2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 RST: What Is This Sporty Truck All About? (Review)

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The new 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 slims down while beefing up. The new truck is lighter than before, but it has new features and trim levels. This RST trim level combines a sporty look with an off-road Z71 package. What is it all about? Let’s dive in for a detailed look and review.

OVERVIEW

Available models include: WT (Work Truck); Custom; Custom Trail Boss; LT; RST; LT Trail Boss; LTZ; Trail Boss; and High Country. Currently available cab choices are a Double Cab or Crew Cab configurations.
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There will also be six powertrain combinations with up to 420 horsepower. Available engines in the U.S. marketplace include: a 2.7–liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 4.3-liter V6 as standard; an optionally available 5.3-liter V8 with or without the latest Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM cylinder deactivation), and a 6.2 liter V8 with DFM. A 3.0-liter Duramax straight-six turbo-diesel is said to be available at a later time. Horsepower ranges from 285 to 420. The standard bed size is 79.4-inches, with a shorter bed measuring 69.9-inches. These Durabeds combine high-strength roll-formed steel, more cargo volume than any other half-ton truck and 12 standard tie-downs — three times more than any competitor.

DESIGN
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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.

This model 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.
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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).
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Despite the extension of its footprint, the new styling shortens the front overhang and avoids compromising the turning radius (which is practically the same as with the old truck).

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
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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. 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.

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My test Silverado RST (stands for Rally Sport Truck) 4WD model with the Z71 off-road package is powered by the 5.3-liter V8 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RST model 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 tone, and the RST lights the scene with standard LED headlamps, tail lamps and fog lamps.
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AS TESTED

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 Z71 off-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 EcoTec3 V8, the Leather Package; a Safety Package; a Trailer Brake Controller, and the Destination charge.
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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.
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The new bed, benefits from a complete redesign. New stamping methods and higher-grade steel allows for a bed that’s 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.
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TECHNOLOGY

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.
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An infotainment app with the optional Advanced Trailering System (ATS) 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.
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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.

TFLTRUCK’S TAKE

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

On Sale: Now
Base MSRP: $44,500
Price as Tested:
$56,640
Engine: 5.3-liter Ecotec3 V8 with Direct Injection and Dynamic Fuel Management.
Drivetrain (Layout): Longitudinally-mounted front engine / 4WD
Horsepower: 355 @ 5,600 rpm
Torque: 383 @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission: 8-Speed automatic
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 disc 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.
Fuel capacity: 26.0 gallons
Fuel economy (EPA): 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway

Dimensions:

Wheelbase: 147.4 inches
Length: 231.7 inches
Width: 81.2 inches
Height: 75.5 inches
Turning Circle: Not listed feet
Curb Weight: 5,090 pounds