2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2019 GMC Sierra 1500

Pickup truck enthusiasts often align themselves with a single brand, embracing it as part of their identity and source of pride. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers such brand loyalists plenty to be proud of, thanks to its comprehensive redesign that delivers a sleek, modern look while maintaining the ruggedness Chevy is known for. Similarly, the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 steps up its game with significant improvements across the board, presenting itself as a more capable and versatile option than ever before. Both trucks aim to capture the hearts of their respective followers in a fiercely competitive segment.

Performance ratings from CarGurus put the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at 6 out of 10, with a diverse engine lineup poised to meet various performance needs. The Silverado impresses with its towing and payload capacities but falls short in real-world fuel economy, which may disappoint those expecting more from the new Dynamic Fuel Management system. Its off-road capabilities, particularly in the LT Trail Boss trim, are commendable, though limited by its size. The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 edges out its sibling with a 7 out of 10 performance rating, thanks to its powerful drivetrain options, including the robust 6.2-liter V8 engine. The Sierra's towing and payload capacities are competitive, and its advanced technology, such as the new Dynamic Fuel Management system, aims to balance performance with efficiency. Additionally, the Sierra features an adaptive suspension and a range of driving modes that enhance its ride quality and handling, regardless of the terrain.

In terms of form and function, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers an impressive blend of utility and convenience. Despite its rugged appearance, the Silverado is designed with practicality in mind. It boasts a maximum towing capacity of 12,200 pounds and a payload rating of up to 2,250 pounds, making it a formidable contender in the light-duty pickup segment. The truck's Durabed cargo box is a standout feature, offering up to 20% more volume than its competitors, complemented by 12 tie-down hooks and a newly designed power-release tailgate for ease of use. However, while the Silverado excels in utility, its interior, especially in higher trims, falls short of expectations given its price point. The cabin offers ample storage and comfortable seating but lacks the refinement seen in competitors, with a mix of soft-touch materials and plastics that may not justify its premium pricing. The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, on the other hand, sets a high standard for form and function in the light-duty truck category, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 rating. It mirrors the Silverado's capabilities with a slightly higher maximum towing capacity of 12,200 pounds and a comparable payload capacity of 2,240 pounds. Where the Sierra truly differentiates itself is in its innovative MultiPro Tailgate, which offers six different functions to enhance usability and convenience. The cargo bed is designed with high-strength, roll-formed steel, boasting a 50% stronger floor than the previous model. Additionally, the Sierra's interior benefits from the redesign, offering more legroom in the backseat and upscale amenities, such as extra storage solutions and enhanced comfort features. The combination of practical towing and payload capacities with advanced utility and luxury features makes the GMC Sierra 1500 a standout choice for those seeking both performance and premium comfort in their truck.

Both trucks excel in the technology department, each earning a 9 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 introduces the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, offering enhanced graphics, functionality, and connectivity options, including a high-definition reversing camera and various driver-assistance features to improve safety and convenience. The GMC Sierra 1500 matches its counterpart with advanced infotainment options and the addition of unique features like the head-up display and the Rear Camera Mirror, further enhancing its technological edge. The Sierra's comprehensive suite of cameras and the ProGrade Advanced Trailer Package facilitate towing and maneuvering, setting a new standard in truck technology.

Both the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 score an 8 out of 10 for safety, featuring a range of driver-assistance technologies designed to protect occupants and improve driving confidence. While both trucks include systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, the Sierra offers additional packages that extend its safety capabilities. However, the lack of some advanced features like adaptive cruise control in the Sierra may leave some wanting.

CarGurus rates the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at 6 out of 10 and the GMC Sierra 1500 at 7 out of 10 in terms of cost effectiveness. The Silverado, despite its higher-end models reaching luxury car prices, offers a variety of configurations to suit different budgets and needs. However, its real-world fuel economy and towing capacity relative to its competitors might not justify its price for some. The Sierra's value proposition is slightly better, according to CarGurus, offering innovative features and robust performance that can justify its premium over the basic models. While both trucks have their high-priced trims, GMC's approach to luxury and technology, particularly in the Denali version, makes the Sierra an attractive option for those willing to invest in higher levels of comfort and capability.