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General Motors
2019 Chevrolet Silverado RST
The 2019 Silverado RST comes standard with an all-new, advanced 2.7L Turbo engine Active Fuel Management and stop/start technology, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available 5.3L V-8 engine is paired with an eight-speed transmission and featured industry-first Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) with 17 different modes of cylinder deactivation. An all-new Duramax 3.0L Turbo Diesel with start/stop technology paired with a 10-speed transmission will be available as an option in early 2019
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General Motors
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 8-speed automatic transmission
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General Motors
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 27L turbo
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Perry Mack
Ford F150 with 3.0L turbodiesel
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Perry Mack
Silverado with 5.3L V-8
Words by Perry Mack
Is this a swing and a miss? Some folks will buy a Silverado with the new 2.7L turbo mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission, but we don’t expect it to be very many.
The EPA just released the fuel economy numbers and in L/100km they are 11.8 city, 10.2 hwy, 11.2 combined (20/23/21 mpg), 11.8/12.4/10.7 L/100km (20/19/22 mpg) for 4x4 models. The numbers aren’t bad considering it also kicks out 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, and Chevy rates the max payload at 2280 lb (in a fleet-only 2WD, regular cab).
So is it, or is it not the Silverado for you.
Why you should buy the Silverado with this engine:
Compared to the Ford’s 3.3L V-6, and mild-hybrid Ram 1500 with the Pentastar V6;
- the city fuel economy numbers are better
- hp and torque are higher
- max payload is higher (2280 vs Ford’s 1990 and Ram’s 2100 lb)
Why you should not:
The Ford and Ram have better highway 9.4 L/100km (25 mpg) and combined 10.7 L/100km (22 mpg) ratings.
Chevy’s own 5.3L V-8 with the eight speed automatic transmission is also available on the same truck with equivalent highway fuel economy but better max towing.
The engine is standard in the 2019 LT and RST, but this is a hefty premium over the Silverado Work Truck trim with the 4.3L V-6 & a six-speed transmission. The 2.7L I-4 turbo is not the most affordable engine option.
Not only is it less affordable than the 4.3L V-6, the fuel economy numbers aren’t much better. The 2018 4.3L V-6 gives you 13.1/9.8/11.8 L/100km (18/24/20 mpg), but once you factor in the better aerodynamics for the 2019 Silverado, along with 204 kg (450 lb) less weight, we should see fuel economy that equals the I-4 turbo.
We know that smaller engine’s have to work harder than bigger engines when they are under load. We expect the I-4 fuel economy numbers to tank (bottom of the fuel tank) when you are towing or hauling a significant load.
And lastly, there’s a 3.0L six-cylinder turbodiesel coming out next year for Silverado, which should deliver 30 mpg. Expect Chevy to target Ford’s 3.0L V-6 turbodiesel in the F-150, which cranks out 250 hp and a whopping 440 lb ft of torque. For the buyer who wants to tow and get great fuel economy, they’ll be inclined to choose the new diesel.
At the end of the day, the buyer who uses their pick-up primarily as a city commuter and grocery getter, is willing to pay for quick acceleration for a peppy sporty feel, and then only occasionally tows or haul loads, will want this engine in a Silverado.
If you agree or disagree, please share your comments below.
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