Chevrolet introduced an all-new Silverado 2500 HD for 2020 with a controversial new look, a new gas engine, and more towing capacity. It’s got an impressive list of standard features too that fans will love. The Silverado HD is a larger truck than the 1500 and built for harder, tougher jobs. It may have been left on the porch by the bigger dogs in its class up until now. 

But the 2020 Silverado 2500 HD has best-in-class chops, able to tow up to 35,500 pounds with the right equipment. This year’s Silverado is ready to give Ford and Ram a run for their money.

New offerings

The 2020 Silverado HD is taller and longer than its predecessor. It’s made of steel aside from an aluminum hood and tailgate. The roof panel is the same as the one on the Silverado 1500 but the similarities end there.

The gas-powered version can tow as much as 17,400 pounds. The diesel version can tow up to 18,600 pounds in two-wheel drive. Maximum payload and towing capacities are different depending on which configuration you select. GM labels each with a sticker on the passenger door that lists your specific truck’s capabilities.

There’s a new integrated step that supports up to 500 pounds. It’s embedded into the bed that’s right before the rear wheel. It lets you access the cab easily from behind the cab for great convenience. The new Silverado also offers the biggest cargo volume when compared to the competition whether you choose the 6-foot-10-inch bed or the 8-foot version.

The basics

When it comes to the basics, Silverado 2500 HD standard features are impressive. 

You can get the new Silverado HD in many different configurations to suit just about any situation or need. If you need a basic work truck, you can have that. If you want a luxury, family-type setup or need a way to haul up to five big adults, you can do that too. 

There are three cab styles to choose from: crew, extended, and regular. Regular cabs are great if you want a work truck or you plan to keep the truck for a while. If you want lots of space to haul people and aren’t as worried about a big bed, go for the crew cab. Otherwise, the extended cab might work best.

There are two beds to choose from with a 6-foot-10-inch bed as standard and an optional 8-foot bed. You can choose between two and four-wheel-drive. You can choose either the gas or diesel engine.

The base work truck comes with a 6.6-liter V8 engine that puts out 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. There’s a diesel option available with all trim levels except Custom that’s a 6.6-liter diesel V8. It puts out 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. It’s matched with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission.

The work truck also offers a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

Even more features

There are five trim levels for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The base truck, or Work Truck, features the “Chevrolet” wordmark grille with 17-inch wheels. The work truck is practicality and functionality over style and comfort. It starts at $35,695.

The Custom trim level you can only get with 2500 which is mostly a cosmetic package. Here you get 20-inch wheels and body-colored trim pieces that lend a swankier look. It starts at $40,595.

The mid-range LT trim is also cosmetic and has the wordmark grille with the addition of chrome elements to give it an edgy flair. It starts at $39,595.

The LTZ trim is pricy and offers more chrome in its upscale appearance. But this trim level doesn’t just talk the talk. With it comes real upscale goodness like dual-zone climate control, an integrated trailer brake controller, power-sliding rear window with defroster, leather interior, power-folding mirrors, and heated front seats. It also features an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen and a seven-pin wiring harness with a trailer brake controller. It starts at $50,295.

At the top of the Silverado 2500 trim pyramid is the High Country. With the features it brings? It’s probably worth the price. With High Country, you get power up and down tailgate, bumpers that match the body color, chrome side steps, a Bose audio system, a wireless charging pad, 20-inch chrome wheels, and a power up and down tailgate. That’s in addition to everything featured with LTZ.

You also get a spray-in bedliner and ventilated front seats. You can only get High Country as a crew cab and it starts at $62,695.