The upcoming season in the truck industry will be more than interesting. The full-size segment stole the show at the latest NAIAS. Chevy, Ram, Ford, came out with their new models for the upcoming season. The all-new 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 debuted a month later. But it joined the game. On the other hand, companies were oriented to half-ton trucks, and its mid-size pickups won’t get major updates in 2019. Well, some new options and trim levels could refresh Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. But, it is not going to be spectacular. Also, the heavy-duty class gets minor updates, while the Chevy is going to launch Silverado 4500 or Kodiak truck during next year.
All in all, we can expect the interesting season, since Geeneral Motors put a lot of effort into Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. Until we examine all trim levels and the new diesel engine, it will be time for first updates. Meanwhile, other segments will come up with their innovations and changes, so the focus will quickly jump from one to another class. The GM is a leader in the truck segment, so we need to follow updates and rumors on daily basis. At this moment, check out what is certain and what we still expect from Chevy and GMC.
2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 Goes Into New Generation
This is already old news. We knew it in 2017. However, we still expect the complete info about the best-selling Chevrolet vehicle. There is a bunch of trim levels and changes the new truck brings. First of all, it comes again with a diesel engine. Furthermore, we will see a new model – LT Trail Boss with extra lift on suspension. The new generation of the Silverado 1500 is losing weight and the amount is significant. Compared to the predecessor, edition for 2019 has 450 pounds fewer.
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Follows its Sibling
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 might be late, but it is coming. This truck is very similar to Silverado and some say it is the same vehicle in different chassis. Well, the all-new Sierra will offer some unique parts, such as versatile six-way tailgate. Once you opened it, you will spot the carbon-fiber box for better durability. Extra 4 inches for wheelbase will create more room in the cabin and bed. Finally, changes on the Denali model will stun all truckers. Top of the range truck is offering some features you won’t find elsewhere – info screen on the windshield and numerous safety features.
Mid-Size Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon Are Expecting New Generation
Well, changes in the mid-size segment are not going to be so big. Instead, 2019 Chevy Colorado and 2019 GMC Canyon will receive modest updates after the revisit. Nevertheless, General Motors plan the next-gen models for 2022. We already wrote about it. But, this process could be speeded up because of the appearance of the Ford Ranger. That definitely spoils the party, since the only serious competitor for these compact pickup trucks was Toyota Tacoma.
Special Versions – 2019 Colorado ZR2 and 2019 Canyon Denali
The 2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is going to be the most exciting model for the upcoming year. However, we doubt that the carmaker will make radical cuts here. Instead, the ZR2 trim will be carried over to 2019 year model. It will include 3.6-liter V-6 engine and off-road appearance package. This version of 2019 Colorado will be able to deliver over 300 hp.
Its sibling in GMC lineup is Canyon Denali. It is hard not to recognize such vehicle when it shows up on the streets. Distinctive styling will get few cosmetic changes. Drivers can expect improvements for the alert package. The 2019 GMC Canyon Denali is using the same engine as the Colorado ZR2, delivering the same amount of power and torque. Exterior will get a new set of 20-inch wheels. The highlight of the cabin is a big 8-inch infotainment screen.
Heavy-Duty Class Debuts For 2019
One teaser image is enough for fans to go wild. That is exactly what Chevrolet did with a new photo of the front fascia for their Silverado HD lineup. Instead of a bow tie, these models will carry the big Chevrolet logo up front. So far, the company announced that Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are debuting next year, but as the 2020 year models. More details will be known after the premiere.
Silverado Chassis-Cab Trucks to Come Next Season
Before the announcements of the heavy-duty segment, General Motors confirmed that Chevy Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD series are on the way for 2019. After an absence of nearly ten years, Chevrolet is coming back to the light-duty class with the old nameplate – Kodiak. Although this is still unconfirmed, various sources are confirming the stories have a strong foundation. If you need a big truck that can tow a lot, then this series of Chevy vehicles are the right choice for you.
GMC Sierra HD Lineup – 2500HD and 3500HD
Changes in the heavy-duty segment of GMC trucks are very similar to these we will see from Chevy pickups. Next season we can expect the new generation. However, the GMC Sierra 2500HD and GMC Sierra 3500HD are not coming as 2019 year models. They will debut next season, but as trucks for 2020. Changes in this segment are not official yet. But, we can expect the same engines and specs, with most changes on the exterior.
More Comebacks From Chevrolet – Avalanche and El Camino
These are two interesting vehicles that we could see in 2019. Nevertheless, both Avalanche and El Camino could come only as concepts during next year. Also, the first one has chances to appear as a hybrid, according to some stories. Furthermore, it is unknown what kind of engine this big fella will take. Older fans remember an 8.1-liter unit, which is not available anymore. Also, a 7.0-liter engine is rarely used. So, we can expect 2019 Chevy Avalanche with a 6.2-liter V-8 the regular Silverado 1500 is using.
On the other hand, the 2019 Chevy El Camino will belong to the totally different class. The truck will start a sporty lineup with more aggressive design and high-performance outputs. Unfortunately, this pickup will bring back memories and something new, but experts don’t believe it is about to succeed in such a market where crossovers are dominating force. However, we expect to see the concept during next season. Massive production might not happen, but El Camino still has a chance to appear as the special edition.
Chevy Reaper is Spied!
Well, not the Reaper by itself, but the concept will come into production. The truck that was designed to compete with Ford F-150 Raptor will come as 2019 Chevy Silverado ZR2 model. We already have such trim level for Colorado. It is two times more expensive than the base unit. Rumors say that Silverado 1500 ZR2 will cost over $60,000 and it is as two base trucks that cost $30,000 each. The performance-oriented truck will probably use the same engine as Chevy Camaro. A huge mill will be ready to explode with 650 hp. It is 200 horses more than the Raptor. On the other hand, if Ram Rebel arrives as well, Silverado ZR2, or Reaper, as you wish, will still be short for 57 hp.
Chevy Cheyenne Not Likely to Appear This Time
Bad news for Cheyenne fans. We already wrote about the possibility of a comeback. But, at this time, it is unlikely to happen. It seems like reports and rumors were wrong and we will have to wait for some more time to see either Cheyenne or Cheyenne SS model. On the other hand, 2019 Chevy Silverado SS is still an option. The Super Sport truck would be one of the rare Chevrolet vehicles to get such update. If that happens, the pickup would join Camaro pony car. The last of other vehicles with an SS badge was discontinued in 2010 and 2009. Well, Silverado SS received a lot of critics as a totally unnecessary model. Sport trucks, with domination from crossovers and SUVs, have a tiny chance to succeed on the market.
Holden Colorado
Australian department of the Chevrolet, which releases vehicles under Holden badge, offers only one truck. It is a small-pickup Colorado. The compact truck, or Ute, as they call it in this part of the world, is one of the leaders. However, buyers also love the New Ford Ranger, so the Chevy, or Holden, must respond. The new 2019 Holden Colorado is not going to change too many things for the upcoming season. Trim levels such as Z71 or ZR2 could draw a lot of attention. Since these versions are more expensive, buyers could opt for cheaper variants.