After pitching a perfect fifth inning during this year’s All-Star game, Shane Bieber was awarded the Ted Williams All-Star Game MVP Award. As a token of its appreciation for a good game, Chevrolet provides the MVP with a choice between two brand-new Chevy pickup trucks each year. The starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians was offered a white 2020 Silverado HD High Country and a red 2019 Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss.

Shane ended up choosing 2019 Chevy Silverado, a decision that was met with rousing applause from the crowd. After an unsuccessful redesign in 2014, the Silverado models were overhauled again this year, becoming lighter but just as powerful. Shane probably didn’t expect to be taking a shiny new truck home that night, but here are a few reasons why he might have chosen “Big Red”.

Spacious interior

With the redesign came a lot more room in the cabin area. Shane’s double-cab model will be able to hold up to six passengers in comfortable cloth seats.

Cargo room has also been expanded for this model, with a deeper and wider truck bed that Chevy refers to as the “Durabed”. The bed also features some locking bins and tie-down points for easy transportation. The Durabed got bigger on the 2020 model, now wider by 6.7 inches.

The newest Durabed also comes with some new features, including more tie-down rings, extra power outlets, LED lighting, and new BedStep and CornerStep technology to help improve access to the cargo box.

Exceptional performance

Chevy has produced some powerful cars over the years, and the Silverado is no exception. It has a few different engine options: a V8 6.2-liter engine is capable of 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, a V8 5.3-liter capable of 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a V6 4.3-liter capable of 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity has been improved to be the best of any Chevy pickup before it, with the biggest engine being able to haul up to 12,500 pounds.

The 2020 Silverado that Bieber passed up only has one engine option, but it’s a good one. Its V8 6.6-liter engine has an impressive horsepower of 401 and 464 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel upgrade with a 10-speed transmission is available, upping its horsepower to 445 hp and a staggering 910 lb-ft of torque. Its towing capacity is also more powerful than the 1500, with a maximum weight limit of 35,500 pounds. 

Both Silverados have some of the best fuel-efficiency ratings in their class. The 1500 model scored 20 mpg on city roads and 24 mpg while cruising the highway. The 2020 model kicks it up a notch at 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Plenty of infotainment

The 2019 Silverado has a nice selection of user-friendly technology features. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a highly-responsive touch screen, and a great six-speaker audio system are all available in standard models.

Drivers have some upgrade options like a Wi-Fi hotspot, HD or satellite radio, wireless device charging, and a more powerful Bose speaker audio system.

Safety features

Trucks are routinely used for off-roading or heavy-duty jobs, so you can never have too many safety functions. The 1500 Silverado includes a rearview camera mirror, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alerts, lane-keeping and changing assistance, parking sensors in the front and rear, a parking camera mirror, forward collision warning, and automatic braking.

No new changes in the 2020 Silverado have been reported yet, but that may change when it hits the market in a few months.