For decades, the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 have had a bit of a family rivalry as to which is the better product. It’s always been a tough call because they’ve always shared so many components and features, but the all-new 2019 Sierra 1500 and 2019 Silverado 1500 are more distinct than ever, putting clearer lines between these cousins. Which is better for our Chicago area truck shoppers? Continue reading to find out.
Exterior
Though they are related under the General Motors umbrella and share many components, GM did a fine job giving the 2019 Chevy Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 distinct looks. Both models boast upright noses with instantly recognizable grilles and sharp body ridges, but that is where their visual similarities end.
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 boasts a more traditional grille setup with a chrome surround and flanked by premium-looking reverse-C-shaped LED headlights. The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500, on the other hand, boasts a powerful grille with a stamped “CHEVROLET” emblem and split headlights in its base WT model. In the LT and higher trims, the Silverado gains LED headlights that create an even more striking appearance.
Both models also go to great lengths to distinguish each trim level. The base Sierra 1500 has a simple black grille and chrome surround, but it gains glossy slats in the SLE trim, gloss-black slats in the Elevation trim, unique chrome bars in the SLT, and so on. The Silverado does much of the same with its bold black grille in the WT trim, gloss-black grille with a body-color splitter in the Custom trim, dual-chrome-bar grille in the LT, split-body-color splitter in the RST, a full-chrome grille in the LTZ model, and more.
There is no confusion as to where GMC sits relative to Chevy. It is has a slight premium over the Chevy nameplate, and it shows with its standard LED headlights and taillights. Yes, you can get these in the Silverado, but you must move into higher trim levels. This slight feature advantage comes into play at each trim level.
| Measurement | 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 | 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 | Difference |
| Length | 210.9 to 241.3 inches | 210.7 to 241.2 inches | +0.2 to +0.1 inches |
| Width | 81.2 inches | 81.2 inches |
|
| Height | 75.4 to 79.5 inches | 75.4 to 78.5 inches | +0 to +1 inch |
| Wheelbase | 126.5 to 157.1 inches | 126.5 to 157.1 inches |
|
| Ground Clearance |
|
|
|
| Curb weight | 4,531 to 5,015 pounds | 4,474 to 5,008 pounds | +7 to +57 pounds |
Advantage: 2019 GMC Sierra 1500
- More traditional front end
- Standard LED lighting
Advantage: 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500
- Bold grille on WT model
- Sharp, futuristic look with LED headlights
- WT trim is better-suited for the job site
Interior
If you think these pickups are similar on the outside, just take a seat inside the cabin. Here, the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 and 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 are nearly indistinguishable. Only a keen eye will catch the tiny differences in the gauge surrounds and the slight steering wheel differences. Otherwise, the only way to tell the difference it the badge on the steering wheel. The same goes for interior room, as they are identical.
In terms of features, the Sierra and Silverado’s cabins are nearly identical in their respective base trims. But moving up just one trim puts a gap between them, as the Sierra gains an 8-inch touchscreen, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, SiriusXM, and much more, while the Silverado Custom’s big in-cabin boost is a six-speaker audio system. This trend continues through the entire lineup of both pickups.
| Measurement | 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 | 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 | Difference |
| Front headroom (all cabs) | 43.1 inches | 43.1 inches |
|
| Front legroom (all cabs) | 44.5 inches | 44.5 inches |
|
| Front shoulder room (all cabs) | 66.1 inches | 66.1 inches |
|
| Front hip room (all cabs) | 61.2 inches | 61.2 inches |
|
| Rear headroom (Double Cab/) | 39.9 inches | 39.9 inches |
|
| Rear legroom (Double Cab/) | 35.2 inches | 35.2 inches |
|
| Rear shoulder room (Double Cab/) | 64.9 inches | 64.9 inches |
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| Rear hip room (Double Cab/) | 60.2 inches | 60.2 inches |
|
| Rear headroom (Crew Cab/) | 40.1 inches | 40.1 inches |
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| Rear legroom (Crew Cab/) | 43.4 inches | 43.4 inches |
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| Rear shoulder room (Crew Cab/) | 65.2 inches | 65.2 inches |
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| Rear hip room (Crew Cab/) | 60.2 inches | 60.2 inches |
|
Advantage: 2019 GMC Sierra 1500
- More features in second-tier trim
Advantage: 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500
- Still well equipped at a lower cost
Performance
The 2019 Silverado 1500 and 2019 Sierra 1500 share virtually all mechanical components, so their powertrains are identical. Where they differ in specs, though, are in their towing capacities and fuel economy. These small variations are due to weight and configurations and not mechanical differences.
This engine lineup has something for everyone, including a 285-horsepower base V-6 and 310-horsepower four-cylinder for the budget-minded buyer. For those looking for more performance, there are three V-8 options: two 355-horsepower 5.3-liter engines with varying degrees of fuel management, and a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter.
| 2019 GMC Sierra | 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 | Difference | |
| Engine | 4.3-liter V-6 | 4.3-liter V-6 |
|
| Horsepower | 285 hp at 5,300 rpm | 285 hp at 5,300 rpm |
|
| Torque | 305 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm | 305 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm |
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| Transmission | 6-spd automatic | 6-spd automatic |
|
| Driveline | RWD (std.) / 4WD (opt.) | RWD (std.) / 4WD (opt.) |
|
| 0-60 time |
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7.4 seconds |
|
| Towing capacity | 7,900 pounds | 7,900 pounds |
|
| MPG City | 15 to 16 mpg | 14 to 16 mpg | +0 to +1 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 to 21 mpg | 18 to 21 mpg | –1 to +2 mpg |
| MPG Combined | 17 mpg | 16 to 17 mpg | +0 to +1 mpg |
| Engine | 2.7-liter turbo 4-cyl | 2.7-liter turbo 4-cyl |
|
| Horsepower | 310 hp at 5,600 rpm | 310 hp at 5,600 rpm |
|
| Torque | 348 lb-ft at 1,500 to 4,000 rpm | 348 lb-ft at 1,500 to 4,000 rpm |
|
| Transmission | 8-spd automatic | 8-spd automatic |
|
| Driveline | RWD (std.) / 4WD (opt.) | RWD (std.) / 4WD (opt.) |
|
| 0-60 time | < 7 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
|
| Towing capacity | 6,900 pounds | 7,000 pounds | -100 pounds |
| MPG City | 18 to 20 mpg | 18 to 20 mpg |
|
| MPG Highway | 20 to 23 mpg | 21 to 23 mpg |
|
| MPG Combined | 19 to 21 mpg | 19 to 21 mpg |
|
| Engine | 5.3-liter V-8 w/ Active Fuel Management | 5.3-liter V-8 w/ Active Fuel Management |
|
| Horsepower | 355 hp at 5,600 rpm | 355 hp at 5,600 rpm |
|
| Torque | 383 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm | 383 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm |
|
| Transmission | 6-spd automatic | 6-spd automatic |
|
| Driveline | RWD (std.) / 4WD (opt.) | RWD (std.) / 4WD (opt.) |
|
| 0-60 time |
|
6.4 seconds |
|
| Towing capacity | 9,900 pounds | 10,100 pounds | -200 pounds |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 14 to 15 mpg | +0 to +1 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 to 22 mpg | 18 to 22 mpg | -3 to +1 mpg |
| MPG Combined | 16 to 17 mpg | 16 to 17 mpg |
|
| Engine | 5.3-liter V-8 with Dynamic Fuel Management | 5.3-liter V-8 with Dynamic Fuel Management |
|
| Horsepower | 355 hp at 5,600 rpm | 355 hp at 5,600 rpm |
|
| Torque | 383 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm | 383 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm |
|
| Transmission | 8-spd automatic | 8-spd automatic |
|
| Driveline | RWD (std.) / 4WD (opt.) | RWD (std.) / 4WD (opt.) |
|
| 0-60 time |
|
6.4 seconds |
|
| Towing capacity | 11,400 pounds (with max. trailering package) | 11,600 pounds (with max. trailering package) | -200 pounds |
| MPG City | 15 to 17 mpg | 15 to 17 mpg |
|
| MPG Highway | 20 to 24 mpg | 20 to 24 mpg |
|
| MPG Combined | 17 to 19 mpg | 17 to 19 mpg |
|
| Engine | 6.2-liter V-8 engine | 6.2-liter V-8 engine |
|
| Horsepower | 420 hp at 5,600 rpm | 420 hp at 5,600 rpm |
|
| Torque | 460 pound-feet at 4,100 rpm | 460 pound-feet at 4,100 rpm |
|
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic transmission | 10-speed automatic transmission |
|
| Driveline | 4WD | 4WD |
|
| 0-60 time | 5.8 seconds | 6 seconds | -0.2 seconds |
| Towing capacity | 12,200 pounds (with max. trailering package) | 12,200 pounds (with max. trailering package) |
|
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 16 mpg | –1 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 to 20 mpg | 20 mpg | –1 to +0 mpg |
| MPG Combined | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
|
Advantage: 2019 GMC Sierra 1500
- Small acceleration advantage with the 6.2-liter engine
Advantage: 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500
- Higher towing across the board
Pricing and Features
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 has six trim levels — base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali — and their starting prices range from $31,195 to $54,395.
There are eight trim levels in the 2019 Chevy Silverado lineup: WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, LT Trail Boss, RST, LTZ, and High Country. Their respective starting prices range from $29,895 to $54,595.
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Key Features and Pricing by Trim
Base: $31,195
- Regular Cab, Standard Box body
- 4.3-liter V-6 engine
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Electric power steering
- Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes
- 17-inch silver-painted steel wheels
- 12 cargo tie-down cleats
- CornerStep rear bumper
- Locking tailgate
- Chrome grille surround
- Black mirrors
- Black door handles
- Black bumpers
- Cab-mounted cargo light
- LED headlights
- LED taillights
- Signature LED daytime running lights
- Manual door locks
- Manual windows
- Manual air conditioning
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Cruise control
- 3.5-inch monochromatic driver-information center
- Tilt steering column
- Four-way manual front seats
- Outside temperature gauge
- Rubberized-vinyl floor covering
- 7-inch GMC Infotainment System
- Two-speaker AM/FM audio system
- Bluetooth streaming audio
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- USB port
- Voice command
- Auxiliary audio jack
- 40/20/40 split-folding seat
- Rearview camera
- Teen Driver
SLE: $39,395
- All Base features, plus
- Double Cab, standard box body
- 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Automatic engine stop/start
- 17-inch bright machined, six-spoke, silver-painted aluminum wheels
- C-shaped LED headlights
- C-shaped LED taillights
- LED bed lighting
- Body-color door handles
- Chrome bumpers
- Deep-tinted glass
- Two black recovery hooks
- Four moveable upper cargo tie-downs
- Chrome window surrounds
- Heated, power mirrors
- Damper-assist tailgate
- Front covered armrest storage
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi
- Carpeted floor covering
- Soft-touch instrument panel
- Cruise control
- Rubberized vinyl floor mats
- Remote-locking tailgate
- Damper-assisted tailgate
- Deep-tinted rear glass
- Body-colored bodyside moldings
- Heated, power mirrors
- 4.2-inch mulitcolor driver-information center
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi
- Remote keyless entry
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power windows’
- Power door locks
- Single-zone semi-automatic climate control
- Rear air vents
- 8-inch GMC Infotainment System
- Two USB ports
- Six-speaker audio system
- SiriusXM
- HD Radio
- CD/MP3 player
- Illuminated vanity mirrors
- GMC Connected Access capable
- OnStar
- Rear seat reminder
Elevation: $41,895
- All SLE features, plus
- 20-inch gloss-black alloy wheels
- Body-color bumpers
- LED cargo bed lighting
- LED fog lights
- Power tailgate lock and release
- Rear 12-volt power outlet
- 40/20/40 split bench seat with underseat storage
- Keyless open and ignition
- Remote ignition
- Two second-row charge-only USB ports
SLT: $44,295
- All SLE features, plus
- 5.3-liter V-8 engine
- Automatic-locking rear differential
- External transmission cooler
- External engine oil cooler
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- 18-inch six-spoke, machined-aluminum wheels with dark-gray metallic accents
- Chrome door handles
- Chrome bumpers
- Chrome window surrounds
- MultiPro (multifunction) tailgate
- Auto-dimming driver’s mirror
- ProGrade Trailering System
- Rear wheelhouse liners
- LED fog lights
- 10-way power front seats
- 120-volt bed-mounted power outlet
- 120-volt instrument-panel-mounted power outlet
- Premium GMC Infotainment System
- Multitouch touchscreen display
- AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD Radio audio
- Driver’s memory for seat and mirrors
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Carpeted floor mats
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
- Power windows
- Two additional front USB ports
- HD rearview camera
- Hitch Guidance with Hitch View
- In-vehicle trailering app
AT4: $52,395
- All SLT features, plus
- Four-wheel drive
- Two-speed Autotrac transfer case
- Dual exhaust
- High-capacity air filter
- Off-road suspension with a 2-inch lift
- Monotube Rancho shocks
- 18-inch machined-aluminum wheels with dark-gray accents
- Black mirror caps
- Body-color door handles
- Body-color bumpers
- Spray-on bed liner
- Red tow hooks
- Front underbody, oil pan, differential case, and transfer case skid plates
- All-weather floor liners
- Front bucket seats
- Two USB ports on the instrument panel
- Ventilated front seats
- Hill-descent control
Denali: $54,395
- All SLT features, plus
- Crew Cab body
- Adaptive ride control
- Chrome tow hooks
- Dual-outlet exhaust
- High-capacity air filter
- 20-inch multidimensional polished-aluminum wheels
- 6-inch full-length chrome assist steps
- Body-color bumpers
- Power-sliding rear glass
- Spray-on bed liner
- High-performance LED headlights
- LED signature lighting
- LED turn signals
- Navigation
- 8-inch driver-information center
- Seven-speaker Bose audio system with woofer
- Front bucket seats
- Front center console
- Heater outboard second-row seats
- Two instrument-panel-mounted USB ports
- Universal home remote
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless charging pad
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Lane-change alert
- Blind-zone monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safety Alert Seat
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Key Features and Pricing by Trim
WT: $29,895
- 4.3-liter V-6 engine
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Electric power steering
- 17-inch Ultra-Silver painted steel wheels
- Black outside mirrors
- 12-fixed cargo tie-down cleats
- CornerStep rear bumper
- Daytime running lights
- Black grille
- Halogen-reflector headlights
- Cab-mounted cargo-area lights
- Locking tailgates
- 12-volt power outlet
- Two-speaker audio system
- 3.5-inch monochromatic driver-information system
- Four-way manual front seats
- 40/20/40 split-folding bench seat
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Chevrolet 3 Infotainment System
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- Voice command
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Exterior temperature display
- Manual door locks
- Tilt steering
- Manual windows
- Rubberized vinyl floor
- Vinyl seat trim
- Single-zone climate control
- One USB port
- Rearview camera
- Teen Driver
Custom: $36,195
- All WT features, plus
- 20-inch bright-silver-painted aluminum wheels
- Black tow hooks
- Deep-tinted rear glass
- Heated, power mirrors
- LED taillights
- Polished exhaust tip
- Six-speaker audio system
- 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat
- Carpeted flooring
- Cruise control
- Rubberized vinyl floor mats
- Power door locks
- Power windows
- Rear air vents
- Remote keyless entry
- Cloth seats
- Rear seat reminder
LT: $38,495
- All WT features, plus
- Double Cab body
- 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Automatic engine stop/start
- 17-inch bright-silver-painted aluminum wheels
- Damper-assisted tailgate
- Deep-tinted rear glass
- Heated, power mirrors
- 4.2-inch color driver-information center
- Covered armrest storage
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi
- Six-speaker audio system
- 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat
- Carpeted flooring
- Chevrolet Connected Access capable
- Compass
- Cruise control
- Rubberized vinyl floor mats
- Power door locks
- Power windows
- Rear air vents
- Remote keyless entry
- Cloth seating
- Single-zone semi-automatic climate control
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Two USB ports on the instrument panel
- OnStar
- Rear-seat reminder
RST: $40,395
- All LT features, plus
- 18-inch bright-silver-painted alloy wheels
- Black bow tie emblem
- Black tow hooks
- LED cargo bed lighting
- LED fog lights
- LED taillights
- Power locking and releasing tailgate
- 12-volt rear power outlet
- 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat with under-seat storage
- Keyless open and ignition
- Rear window defogger
- Remote ignition
- Two second-row USB charging ports
Custom Trail Boss: $41,095
- All Custom features, plus
- Four-wheel drive
- Two-speed Autotrac transfer case
- Automatic-locking rear differential
- High-capacity air filter
- Hill-descent control
- Z71 suspension with 2-inch factory lift
- 18-inch high-gloss-black aluminum wheels
- Red tow hooks
- Front underbody, oil pan, differential case, and transfer case skid plates
- Trailer hitch and platform
- 2-inch receiver hitch
- Four- and seven-pin connectors
- Hitch guidance
LTZ: $44,595
- All RST features, plus
- 5.3-liter V-8 with Dynamic Fuel Management
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Pre-departure trailering checklist
- Trailer light sequencing
- Trailer maintenance
- Trailer security alerts
- Trailer mileage
- Tow/haul reminder
- Trailer electrical diagnostics
- Trailer tire pressure monitoring
- Automatic-locking rear differential
- Auto-dimming driver’s side mirror
- Power-folding outside mirrors
- Rear wheelhouse liners
- 10-way power front seats
- 120-volt bed-mounted power outlet
- 120-volt instrument-panel-mounted power outlet
- 8-inch HD touchscreen
- Two-position memory for driver’s seat and mirrors
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- HD Radio
- SiriusXM
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- HD rearview camera
- Hitch Guidance with Hitch View
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel
- Power windows
- Perforated-leather seating
LT Trail Boss: $49,895
- All LT features, plus
- Crew Cab, short bed body
- Four-wheel drive
- Two-speed Autotrac transfer case
- 5.3-liter V-8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management
- Automatic-locking rear differential
- Dual-outlet exhaust
- High-capacity air filter
- Hill-descent control
- Z71 suspension with 2-inch factory lift
- 18-inch high-gloss-black aluminum wheels
- Red tow hooks
- Front underbody, oil pan, differential case, and transfer case skid plates
- Trailer hitch and platform
- 2-inch receiver hitch
- Four- and seven-pin connectors
- Hitch guidance
- Black bow tie on the grille
- Cargo bed LED lighting
- LED fog lights
- LED taillights
- Power lock and release tailgate
- 12-volt rear power outlet
- 40/20/40 split front bench with armrest storage
- First- and second-row floor mats with Z71 logos
- Keyless open and ignition
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Rear window defogger
- Remote ignition
- Two rear USB ports
High Country: $54,595
- All LTZ features, plus
- Dual-outlet exhaust
- 20-inch painted, machine-faced aluminum wheels with light-argent pockets
- 6-inch wheel-to-wheel chrome assist steps
- Spray-on bed liner
- Chrome recovery hooks
- LED reflector headlights
- LED turn signals
- LED signature daytime running lights
- Power up/down tailgate
- 8-inch driver-information center
- Seven-speaker Bose audio system with woofer
- Navigation
- HD 8-inch touchscreen
- Front bucket seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless charging pad
- Universal home remote
- Carpeted floor mats
- Front center console
- Heated outboard second-row seats
- Power-sliding rear window with defogger
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-change alert
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane-departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Who Should Buy the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 is an ideal pickup for buyers who want a more premium truck that can double as a comfy cruiser. Sure, it has its base trim that’s relatively stripped down, but the Silverado 1500 has that market cornered.
Who Should Buy the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500?
Want a pickup you’ll be OK with dumping 2,000 pounds of gravel in after rolling off the showroom floor? The Silverado’s lower price makes this a more comfortable ordeal, making it a better option for a work vehicle. But that’s not all the Silverado is good at, as it nearly matches the Sierra 1500’s features at lower price points.
Ready to take the 2019 Silverado 1500 for a test drive and see what it can offer your family or company? Swing by Sunrise Chevrolet to take one for a spin through the streets of Chicago. Can’t make it to our Chicago area Chevy showroom today? Swing by our online inventory page to see our in-stock 2019 Silverado 1500 models and find a few that suit your needs, then schedule a future test drive.
