2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Pros vs Cons

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a truck that's more than capable. It can be configured to have what individual consumers need in terms of horsepower, towing capacity, and trailering features. Is it something that would be a recommended purchase? Here are ten categories in which the Silverado 2500H is highly rated. Not everything can be perfect, though, and also included are a few areas where the pickup could be improved.

What's New for 2020?

One of the most noticeable things about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is that it's bigger than it has ever been. This is true in terms of length, width, and height, and this can be seen as an advantage by most people interested in heavy-duty pickups.

Behind this larger exterior are a multitude of changes, as the truck has been redesigned for this model year. Technology is featured heavily, with the truck capable of having 15 different camera views. People can be updated about their truck's performance through the use of the company's mobile app.

Those who pay close attention to performance will be aware that that a 6.6L V8 engine replaces the 6.0L V8. The new engine comes with more capabilities that will be important to those who are ready to place high demands on their trucks. Likewise, there's a new 10-speed automatic transmission, which is paired with the diesel engine.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – The Pros

1. Powerful Engines

The first engine that the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD can come with is a 6.6L V8 with direct injection and variable valve timing. It's capable of achieving 401 horsepower, and it has 464 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission that it's paired with allows for smooth operation at all speeds. This engine is available on all trims.

An upgrade to the standard V8 is a 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8, which is available on all trims with the exception of the Custom. It has 445 horsepower and much more torque, at 910 pound-feet. It's matched with an all-new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. This transmission has a tow/haul mode that can be engaged when pulling heavy cargo. This mode reduces shift cycling and can improve cooling.

2. Increased Towing Capability

Towing capacity is one of the main draws of this heavy-duty truck. With conventional trailering, capacity is 14,500 pounds. When equipped with a 5th wheel, that can increase to up to 18,500 pounds.

Both engines come with Auto Grade Braking. They will automatically downshift so that engine braking can slow things down smoothly. This can be a key safety feature when hauling heavy equipment and driving over hilly roads.

3. Strong Bed

High-strength steel has been used throughout the truck, including in the cargo bed floor. Payload varies slightly between models, and the gas models are able to carry more weight than their diesel counterparts. Payload capacity can be close to 4,000 pounds in a Silverado 2500HD with a regular cab.

4. Spacious Interior

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD can come with a regular, double, or crew cab. Everyone riding up front will get up to 44.53 inches of leg room. The front seats can come as a 40/20/40 bench, with the middle seatback able to double as an arm rest. They can also come as bucket seats. For the second row, leg room is 35.24 inches in a double cab and 43.4 inches in a crew cab. With the width of the truck, three adults can be comfortably accommodated in the back.

5. Storage Compartments

There are clever storage compartments on most trims. Available on the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims is a hidden compartment under the rear seats. Some people may appreciate being able to store their valuables here while they're away from their vehicles, or they may just appreciate having a place to keep a bag while people are riding in the back. On select trims, the center armrest in the front bench can come with covered storage, and under-seat storage can be found under the front seats as well.

6. Modern Infotainment

Smartphones can be connected to the truck's infotainment system through Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto. A wireless charging pad and up to six USB ports can be included so devices can stay charged. All trims are capable of acting as 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspots.

The basic Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system provides a user-friendly way to control music playback and make phone calls. It comes with a seven-inch touchscreen on the WT and Custom trims and an eight-inch touchscreen on the others. On the higher trims, the system gets upgraded to have an HD touchscreen for better clarity. Built-in navigation is standard on the High Country and available on the LTZ.

7. Versatility in the Bed

The bed, known as a Durabed, comes with 12 tie-downs so people can secure a variety of items. Available LED lighting in the cargo area make it much easier to see things at night or in dim areas. Even a 120-volt outlet can be included in the truck bed. When it's time to charge power tools, a pump, or any other portable device, having this outlet can be very useful.

Chevrolet was aware that making the truck taller and bigger would require a few adjustments. One way in which they've been creative is by building the Silverado 2500HD with BedSteps and CornerSteps. These are neatly tucked away and let people step up to access the cargo area. An available power tailgate can come in handy when someone is weighed down with gear or bags.

8. Advanced Camera System

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD can come with much more than just a rear view camera. It can come with multiple cameras placed around the truck to provide drivers with up to 15 different views. While driving, six camera views can provide better perspective. One can see through a trailer by using innovative technology, and another can give drivers a view inside the trailer if an accessory camera has been installed.

Four views assist with the precise moves required to connect a trailer. There's a bed view, a hitch view, surround view, and a rear top-down view. For parking, people can use up to five camera views. The video feed can be used to see the front, sides, and back of the truck, and a 3D, rear-facing view is also available.

9. Built-in Safety Features

Safety is always a priority, and most trims of the Silverado 2500HD come with multiple driver-assist features. They include emergency braking that can work to prevent people from rear-ending other drivers; a parking assist system that sends out warnings when the truck is getting too close to other objects; blind spot monitoring and lane change alert; and a system that warns drivers if they're about to back into rear cross traffic.

10. Opportunity to Upgrade

The High Country trim of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD represents the best of what's available for this vehicle. It comes with eye-catching 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels, chrome assist steps that shine, a power-operated tailgate, and a comprehensive safety package.

On the LTZ trim, the second-highest of the collection, consumers can choose from various packages. For example, the convenience package comes with heated and ventilated front seats and a power sliding rear window. The LTZ premium package comes with numerous safety systems, HD surround vision system, and 20" six-spoke wheels.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – The Cons

1. Can't See That Well Without Cameras

The size increase of the truck would typically be seen as a positive, but it comes with a drawback. When people are relying solely on their own vision, and not on the help of a front camera, it can be hard to see what's going on directly in front of the truck. Parking and making tight turns can be difficult given the height of the hood.

2. Interior Lacking Inspiration

While not all people who want a heavy-duty truck are looking for luxury, some may be. Those people may be a little disappointed in the lack of innovation in the cabin. Thing are comfortable, sure, but don't expect to be wowed by anything inside the seating area.

3. Gas Will Be Expensive

The exact fuel economy that a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD can achieve will depend on so many factors like towing, truck weight, and which powertrain is installed. Regardless of the specific numbers, which won't be above 20 mpg, drivers will find themselves with high bills during each visit to the pump.

4. New Look

With this year's redesign, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD has changed its exterior. Everyone has their own opinions, and some may find this new look to be a little too boxy and clunky.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

The Ford F-250 and GMC Sierra 2500HD are pretty comparable to the Silverado in some regards. In key areas, though, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD comes out ahead. Its base engine has more than 400 horsepower, while the F-250 base model doesn't hit that mark. Additionally, the towing capacity in the Silverado is significantly higher than that of the GMC Sierra 2500HD and the Ford F-250 trucks.

Conclusion

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a contender when one looks at all the important features of a truck - power, reliability, and capabilities. It can come with some bells and whistles that some consumers are looking for, especially when the LTZ packages and High Country trim are taken into account. On the other hand, the WT is ideal for the job site and is attached to a more affordable price tag. When every factor is considered, it's clear that the Silverado 2500HD would be a good purchase for anyone ready to put his or her truck to work.