We’re in the final stretch of 2018, and as we trudge forward through time we come closer and closer to a fresh year of new model vehicles. This year’s models were great, with plenty of state-of-the-art technology features being implemented, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement. Luckily for prospective buyers, most car companies would probably agree with that assessment so we can expect to see a fair number of new developments in the automotive world come 2019. One of the most impressive things about this upcoming model year is its lineup of updated pickups, and with the end of this year on the horizon, now is the perfect time to take a look at these new trucks for sale.
2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison
Chevy has finally unveiled their highly anticipated off-road truck, the Colorado ZR2 Bison. The pickup was developed in cooperation with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), a manufacturer that specializes in off-road parts. Segment-exclusive shocks, specially designed wheels, and a chassis built for off-roading are just a few of the features that make the ZR2 one of the most capable off-road trucks in its class. The steel front bumper is equipped with winch provisions and fog lights, while the rear bumper (also steel) has integrated recovery points in case you ever get overzealous. With a lifted suspension and five reinforced boron steel skid plates adorning the underside of the truck, it’s clear that the ZR2 was built for exploration.
The standard engine is a 3.6L V6, delivering 308 horsepower and 275 lbs-ft of torque, but a 2.8L turbo-diesel option is also available. The diesel engine only generates 186 horsepower, but makes up for it with an impressive 369 lbs-ft of torque and a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Choosing between the two is simply a matter of whether you’d prefer better acceleration or a higher towing capacity. Regardless of which engine you choose, as long as you’re behind the wheel of a truck like the ZR2 Bison you’re ready for adventure.
2019 Ram 1500
The 2019 Ram is an entirely new truck compared to its predecessor, with an overhaul to both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The aesthetic updates include a new design for the hood, headlights, and grille, as well as basically everything else about the exterior. The truck bed is taller, and the taillights have been completely changed. Power running boards deploy when the doors are opened to give you an extra step, which is great for anyone with kids or vertically challenged friends. One of my personal favorite features available for Ram pickups is the RamBox cargo management system, which adds a highly versatile storage container to the side walls of the truck bed.
When it comes to interior features, the new Ram 1500 is a huge step up compared to other trucks for sale. The center console storage area is massive, and it can also be reconfigured to help you manage your truck’s cabin the way you like. There are a number of other convenient storage areas, like a second glove box and Ram’s signature in-floor storage containers (which are twice the size they were in previous models).
The most impressive new interior feature, though, is its massive infotainment display. All the functionality we’ve come to expect from modern infotainment systems is there, from Bluetooth phone integration to built-in navigation, and the screen is even large enough to be viable for a few streaming options. Multiple USB charging ports are dotted throughout the vehicle too, so keeping devices charged is never an issue. With the arrival of the 2019 Ram 1500, it’s safe to say that Ram is stepping up their game.
2019 Ford Ranger
For a long time the Ford Ranger was available for purchase in other countries, but was left out of the U.S. market. However this year the Ranger is coming back, redesigned and ready for American consumers. In terms of overall style, the Ranger has a slightly modernized version of the classic Ford truck aesthetic, so it may feel very familiar to some drivers in that way, but that’s not to say there aren’t any surprises under the hood. It has only one available engine, a 2.3L EcoBoost with auto start-stop technology and a class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission.
While the Ranger is mainly a lifestyle truck, it was still designed with durability and capability in mind. The frame is made from durable steel, and there are off-road and sport trims available. It also benefits from a few driver assistance features, like lane-keep assist, pre-collision assist, and a blind spot alert system. A terrain management system is available too, allowing you to switch between modes made for four different types of off-road driving. Though it still won’t be released for a few months, it seems like the 2019 Ranger is ready to come home, and American consumers are waiting eagerly.
2019 Chevy Silverado 1500
The 2019 Silverado might not look much different from previous models at first glance, but this year’s version has actually been updated a good deal. The biggest changes in the new Silverado relate to its size. The wheelbase of the new model is 3.9 inches longer than its predecessor, and the truck’s total length has been expanded as well. The rear seating in the crew cab is more comfortable than before, with improved legroom and added storage bins. Out of all the modifications made to the 2019 model’s size, the most impressive is a 7-inch addition to the floor of the truck bed, made possible by separately stamping multiple pieces to build the bed rather than one. This method also works to decrease the overall weight of the vehicle, which has been one of Chevy’s main focuses when designing the new Silverado. By using high-strength steel in important areas and aluminum in not-so-important ones, Chevy was able to cut a total of 450 lbs off of the truck’s total weight.
There are six possible engines for the 2019 Silverado, but only three of them are new. The new options are a 6.2L V8 with a 10-speed transmission, a 5.3L V8 with a 8-speed transmission, and a 3.0L turbo-diesel option with a 10-speed transmission. There are also a few quality of life improvements throughout the vehicle, some standard and others optional, that bring a new level of convenience to a few otherwise difficult or frustration tasks. Twelve anchor points are equipped in various locations around the truck bed to help tie down heavier objects, and each anchor has a capacity of about 500 lbs. A fully capable power outlet is available for the bed, as well as a remote tailgate that can be raised and lowered from within the cabin. While the Silverado 1500 hasn’t been treated to the same kind of overhaul that the Ram 1500 has, a few new conveniences and a major improvement to the size of the truck bed make it a solid addition to the series.
Closing
No matter which of these new model trucks catches your eye, it’s hard to go wrong with any one of them. Some people are more passionate than others, but regardless of whether you’re a more casual truck owner or a full-fledged enthusiast, 2019 has trucks for sale for everyone.
