One of the most horrifying pieces of car news this year is the entry of four-cylinder power to the world of full-size pickup trucks. Yes, this new 285HP 2.7-liter four from Chevy matches the 2.7TT in the Ford F-150. But the psychological impact of the four banger is still extra shocking.
We were eager to flog the new base SIlverado to see how it compares with the previous V6 LT model. Our tester was 4×4 which makes a big difference in ride height and curb-side masculinity. But it also can tend to dull the power quite a bit. The new four has 305-pound-feet of torque to its name and that twist arrives extra low in the rev band.
Around the curvy and hill terrain near Road America racetrack in Wisconsin we got a sense of the new motor. The power is what you’d call respectable. Not urgent on throttle but it is sufficient and will move quickly when asked. The biggest differences versus the previous V6 comes from a slightly buzzy engine note and some gear-hunting in the hills. There is just not too much surplus power so when you jab the throttle the Silverado 2.7T has no choice but to downshift. The six-speed auto is highly refined and capable of snapping off rapid, clean and smooth shifts.
With the turbo four there is more gear action in this hilly drive than might be needed, considering out sedate overall pace and unladen setup. How would it do with a trailer on back and bed full of heavy cargo?
That is an open question. But certainly seems up to the daily duties of most urban cowboys. The light-duty efficiency gains of a few MPG in town will certainly be welcomed by owners. And of course, the trusty 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s are just a few grand away.
Check out the full drive review below — and be sure to give it a like and subscribe!
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2.7L Turbo – First Drive Review Video
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
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