Updated GM Truck Interiors To Be ‘Top Notch’
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As we shared in the past, the interiors of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra have been the topic of much debate among GM truck buyers and fans, plus auto industry observers, pundits and journalists. Regardless of reason, General Motors dropped the ball on the interiors of its latest half-ton (1500), three-quarter-ton (2500) and one-ton rigs (3500), with the cabins not living up to those of their competition.
The good news is that this won’t remain the case for too much longer. As GM Authority was first to report earlier this month, an incoming update to the GM trucks is in the cards for the near future, and we have some more information to share about the upcoming updates to the cabins.
First things first. A source just recently confirmed to GM Authority that the GM trucks will be getting a redesigned cabin, marking yet another confirmation of the incoming changes. This source recently told us that GM is well aware of the competitive disadvantage faced by the all-new Silverado and Sierra specifically as it relates to their cockpits, and that the automaker will never admit to it publicly.
The issue is most readily apparent after the Ram 1500 recently took home several prizes from the automotive press, like the North American Truck of the Year award. It’s almost common knowledge that a significant amount of the Ram’s victory was related to the quality, craftsmanship and design of its interior. And let’s not forget that an all-new Ford F-150 is right around the corner, with the truck expected to bring an all-new cabin with next levels of craftsmanship and materials.
In addition, a different source described that the incoming interior updates to the two GM trucks as being “top notch.” That’s good news, since that’s exactly what the vehicles need. Currently, even the high-end Denali Heavy Duty model that sells for well over $75,000 leave a lot to be desired, particularly when it comes to the materials used. But what “top notch” means exactly, is currently unknown.
After all, a bad interior is a bad interior, and that could deter a lot of consumers from signing on dotted line. Even worse is when said consumers end up in a Ford or a Ram. Sales volume of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra has been on the decline, enabling Ram to overtake the Silverado in cumulative sales volume during the first half of 2019, but GM has gained retail market share – so the sky isn’t falling, as some pundits would have you believe.
And there’s more good news, still: from a capability standpoint, the Heavy Duty variants of the Silverado and Sierra currently lead the segment when it comes to towing capacity, with a 35,500-pound max rating. Not only that, but the trucks have the quickest acceleration while towing, with a very solid and confident driving feel, and the cabins are the roomiest in their classes. Addressing the lackluster cabins sounds like the recipe for a true “top notch” truck all-around.
We’ll keep our ears to the ground, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority as we bring you the latest Chevrolet Silverado news, Chevrolet news, GMC Sierra news, GMC news, and ongoing GM news coverage.
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The color combination on the interior,the tan an black fro sure doesn’t get it ! I think its bad!
Nothing will ever be as bad as the early GMT400 interiors…
I haven’t seen one in real life, but the photo shows a lot of nooks and crannies to collect dirt and coke, I mean, Coke.
As a long time GM supporter, I can decipher. “Top notch” means, the interior we should have had 3 updates ago. Personally, I like how they designed the exterior of these trucks but have thought like most, they dropped a big ball on those interiors. Up next, show me the new Yukon!
You do realize why these other manufacturers spend so much effort on interiors? They do it to cover up the rest of the cars inability to compete where it matters!!!
I cant believe the buying public has fallen for this is, it’s the easy way out. When you competitor beats you in the most important areas of the car or truck. Let’s put a pretty bow on the interior to distract them from the things we dont do very well.
Consumers are supposed to be smarter than this and see right threw this and dont fall for it. But just like the manufacturers take the easy way out the buyer does the same by only looking at the surface and not digging deeper into the car or truck to see who really makes the best product!!!
These people are sheep just following the heard!!! Its pretty sad if you ask me!!!
I would never trade a 10 inch screen for a better suspension or drivetrain.
The quality of the two K2xx I have is pitiful. Rebuilt transmissionS and replaced torque converterS, replaced master cylinder, window regulatorS, a/c coil, etc. I’ve spent more on repairs for these two than previous 5 vehicles combined – with significantly more miles on all of the previous 5.
The 6.2 engine is outstanding, hands-down best in class. I get better mpg’s with it than with the 5.3 But demanding $2,500 extra for it is outrageous.
The 5.3 is the weakest V8 in any current truck. Fuel economy is marginal. It should be a base engine in base trucks, and not the standard for SLT and higher trims – where the 6.2 should be the go to.
The 8L90 8 speed auto. What a freaking joke POS. GM should be sued over this heap of junk…oh, wait, they are being sued. How they’re treating the customers who they screwed over with this POS is even worse than the transmission.
If the drivetrain was actually bulletproof, like in my previous GM’s that all laughed at crossing 200k on the odometer, I could live with 3rd rate interior. But it’s not funny anymore.
Irreverent Brian. This isn’t the eighties where there are huge differences in manufacturers quality and ability. Sure someone is going to be the best but tell RAM that their new found sales don’t matter. By the way, quality of interior goes way beyond screens.
It’s value for money spent, example? I’ve had two CTS and Acadia Denali in the past few years. Though I like them and I hope the new CT5 is up my alley, their insides have sucked. I compare them to friends vehicles in the luxury market. that’s right, I said it. The insides suck!
It’s really that simple and has nothing to do with the “heard” mentality. It’s about design, inside and out.
The problem with GM they still have old designers designing the same square boring dashboard in the same square boring truck
These designers don’t know how to turn the page to keep up with its competitors
I would like to see the shift column in the middle console. I also would like to see A good six cylinder four-door with a short bed and a adjustable Drive receipt to go up and down without spending wait tons of extra money to buy a load of package some of us don’t want clever some of us don’t care for dual climate control its competitors offer those features
Perfect example, The gm pickup trucks have electronic lift-gate so I asked the question at the dealer if the power Switch at the liftgate breaks all the wire snaps back there how do you open up the liftgate you should’ve design an emergency lever on the inside of the bed so when this happens you can just press it and that will release the liftgate their answer you just gonna have to take the stuff off the back in switch at the liftgate breaks all the wire snaps back there how do you open up the liftgate you should have design an emergency liver on the inside of the bed So you can lower the lift-gate
The dealers response was not buy one dealer I ass discretion several dealers you have to bring it into service that’s not an answer how can you design something without having a back up to me you’re at the car company you’re supposed to have the same juniors of the test only these features out how can you skip this so again anybody can Design a pick up truck so I can be better than anybody else’s soul why just rush a new design of a pick up without any thought into what you designing
They dont have old designers!!! GM just puts more focus on things that matter. The platform development, suspension, drivetrain, braking.
The interiors are functional and provide what you need to operate the car down the road.
As for the things you want, do you think manufacturers build cars and trucks for you and you only?
If they built a vehicle for you then they would end up leaving out millions of other buyers.
GM has to build cars and trucks for the masses. There are no one offs! Personalized vehicles for you and you along.
You want these changes but are you will to pay extra? Nope? I thought so!!! Not only are you picky but your cheap!!! And those things dont go hand and hand!!!
So instead of complaining about the vehicle why dont you take your car or truck to a custom shop and have them install a interior that is exactly what you want?
Oh yea that’s right your cheap!!! So you couldn’t bring yourself to do such a thing!
I understand where you’re coming from but I disagree there was a time when you can build your own vehicle there was a time that two colours were not the only option interior that is it is cheaper and easier for a manufacturer to design two colours dark charcoal also known as black interior and just add an insert of colour to the door panels into the seats or cinderblock colour steel and insert to the door panels in the seats.. when you offer options like the Sierra I could not get an adjustable drivers seat to go up and down it felt like I was sitting in my mum’s 70 1BX Skylock that had to barely see over the steering wheel and I could not get a 4×4 on a four door without going to another trim level and that was way too expensive and options that I did not need I could not get an adjustable drivers seat to go up and down it felt like I was sitting in my mum’s 70 1BX Skylock that had to barely see over the steering wheel and I could not get a 4×4 on a four door without going to another trim level and that was way too expensive and options that I did not need
As a everyday working pick up as a everyday working pick up I don’t need dual climate control and some other who has that are not needed as a working truck I have a luxury SUV I don’t need a luxury working truck just a truck that works for me at one time I was able to order a truck like that
Are you never mentioned about the electronic liftgate why is in there and over right latch on the inside of the gate when the power switch breaks how do you drop down the lift gate
When The button breaks and there is no handle to release it tell me who’s great idea was that somebody must’ve thought about it really long and hard (not)
VW buids cars for the masses and they offer great Platforms, great powertrains and somehow they still figure out how to offer great interiors as well. Must be magic huh?
Brian, and others here that think GM trucks or any GM vehicle has a better anything than the competition has to offer, in my opinion) is just outright ———
Wrong !!
I am still a GM owner, and just bought the 2020, HD Denali.
My last three vehicles, all GM have been the worst GM vehicles per mile I have ever owned.
Recalls.
Customer satisfaction letters.
And just outright failures, leaks, rattles, vibrations, horrible shifts, and believe it or not I could go on, and on.
I do not own the competition yet, but personally know people who do, and the number of failures are simply not greater anymore.
Just on this site alone, the comments never end on the 8 speed troubles.
Broken or bent Corvette rims.
Horrible headlights.
3.6 timing chains.
NorthStar head bolts.
Bad A/C condensers, A/C pumps.
And GM has the ” ” ” worst ” ” ” customer service in the auto market today.
Just like the overwhelming dislike for this interior, the overwhelming discus for GM customer service is also overwhelming.
So you people , in my opinion, are wrong.
And to top it off GM knows you are wrong.
Why do you thing they are already redoing this interior ?
Just because they don’t admit they are wrong, means nothing.
They are fixing it so they are wrong.
You guys that want the cheapest crap truck, fine, there are many to chose from.
But when I pay $77,500.00 for a truck, that’s what I want, not a $35,000.00 truck interior.
And the people here who think GM doesn’t have good materials, in my opinion, that is also wrong.
The new 2019 and 2020 Denali seats are nice, and nice materials.
Better than the AT4.
And better than the High Country.
Corvette, Camaro, cts v, ats v, GM trucks, GM SUV, class leading platforms, suspension, powertrain.
Show me a better all around performance car? Corvette, Camaro, CTS V, ATS V for the price?
If your problems with the GM trucks is the interior then you have a problem with what a truck is. Remember it’s a truck, built to do work!!!
People don’t pay Porsche/BMW/Mercedes prices for trucks to “use” them “like a truck.” If these trucks were priced like “work trucks” – $30k – no one would give a $#i+ that the interiors look and feel like they do, and don’t have the amenities the competition does. But a 1/2 ton SLT is $60, and a 3/4 ton Denali is $80k, and at that point you expect to, at the very least, have styling, materials and features that compare with the competition – which is EVERYTHING else that costs $60-80k.
Richard, THIS is correct! The competition at $70-80k is everything else in that price range.
Imagine what GM could do if they increased the interior spend by 1% of the price of the vehicle!
@Richard
Bingo. Trucks are basically the new version of Large Luxury Sedans
90,000 dollar trucks need and equivalent interior. No one is taking a Denali or High Country HD to a job site. They are pulling very expensive toys for the most part. Smaller touch screen than my 2017 half ton smaller glove box top and bottom. All of the materials look and feel cheap.
THIS!!
You still have not figured out that not everyone needs a Truck to be a Truck.
Some customers just love to driver a Truck and do not want to sacrifice Luxury.
Ram figured this out a while ago and GM simply dropped the Ball.
The problem I see with the AUTOMATIC transmission is 3 things,
1. GM is putting 8 lbs of s..T IN a 1pound bag!
2. GM closes an automatic transmission plant IN the U.S.A. AN PUTS automatics in everything!
3. GM IS NOW HAVING THEM MADE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY! ” MEXICO ”
The wheels that cost an arm an a leg!
2 problems with The wheels
1. The tires that are going on the new vehicles has NO SIDE WALL there is a reason tires have side walls ,so when you turnovers pot hole in the road you don’t blow a $700.00 PLUS tire on your Corvette .brake or bend a expensive rim! HELLO INSURANCE COMPANY, TIRES IS I WOULD SAY IS MORE IMPORTANT ON A VEHICLE NUMBER1 THAN BRAKES!! THINK ABOUT IT GOING DOWN TO HIGHWAY 70 PLUS MPH YOU RUN OVER A HOLE IN THE ROAD AN YOU
HAVE A BLOW OUT ,YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS FULL! THEN YOU HIT THE BRAKES BEFORE YOU WREAK!
2. THE WHEELS ARE MADE YES YOU GUESSED IT IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY CHINA, HAS ANYONE EVER BROUGHT ANYTHING MADE IN CHINA THAT LASTED OR WASNT A PIECE SH.T? SOMETHING THAT IMPORTANT MADE IN CHINA ” WHY ” ??!!
Great comments! Here’s what I found when I went to buy.
I wanted a Trail Boss Custom.
Could only get black interior in that trim level. The Gideon and Very Dark Atmosphere (WTH??) is actually a very nice interior color but I didn’t have the option on that trim level. Strike One!
I love the column shifter and bench seat, hope it always stays, but the fold down seat back for the middle of the seat that makes a quasi console makes for an uncomfortable seating position. I’m 6’1″, 280 lbs, when I sit down I sit with my legs kind of flopped out like when you sit crossed legged. The ratchet position for the shoulder belt on that middle seat gets in the way of my right leg when in the down position, I can’t really fit in there with it down and it’s too rigid and does not move when I slide my seat and gets in the way of my shoulders when it’s up! Strike 2!! Plus it has not center storage Strike 2A!!
Lastly, the console and the better color ( i much prefer the brown over the black) is only available on the LT Trail Boss which is $5,000 dollars higher and looks too similar to the Custom interior. Strike 3!!!
And that’s why I am glad to hear this!!
Give more color options across the line (Ford offers two different interior colors on their XLT)
Maybe rethink that 40/20/40 seat (60/40 seemed to work much better)
And remember that big ole fat guys still buy these trucks for work! The seats are too narrow!
Guys, I have that same ole ’99 Yukon SLT with those big ole wide seats and I honestly cannot justify getting rid of that for this current truck! I took the carpet out of the rear to use it like a pickup until GM gets this truck right!
And yeah, I hope they fix the front end too!
I have been thinking a lot about the Column Shifter issue.
I think the Best solution would be to utilize an electronic Stalk like the one in a Tesla Model 3
That I think would leave everyone happy. You still get to save the Space in the interior and it is easy as hell to use.
Current 1500 owners would get used to it in no time. Might be a different Story if they move it to the Floor though.
I am currently looking at ALL new full-size half-ton trucks with the intent to purchase in the next few weeks. I’m looking at the low to mid-level trims, and the issue that I see with the 2019 GM interiors is not so much design and materials, but rather the decontenting of features. I currently own a 2014 Sierra SLE, and I want similar equipment on my new truck. No longer do the basic LT/SLE trim trucks have storage under the center front seat cushion, nor do they have a rear armrest with cupholders as standard equipment. Both features are available as options on an LT or SLE, but armrest and underseat storage are included on the lower spec Ford XL STX and Ram Tradesman. There is *NO* option for front seat storage on the Trail Boss Custom (which is the truck I originally wanted) and that was an immediate turn-off.
Monoliths
The problem with what you suggest on the shifter on the Tesla is apples an oranges to a mechanical truck/car . The Tesla is like a locomotive,the train is ELECTRIC. The locomotive/ engine runs a huge generator which in turns makes electricity that powers the electric motors hooked to the wheels under the locomotive. The train is diesel electric,there is no transmission. Just like the Tesla the train will go just as fast backwards as it goes forwards. All that us needed to so that is a switch to change the polarity of the electricity from the generator to the motors on the trucks that drive the train,yes I said MOTORS,ENGINES don’t run on electricity! Its easier to change directions on electric cars than on a car or truck with an internal combustion engine with a transmission.
A lot of Mercedes cars and CUV’s uses the same kind of Stalk as well. I just think that might appease everyone.