Like passenger cars, American pickup trucks receive new features and add-ons with almost every passing model year. These features can range from new safety technology to redesigned engines, so it’s important for buyers to know exactly what features are available on different truck models in order to make the best purchasing decision.
Here are five of the top new truck features you should be aware of for the 2019 model year that may set your next pickup truck apart from the pack.
Towing Connectivity Systems from General Motors
Technological connectivity has already been harnessed to improve many aspects of the driving experience. Now, some models of pickup trucks will be using the power of connectivity to make towing a trailer easier and safer. Specifically, the 2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 models will be introducing a new trailer connectivity system complete with an integrated smartphone app.
Using this app, drivers will be able to test their trailer lights, monitor tire pressure, and run through a pre-departure checklist that is designed to ensure safe towing. You can also save trailer profiles in the app, allowing you to track the mileage of different trailers and keep up with maintenance more easily. A final feature of this integrated connectivity system is a security feature that will engage the truck’s theft alarm system if the trailer is disconnected after the truck is locked.
A More Aerodynamic Front End for the Ram 1500
Beginning in the 2019 model year, the Ram 1500 will no longer feature the iconic crosshair grille that has long defined the truck’s front-end aesthetics. The newly redesigned grille is part of a complete package of aerodynamic body features that Ram is rolling out for 2019. The front end of the 1500 will now feature grille shutters and a splitter that lowers automatically when the truck is driving at 35 mph or more.
In addition to the front-end features, the Ram 1500 has also seen a weight reduction of about 225 pounds for the coming model year. Together, the new aerodynamic features and the lower weight will help drivers get the best possible fuel economy from the 2019 Ram 1500. According to EPA testing, the truck will be able to get up to 20 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway.
EcoBoost Power for the Ford F-150
Not to be left out, the Ford F-150 Limited is also receiving its share of upgrades for the 2019 model year. Most important is the inclusion of a 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine on the popular truck. With 510 pound-feet of torque and 450 horsepower, this engine gives the F-150 more power than any other light-duty pickup truck currently manufactured in the American market. Adding to the performance-enhancing capabilities of the new V6 engine is a dual exhaust system that has been incorporated into the truck’s design for the 2019 model year.
Cutting-edge Heads-up Display on the GMC Sierra
Heads-up displays have become very popular features on passenger cars in recent years, and the pickup truck market is now beginning to adopt them as well. The best example of heads-up display technology in the American 2019 truck lineup is the GMC Sierra.
Like most heads-up displays, the Sierra’s new system will show you the truck’s speed and a visual representation of the navigation system. What sets the Sierra’s new display apart, though, is the fact that it also shows warnings from the truck’s onboard suite of safety features. With this new display, you’ll see lane departure and collision warnings appear directly in front of you, making it easy to avoid potential accidents. The display is 15 inches across diagonally, giving it the status of the largest heads-up display currently offered by any truck manufacturer.
A New Tech Suite for the Ford Ranger
The 2019 Ford Ranger has been given a complete technological upgrade for the new model year. The new tech suite encompasses both the safety and infotainment systems and includes a host of popular features that drivers are sure to love. Some of the new features included in the 2019 Ranger include:
- Lane keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Pedestrian sensing
- Automatic braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- 4G LTE connectivity
- Alexa compatibility
- New premium sound system
With these features onboard, the 2019 Ford Ranger has become both safer and more enjoyable for drivers and passengers. Though the Ranger has always been an excellent truck, the new set of tech upgrades has made it better than ever.
These are just a few of the great new pickup truck features that have been introduced for the 2019 model year by the major truck manufacturers. If you’ve been thinking about buying a new pickup in the coming year, consider picking a model that will give you access to one or more of these convenient features.