The latest generation of the Chevrolet Silverado dropped in for the 2019 model year, and while it’s certainly a very good truck, it isn’t great. Indeed, the Silverado fails to be class-leading in a number of different ways, and considering how important the nameplate is to GM’s bottom line, we think it’s about time the Silverado stops with the corner-cutting and delivers the greatness we all know it’s capable of.
As we’ve covered before, Chevrolet Silverado sales from 2019 place the Silverado in third for its segment, ceding the number-two spot to Ram. This was primarily down to GM’s rollout strategy, with the more-expensive, high-content trim levels launched ahead of the less-expensive models, thus affecting sales. That was the plan from the beginning, and although fewer units were sold, more money was made.
But what about the next generation? What would put the Silverado at the top of its class? Read on for the top 10 things we want to see from the new Silverado.
1. Better Interior
This one should be obvious. The Silverado’s lack of cabin glitz and glam has been covered to death, and although it hasn’t prevented the truck from selling well, we’d still like to see improvements. Luckily, we expect exactly that with the upcoming 2022 model year refresh.
2. Large Sunroof
Piggybacking off the point above, a large, dual-pane sunroof would add a good deal to the experience in the Chevrolet Silverado cabin space. Again, it looks like we’ll get exactly that with the 2022 model year refresh.
3. More Towing From Diesel Engine
Although it’s great on fuel consumption, the Chevrolet Silverado’s turbodiesel 3.0L I-6 LM2 Duramax engine currently trails Ram and Ford with regard to towing, posting 9,300 pounds compared to the Ram’s 12,560 pounds and the Ford’s 11,500 pounds.
4. Eliminate The Troublesome Eight-Speed Transmission
Despite a few improvements made for the 2019 and newer trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado’s eight-speed automatic needs to go away as soon as possible. Not only is it the subject of multiple lawsuits, but it’s doing irreparable harm to customer satisfaction as well.
5. Highly Capable Off-Roader Variant With Lots Of Power
GM is planning a new Chevrolet Silverado ZRX to take the fight to the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram Rebel TRX. Unfortunately, the ZRX won’t get any power gains, which puts it at a disadvantage next to vehicles like the 707-horsepower Rebel TRX.
6. Bring Back Magnetic Ride Control
Magnetic Ride Control went away with the introduction of the latest Chevrolet Silverado generation. We think it should come back. Not only would it improve handling, but it would likely address any complaints over ride quality as well.
7. Offer Air Ride Suspension And Independent Rear Suspension
Taking a page out of the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 playbook, the Chevrolet Silverado would pair nicely with air suspension and an IRS setup, particularly when it comes to ride height adjustability and capability. The benefits offered by the Ram’s air setup certainly come to mind.
8. Offer The MultiPro Tailgate From the GMC Sierra
The GMC Sierra’s MultiPro tailgate was nothing short of a home run, and it could be a big help for the Silverado as well. Luckily, it looks like the Silvy may get exactly that.
9. Offer The CarbonPro Box From the GMC Sierra
The Sierra’s carbon box is damn near indestructible. Added to the back of the Chevrolet Silverado, it could do wonders.
10. Replace Or Improve The 5.3L V8 L84
As soon as buyers start getting into the mid-range trim levels, the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 engine starts to lag behind the competition. This is most obvious when compared to Ford, namely the Blue Oval brand’s twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and 5.0L V8, both of which best the L84 in terms of output. The problem would be less worrisome if the L84 offered decent fuel economy, but in reality, it’s not that far off the mpg figures posted by the Chevrolet Silverado’s range-topping 6.2L V8 L87.
The solution? We can think of three – improve the L84’s power and torque ratings without hurting fuel economy, dump the L84 outright in favor of the L87, or introduce an entirely new engine.
What are your thoughts on our wishlist of improvements for the new Chevrolet Silverado? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Silverado news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
I agree with those. Mine would be to get rid of the front air scoop fangs and give it a full front bumper again. That’s the worst part of the truck next to the interior IMO.
How about they offer a little more small item storage in the WT trim. It currently has NONE aside from the glove box, nor does it have a steering wheel DIC control.
2 things Ford had back in 2014 on their base model F150’s.
And I would disagree that the interior has not deterred any sales. One of the Main reasons I bough the LD over the new model was due to the interior. Felt much cheaper compared to the LD. Like the way it looks, but its a lot different actually sitting in the truck. Plus the visibility sucked, and I could do without all the safety tech.
How about offer the High Country 2 wheel drive with the 6.2L and no sunroof.
How about returning to the days when you could order a vehicle configured pretty much however you wanted it? Not forcing you to buy a $6,000 package to get that $300 one thing you wanted?
Back in late 1962, my brother ordered a new, 1963 Studebaker Lark Regal 2-door sedan. R2 Avanti motor? Check. Heater? Check. 4-speed manual? Cjheck. 3.90:1 rear end? Check. Red paint? Check. Literally, CHECK. These were tick-boxes on an order form. The dealer took a $300 deposit, folded the order form, put it in an envelope, added a stamp, and walked it to the mailbox right outside the door. Six weeks later, “Mr. [name]? Your car is in.”
Note his not having to buy this or that trim package, no added-on garbage he didn’t want. Note that this precedes the days of heavy automation, desktop computers, or the internet. Yet, he got what he wanted and nothing more. With today’s automation and computerized manufacturing, there is no excuse for what they do today except for greed.
The design does force some choices – for the more sophisticated electronics the design uses the center console area, so if you are forced into bucket seats if you want many of the higher end options. But some of the restrictions are just irritating, you are stuck with bucket seats even if the option has nothing to do with the electronics.
I prefer separate seats or a split bench. It’s the dratted consoles as big as coffins I hate.
I agree.
Family friends of ours wanted heated seats and fog lights in their Suburban, but they would’ve had to step up to the next trim for another $7000.
So instead of GM offering the OPTION to add those 2 things individually, they had em put in aftermarket.
GM could’ve been the one making an additional $1500 instead of nothing. But they paid an outfitter to do it instead. GM’s loss!
I firmly believe that this is one of the reason why Ford sells the most trucks. They are offer a lot of equipment as standalone options.
I had a 2017 Denali which had the 6.2. It was the best truck I ever owned. The 6.2 should be offered in all trim levels. I think GM would sell a heck of a lot more trucks and isn’t that what it’s all about 🙂
It’s offered in a lot of trims as of 2020.
That list nails the problems. I’d add 3.42 gears outside the max tow package as well.
Oh, dear me, yes!!! On one of my Tahoes, I bought a heavy duty trailer package I didn’t want, just to get 3:42 gears.
For those not familiar with the problem, most Tahoes (Tahae?) with the standard engine come with 3:08 gearing. Fine for the treadmill tests, but it makes the vehicle a slug in traffic. I know. I had one.
The 3:42s give it that extra little bit of snap in traffic and in NO WAY affects your over-the-road fuel mileage in the real world.
I mostly agree with you but the take rate for a bare bones works truck that requires premium fuel would be small. I know there’s a niche buyer for something like this but there’s no work truck fleet on the planet that will upgrade to a 6.2 truck.
Talk about a good idea, our truck with the L87 gets 29MPG at 60MPH plus good towing milage.
Is that figure based on trip computer or actual gas pump calculations? The old saying computers don’t lie, but liars program computers may apply. I have seen mpg figures shown by the onboard computer be as much off by 2 mpg. Even that at 27 mpg would be excellent.
Please have GM CHEVY REDESIGN THE FRONT BUMPER CORNERS GET RIDE OF THE FISH GILLS SIDE vents …looks ugly and I can just see farmer driving through harvest filed with wheat and corn stalks all jammed in there cracking the plastic.
JUST MAKES THE FRONT OF NEW CHEVY LOOK SO UGLY!!
GMC is slightly better with out the side front Gills.
The other items that looks ugly and will be a pain when washing is the large Silverado up high on side of front fender.Put is back down where it should be on lower half door.
I can’t think of any farmers that drive their trucks through fields of wheat. That would actually make most, at least the ones I know pretty upset as it’s ruining their crops.
Mike, think of snow of the Northern states jamming into those fender gills.
The whole grill is out of sync and some grills look better than others. Give the entire line the same grill, they can still have the difference between black and chrome based on trim levels. Personally I think trucks and motorcycles can’t have to much chrome, but that’s just my opinion and opinions are like butt holes, everybody’s got one and it’s only important to them.
Is that figure based on trip computer or actual gas pump calculations? The old saying computers don’t lie, but liars program computers may apply. I have seen mpg figures shown by the onboard computer be as much off by 2 mpg. Even that at 27 mpg would be excellent.
A cut out for a second sunroof? BS! Quality Journalism right there! That is where they maximized headroom by reducing the headliner into an area that had no crossbeam. If GM is introducing a dual sunroof it will be right where the beam is at currently which means they will have to stiffen the beams at the back and the front of the headliner leaving the center open as they have done on the new bloated cows..er Suburbans. Yet another clickbait article with little substance!
Toyota added gills. GM see, GM do. And, they look just as silly on Toyotas as they do on anything else.
I am waiting to order a Silverado 3500 reg. cab so I was wondering if one of those high paid execs in G.M. can explain to me why!!!! if you get Z71 option you can not order all-weather floor mats. What has shocks & skid plates got to do with floor mats?
Really? You’re not buying a truck cause it doesn’t include all weather mats? You do realize you can spend $100 and get them through the dealer. Such a simple solution to that obstacle.
Three or four mouse clicks at WeatherTech, or a talk with the parts counter man at your Friendly Neighborhood Chevrolet Agency should have that cured either over the counter, or two or three days by UPS.
Needs the interior from the 2021 Tahoe. The LT4 and LT5 engines from the C7 Corvette would make a perfect home for a hardcore, off-road Silverado.
BW
All excellent points!
Additionally:
Improved front hood slope for better visibility
Power seats (Driver and Passenger) with lumbar to all trucks, leather and cloth
Fog lights to all trucks
The above items and the troubled 8 speed transmission are why I haven’t considered upgrading.
Great points.
Also clean up the front, especially that front fender top “design” line that does nothing and simply drops off.
Also, why does the rear 3/4 view, especially the tail lamps look so much like a Toyota tundra?
Finally, can Chevrolet make the wheel openings and leading lower egde of the pickup bed more taut.
Sorry the previous generation’s side view still looks better.
GM needs to get rid of the junk metric Transmission junk an go back to the proven TURBO 400! PROBLEM I SEE IT IS YOU CAN’T PUT 5LBS OF SH.T IN A 1LB CASE!!
Yes Bob! Please bring back the Turbo 400. Best Tranny EVER. And while their at it, bring back the NP 205 gear drive transfer case. Without a slip joint rear drive shaft. I’ve been doing this since 1970. GM has done nothing, but cheapen the manufacturing process and hardware, and the quality of the hard parts. YES bring back the real running gear they used to have. You can’t kill that stuff. Oh, I must be day dreaming. GM has learned how to build in obsolesce. There’s money to made by telling owners they messed up some how when it’s warranty time. Just look at the 8 speed tranny problems. Oh yeh… how about a solid Dana 60, 70 front axle on the 3500 while they’er at it.. Just sayin’
Put a better a/c in the silverado! 45 degees comin out of the vent wont keep it cool enough in my 2018 model. My 06 gmc sierra blows 33 degree coming out of the vent. What happened ? Gm was famous for the a/c system , not anymore.
Tell the EPA. They are where that problem lies.
Have you tried the air recirculation feature? Can’t say I’ve had any issues with mine and it’s the same year as yours. I did have the front windows tinted though, which will keep it cooler.
33 degree temp means it’s low on refrigerant. 36-38 is the lowest temp with a property charged system.
How about a softer bucket seat in the Denali / Hi Country
#1 we know they have a new interior coming.
#2 You have shown us proof of the coming roof.
#3 Will see. But that is also what the larger trucks are for.
#4 8 speed issues have been resolved with a better matched fluid.
#5 We know the new truck is coming and more power is not key more able suspension is key. The ram will have more power than it can use. It is just an advertising number for attention. Do a capable truck like a ZR2 in full size and that is all that matters.
#6 magnetic ride is very expensive. And it would only be on the top models.
#7 IRS and air are coming.
#8 We have seen the mules the gate is coming.
#9 the bed will come as they get cheaper.
#10 I expect a new engine is coming.
The key for GM is to build the best truck they can but keep prices affordable.
It is easy to toss in all sorts of options and combinations but they add to cost. GM packages things to where a model makes money and eliminates some things because there is no money in it. The Ala cart way of selling vehicles is over and while they still try to give options there are some you just will not get as there is no money in it.
You want it tougher buy a truck from overseas and you only get what is shipped.
If the air vents are the worst issue to some then things must not be too bad.
I see the problem with A lot of the new TRANSMISSIONS is the manufacturers are putting 8 plus speeds In the transmission. The size of the gear box is only so big, and the place to put it is the room under the vehicle. So to solve the problem 8 plus speeds In the transmission is , are you ready? YOU PUT 10 LBS OF SH.T IN A 1LB CASE BY MAKING ALL THE PARTS SMALLER AN HOPE THEY LAST!!!
Not really accurate here. Note with electronics there is much less inside most transmissions anymore.
The shudder issue has been common in many transmissions and has bee due to the new fluids absorbing moisture.
It can be found in 6 speeds, 8 speeds and even now in the Ford 10 speed.
BRING BACK THE OLD PROVEN TURBO 40O!! IT WASNT BROKE SO DONT FIX IT!!!!!!!! KEEP THE FLUID CHANGED EVERY 50,OOO MILES AN IT WILL LAST LONGER THAN THE BODY!!
Bob,
C’mon! Did you want a 2.75:1 rear gear ratio to go with that antique three-speed?
SOME PEOPLE worries about gas mileage , well there you go! My first car was that , straight 6 CYLINDER Chevy2 Nova ! Nothing wrong with that it hauled my ass around ,back and forth to high school an where ever I wanted to go! You know when you was in HS you was always going somewhere like going to your part time job pumping gas at the gas station where you worked part time and learned responsibility ! Not like today,everyone is in a hurry! The 3 speed was called 3 on the tree,how many REMEMBER that? One of the nice things about my car was if your battery was bad an you had to wait till pay day a little coasting you could pop the clutch an the car would start!! On your way , yep no computers no sensors an no tow trucks! Life was simple back when I learned to drive! Back then the ENGINE needed just gas, SPARK, an air an you was good to go!
I’m older than you, my first car was a 1950 Desoto with a fluid drive transmission. It got about 13 mpg but gas was only $.23 per gal. Your Chevy Nova probably got 16-18 mpg and gas was probably $.50 per gal. We can’t stop progress (as much as I’d like to) , look at the cars that are built in Russia. But I agree that cars and trucks have priced themselves almost out of business with the race to be the most hi-tech in the world. How many people actually use all the hi-tech everyday. I would venture a guess 8-10 features which includes the items that are automatically on. I’m retired now but when I was still working I got into the truck, put the KEY into the ignition switch and started the engine, put it into gear and drove to work listening to the same radio station I listened to every day, arriving at work turn it off. This was an everyday routine, that was way back in the 90’s. Now you have an electronic push button to start and stop the engine, some even have a push button to shift into gear, a big touch screen to distract you while driving to select entertainment, climate, and who knows what else. The way I see technology gadgets that’s just a bunch of things that will go wrong and require high priced repairs at the dealer who makes $130/hr labor rate plus 30% markup on every part their plants replacing “mechanics “ can replace hoping that fixes the problem, if it doesn’t they don’t take it back off they go to the parts department and get something else to try.
Why are you shouting?
Reg cab short box in U.S. with a ZQ8 suspension. Asking for a manual trans would be a waste of time, so just RCSB for now.
Manual transmissions and regular cabs don’t sell enough anymore. That’s why they went or are going away. In the end, if things don’t make enough money for GM’s greed then they get axed. GM’s drive is to make a so so product, load it up with content and charge maximum money for it to maximize profits. It’s very sad. Corporate greed is rampant in America! They don’t offer or push low cost versions of their vehicles anymore because there’s not enough profit in it for them. They push high content loaded vehicles because that’s where the big profits are. This from a diehard GM guy my whole life. I always own all GM.
Please no IRS it’s a truck not a F-1. IRS will not stabilize a top heavy load neither will airbags. I drive hay trucks a competitor in my area bought new air ride trailers and rolled every one of them. Stick with springs if you want a car ride buy a car. If you want a car that will haul a little something and look cool find a decent El Camino.
I’m with you all the way on your comment..I’m a die-hard GMC guy and I own 4 chevy novas..67 I6 3 on tha tree 68-69 70..I love them and simple to work on and inexpensive .These new trucks are WAAAAY too overloaded with sensor this sensor that and WAAAAY overpriced..I went and looked at buying another truck the other day at local chevy and GMC dealer and I’m 46 an never owned a brand new truck and from those exuberant prices, I probably never will at this point..$43.999.00 for a plain 4wd 1500 rubber floor and transfer case stick in the floor ( I liked that part) reg cab truck with steel wheels..it was base model as u could get and I seen that price and just turned around, thanked the salesman for his time and said, when that truck comes down to $22k then call me..he said ALOT of men say the same thing..guess that’s why they gotta lot full of 2019’s..and they’ll be pushing the 21’s in a few months… ridiculous,greedy company anymore..very sad!
Did you ever wonder why they discontinued manual transmissions in trucks but Cadillac offers a 6 speed manual in their top line cars? I’ll bet Cadillac sells a lot less manual cars than Chevy/GMC sells trucks. It’s all about assembly line economics.
Bring back the power adjustable pedals. That is the reason I didn’t get a 2019 when the lease on my 2016 was up. There was no way for me to get comfortable without my knees being way too close to the dash.
100% agreed! My wife can not drive this truck. Shes far too short, and even with the telescoping wheel, shes too close. Also, coupled with the high hood, the visibility is just horrendous for her.
You are right about that high hood. In another thread someone said it was needed – but it is a design choice, if you have as an objective “better visibility out front” you will find some way to do it. TV cameras up front don’t make up for the dungeon feeling.
Yes, that is why we didn’t buy a new 2020. My wife can’t drive it. It puts her dangerously close to the steering wheel also. I am a diehard Chevy fan, but if I have to buy a Ford or Dodge(shiver) I will. Safety over brand. We drive a 3500 crew cab diesel that we pull a 5th wheel with.
Make the 2.7 with 10 speed base powertrain.
Make the 6.2 with 10 speed mid powertrain.
Introduce a high output 6.6 with 10 speed for the top powertrain.
Keep the 3.0 with 10 speed, but bump it the 300 hp and 520 lb-ft of the original duramax.
All this 6 speed and 8 speed crap and still keeping the 4.3 and afm 5.3 around shows the current Silverado was rushed to market too early.
Hey guys – as an owner of an awesome 2019 LT Trail Boss, let me say a few things about this most capable, incredible off-road truck! If you want a luxury cab inside – buy a Lincoln, Cadillac, or whatever Dodge has in the form of a luxury 4 door sedan. The interior of the Trail Boss is awesome – all controls extremely well placed, front bucket seats very comfy. The 8 speed tranny issue is gone – they solved the old problem with the updated MQE-8 tranny in 2019. The other super nice feature is a push button on the dash to disable Auto-Stop. Also – the 5.3 with DFM has more than enough power for the highway or off-road. The G80 auto-lockers in the rear work extremely well. You’ve got to commit and let the truck work the problem out .. . and it gets it right every time! What else? All the ladies think it is a sexy truck! Best part? I’m a picky ass truck guy just like all of you and I am not a GM employee! Regarding the 10 improvements? Go ahead and do it – but trust me, they are not necessary.
I’ll add something… Add a larger fuel tank. 24 gal is too small when you’re towing. I’d also like to see them make the 2 speed transfer case standard on all 4wd trucks again.
Amen to the larger fuel tank, Ram=33, Ford=36, Toyota=38. Surely the engineers can safely find room for a larger tank. Any decent size trailer will drop you down to barely double digit MPG’s and 24 gallons is just too small.
Stock fuel tanks for the F150 and Ram are far smaller. And even with a 38 gallon tank, the gas guzzling museum piece called the Tundra would still have less range than a 5.3 truck.
Sorry GM loyal truck owners but RAM and FORD are the only REAL truck’s left! I’ve owned 2 Silverado’s and got rid of both for a Ram…much happier now! My wife got the Ford and love’s it! GM doesn’t listen to buyers…just their Engineers and board!
Ford? Real truck? Not with that pathetic IFS, worthless plastic IWE 4WD, and aluminum foil bed that cracks and tears just looking at it. And the Ram 1500 is a complete and utter joke to bed sold as a full-size “truck”. Not with the pathetic payload ratings that completely negate any tow rating FCA claims it has. Not when the Colorado and Ranger midsize trucks have higher real world payload ratings. The Ram 1500 is a sedan dressed in drag pretending to be a real truck.
Just opinions here
The horribly low average payload rating of the Ram 1500 is not opinion, it’s a fact. Car and Driver reviewed a 2019 Ram 1500 Limited and even though it had a 7100 lb GVWR and 10,000 lb tow rating, it had a pathetic 1000 lb payload rating, which means that it barely has enough payload rating to handle a 10% tongue weight, let alone enough payload capacity to have passengers while towing. Those facts show just how pathetic the Ram 1500 is these days.
Omg only if these 10 things plus 10 more can only come true
I agree with all 10 things. I have a 2017 and love it but just had to drive a 2020 for a few days. My truck rides and drives just as good with way more storage. I was impressed with the 2.7 engine but fuel economy really not that much better than my 5.3. We just got a work truck at my job and the center console has no storage. We also have a dodge work truck that has way more storage and ways to charge stuff even in the center console. GM really needs to rethink about their truck and please lesson to your buyers. With a new f-150 coming and the nice thought out interior of the ram GM has their home work cut out for them.
Anyone who says the 5.3 isn’t a good engine is a fool.
A crew cab 4×4 RST 5.3 will put down a low 6 second 0-60. It’s a solid towing engine. It’s efficient. Flexfuel. Reliable.
It’s a great middle offering and now that the 6.2 is offered on LT and Custom trims everyone has the option to go more power now if they want.
Especially when a 2019 RST matched a 2019 Ram 1500 5.7 in every acceleration test Car and Driver performed. All while the 5.3 gets 5+ MPG more than the ancient 5.7 Hemi.
No one buys a Ram Hemi for good gas mileage. Some may think so but get real.
Nobody buys a Ram 1500 to do truck work either. Not with the pathetic payload ratings and garbage quality control.
Get the multi purpose tailgate now and beef up bnb the 5.3 motor.
I prefer a larger fuel tank. Ram – 33, Ford – 36 and Toyota – 38. 24 gallons is too small if you are towing or back country exploring. Any decent size trailer will drop MPG down to low double digits and 24 gallons disappears quickly. Just my personal preference.
How about the 6.2 and 3.0 optional in any truck? I would love a 6.2 regular cab.
“Regular cabs don’t sell. Our focus groups tell us…”
Meantime, the water district fleet manager where my brother lives is ordering a different make. They had been buying Chevrolets for a lot of years because the local dealer support was so good. He buys only about 20 new trucks year, but 20 truck is 20 trucks.
I currently drive a 2014 Silverado LT Crew with a 6:5 bed. I have 187,000 miles on it. My prior truck was a 2007 Avalanche LTZ. Things I miss in the Silverado that I had in the Avalanche, AIR RIDE, FOLD DOWN BETWEEN THE CAB AND BOX. I plan to drive this truck until I retire, or I get 300,000 miles on it, or until GM brings out a new FULL SIZE Avalanche. If GM does offer a new full size Avalanche do not get between me and the Chevy dealer, I’ll just say I will be ordering a a new Avalanche.
The 8 speed is a strong transmission. The shudder issue seems to be resolved with the latest Mobil 1 trans fluid. It offers improved fuel economy over the 6 speed. It’s used in the Cadillac v models making up to 640 hp and corvettes as well. As far as the guy complaining about the air out of his vents not being cold enough, 33 is too cold and will eventually ice up the evaporator. Upper 30’s is the coldest you want to see.
NO …….COMMENT!!!!!! I KNOW BETTER!!!!!
Yep seems like people I know have been happy with their 8 speed after getting the new GTL based transmission fluid. I haven’t had any issues with mine.
I traded a 2017 F-150 Limited for a 2020 Silverado Custom Crew cab 4X4 with the 5.3 and 6 speed. A basic truck but that’s what I wanted. It rides better than the Ford, brakes are better, and it’s alot quieter than the Ford. I got sick of the rattles and the power surging that the Ford experienced after two years of driving it. This Silverado is very easy to drive and I love the looks. Yes, the interior quality could be better but I’m totally satisfied with this truck.
Give me a power running board that folds up like the one on the new Escalade that is strong enough to use as a rock slider when needed. More power? What we doing with the Blackwing motors? Fix the damn face of the truck! Two tone grill of the High Country is dumb. One or the other please. Rethink the badging locations. Fix the back bumper to have the chrome go above the step only. Yes on the carbon pro box and tailgate!
Please no IRS it’s a truck not a F-1. IRS will not stabilize a top heavy load neither will airbags. I drive hay trucks a competitor in my area bought new air ride trailers and rolled every one of them. Stick with springs if you want a car ride buy a car. If you want a car that will haul a little something and look cool find a decent El Camino.
Ted, I whole hearty agree with you PEOPLE ITS A TRUCK!! IRS HAS NO PLACE ON A PICKUP!! IF YOU WANT GAS MILEAGE A NICE SOFT RIDE BUY A Rolls Royce FOR THE RIDE ! TOWING A HORSE TRAILER AN HAVE ONEAIR BAG BLOW GOING DOWN THE ROAD YOU’LL WISH IRS WAS UP SOMEBODYS ASS!!!
I drive a 2014 Silverado LT. It was preceded by 2007 Avalanche LTZ. What I miss on the Avalanche is AIR RIDE, and THE PASS THROUGH BACK WALL of the Avalanche. My Silverado I bought off the lot. I have 187,000 miles on the Silverado. I will buy a new truck when, I retire, this one turns 300,00 miles, or GM COMES OUT WITH A NEW FULL SIZE AVALANCHE. IF THEY DO DON’T GET BETWEEN ME AND THE DEALERSHIP. I did have the trans shift issue like everyone. I needed a rebuild at 175,000 miles the Jasper rebuilt has fixed the problem.
Dashboard that doesn’t crack, airbags that work. Oh wait, that recall isn’t an issue. Headlights that Don’t go cloudy. Rear bumpers that actually protect the corners.
YEA RECYCLED PLASTIC! THATS WHAT THE HEADLIGHT LENES ARE MADE OF , CHEAP!!!
The dashboards haven’t had cracking issues since the 2014 redesign. Airbags have never had an issue with not working. Headlights haven’t had an issue with going cloudy. The bumpers are some of the best among trucks. Stop talking about problems you had with an ancient truck. Especially since every vehicle is going to ha e clouded up headlights as they age and get exposed to the elements.
Change that ugly front clip
Looks better than the feminine guppy looking Ram or the next them F150 train wreck.
I will NEVER buy AMERICAN AGAIN. 2005 SILVERADO engine didn’t make it to 100,000 miles. My 2 TOYOTA’S went 320,000 and 200,000 without touching the ORIGINAL ENGINES.
I will agree Toyota does make a dependable truck. Just a side note: most parts for American trucks aren’t made in America, they come from places like Korea/China/Mexico, just assembled in the U.S. factories (like GM).
Sounds like you’re uninformed, many Asian truck parts still come from their home nations. Yes some (and I mean some) US parts do come from those nations, because they sell products in some of those nations also even before I was born, why not use the capacity?.
I work at a supply chain for GM…almost ALL parts are from overseas!
what AutoZone?. What’s with the parts factories in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, etc?. Oh they make medical supplies 🙄….
SUPPLY CHAIN not parts store, and GM is next door to us….but anyway, ALL of what you mentioned are ASSEMBLY PLANTS, NOT manufacturing plants.
That one flew over your head, I too wasn’t talking about assembly plants.
You’re probably making stuff up about GM gets most of its parts from overseas, next you’ll say the engines and transmissions are shipped in.
Ok…whatever you want to believe.
All Tacomas are now made in Mexico and the Tundra’s domestic content went from over 75% to barely 60% in the last few years. All their trucks are infamous for rust rot and Toyota was sued for over $3 billion because they knew there was a rust rot issue with their frames and didnt do anything for years, not to mention they denied replacement frames for thousands of people with dangerously rotted trucks .
One of the plants that make the Silverado and Sierra is in Sialo,Mexico…the other two are in the states.
That’s a shame!!! Sounds like lack of maintenance! My S10 4×4 automatic pickup a 1998 with 324,000 milestone it an runs as good as it was when I bought it new! Why buy another new truck when this one runs like a new one? Beside water pump, battery BRAKES which is just maintenance ! Problem is for some reason GM quite making that model , probably because with the 4.3 Vortex ENGINE they was like the old Timax commercial they keep on ticking REMEMBER?!
Maintenance IS key on any vehicle. A friend of mine had a 1994 Dodge Dakota with over 300,000 miles, he bought it new in ’94. He says he would still be driving it had he not totaled it recently.
1) Get rid of the gills, scoops, creases, flashy bits and flordi-doodies all over the truck. It’s a truck, not a 1958 Buick Limited.
2) Move the AC vents back to horizontal openings above the radio stack, and get rid of the knuckle-freezing vertical vents.
3) Dig into the archives, and bring out drawings of the series of truck that included the ‘92 model year, or even the 2001.
Observe the lack of gills, scoops, creases, flashy bits, and flordi-doodies all over those trucks. Slab-sided, attractive but subtle, easier repairs, and fewer parts. Note also the SIZE of these trucks. They were pickup trucks, not Freightliner wanna-bes.
4) Bring the suspension back to the height of the ‘92 or the ‘01. The height of these new trucks is not necessary; it is a vanity statement. “Mine is bigger than yours”.
5) As for the engines, I will take a naturally-aspirated 5.3 that burns regular over a turbocharged V6 that requires more maintenance, and for which the advertised horsepower has an asterisk note saying “to do this you need to burn premium”.
Sounds like you should be buying a 3/4-ton that isnt required to meet fuel economy regulations. All the stuff you pointed out are the result of 1/2 tons needing to get 20+ MPG.
Forget the ZRX and these exhaustive acronyms. If you’re going against the Raptor, bring back the Avalanche and make it a killer. 10 improvements plus Offroad Ground clearance, wide wheel wells, big ass tires, midgate and Sierra liftgate, and Zl1 engine. Let those LEDs tell you whose going and coming. Put a price tag on it. It’s low volume anyway.
Purchased LTZ 1500 with 3.0 Diesel in Jan, now have nearly 6000 miles on it. Fuel economy is spectacular, high of 37, average 30 at 65 mph. 10 speed tranny is SMOOTH, quiet and responsive. Lifetime Chevy owner, best truck I’ve owned! Nice creature features! Fuel range, well north of 600 miles is a grand bonus!
Use a leather material similar to the Ram which is much more luxurios than what GM is offering.
Just buy a RAM!
If GM makes all the advancements mentioned in this article, you are a little late GM because the new RAM has already done it!
The Ram is an embarrassment. Piss poor quality control and payload ratings weaker than a Ford Ranger. They’re basically a Dodge Charger with a bed.
This is the best article I think Gm authority has written this year I hope one day Gm will stop half a#$ it an go all the way
If the 8 speed is indeed fixed, why did they even go to the trouble of creating the 10 speed? The latest round of transmissions have hit an mpg plateau.
GM created the 10 speed transmission because Ford an Chrysler did! One jumps off a roof of a tall building the rest follow!!
The 8 speed has been fixed for 2019. The reason they’re switching to the 10 speed is to remain competitive with the F150 by having the extra gear ratio spread and to save money by not having two similar transmissions.
1st..LOWER the price of the trucks (absolutely ridiculous asking prices).2nd..inform dealers to quit that we ain’t making any money selling new vehicles ( then why build them and have a whole lot full of them?)..3rd..quit sissyfying the damn trucks ( WAAAAY too many bells an whistles for a working man/woman to maintain) sometimes it’s nice,but the cost involved to repair them is ridiculously expensive..4th..level the front of the truck with the back, not everybody overloads their truck to haul 10.000 lbs of crap in the bed….last but not least, #5..once again, the prices of these trucks have got to come down, who wants to pay 60k for any truck that won’t be worth 1/2 that in one year?..quit trying to pay pensions and high ass salary’s in the sale of ONE truck..
Oh man.. this comment section is a years worth of dumb customers in the auto industry. An article about wanting all updated features, giant sunroofs, all new engines, more power, power pedals BUT.. it’s gotta be cheaper than now. Forget your engineering costs, production costs and R&D, we want it all for less.. know what, we’re tired of paying for things.. FREE trucks for everybody!!! If trucks are getting to expensive just buy a base model! Chev has em, lots of trim levels now.. actually 8 of them. You can buy an nicely optioned Silverado for 45k CAN. But y’all gotta stop with the we want it all for nothing attitude. And no, deeper customization of options/packages would actually create higher prices of everyone, this isn’t the 60’s anymore, you don’t like the colour of the interior trim? Fix it yourself or go buy Porsche genius.
Then how come the fords and rams have giant sunroofs and power pedals and there trucks are in the same price . They should make it available and if you want it ,then it’s going to cost you more. The multi pro tailgate is a joke. Make sure you don’t have a reciever in your hitch or you will dent your tailgate. Make the tailgate like the Honda ridgeline and do something smart put the spare tire access from the top inside the box and storage like the ridgeline. And stop making your trucks look like fords !
In most other aspects of the economy, the computer promises more personalized goods and services.
Personalized health care, for example, is a dream that is being worked on. New ways of manufacturing and robots are opening the doors for more customized building. You are right, today if you want to customize your vehicle down to every bit, it is going to cost you a fortune and you are stuck with some fancy exotic brands. But that is today. The dream is that tomorrow the idea of detail customization for the ordinary person buying an ordinary vehicle will be typical, at reasonable prices. (In the many years that I bought Silverado diesels, I installed aftermarket fuel tank replacements, because I found the offered tank size unacceptable. Today I am willing to pay to rip out the center console, move the electronics, and install bench seats. What I can’t fight is the overall design – I would like more visibility, more glass. Some truck writer with a following complains about driving around in a fish bowl, and next thing we know the only choice we have is gangsta style, with slits for windows. Hopefully new forms of manufacturing and distribution are going to allow a wider variety of choices, boutique companies making a profit with niche products. (Morgan, Caterham, Ariel, are doing it now, a host of start up electric car companies are trying to do it for the future.)
Gm Should stop making there trucks to be like fords ! 89 to 2007 the boxes were19 inches tall ,from 2007 to 2018 they were 21inches tall , now because the ford are 23 inches tall so are the chevys . The truck is so squared off at the back like the fords it’s terrible. You can’t reach into the box . If you want to be different why don’t you do the only smart thing the Honda ridgeline has . A drop and swinging tailgate and the spare tire and storage from inside the box. Quite trying to be like ford and take the lead for a change .
John, I totally agree! I remember when I was growing up you could see new cars an trucks going down the road an could tell what make they were. Now when you see them you have go look for the badges! ITS a shame WHY DOES THE CARS AN TRUCKS LOOKS SO MUCH A LIKE?
I would still take a high country with the 6.2 over any of the competition. Best looking truck with the best engine.
Get rid of 8 speed, mine has the new fluid, still not good…….update the front corner bumper & air finn & fender design, I’m tired of trying to convince myself that it looks “Ok” ………..bring adjustable pedals back…….add a larger fuel tank…….I do not mind the power tailgate but I wish there was an availabe manual latch handle, some time the electronics will malfunction when I’m in a hurry!! IMO interior is not as bad as all the fuss is made over it. GM has got some homework to do, I am die hard GM but I’ve driven several new Ram 1500s and I will have to say I was really impressed with the powertrain performance and overall driving experience, to the point that my die hard GM faded a bit.
I’d be happy with just fixing the front end and a different interior color other than black or kinda black.
Disappointed
I’ve been LIFELONG GM & GMC owner both Personal & For Business. Purchased approx two dozen cars & trucks over several years but GM still refuses to Properly Paint Frames.
Instead they spray Truck frames with a wax type material that WEARS OFF AND RUSTS IN 6 MONTHS? GM Philosophy, once you buy it, it’s your problem?
Compared to Ford F-150 frames that have a LONG LASTING RUST RESISTANT BLACK PAINT!
The GM 5.3 is a good engine but can’t compare to Ford’s 5.0 Hp & Torque.
Sadly GM Profit instead of quality Has Kept Ford the Sales Leader!
As a previous owner of a 2017 Silverado LTZ Z71 Midnight with the 6.2L/8 speed and now a current owner of a 2020 Silverado Z71 LT Trailboss with the 6.2L/10 speed I’ve got quite a bit of suggestions for Chevrolet.
First, off I love my new 2020 truck! The 6.2L with the 10 speed is an amazing combo. The new transmission is way smoother than the old 8 speed! I like many others, loathed that old transmission. I also like that Chevrolet finally lifted the Z71 to a height similar to Ford and Dodge (man the 2017 looked silly next to the new 2020).
Including the article’s suggestions, here’s my wish list for the new 2022 Silverado;
1) An “LTZ” Trailboss!! I want a sporty truck with ALL the options one can get on the ugly High Country or LTZ trims, WITHOUT all the chrome! Not sure why GM/Chevy can’t quite grasp that younger buyers like me (I’m 41) typically prefer sporty over classy (painted parts vs chrome ones). I have a loaded up LT Trailboss but it still doesn’t have all the same option like my 2017 LTZ Z71, nor does it have that brag worthy LTZ badge!
2) Better interior/Pano Sunroof…yes those are listed in the article above but worth repeating!! My truck does not compare interior wise to a new Ram or F-150 and that’s a shame. I want a larger screen, more Silverado or Z71 emblems, reclining and cooling rear seats, better quality trim and leather….all of it. It’s sad that my 2017’s gauges were actually cooler looking than the new truck. The 2017’s gauges had “Z71” on them and a cool background, the new one has much more plain gauges. Why Chevy, whyyy?!
3) Electric tilt steering adjust! Why did my 2008 Corvette and my buddy’s 2015 Tahoe have electric tilt control and we are still fiddling around with manual tilt steering wheel adjust?!
4) More power! Love the 6.2L but give it a bump in HP & Torque already to compete with the F-150’s high output 3.5L in the Raptor and higher F-150 trim.
5) Also raise the dang speed limiter to 105 or 108 like the Raptor! 98 MPH is ridiculous even with the Goodyear Duratrac tires and 2 inch lift.
That’s my 5 biggest complaints from the two recent Silverados. I’m sure I’m missing something but basically more options on the Trailboss, better interior, piano roof, and electric tilt adjust along with more power from the 6.2 would be fantastic! And yes, I’d be happy and willing to pay more for these options and upgrades too! Please take note Chevrolet!