What is almost 21 feet long, 7 feet wide, 6 ½ feet tall, and weighs almost 4 tons? The all-new 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 with the Duramax diesel. This heavy-duty truck was completely redone for 2020 with greater capacities and a new look. It is longer, wider, and taller than the previous 2019 version.
Exterior
You can’t help but immediately notice the massive, menacing chrome front grill. Reaction from people has been clear cut: they absolutely love it, or absolutely hate it.
This truck has 20” chrome wheels, cab lights, huge trailer towing mirrors, LED fog lights, and something new: a built-in step just ahead of the rear wheels to help load things in the bed. It also has steps in the rear bumper and running boards. The hood is massive and has a large air scoop and proudly displays the logos of Allison transmission and Duramax.
Powertrain
Speaking of, under that huge aluminum hood you’ll find the unchanged 6.6-liter Duramax diesel that is pumping out 445-horses, but a very strong 910-pound feet of torque. New for 2020 is a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission for improved fuel economy, although the EPA does not rate ¾ ton and up trucks.
If you are not a diesel fan, there is a new 6.6-liter gas version that offers up a little over 400-horses but only 464-pound feet of torque.
Interior
LTZ is next to the top-of-the-line High Country, and there are 3 trim levels under it. Inside this large truck you find a massive, but not overly nice interior. It has captain chairs in the front and a 60/40 rear bench that folds up from the bottom to reveal a huge cargo area or a super comfortable space for Fido.
All the controls in the center of the dash are easy to understand and operate. The infotainment system is touchscreen and you operate audio, navigation, all the apps, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi Hotpsot. It features voice recognition, a rear seat reminder, and a Bose Premium stereo system. There is a wireless phone charger, USB ports, a 12-volt power source, and a very handy 110-volt electrical outlet.
Back seat passengers get air conditioning vents, a couple of cup holders, USB ports, a power outlet, and heated rear seats.
Options
The LTZ package comes well-equipped, but this truck has almost $20,000 in options, half of that being the Duramax diesel.
It has the Premium package which gives you cooled front seats, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, power sliding rear window, park assist, blind spot monitoring, surround vision camera, a terrific head-up display, and a power tailgate. You can lower the tailgate with the key fob, but you have to push a button on the tailgate to raise it. Still, a power open and close aluminum tailgate is a very nice touch.
I want to mention a few nice features. Chevy did a great job with the trailer towing mirrors that will extend out or fold in with the push of a button. There are spotlights built into them also.
Utility
Inside the 6-foot 10” bed, there is a bedliner, bed lighting, a 120-volt power outlet for tools, it is drilled for a 5th-wheel hitch, and one of the camera views will allow you to see the bed and any cargo back there.
Perhaps the coolest feature is a 15-view rear camera. It is a must-have feature for trailer towing. In part, you can see the front view, overhead view, inside your trailer, at the rear bumper for hooking up, and a transparent trailer view. An optional camera is mounted on the back of your trailer to be able to see behind you. AMAZING.
Ride and Drive
Although large, this truck rides very well thanks to a new Independent front suspension and a new frame for 2020. It is quiet in the cab and the diesel engine itself is super quiet.
What You’ll Pay
If there is a knock on this truck, it is the interior is sort of ho-hum and plastic is overused, in my opinion. If you want to go to a really nice interior, step up to the High Country, but that will cost you $12,400.
Total MSRP as equipped is $73,265 and that puts it in line with similar Ford and Ram offerings.
Verdict
This new Chevy Heavy-Duty is much improved, has a ton of nice features, and is a pulling machine with a capacity of 18,500 pounds.
2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 Duramax Diesel
- What I liked most: Torque and the good ride for a heavy-duty truck.
- What I would change: Love to see some upgrades on the interior.
- MSRP: $53,300 base price, total MSRP with transportation: $73,265.
- Fuel Economy: N/A on ¾ ton and larger pickups.
- Official Color: Cajun Red Tintcoat.
- Odometer reading when tested: 5700 miles.
- Weight: Curb weight 7721 pounds.
- Final Assembly Location: Flint, Michigan.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized with steel wheel.
- Length-Width-Height: 249.95” long/81.85” wide/79.82” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 36 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 18,500 Pounds.
- 2020 Chevy 2500 in a few words: It’s a beast of a truck with terrific capabilities.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, and 5-year/100,000 mile power train warranty.
- Manufacturer’s website: Chevrolet
