5 questions about the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD answered

The war for pickup truck supremacy rages on. When so much is a stake for the builders, it’s no small wonder why so much money and resources are invested into very subsequent generation of these trucks.

There’s also no reason to be surprised when the proverbial capability bar is raised with each new truck. The all-new 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is the latest Big Dog to hit job sites, to tow houses and climb mountains.

What’s new about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD?

The short of the answer is everything. In fact, only the roof panel is shared with the new 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 – every other panel is completely new for 2020. This was purposefully done to differentiate the Heavy Duty trucks from the lighter duty vehicles.

Various cab configurations will be available to the 2020 HD buyer including a revised Crew Cab that, like the 1500, will benefit from an extra 3 inches of legroom, and a taller, more comfortable seating position.

Below the tall bonnet and behind the questionably designed front fascia will be a pair of new powertrains. An all-new direct injection 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine, rumored to be a Navistar-sourced mill, will makes its debut with the new HD and serve as the entry level power source. It will be paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and various 2×4 and 4×4 drivetrains.

For those serious about towing and hauling, the Duramax diesel engine will also return with the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD. It will deliver up to a staggering 910 lb.-ft. of torque and be mated to an all-new Allison 10-speed transmission which promises impressive performance.

The 2020 Silverado HD will render all-new trailering technology, and new features to make life a little easier such as the integrated Bedstep, which helps to access the bed while pulling a fifth-wheel trailer.

What’s the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD’s price?

The official pricing structure has yet to be announced however we expect that Canadian-spec 2500 HDs will start just under $45,000 for the most basic trim. Gilded versions with options will easily retail for more than twice that amount.

Rebates and incentives are generally a given in the full-size truck game. US pricing should be roughly $7,500 less for equivalent trucks and trims.

When will it be released?

The 2020 Chevy Silverado HD goes on sale in mid-2019.

What other trucks should you check out if you’re interested in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD?

The options are limited to the Ford Super Duty and the RAM Heavy Duty. While the Ford 2500/3500 SD are not expected to receive a significant revamp for 2019, the RAM HD should be all-new for 2020 and released later in 2019.

All three trucks are excessively competent. In the HD department, the GM twins and Ford typically supply owners with the most towing and hauling capabilities however that may change when the new RAM arrives.

What do we think about it?

The harshest thing we can say about it is that the front end is comically ugly, and that it does not look like “a piece of heavy machinery with modern, chiseled finishes and customer-focused details” as Brian Izard, lead exterior designer for Silverado HD, put it. Beyond that, it is a towering chunk of a truck.

Of the many pictures released, none depict the cabin. Although these are work trucks, many spend countless hours within the cabin as it doubles as a mobile office. The new Sierra and Silverado 1500 have been criticized for their less than stellar dashboard design. We suspect that the HD will suffer from a similar fate.

Beyond that, GM’s trucks are generally bulletproof, extremely capable and good to own. We’d not hesitate to make one our own but we’d still hold off a few months to see what RAM has up its Heavy-Duty sleeve.