- New 6.6-liter V8 produces 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque
- New Allison 10-speed automatic on the turbodiesel V8.
- 52 percent increase in towing to 35,500 pounds
- Advanced Trailering System
- Starting price of $34,100
The first impressions of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado begin with its size. The Silverado HD looks massive, with a body that shares only its roof stamping with the recently redesigned 2019 Silverado 1500. The impression is supported by measurements, as the HD has grown in nearly every significant dimension over the outgoing 2019 model.
Crew Cab models with the Standard Box have grown by 5.2 inches in wheelbase (to 158.9 inches), 10.4 inches in overall length (to 250.0 inches), 1.4 inches in overall width (to 81.9 inches), and by 1.6 inches in overall height (to 79.8 inches). Hood height is noticeably higher, though box height (21 inches) is nearly the same and box lift-in height is actually 0.9 inches lower (at 38.9 inches).
The new front grille now features a flow-through horizontal bar at the center and large intakes, which are said to allow for greater air flow and cooling. Available active aero shutters can improve efficiency. Diesel models get a prominent hood scoop, a functional feature to help cooling during high-demand trailering operation.
New DuraBed Box
The 2020 Silverado HD gets a new box, named DuraBed, specific to heavy-duty models with unique dimensions from 1500 model boxes. They are built with multi-piece inner panels, allowing for expanded inner dimensions and capacity. The standard box floor length is now 82.2 inches, up 3.4 inches over 2019, and box width between wheel housings is now 51.9 inches, up 0.9 inches. Maximum standard box volume is now 69.6 cubic feet, up 8.6 cubic feet. Long boxes have grown overall as well, to 98.3 inches, up a half inch at the floor and 50.6 inches between the wheel housings (down 0.4 inches), resulting in a maximum volume of 83.5 cubic feet, a gain of 7.1 cubic feet.
DuraBed also includes 12 fixed tie-down rings and the ability to add up to nine accessory tie-downs. BedSteps have been integrated into front of the rear wheel openings for easier access, and standard CornerSteps on the rear bumper have been enlarged. An available Power Up/Down Tailgate raises and lowers with the key fob, interior button or a touchpad on the tailgate handle. A 120-volt power outlet is available on both Standard and Long boxes, mounted inside the rear side wall on the passenger side.
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Under the Hood
Gasoline customers will be rewarded with a new 6.6-liter V8 engine with direct injection, tuned to produce 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, up from 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque for the outgoing 6.0-liter V8 gas engine. The new engine is built around a cast-iron Small Block with aluminum heads, running at a 10.8:1 compression ratio thanks to more precise fuel control. A 6L90 6-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive or available 4-wheel drive gets the power to the wheels.
The diesel option is a returning Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel that produces 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. Replacing the outgoing 6-speed Allison automatic is an all-new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear or all four wheels. The new transmission is capable of transferring a high percentage of available torque to the ground in first gear, which should deliver dividends during maximum towing operation.
An Autotrac active two-speed transfer case will be standard on both gas and diesel 4×4 models. The system will electronically control “4 Auto” mode, allowing the trucks to change from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive automatically in response to driving conditions.
Class of 2020: The New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks and SUVs
Trim Levels and Configurations
Silverado HD will be available in five trim levels: Work Truck; Custom; LT; LTZ; and High Country. 2500 HD and 3500 HD models will be available in Regular, Double Cab and Crew Cab models, with a choice of Standard and Long cargo box lengths. The Custom and High Country trim levels are new. Two chassis cab lengths will also be available.
Trailering Highlights
Silverado HD’s available Advanced Trailering System will offer up to 15 unique camera views, including HD Surround Vision and Bed View. An accessory camera is available to mount on the trailer, which enables Transparent Trailer View in combination with a tailgate-mounted camera.
The MyChevrolet mobile app has been programmed to work with a new smart trailer integration system that is designed to interface with ASA Electronics iN Command control system. This trailering software/hardware will allow owners to monitor smart systems on trailers, like water tank levels, HVAC controls, and power slide outs – viewable on the Silverado HD dashboard monitor. Additionally, an in-vehicle Trailering App will provide trailer diagnostics, light tests, pre-departure checklist and more. A VIN-specific Trailering Information Label will import trailer information, and can save multiple trailer profiles to the MyChevrolet cloud – available to share between multiple Chevrolet trucks in a fleet.
Pricing, Availability and the Competition
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD will begin at $34,100, plus $1,595 destination charge. That price for a base 2500 model is actually $300 less than the outgoing model. As with its Ford Super Duty and Ram Heavy Duty rivals, the Silverado HD’s price can span significnatly higher. A top-line Silverado HD 3500 High Country model, for example, begins at over $65,000 before options.
The new Chevrolet Silverado HD is projected to go on sale this summer. Early production vehicles are already rolling down the line in Flint, Michigan.
Silverado HD joins a crowd of newly released and refreshed competitors, including the 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty, Ram 2500 and 3500, and GMC Sierra HD.
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