A blue 2019 Chevy Silverado is parked in front of an open garage door with a race car in the bay.

Are The New Silverado and Sierra Models More Different Than Ever Before?

Ready to compare the 2019 Chevy Silverado vs 2019 GMC Sierra? With another year comes another opportunity to see if these typically identical vehicles have finally become easier to tell apart. From performance stats to available engines, entertainment features, and starting prices, it’s time to see if the Silverado and Sierra are more different than ever before. And while we’re at it, let’s determine which of these two impressive pickup trucks truly leads the full-size pickup truck class.

The Stats

Yes, these vehicles feature nearly identical performance, however a few differences between the 2019 Chevy Silverado vs 2019 GMC Sierra can be seen when stacking them side by side. So, let’s take a look at how these two vehicles compare in a few important stats.

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500

  • MSRP: $28,300
  • Horsepower: up to 420
  • Torque: up to 460 lb-ft
  • Towing Capacity: 12,500 LBS
  • Fuel Economy: up to 20 City/23 Highway

2019 GMC Sierra 1500

  • MSRP: $33,500
  • Horsepower: up to 420
  • Torque: up to 460 lb-ft
  • Towing Capacity: 12,500 LBS
  • Fuel Economy: up to 20 City/23 Highway

The Similarities

In order to properly compare these two vehicles, let’s start with what the 2019 Chevy Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra have in common for their newly redesigned models.

Matching Engine Options

Both the 2019 Chevy Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra offer identical engine options. These include a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, 4.3L V6 engine, 5.3L V8 engine, a 5.3L V8 engine with DFM, and a 6.2L V8 engine. The 2.7L 4-cylinder engine is the standard option on both vehicles, while the 6.2L V8 engine offers the most performance in terms of power and capability.

Horsepower, Torque, and Efficiency

It is not surprising that with identical engines these vehicles offer nearly identical performance stats. Both the Silverado and Sierra offer up to 420 hp and 460 lb-ft torque when equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. The standard 2.7L 4-cylinder turbo engine offers matching fuel economy ratings on both vehicles with estimates of up to 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Towing Capacity

You guessed it! The 2019 Chevy Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra have matching maximum towing capacities. When properly equipped, the Silverado and Sierra can tow an incredible 12,500 LBS. This is an incredibly high towing capacity compared to other full-size pickup trucks on the market, and helps both of these trucks stand out. If you’re looking to distinguish the 2019 Chevy Silverado vs 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 in terms of performance, you’ll have to dig a little deeper.

Entertainment Features

Both the 2019 Chevy Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra offer an advanced, and similar, entertainment suite onboard their base models. Standard features found on both vehicles include a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, one USB port, and Bluetooth. Available entertainment features vary slightly but include wireless charging, an 8-inch touchscreen display, additional USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot.

Included Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2019 Chevy Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra are incredibly reliable choices among their contenders in the full-size class. In fact, both vehicles received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and offer nearly identical safety features. For standard safety features, drivers will find both vehicles equipped with a rearview camera and Teen Driver technology, which allows parents to set speed and volume restrictions for young drivers. Both vehicles also off a long list of driver assist features onboard their higher trim levels or with available packages.

The Differences

Wondering if there can possibly be any differences? Don’t worry! There are a few key differences between the 2019 Chevy Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra. Let’s take a look.

Handling

It can seem a matter of opinion, but several drivers and critics have noted that the new Silverado offers better handling than the Sierra. In general, critics have stated that the ride of the Silverado is smoother and more responsive, which may be in part due to the differences in the body and construction of these vehicles as well as any slight differences that may be present mechanically.

Design

A red 2019 Chevy Silverado is parked on the salt flats with the photo taken from head on to showcase the design differences between the 2019 Chevy Silverado vs 2019 GMC Sierra.

Although some may argue that the 2019 Chevy Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra are extraordinarily similar in terms of overall design, there are slight differences to the designs of these vehicles that set them apart. Both vehicles feature a large, bold grille with a more squared design than other competitors on the market. However, each vehicle has its own uniquely designed headlights, wheel wells, and side view mirrors. The Silverado features a sleek, modern, and bold styling overall, while the Sierra is aggressive and features geometric touches.

Price

One of the major differences between these two vehicles is their starting MSRPs. For how similar they are, you’d expect the price point to be about the same. However, the 2019 GMC Sierra comes in much higher than the 2019 Chevy Silverado. For over $5,000 less, you can enjoy roughly the same features than the 2019 GMC Sierra as well as a superior handling.

Who Takes The Win?

When it comes to the 2019 Chevy Silverado vs 2019 GMC Sierra, these vehicles are exceptionally similar. Both offer the same level of horsepower, torque, and efficiency, and even feature identical engine options. Even standard entertainment and safety features are the same, making it even more difficult to determine which of these two vehicles reigns supreme.

However, it is important to remember that the 2019 Chevy Silverado does have a few slight advantages over the 2019 GMC Sierra. For example, the Silverado has also been noted to offer better handling and responsiveness than the Sierra, making it the more suitable option on tougher terrains. But most importantly, the 2019 Chevy Silverado is $5,200  less than the 2019 GMC Sierra. If you’re having a hard time choosing between these seemingly identical vehicles, save yourself some money and opt for the Silverado. After all, they are essentially the same vehicle but the Silverado offers a few more perks for less.

So, in the comparison of the 2019 Chevy Silverado vs 2019 GMC Sierra, the Silverado emerges as the overall winner for its value and handling. But, are these two vehicles truly more different than ever before? Both redesigned for 2019, it appears as though these vehicles made similar upgrades and might remain just as similar as their previous model years. Only the future will tell if these sister vehicles will truly ever be easily distinguishable.

Visit Your Local Dealership to See These Vehicles in Person

Whether you choose the 2019 Chevy Silverado or 2019 GMC Sierra, both vehicles are excellent choices in the full-size pickup truck class. In order to determine which vehicle is best for you, visit your local dealership and see these two impressive vehicles in person. Be sure to take each vehicle on a test drive, ask any questions that you may have, and inquire about any applicable specials and incentives. If you still can’t decide which vehicle is right for you, your local dealership should be able to offer additional insight into these vehicles and help you determine which option best suits your needs and budget.