Available with a 4.3L V6, 2.7L turbocharged four-pot, and 5.3L and 6.2L V8s, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado offers everything from a basic work truck engine to a 420 hp range-topper. It’s the V8s that stand out as the real picks of the range, though.
Key Points
- The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers five engine options: a 4.3-liter V6 with six-speed auto, 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder with an eight-speed auto, two 5.3-liter V8s with either a six-speed or eight-speed auto, and a 6.2-liter V8 with a 10-speed.
- The 4.3-liter engine is reserved for base work truck versions. It’s only adequate, with poor fuel economy for a V6 and the worst power outputs in the range.
- With the lowest towing capacity on offer, the tiny turbo four-cylinder isn’t the best fit for a pickup truck like this. Critics also highlighted its poor real-world fuel economy.
- Both 5.3-liter V8 engines on offer make the same power on paper, but the newer L84 unit is the better bet thanks to its advanced fuel-saving tech.
- The range-topping 6.2-liter V8 is able to tow up to 12,200 pounds with the Max Trailering Package, yet it only uses as much fuel as the base V6.
Base 4.3-liter V6 Lacks Torque but is a Robust Work Truck Engine
While the fourth-generation Chevy Silverado was an all-new model for 2019, it still sported a couple of carry-over engine options. While four new engines joined the range, entry-level models still came with the old model’s 4.3-liter V6.
Now featuring all-aluminum construction, direct injection, and a 12-valve pushrod design, it produces 285 hp at 5,300 rpm and 305 lb.-ft. at 3,900 rpm.
Although fitted with Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation tech and a six-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy was still fairly poor. At its best, it achieves just 16/21/17 mpg city/highway/combined.
This engine is primarily aimed at those looking for a basic work truck, so performance is hardly a concern. However, it produces the least torque of any model – an important consideration for those looking at regularly hauling heavy loads. The cost of poor fuel economy can also add up. However, the lower purchase price does offset it.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado’s 2.7-liter Turbo Four-cylinder Fails to Deliver on Fuel Economy Claims
One of the new engines to join the 2019 range, the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder stands out as a particularly small engine for a big truck.
Certainly, it looks the goods on paper – 310 hp at 5,600 rpm and 348 lb.-ft. from 1,500-4,000 rpm easily put it ahead of the lowly V6. It also came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s techy, too, with Active Fuel Management and a fuel-saving stop/start system.
However, critics were quick to point out that its fuel consumption claims are hard to achieve in reality. The EPA rates it at 20/23/21 mpg city/highway/combined with rear-wheel drive – its most economical layout. However, Roadshow only reported achieving 19.6 mpg after 950 miles on the highway.
Furthermore, it can only tow up to 7,000 pounds at most. That’s more than most buyers would require, but it’s still short of the less-powerful V6’s 7,900 pounds maximum rating.
2019 Chevy Silverado’s Two 5.3-liter V8 Engine Options Offer Choice of Transmissions and Fuel-saving Systems
Two different 5.3-liter V8 engines were offered in the 2019 Silverado – the L82 offered on lower-trim models and L84 available higher in the range. On paper, both look almost indistinguishable. Both feature all-aluminum construction, direct injection, and outputs of 355 hp at 5,600 rpm and 383 lb.-ft. at 4,100 rpm.
Where the two differentiate most is with the fuel-saving systems they utilize. The L82 engine utilizes the Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system, which can run the engine on just four cylinders in low-load scenarios.
The L84, however, introduces the new Dynamic Fuel Management system that offers up to 17 cylinder activation combinations. It can even run on merely two cylinders at times. The L84 also features a stop/start system.
The two engines also come with different transmissions. The L82 is paired with a six-speed automatic, while the L84 comes with a more efficient eight-speed.
The L82’s fuel economy is pegged at just 15/22/17 mpg city/highway/combined at best, and a poor 14/17/15 mpg at worst. The L84 performs much better, though, achieving up to 17/24/19 mpg.
Testing the newer L84 engine, Car and Driver notes that it “failed to express its full power” at higher altitudes. However, the publication was impressed by its 6.1-second 0-60 mph sprint when down closer to sea-level, but noted it’s still off the pace of some rivals.
Punchy 6.2-liter V8 Helps 2019 Chevrolet Silverado Tow Up to 12,200 Pounds
Sitting at the top of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado range is a new 6.2-liter V8. A fitting flagship for the model, it produces a muscular 420 hp at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb.-ft. at 4,100 rpm.
Although performance is clearly one feather in the 6.2’s cap, its towing capacity is what impresses most. In standard form, it can tow up to 9,300 pounds – solid, but not actually the best in the range. Fitted with the Max Trailering Package, however, it can tow up to 12,200 pounds. Given its strong power outputs, towing should be a breeze with it.
As one of the newer engines fitted to the Silverado, it features direct injection with Dynamic Fuel Management and a start/stop system. Most notably, it features a 10-speed automatic transmission – the most advanced in the lineup.
Despite its size and big outputs, fuel economy was comparable to that of the base V6, with an official rating of 16/20/17 mpg city/highway/combined.
In the 2019 Chevy Silverado, the V8s are the Way to Go
With the 4.3-liter V6 relegated to basic work trucks and the 2.7-liter turbo four-pot failing to deliver on fuel economy claims and towing ability, it leaves the V8s as the obvious smart choices in the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado range.
In particular, the newer L84 5.3-liter clearly stands out as offering the best balance of performance, fuel economy, and towing ability. It’s unlikely most buyers would ever need what the L84 can’t offer. The range-topping 6.2-liter can’t be beaten for outright power and towing capacity, though.
Photos: Chevrolet
