a four-wheel-drive option. The starting MSRP for this trim level is $49,795. This trim combines the best of the Custom Trail Boss's off-road features and with a little bit more tech. For example, the LT Trail Boss infotainment system is an inch larger than the Custom Trail Boss version, clocking in at 8-in diagonal.

For those wanting leather seats, however, you will only find cloth standard on the LT Trail Boss. The Ecotec3 5.3L V8 engine does have dynamic fuel management and dual exhaust, however.

High Country

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country is the top-of-the-line when it comes to Chevy's best-selling vehicle. It has a corresponding MSRP, as well, setting back drivers $57,795. For that price, buyers will find all the bells and whistles they could want, including an industry-first power up/down liftgate. Cosmetically, there is a trim exclusive grille and center bar with two-tone bronze and chrome finish. High-intensity LED headlamps are also on the front of the vehicle, while the wheels feature a 20-inch machined aluminum design.

(Featured image via Facebook.)

Last Updated: January 09, 2019