Even although engine downsizing is a typical development amongst all sorts of automobiles of late, individuals nonetheless are likely to affiliate full measurement pickup vehicles with massive V8s. Six-cylinder engines have turn out to be extra commonplace lately, with vehicles just like the Ford
F-150 and Ram 1500 providing strong six-pot choices. But Chevrolet is taking issues one step additional.The 2019 Silverado may be optioned with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine — sure, a turbo-four in a 5,000-pound truck. Can this comparatively tiny engine nonetheless deal with full measurement pickup duties?Beneath that hood lurks a very tiny engine.
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Smooth engine, however not a stunnerThe 2.7-liter engine is only one of many powertrain choices out there on the brand new Chevy Silverado. We’ve already hung out with one of many V8-powered variations, and just lately acquired our first drive of the brand-new, 3.0-liter diesel-powered truck.
The 2.7T places out 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed computerized transmission. You can get the turbo engine on a number of Silverado trim ranges, together with the sporty-ish RST tester you see right here.
I’m pleasantly shocked by the turbo-four engine. The RST will get up and scoots pretty effectively and is not afraid to rev its approach as much as redline to take advantage of the engine’s out there energy. Cruising down California’s Interstate 5 freeway, I’ve no points maintaining tempo with smaller automobiles within the quick lane. The transmission works seamlessly within the background, and easily handles heavy energy requests, like whereas climbing the steep Grapevine as I head towards Los Angeles. The turbocharged Silverado RST has a Sport driving mode, however truthfully, behind the wheel I am unable to actually really feel a lot of a distinction from the usual mode.
Where the two.7T engine is absolutely imagined to impress is with its gas economic system, and I’m sorry to say that it would not. The EPA charges two-wheel drive, turbocharged fashions at 20 miles per gallon metropolis, 23 mpg freeway and 21 mpg mixed. But after per week of testing, together with a 950-mile spherical journey totally on the freeway, I’m solely seeing 19.6 mpg. Ouch. I’m not the one one having bother with the turbo engine’s gas economic system, both.The smaller engine means this Silverado is not essentially the most succesful, although it nonetheless places up respectable numbers. It’ll tow a most of 7,200 kilos and may haul 2,280 kilos of payload. That’s greater than sufficient on your common full measurement truck purchaser. Plus, the Silverado has one of many largest beds within the biz — even the quick field can maintain 63 cubic toes of Home Depot goodies.But once you take a look at the competitors, that is the place issues begin to get unhealthy for the Chevy
. The Ford F-150 may be had with a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6, and may tow a most of 8,500 kilos. Furthermore, Ford’s extra highly effective V6 posts higher EPA rankings than the four-cylinder Silverado, at 20 mpg metropolis, 26 mpg freeway and 22 mpg mixed. The Ram 1500 with its mild-hybrid, 3.6-liter V6 can tow as a lot as 7,750 kilos, and is EPA-rated at 20 mpg metropolis, 25 mpg freeway and 22 mpg mixed. I’d a lot relatively drive a type of vehicles day after day.Good infotainment, lacking driver help optionsChevy’s newest Infotainment 3 multimedia system is straightforward and very easy to make use of, with a display screen that immediately responds to my contact. Base Silverados get a 7-inch touchscreen, however I’m rocking the bigger 8-inch show with OnStar-based navigation. A market app lets drivers order meals, or make resort or restaurant reservations whereas on the go. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are additionally normal, properly integrating into Chevy’s system.
I like the sheer variety of charging ports out there within the Silverado. The entrance and rear seats and middle console are all outfitted with USB Type-A and Type-C ports, and there are 12-volt shops in each rows. Further, a three-prong, 120-volt, 400-watt outlet is obtainable up entrance, with an extra one within the truck’s mattress.Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are alongside for the trip within the Silverado.
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On the opposite hand, the Silverado actually lacks superior driving aids. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are solely normal on the highest High Country trim, and may solely be had as optionally available extras on the LT and above. Lane-keeping help, ahead collision warning and computerized emergency braking are all choices, and solely on the highest two trim ranges. Adaptive cruise management is not out there on any Silverado, although I’m instructed it joins the truck’s tech roster in 2020. The Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 not solely provide extra sturdy suites of tech, however they’re out there on extra trim ranges, too.Bland inside, polarizing exteriorThe Silverado is a brand-new truck, however its inside supplies each feel and look like a step behind what you get within the F-150 and Ram 1500. At least there are many storage cubbies, and the middle console is sufficiently big for my complete pc bag.
Even in its shorter Double Cab guise, the Silverado’s again seat is roomy. Step as much as the Crew Cab to get 8 extra inches of rear legroom. The entrance seats are superb, however I’d like some extra assist. Overall, the cabin simply feels outdated. I fear how unhealthy it’s going to really feel years from now.The Silverado’s face could be a bit, effectively, polarizing is a pleasant approach to say it.
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On prime of that, I am unable to write this evaluate with out mentioning the brand new Silverado’s exterior design. It’s… polarizing to say the least. The headlamps are small and the grille is large. I do not hate it as a lot as different Roadshow staffers, however make no mistake, Ford and Ram
provide better-looking vehicles.Good in a category of greatsMy two-wheel drive Silverado RST 2.7T comes out to $47,795, together with $1,595 for vacation spot. Personally, I am unable to advocate the two.7-liter engine possibility — the lack of energy and functionality would not appear to internet any actual gas economic system positive aspects, and Chevy’s key rivals provide downsized powertrains which can be simply plain higher.If I’d by no means pushed the Ram 1500, I’d say the Silverado was the best-riding truck in its class. If I hadn’t skilled Ford’s superior trailer back-up tech and massaging seats, I’d say the Silverado was loaded with tech and comfort options. But as a result of I’ve pushed these different vehicles, I can see the Silverado for what it’s: a very good pickup in a category of greats.