Chevrolet Silverado
2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT
The Chevrolet Silverado began production in 1998 and is mechanically identical to the GMC Sierra. This full-size pickup truck is available in a long list of configurations, including the 1500, 2500, and 3500 versions, which have increasing capabilities as you go through them. Overall, the Silverado regularly receives above-average ratings for its reliability, indicating that you can count on this pickup truck. In fact, the 2018 Silverado was rated as among the best in terms of reliability by U.S. News & World Report.
The latest model of the Silverado, the 2019 version, saw heavy updates, including becoming larger yet lighter thanks to the inclusion of high-strength steel. This version will be arriving this fall, so there are still fairly limited reviews available. Instead, get a better feel for the features and specs of this dependable pickup truck by looking at the 2018 Chevy Silverado. For that model year, every single Silverado got a standard 7-inch touchscreen featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus a rearview camera.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet also expanded the availability of the eAssist package across the country. This feature enhances city driving thanks to an engine stop-start system. Even with limited updates for the 2018 year, it was consistently ranked among the top pickups, including making it to Edmunds’ list of the Best Pickup Trucks.
Either the heavy-duty or light-duty version of the Chevrolet Silverado will deliver the reliability that you need, but even looking at just the Silverado 1500 can give you an idea of the vast number of configurations. The Silverado is offered in one of three different cabin styles and your choice of three truck beds, depending on the cabin you select. Depending on cabin style, there are at least at least five configurations to choose from, not including the Z71 package for off-roading.
The base powertrain for the 2018 Silverado is a 4.3-liter V6 that delivers 305 pound-feet and 285 horsepower. However, higher trim levels and the heavy-duty trucks upgrade to a 5.3-liter V8. That V8 provides 383 pound-feet of torque along with 355 horsepower. Those who want their dependable pickup to take them off-road should go with the previously mentioned Z71 package that is offered on specific four-wheel-drive configurations. It has special shock absorbers, recovery hooks, underbody shields, hill descent control, and a heavy-duty air cleaner. If you plan on towing, take a look at the Max Trailering Package. It adds an integrated trailer brake controller among other features.
GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon is the mechanical twin to the Chevrolet Colorado and is a midsize pickup known for being highly dependable. Compared to some of the other trucks on this list, the Canyon is relatively young, having only been introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the Chevrolet S-10 compact truck. Even so, it has already built its reputation and consistently earns strong ratings for reliability, with few recalls under its belt.
This pickup is a solid option for those who prefer the maneuverability, pricing, and efficiency of a midsize pickup and do not require the tougher towing and hauling ratings of the larger Sierra. There were some updates for the 2018 model year, including trailering assist guidelines on the rearview mirror. Additionally, going with that particular model year will give you a 7-inch screen across the lineup, complete with voice controls and Bluetooth. In previous model years, this was just an option with a standard 4.2-inch screen.
2019 GMC Canyon
One positive in terms of the Canyon’s dependability is the ability to customize this pickup to meet your needs. You can choose from five trim levels, three cabin sizes, and two truck bed lengths to create your ideal pickup. Overall, the Canyon has a more upscale feel than the Colorado, despite being mechanical twins. This upscale feel does not come with the entry-level SL trim. However, it still has a rearview camera, USB port, the touchscreen, six speakers, air conditioning, and more. You can also choose to configure the GMC Canyon with keyless entry, cruise control, a trailering package, an easy-lift tailgate, upgraded interior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, satellite radio, and more.
From a mechanical standpoint, the GMC Canyon has a nice array of engines. The base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder only has 191 pound-feet of torque and 200 horsepower, but higher trims get a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet. While the 4-cylinder works with a 6-speed manual or automatic, the V6 uses an 8-speed automatic. There is also a 2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel that can tow as much as 7,700 pounds. When configured with that engine, you can count on the Canyon for your daily hauling needs and its long-lasting nature. Even the V6 that runs on gas can tow up to 7,000, although with a bit less confidence.
