2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500: 6 Things We Like (and 3 Not So Much)

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty line joins a growing list of significantly updated, hard-working HD trucks recently released by the likes of Ford and Ram. With the heavy-hauling 2020 Silverado 2500 and 3500, Chevy has taken a big step when it comes to towing capacity, everyday usability and technology features that help make the toughest jobs a whole lot easier.

Related: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 Review: Towing Made Easy

During our time test-driving the new Silverado 2500 and 3500, we came away impressed by the engineering Chevrolet has done beneath the big — and bold — shape of this truck. Yes, while we’re on the subject, let’s acknowledge that the exterior styling is polarizing. You might love it, you might hate it, but you can be 100% certain nobody will lose this Chevy truck in a crowded parking lot.

Be sure to read our complete review by Cars.com’s Aaron Bragman by following the related link above. But for a rapid recap of our biggest likes and dislikes discovered during our time behind the wheel of the Silverado HD models, keep reading.

Here are six gems, as well as three places where the Silverado will hafta to settle for silver:

Things We Like

1. Strong New V-8

Chevrolet worked a lot of magic under the sheet metal of the updated HD versions of the Silverado. That includes a new 6.6-liter gasoline-fed V-8 engine that delivers a total of 401 horsepower and 464 pounds-feet of torque. This engine is whisper-quiet in how it operates — especially on the highway, where it seamlessly wafts this truck down the road.

2. Diesel Power and Torque

As much as we like the new gas-powered V-8, the optional turbo-diesel is even more impressive. To start, this 6.6-liter Duramax V-8 serves up 445 hp and a staggering 910 pounds-feet of torque. If you plan on doing some serious towing and hauling, this is the engine for you. It also gives these Silverado HDs some serious punch when you mash the accelerator. Working in cooperation with a 10-speed automatic transmission, Chevy estimates this diesel-powered pickup needs only 7.4 seconds to sprint from 0-60 mph.

3. Tons of Towing Capability

When properly equipped, the Silverado 3500 with the turbo-diesel V-8 has a maximum towing capacity of 35,500 pounds; that’s some 52% more than the outgoing model’s best tow rating. The fact that you need a commercial driver’s license to max out this truck’s capability on public roads is proof as to how extreme this tow rating really is.

4. Clever Tech Touches

Sheer grunt isn’t the only thing the Silverado HD models have to offer. The Silverado 2500 and 3500 can be optioned with features like a 15-camera system, which allows the driver to view every conceivable angle around the truck — including seeing directly through the trailer you’re towing, or even inside the trailer to make certain your valuables are safe and sound. Special mention also goes out to the infotainment system, which is simple to operate and offers clear menus and graphics.

5. Bold Exterior Design

The Silverado 2500 and 3500 represent a bold approach toward luring truck shoppers into Chevy showrooms. The multitiered front lighting and massive grille help grab your attention, that’s for certain. Ironically, of the heavy-duty pickup trucks now offered by Ford, Ram and Chevrolet, it’s the former big-rig-mimicking Ram that’s presently the most subtle and restrained when it comes to exterior design.

6. Something for Everyone

Like with any good pickup truck, Silverado HDs can be optioned in a dizzying array of designs and formats. Cab length, cargo bed size, engine choice and luxury features are all up for grabs. Starting around $36,000 for a rear-wheel-drive 2500 HD with a regular-cab, long-bed format, you can scale well beyond $70,000 in the upscale High Country trim fitted with four-wheel drive and the optional turbo-diesel. Truck buyers like choices, and the Silverado HD models offer plenty of ’em.

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Things We Don’t

1. Cabin Quality Trails Ford and Ram

Being charitable, we commended in our review this Chevy truck’s cabin for its “durable” appearance. Compared to the swanky interiors that now feature in its Ford and Ram rivals, the Silverado is simply outclassed, and the truck’s cabin already looks dated.

2. Transmission Can Be Lazy

We were impressed by the power and refinement of the new 6.6-liter gasoline V-8 but underwhelmed by the six-speed automatic that comes attached to it. In a couple of instances, the gearbox didn’t want to shift down when we stomped on the gas pedal. This happened both while towing a trailer and with an empty truck. A sharp kickdown would have provided the acceleration we were demanding from the powertrain.

3. Bunkerlike Outward Visibility

You can get tons of cameras fitted to your Silverado 2500 and 3500, but a little more glass and better outward visibility would be awfully nice, too. As it stands, we referred to this Chevy’s view of the outside world as being “bunkerlike.”

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