What the Gen 4 Silverado Is
The fourth-generation Silverado, sold for model years 2019 through 2022, marked a clean-sheet design for the full-size pickup. GM dropped the previous body-on-frame platform in favor of a lighter, more rigid structure that used hydroformed steel and aluminum wherever it could. The goal was better fuel economy, sharper handling and modern tech without sacrificing the workaday toughness buyers expect from a Silverado.
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Generations at a Glance
| Generation | Years | Key Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 1 | 1999–2006 | Introduced the modern Silverado nameplate |
| Gen 2 | 2007–2013 | Refined styling, added tow mirrors |
| Gen 3 | 2014–2018 | More aluminum, twin-panel hood |
| Gen 4 | 2019–2022 | Multi-material body, new platforms |
What Changed Under the Skin
The biggest story under the skin is weight. The Gen 4 Silverado shed roughly 450 pounds compared with the outgoing generation, according to GM, by mixing high-strength steel, aluminum and advanced high-strength steels in the frame and body structure. That weight loss feeds directly into EPA fuel numbers and payload capacity, though real-world gains depend on trim, engine and cab configuration.
The ladder-frame design remained, but GM re-engineered it for torsional rigidity. Stiffer rails and revised mounting points let the truck ride flatter under load and hold a straighter line when towed.
Engines and Transmissions
When the Gen 4 launched, buyers chose between a 4.3-liter V6, a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8 and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel I6. The 4.3-liter was new to the Silverado lineup and paired with a 10-speed automatic. The 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter also received the 10-speed, with the 6.2 tuned for more output and a quicker final drive in some applications.
The Duramax diesel returned for 2020 with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed. It became a popular choice for buyers who wanted high torque at low rpm and better sustained highway economy than the gasoline engines could offer.
Towing and Payload
GM rated the 2019 Silverado 1500 up to 13,300 pounds of towing depending on engine and configuration, with the 6.2-liter V8 and the Duramax both near the top of the range. Payload specs varied by wheelbase and cab, but the lighter body let GM advertise numbers that were competitive with the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 of the same era.
Tow mirrors, trailer sway control and a trailing-arm rear suspension were standard or available to help keep loaded trailers stable. The Multi-Pro tailgate, a dual-hinge design, debuted as a standout feature on higher trims and added a work step, a load stop and a full-drop mode.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Gen 4 moved away from the previous generation's conservative dash. A floating center stack, available wireless charging, a larger touchscreen and an available heads-up display gave the interior a more modern feel. Chevrolet added a 360-degree camera system and a suite of driver-assistance features marketed as Safety Assist, which included forward collision alert and lane keep assist.
Common Issues and Ownership Notes
The 10-speed automatic drew early scrutiny for occasional hesitation during low-speed shifts and for software updates that changed shift logic. The 3.0-liter Duramax is generally considered reliable, though some owners have reported injector issues at higher mileage. The Multi-Pro tailgate, while innovative, added mechanical complexity that a few owners found to be a long-term nuisance.
As with any Gen 4 truck, checking the production date and build sheet matters. Early 2019 models received software updates through the first model year, and recalls tied to the 10-speed were addressed in a rolling fashion. Owners who keep up with dealer updates tend to report fewer drivability complaints.
Trim Levels and Cab Options
- WT — Work Truck, base model, most utilitarian
- Custom — Step-up comfort and convenience features
- LT — Popular mid-level trim, more tech and styling
- RST — Sport-tuned appearance and suspension tweaks
- LTZ — Luxury-oriented with leather and premium audio
- High Country — Top-tier materials, advanced driver aids
How It Compares to the Competition
Compared with the Gen 3, the Gen 4 Silverado feels more like a modern crossover in its day-to-day driving manners, yet it retains the frame and towing backbone that full-size truck buyers expect. Against the 2019–2022 F-150, the Silverado held its own in towing capacity and interior space while trading some fuel economy for stronger V8 output. The Ram 1500, with its available eTorque mild-hybrid system, offered a different take on efficiency, but the Silverado's diesel option filled a niche the competition did not match in this generation.