The All-New Silverado HD

Chevy’s Playing To Win With Best-in-class Towing And An Exclusive 10-speed Allison… But Is It Enough?

- Jason Gonderman

If you’ve been paying any attention to the automotive news cycle lately, there shouldn’t be a shred of doubt that pickups are hot. And from the look of things, 2019 is geared up to be the warmest on record for the heaviest hitters in the lineup. Ram struck first, introducing the company's all-new 2019 2500 and 3500 models in early January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Ram wowed the crowd by showing off an available high-output Cummins diesel engine, which now churns out 1,000 lb-ft of torque, while upping its maximum tow rating to 35,100 pounds.

A week later, in San Diego, California, GMC pulled back the sheets on its new Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD pickups. Details were slim, as Chevy had yet to tip its hand, but it was revealed that the new truck would tow “in excess of 30,000 pounds,” which, for GM, was a big deal. It was also noted that an all-new gasoline engine was in the works.

Never one to be left out of a party, Ford held a private unveiling a few days after GMC, showing off the redesigned styling of its 2020 Super Duty lineup. No performance figures were given at the time, but Ford did mention there were big upgrades to the 6.7L Power Stroke V-8’s fuel system and turbocharger, along with a coming 10-speed transmission. Ford also announced the addition of an all-new 7.3L gasoline engine to the lineup. The rumor mill is saying all will be revealed this fall, so stay tuned.

Finally, a week later at the company’s Flint, Michigan, assembly plant, Chevrolet unveiled the all-new Silverado HD lineup and announced it would be taking the crown for best-in-class towing at an astonishing 35,500 pounds. The new engine to which GMC alluded was a 6.6L direct-injected gas V-8. And the proven L5P Duramax diesel engine would now be backed by a GM-exclusive Allison 10-speed transmission.