Both produced by General Motors, the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado are the nearly identical cousins we know and love. Each year, truck enthusiasts carefully inspect each and every spec of these models and try to determine any major differences between the two. But, is anyone actually successful? Well, over the last few years General Motors has been increasing their efforts to distinguish these two vehicles in an effort to clarify the age-old question, “Are these the same trucks?” If you’ve reached this article in an effort to answer this question for yourself, you may be in luck. This year the differences between the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2019 Chevy Silverado are more apparent than ever, and we’re here to help you notice them. But, don’t get too excited. These fierce trucks are still more alike than any other vehicles on the market, so get ready to bring it down to the finest of details!
Premium vs Practical
Okay, this one doesn’t involve any detailed stats, but it is one of the most important differences between the 2019 GMC Sierra and 2019 Chevy Silverado. What we’re talking about here are the target audiences that each vehicle is specifically marketed to, which in the end helps determine which standard and available features drivers can expect from each model.
Let’s start with the Sierra. The GMC Sierra has consistently been marketed as the more premium truck. It’s shinier, fancier, and often features incredibly innovative convenience features. This vehicle is specifically designed for the driver looking to spare no expense when it comes to luxury, comfort, and convenience. Now that’s not to say that the Sierra is any less powerful than the Silverado, because with nearly identical mechanical properties these trucks differ very little when it comes down to performance. However, while the driver of the Sierra tows, hauls, and visits the worksite, they intend to do so while enjoying only the most premium of features.
Meanwhile, the Chevy Silverado is marketed towards the driver who wants a tough, rugged, and practical truck without all of the luxury touches. For the driver of a Silverado, there’s no need for premium comforts and conveniences. Silverado enthusiasts are more concerned about the power and performance specs of this truck, not the extras. In short, this truck has a true home among those who frequent the worksite and intend on getting each job done with the utmost practicality.
Why is this important? Well, because of the audiences they are designed for, you’ll notice that the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with more premium features as standard on entry-level trims. However, to experience similar features on the Silverado, you’d have to upgrade to one of the highest trim levels. For example, if you’re looking for a leather-wrapped steering wheel, you’ll only have to upgrade to the 2nd trim level of the 2019 GMC Sierra to find this as a standard feature. However, the 2019 Chevy Silverado does not offer this feature standard until its 5th trim level.
If you’re looking for premium features, you’re simply going to want to choose the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500.
Driver Assist Technologies On The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500
Now, let’s get down to the fine details. One of the differences between the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 are the driver assist technologies that come standard on only the Sierra. For example, on the Sierra’s base trim, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Rear Seat Reminder are both offered as standard safety features. However, these are not even available for upgrade on the base model of the Silverado.
If we travel to the 3rd trim levels of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500, we begin to notice even more differences between the driver assist technologies that are available for each vehicle. Here are some of the available safety features of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT (3rd trim level) that are not offered on the Silverado without upgrading to a much higher trim level:
- Following Distance Indicator
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking
- Safety Alert Seat
It should be noted that the 2019 Chevy Silverado is not entirely bare of driver assist technologies. Standard safety features on the Silverado include Teen Driver technology, a Rear Vision Camera, and the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system. However, each of these features is also standard on the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500.
GMC MultiPro Tailgate
A GMC exclusive feature of the all-new Sierra is the MultiPro Tailgate, which claims to be the most innovative tailgate available on the market. And really, there’s nothing like it on any other truck available today. In fact, due to the tailgate’s variety of functions, it has been tested more than any other GMC tailgate to ever hit the market. But, what exactly does it do? To try to put it simply, the tailgate transforms into six different positions, and each have their own unique purpose. Here are the six positions of the GMC MultiPro Tailgate:
- The Primary Gate
- The Primary Gate Load Stop
- Foldable Inner Gate
- Full-Width Step
- Inner Gate Load Stop
- Inner Gate Work Surface
Essentially, these positions allow the Sierra to prevent items in the bed from slipping out when the tailgate is down and allow easier access and entry onto the bed. The GMC MultiPro Tailgate even offers a place for sitting or working on a laptop or computer while standing. For projects on the worksite or even your occasional moving job, this is an extremely convenient feature. The GMC MultiPro Tailgate is also exclusive to the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 and cannot be found on the 2019 Chevy Silverado.
Upcoming Carbon Fiber Bed
Lastly, one of the most significant differences between the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 is the upcoming carbon fiber bed which is set to make its arrival upon the release of the first-ever 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 later this year. The carbon fiber bed on this model of the Sierra decreases the weight of the current bed by 62-lbs and yet is designed to improve its flexibility and strength. With the ultimate in scratch and corrosion resistance, the carbon fiber bed will be an industry-first, and is set to revolutionize the future of truck bed designs and materials. And of course, this is another GMC exclusive feature you won’t find on the 2019 Chevy Silverado.
So, Between The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500, Which is Right for You?
Determining whether the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 or 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 is right for you really comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Are you looking for luxury, comfort, and innovation? Then you should probably consider the 2019 GMC Sierra. However, if you’d prefer to have all of the power and none of the premium extras, you may want to consider the 2019 Chevy Silverado. It’s important to remember that you’ll be able to experience nearly identical power and performance out of either of these vehicles, so you’ll have to determine what other factors you’re looking for in your next truck before making a decision. However if you find yourself unable to decide, be sure to visit your local dealership and inquire about each of these vehicles. A knowledgeable member of the sales staff should be able to help you determine which vehicle is the right fit for you.
