You want to feel enthusiastic about all aspects of your new pickup truck. That may be tougher with the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, at least according to a review of the truck from CNET. CNET feels the 2020 Chevy Silverado has plenty of pros but also several cons. Here’s a look at the truck.

CNET’s review of the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500

Redesigned for the 2019 model year, this newest generation of the Chevy Silverado “does a lot of things well,” says CNET. The truck has great performance, good handling, great powertrains, and strong towing and hauling capabilities. While it performs well, the interior isn’t so great plus there are features that are missing entirely. The CNET reviewer says, “it’s a truck that leaves me with more mixed feelings than the Game of Thrones finale.”

The pros

In addition to a great V8 engine and good handling, the 2020 Chevy Silverado offers an incredibly versatile bed. The side walls of the bed have been moved out to allow for increased hauling. There are also plenty of tie-down hooks. The bed also has integrated bumper steps plus stake-bed handholds. There’s a power tailgate option for higher trim levels, but tailgate lift assist is available on even the lowest trim.

The truck has best-in-class towing capacity at 13,400 pounds, which is an increase for 2020. This ability comes with the Silverado’s 6.2-liter V8 engine and the Max Trailering package. The truck can haul up to 2,250 pounds with the base model Regular cab long box. Most versions of the Silverado can haul more than 2,000 pounds though.

The Chevy Silverado has five different engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a V6 turbodiesel, plus a 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V8 engine. The standard engine is a 4.3-liter V6. Horsepower ranges from 277 hp to 420 hp. A performance package with the 6.2-liter V8 increases the power to 435 hp. There are also three automatic transmissions available, a six-speed, an eight-speed, and a 10-speed automatic.

The top-of-the-line engine is powerful and smooth, giving the truck quick acceleration. Several features also improve the efficiency of this V8, including direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and Dynamic Fuel Management, which can smoothly shut down various cylinders as appropriate for the driving conditions.

While the Silverado is a body-on-frame truck with a live rear axle and parallel leaf springs, the CNET reviewer found the handling to be “unexpectedly nimble and mild mannered.” He prefers its driving feel over the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger.

The cons

It’s the cabin of the 2020 Chevy Silverado that’s lacking, plus driver-assistance technology isn’t included. And, CNET describes the cabin design as “utterly lackluster.” The lower trims especially include a lot of hard plastics. Also in lower trims, the center console doesn’t open up. It only functions as a large cup holder.

The Silverado doesn’t have adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, or automatic emergency braking. It also doesn’t have reversing sensors or a built-in navigation system. Some of these features are available on the highest trims, but CNET points out that these are pretty common driver-assist features these days and can be found in a base Honda Civic. For the upcoming 2021 Silverado, a safety package will be available to provide these features on lower trim levels.

The Silverado’s infotainment system is easy to use, but its 7- or 8-inch screen feels small compared to the 12-inch screen available in the Ram 1500. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, though. Helping to redeem the interior are comfortable seats and rear seats in the double and crew cabs that are roomy.

The Chevy Silverado has a big price but limited features

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado has a starting price of $28,500. With eight trims, most versions of the Chevy Silverado start at more than $30,000, and the top High Country trim starts at $54,595. With buyers laying out that much cash, they should be able to assume that the truck will include a nice interior and plenty of features. At least the 2020 Silverado can be commended for its fantastic performance.