For 2019, Chevrolet has made two very significant changes in its lineup. The first is the complete redesign of the popular Silverado pickup truck. Only the 1500 version has been released so far, with 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty versions to come later. The new Silverado is 450 pounds lighter than the old one while offering greater torsional rigidity, which should help significantly with handling. Another change is the addition of the five-passenger Blazer midsize SUV to the lineup, which focuses more on style and driving dynamics compared to the five-passenger compact Equinox and seven-passenger Traverse, which the Blazer slots between. Read on to see what Chevrolet has done with each new model…
Chevrolet Silverado
The Silverado full-size pickup is larger in almost every way while being much lighter than last year’s model. Buyers of the Silverado 1500 have plenty of choices in configuring the truck they want. They can choose between regular cab, double cab and crew cab body styles, all with the choice of two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. There are eight models to choose from: Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. Regular cab models are offered with an 8-foot box. Double cab models are available with a 6.5-foot box, while crew cabs are available with a 5-foot 8-inch box or the 6.5-foot box. Buyers can also choose from six different engines depending on trim level: a 4.3-liter V-6 making 285 horsepower, a 5.3-liter V-8 making 355 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder making 310 horsepower, a 5.3-liter V-8 making 355 horsepower with stop/start technology for added fuel efficiency, a 6.2-liter V-8 making 420 horsepower, and a diesel turbocharged 3-liter inline-six engine making 282 horsepower. In addition, the new Silverado is available with a power tailgate, unique among pickup trucks, and the shortest box on offer can fit a a 4 x 8 plywood sheet flat on the bed floor.
Chevrolet Blazer
The Blazer, designed for five passengers, intends to grab customers who want a Chevrolet SUV larger than the Equinox but smaller than the Traverse while retaining practicality and a stylish exterior. For those planning to haul various sizes of cargo, the Blazer has an adjustable sliding rear seat and cargo management system with a rail system and cargo fence. Buyers can choose from six different trims: base L, midrange 2.5L Cloth and 3.6L Cloth, well-equipped 3.6L Leather, sport-oriented RS, and high-end Premier. L and 2.5L Cloth trim levels come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 193 horsepower while all other trims get a 3.6-liter V-6 making 305 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive is standard on all trims while an all-wheel-drive system is available on V-6-equipped Blazers. Standard features include 18-inch aluminum rims as well as an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Customers can also get an electronic-locking glove box which offers added storage security, and is roomy enough to fit a small handbag. The glove box can be locked with the vehicle’s Valet Mode, which is accessible through the Settings menu.