If you're looking into a 2019 silverado screen upgrade , you've probably realized that the factory tech in your truck hasn't aged quite and also the engine has. It's a bit of a weird spot to be in; the 2019 model was the start of a new generation for the Silverado, however the infotainment system often feels like it's stuck in the past, especially if you have the smaller 7-inch display.
Let's be honest, the interior of a truck is where you spend all your time. Whether you're using it for work or just hauling the family around, staring at a grainy, laggy screen can get annoying fast. The good thing is that the aftermarket world has caught up in a big way, making it surprisingly easy to bring your dash in to the current decade.
The problem with the stock 2019 setup
The 2019 Silverado was a massive leap forward in terms of frame design and exterior styling, but Chevy was a little conservative with the interior tech at launch. If you have the base trim, you're likely working with a screen that feels a lot more like a calculator than the usual modern smartphone. Your upgraded 8-inch units from that year can feel a bit sluggish compared to what's in the newer 2022+ refreshes.
One of the biggest gripes I hear from owners could be the lack of real estate. When you're trying to navigate using Google Maps while also managing your music, that small screen gets crowded quickly. Then there's the resolution. Modern phones have spoiled us with crisp displays, so taking a look at a low-res backup camera feed on a 2019 factory screen can feel like looking through a foggy window.
What do you receive with a screen upgrade?
When people talk about a 2019 silverado screen upgrade , they aren't just talking about a bigger piece of glass. It's about the functionality that comes with it. The majority of the high-end kits currently available offer a few "must-have" features that make the truck feel brand new.
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
This is the big one. In 2019, most of these trucks required you to plug your phone in with an USB cable to get CarPlay or Android Auto running. Cables are a pain—they break, they clutter up the center console, and sometimes they just refuse to connect. A modern upgrade usually includes wireless connectivity. You just hop in the truck, as well as your maps and music are already there on the dash.
Massive Screen Real Estate
You have two main paths here. You are able to go with a "floating" style screen that sits slightly ahead of the dash, or a "Tesla-style" vertical screen that replaces a large portion of the center stack. A few of these displays are 12 or even 13 inches wide. Imagine having a full-sized map on a single half of the screen and your tire pressure or music around the other. It changes the whole driving experience.
Better Camera Integration
If you've ever tried to hitch a trailer using the stock 2019 camera on a 7-inch screen, you know it's not always a graceful process. Upgraded screens usually have much better processing power, meaning your existing cameras will often look clearer, and many systems allow you to add even more cameras—like a front-facing trail cam or side-view blind-spot cameras.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
A lot of guys ask if they can perform a 2019 silverado screen upgrade in their own driveway. The answer is usually yes, but it depends on your patience level.
The aftermarket has moved toward "plug-and-play" harnesses. In the old days, you had to cut and splice wires, that was a nightmare plus a great way to void a warranty. Nowadays, most kits come with a T-harness. You unplug the factory wires, plug them into the new harness, and after that plug that to the new screen.
The tricky part is usually the plastic trim. Chevy likes to use those stubborn metal clips that feel like they're likely to snap the plastic every time you pull with them. If you're comfortable using a trim removal tool and have a simple socket set, you are able to probably get this done in a couple of hours. If the concept of taking your dashboard apart makes you sweat, any decent car audio shop can handle it for you.
Keeping your factory features
The biggest fear people have when swapping out their head unit is losing the stuff they already paid for. You don't want to lose your steering wheel controls, your climate control display, or your motor vehicle settings menu.
This is where you have to be careful as to what you buy. The ultra-cheap "no-name" tablets you discover on discount sites often struggle with this. However, reputable brands and specific Silverado integration kits are designed to "talk" to the truck's computer. You'll still be able to change your AC settings, see your fuel economy, and use the buttons on your controls to skip tracks. In some cases, the new screen actually gives you more data with regards to your truck than the factory one did.
Vertical vs. Horizontal: Which is better?
This is a hot debate in the Silverado community.
The vertical (Tesla-style) screens look incredibly high-tech. They replace the physical buttons for the radio and sometimes the climate controls. While they look cool, some people find them distracting because you have to look down further to adjust things. Also, if the screen glitches, you might lose your ability to replace the temperature until it reboots.
The horizontal (Landscape) screens usually keep your physical climate buttons below them. This is often the "safer" bet for people who use their trucks for work and want to be able to turn a knob to adjust the volume or the heat without taking their eyes off the road. It's really a matter of private preference and how much you trust a touchscreen to handle your heater.
Can it help the resale value?
Generally speaking, a well-executed 2019 silverado screen upgrade is a feature. When someone is looking at an used 2019 truck, they're comparing it to newer models. When they sit in yours and see a massive, crisp display with wireless features, it makes the truck feel a lot more premium.
Just a tip: keep the old factory radio in a box in the garage. If you ever decide to trade the truck in at a dealership, they sometimes like the stock equipment, and you could always sell the upgraded screen to a different Silverado owner to recoup some of your money.
Final thoughts on the upgrade
Purchasing a 2019 silverado screen upgrade has become the most noticeable change you can make to your truck's interior. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about making the truck more functional for the way we live today. We rely on our phones for everything, and having that bridge between your phone as well as your truck work seamlessly makes every commute or road trip a lot more enjoyable.
Whether you go for a massive vertical display or a sleek horizontal unit, the jump in quality over the stock 2019 tech is night and day. It's one of those projects where, once it's finished and you see that big map appear for the first time, you'll probably wonder why you waited so long to do it. Just make sure to do your homework on the harness and integration, and you'll be set for a long time to come.