2019 New Trucks for Sale: A Retrospective Guide to a Pivotal Year in the Pickup Market
The year 2019 stands out as a landmark period for the pickup truck segment, marked by significant redesigns, the re-entry of an iconic nameplate, and a continued push towards more sophisticated technology, comfort, and capability. For buyers in 2019, the market offered an unprecedented array of choices, from rugged workhorses to luxurious daily drivers, all packed with features that redefined expectations for what a truck could be. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, looking back at the landscape of "2019 new trucks for sale," exploring the key models, innovations, and considerations that shaped purchasing decisions during this exciting time.
The Landscape of 2019 New Trucks: A Year of Innovation
The pickup truck market in 2019 was vibrant, characterized by intense competition and a focus on meeting diverse consumer needs. Manufacturers were not just building stronger trucks; they were building smarter, more comfortable, and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Key trends included:
- Major Redesigns: Several best-selling full-size trucks underwent complete overhauls, bringing fresh styling, updated powertrains, and state-of-the-art interiors.
- Return of the Mid-Size: The reintroduction of a major player in the mid-size segment reignited interest and competition, offering more manageable dimensions without sacrificing significant capability.
- Technological Advancements: Infotainment systems became more intuitive, driver-assistance features more prevalent, and connectivity options more robust.
- Powertrain Diversity: Beyond traditional V8s, manufacturers offered efficient V6s, turbo-charged options, and even mild-hybrid systems, catering to various performance and fuel economy preferences.
- Luxury and Comfort: Truck interiors continued their upward trend in luxury, with premium materials, advanced climate control, and noise reduction techniques making long drives more enjoyable.
For anyone in the market for a new truck in 2019, it was a golden era of choice, innovation, and value.
Key Players and Their Offerings
The 2019 model year saw significant updates across all segments, with some models debuting entirely new generations.
Full-Size Pickups: The Titans of the Market
The full-size segment remained the heart of the truck market, and 2019 brought monumental changes to two of the "Big Three."
- Ram 1500 (All-New Generation): Arguably the most revolutionary redesign of 2019, the fifth-generation Ram 1500 truly pushed the boundaries of comfort and technology. It introduced a new mild-hybrid "eTorque" system for its V6 and V8 engines, improving fuel efficiency and smoothness. Its interior was a standout, featuring an available massive 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, superior materials, and a quiet cabin. Coil-spring rear suspension (and available air suspension) continued to provide a class-leading ride.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (All-New Generation): General Motors unveiled its all-new Silverado 1500, boasting a more muscular design, increased cargo volume in the bed, and lighter weight thanks to mixed-material construction. New engine options included a 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.0L Duramax diesel (though the diesel arrived later in the model year). The interior, while improved, was generally seen as less revolutionary than the Ram’s.
- GMC Sierra 1500 (All-New Generation): The Sierra, sharing its platform with the Silverado, differentiated itself with premium styling, unique features like the world’s first carbon fiber composite bed (CarbonPro), and the innovative MultiPro Tailgate, offering six functional positions. It also shared the new engine options and overall improvements with its Chevy sibling, aiming for a more upscale buyer.
- Ford F-150: While not all-new, the F-150 continued its reign as America’s best-selling vehicle. For 2019, it received minor updates, including a new 3.0L Power Stroke diesel engine option, enhancing its already impressive towing capabilities. Its high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body remained a key differentiator, contributing to its light weight and efficiency.
- Toyota Tundra & Nissan Titan: These models continued largely unchanged for 2019, maintaining their reputation for reliability (Tundra) and strong V8 power (Titan). While solid choices, they lagged behind the domestic competitors in terms of modern features and fuel efficiency.
Mid-Size Pickups: The Resurgence
The mid-size segment saw a significant shake-up with a long-awaited return.
- Ford Ranger (All-New/Reintroduction): After an eight-year hiatus, the Ranger returned to the North American market for 2019. Powered exclusively by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered a blend of efficiency, capability, and modern features, slotting below the F-150.
- Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon: These GM twins continued to be strong contenders in the mid-size space, offering a range of engines including a V6 and a segment-exclusive diesel option, providing excellent fuel economy and towing. They remained popular for their blend of size and capability.
- Toyota Tacoma: The perennial best-seller in the mid-size segment, the Tacoma continued its legacy of ruggedness, strong resale value, and off-road prowess. While its interior and ride comfort were not as refined as some rivals, its reputation for reliability and adventure kept it at the top.
- Nissan Frontier: The aging Frontier remained available for 2019, offering a budget-friendly option for those seeking a basic, no-frills pickup.
Heavy-Duty Pickups: Unmatched Power
While some major HD redesigns were slated for 2020, the 2019 models continued to offer immense power and capability.
- Ford F-Series Super Duty (F-250, F-350, F-450): Continued largely unchanged for 2019, offering robust gasoline and Power Stroke diesel V8 engines, class-leading towing, and a wide array of configurations for commercial and personal use.
- Ram 2500/3500 & Chevrolet Silverado HD/GMC Sierra HD: These models carried over their 2018 designs for 2019, providing serious capability for heavy hauling and towing, with powerful Cummins (Ram) and Duramax (GM) diesel engine options.
Key Features and Technologies of 2019 Trucks
The 2019 model year represented a leap forward in truck technology and user experience:
- Powertrain Innovations: Beyond traditional V8s, 2019 saw the widespread adoption of smaller, more efficient turbocharged engines (Ford EcoBoost, Chevy 2.7L turbo-four), mild-hybrid systems (Ram eTorque), and cleaner, more powerful diesel options (Ford Power Stroke, Ram EcoDiesel, GM Duramax). Transmission choices also expanded, with 8-speed and 10-speed automatics becoming common, improving both performance and fuel economy.
- Interior & Comfort: The trend towards luxurious and car-like interiors accelerated. Premium materials, heated/ventilated seats, larger touchscreens (up to 12 inches in the Ram), and advanced infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard or widely available. Improved sound deadening made cabins quieter, enhancing the driving experience.
- Safety & Driver-Assist Technologies: Advanced safety features, once exclusive to luxury cars, became increasingly common in trucks. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and surround-view camera systems, significantly enhancing safety and convenience.
- Capability Enhancements: Towing and payload capacities continued to climb, with integrated trailer brake controllers, trailer sway control, and advanced trailer camera systems making hauling easier and safer. Off-road packages (e.g., Ford Raptor, Ram Rebel, Chevy Trail Boss, Toyota TRD Pro) offered enhanced suspension, tires, and skid plates for adventurous buyers.
Buying Guide: What to Look For (in 2019)
For a buyer in 2019, navigating the vast array of new trucks required careful consideration of individual needs and priorities.
- Define Your Needs:
- Purpose: Is it a work truck, a family hauler, an off-road adventurer, or a daily commuter?
- Size: Full-size for maximum capability, or mid-size for better maneuverability and fuel economy?
- Cab Configuration: Regular Cab (2-door, 2-3 seats), Extended Cab (2-door with small rear seats), or Crew Cab (4-door, spacious rear seats)?
- Bed Length: Short (5.5 ft), Standard (6.5 ft), or Long (8 ft)?
- Towing/Payload: What are your maximum requirements? Don’t overbuy, but ensure you have enough capacity.
- Engine and Drivetrain: Consider fuel economy vs. raw power. Do you need a V8, or will an efficient V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder suffice? Do you need 4WD/AWD for off-road or inclement weather, or is 2WD adequate?
- Trim Levels and Features: Trucks come in a wide range of trims, from basic work trucks to opulent luxury versions. Decide which features are essential (e.g., infotainment, safety tech, leather seats) and which are nice-to-haves.
- Test Drive: Always test drive multiple models and configurations. Pay attention to ride comfort, steering feel, acceleration, braking, and interior ergonomics. If you plan to tow, try to test with a simulated load.
- Financing and Incentives: In 2019, manufacturers often offered competitive financing rates, cash rebates, and lease deals. It was crucial to shop around and compare offers from different dealerships and brands. Negotiating the price was expected.
- Resale Value: While a new truck is a significant investment, considering future resale value (Toyota Tacoma and Ford F-Series often lead here) could be a factor.
Potential Challenges (in 2019)
Despite the many advancements, buyers in 2019 faced a few common challenges:
- Rising Prices: With all the new technology and luxury features, the average transaction price for new trucks continued to climb, making them a significant financial commitment.
- Fuel Economy: While improving, trucks still consumed more fuel than smaller vehicles, especially the V8 models. This was an ongoing cost consideration.
- Overwhelming Choice: The sheer number of configurations, engine options, and trim levels could be daunting for a first-time truck buyer.
- Parking and Maneuverability: Full-size trucks, in particular, were large vehicles that could be challenging to park and navigate in tight urban environments.
2019 New Trucks for Sale: Starting MSRP (Base Models, Approximate)
Below is a table showing the approximate starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for base models of popular 2019 new trucks. Prices varied significantly based on trim, options, cab configuration, and regional incentives.
| Make | Model | Starting MSRP (2019) | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size | |||
| Ford | F-150 | ~$28,155 | America’s best-seller, aluminum body, diverse engines |
| Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 | ~$28,300 | All-new design, improved bed volume, new engines |
| Ram | 1500 | ~$31,795 | All-new, luxurious interior, eTorque mild-hybrid |
| GMC | Sierra 1500 | ~$30,100 | All-new, premium styling, MultiPro Tailgate |
| Toyota | Tundra | ~$31,415 | Renowned reliability, strong V8 |
| Nissan | Titan | ~$30,790 | Standard V8 power, good warranty |
| Mid-Size | |||
| Ford | Ranger | ~$24,300 | Reintroduction, powerful EcoBoost engine |
| Chevrolet | Colorado | ~$21,495 | Versatile, available diesel engine |
| Toyota | Tacoma | ~$25,850 | Excellent resale value, off-road capability |
| GMC | Canyon | ~$22,095 | Premium mid-size option, available diesel |
| Nissan | Frontier | ~$19,290 | Budget-friendly, basic work truck |
Note: Prices are approximate and represent base model MSRPs at the time of release. Actual transaction prices varied based on negotiations, trim levels, options, and dealer incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 2019 New Trucks for Sale
Q1: What were the biggest changes for 2019 trucks?
A1: The most significant changes were the complete redesigns of the Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500, bringing new platforms, engines, and vastly improved interiors. The reintroduction of the Ford Ranger to the North American market was also a major event.
Q2: Which 2019 truck had the best towing capacity?
A2: Among the light-duty (1500/F-150) trucks, the Ford F-150 typically led in conventional towing capacity, with certain configurations exceeding 13,000 lbs. For heavy-duty needs, the Ford F-Series Super Duty and Ram/GM HD models offered significantly higher capacities.
Q3: Were there any new mid-size trucks in 2019?
A3: Yes, the biggest news in the mid-size segment was the return of the Ford Ranger to the U.S. market after an eight-year absence.
Q4: What was the average fuel economy for 2019 trucks?
A4: Fuel economy varied widely. Full-size V8s typically ranged from 15-20 MPG combined. Models with V6s, turbocharged engines, or mild-hybrid systems (like the Ram eTorque) could achieve slightly better, often in the 20-24 MPG range. Mid-size trucks generally offered better fuel economy, with some diesel options (like the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon Duramax) reaching over 30 MPG highway.
Q5: Are 2019 trucks still a good buy (as used vehicles today)?
A5: Absolutely. Many 2019 trucks, especially those that underwent major redesigns, offer a fantastic balance of modern features, capability, and value in the used market today. They typically have advanced safety features, modern infotainment, and efficient powertrains. While they won’t have the very latest tech, they are still highly capable and comfortable vehicles. Always check the vehicle’s history, mileage, and condition before purchasing a used model.
Conclusion
The 2019 model year was a watershed moment for the pickup truck industry, delivering an impressive array of new and significantly updated vehicles that pushed the boundaries of design, technology, and capability. From the luxurious and innovative Ram 1500 to the re-energized mid-size segment led by the Ford Ranger, buyers in 2019 were spoiled for choice. This period solidified the truck’s transformation from a mere work vehicle into a versatile, comfortable, and technologically advanced daily driver that could effortlessly handle both job site demands and family adventures. The innovations introduced in 2019 set a new benchmark, influencing truck design and features for years to come, and making the "2019 new trucks for sale" a truly memorable chapter in automotive history.
