2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 plans on making waves. It is bigger and tougher and stronger than before. While many 2020 models have just been tweaked, this one is totally new.

Onlookers will not mistake this truck for the Silverado 1500. It's that uniquely designed. It's also that much bigger. Chevy engineers were told to make HD customers happy by creating a more intimidating truck, and they've done just that.

The resculpted design shares only the roof sheet metal of the 1500. Otherwise, it's completely different. The broad grille consists of a smaller section and a larger section, cut in two by a large bar marked Chevrolet on most trims.

You can still get a regular cab as well as the Double Cab or Crew Cab. However, the new body is 250 inches long and over 80 inches wide. At almost 80 inches tall, it towers over the road. The interior is bigger, too. There's more legroom and headroom, which is sure to make everyone happier. The Crew Cab has grown by three inches.

The new frame is critical to the truck's capability. This stiffer, stronger foundation works in tandem with the new suspension. The combination yields a smoother ride whether the bed is full or empty.

Engineers retuned the A-arms and torsion bar springs. So, while the independent front suspension may seem familiar, it is actually much more advanced than its predecessor. Furthermore, the rear setup is entirely new. The redesign allows Chevy to promise higher payload capacity.

The new truck has tougher axles, which are larger and sturdier than before. The 2500 models have an 11.5-inch ring gear. The diameter of the prop shaft is 30 percent larger.

Stopping distances have shrunk while speed and capability have increased. Motor Trend reported that the new build had reduced stopping distance from 146 feet in 2017 to 136 feet in today's truck. That's better than the 160-foot stop by an F-250.

Engineered just for Silverado HD models, the beds are more spacious. The standard bed has grown in width by 6.7 inches and in length by 3 inches. That's allowed for a 14 percent increase in total cargo box volume. The long box is 9.5 percent bigger. Volume is rated at 83.5 cubic feet, which leads the class.

 

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Gas Engine vs Diesel Engine. What is the Difference?

These trucks are more high tech than ever before. This emphasis on modern technology starts with two remarkable engines. You really can't go wrong with either one.

A new gas-powered V-8 engine will make its rivals sit up and take notice. The 401-horsepower unit is a serious competitor. To do some serious work, it spits out 464 pound-feet of torque. This unit beats its predecessor with an extra 22 percent of torque. This allows for an 18 percent increase in towing capability. Software integration allows the six-speed automatic transmission to handle shifting with greater precision.

If you want a diesel, the Silverado 2500 offers Chevrolet's most potent engine. The Duramax turbodiesel is a 6.6-liter unit. Horsepower is impressive at 445. Torque is rated at an enormous 910 pound-feet. Chevy increased the side of its cooling fan and add a variable fan speed function. Shoppers can add aerodynamic shutters to the package.

When sprinting from 0 to 60 miles per hour, the big truck can make the leap in 6.5 seconds. That's nearly two seconds less than the 2019 edition. While it's too big to be a sports car, it handles speed like one.

Chevrolet is introducing a new 10-speed automatic transmission. This Allison transmission is as heavy duty as the truck. The gear-shifting needs to keep up with the V8, and that's exactly what it does. The new transmission allows the turbodiesel to increase towing by an amazing 52 percent.

A new dial offers the tow-haul mode. Chevy's system can alter shifting to take advantage of the engine's variable turbocharger. Furthermore, an exhaust brake helps the diesel handle downhill loads.

When you choose the turbodiesel, the truck exterior is altered. The hood has a large, more prominent scoop. This is needed for extra cooling when the turbodiesel is working hard.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD WT vs Custom Trims. What is the difference?

The work truck is quite serious about doing its job. The 401-horsepower V8 engine is under the hood. Drivers will appreciate the generous capability whether they are rushing into highway traffic or starting a big load from scratch. The rear-wheel drivetrain is standard, four-wheel drive is offered on both trucks.

To make sure you can see, the Silverado 2500HD WT has split-level tow mirrors. Like all good Chevy trucks, the bed has CornerSteps, and these are actually bigger than before. The opening now allows a size-12 boot to take hold more easily. The weight limit is a generous 500 pounds, accommodating the individual and the load they are carrying.

Beds, which come in 6-foot, 9-inch or 8-foot varieties, have 12 fixed tie-down rings. The corner rings can hold up to 500 pounds.

You can recognize the WT by its black CHEVROLET lettering on the grille bar. The Custom is recognizable thanks to its more contemporary design and body-color trim details. The WT rides on 17-inch wheels while the Custom rides on 20-inch wheels. This model also has Chevy's power-adjustable trailering mirrors. The upper glass is power-heated to wipe away dew, frost or snow.

Chevy continues to use its pyramid shaped center stack and dual glove boxes, which offer a lot of storage. Additional storage can be found in door slots. The standard infotainment system includes a color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A rearview mirror reduces the chances that the truck will hit an obstacle.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Custom vs LT Trims. What is the difference?

The LT dresses differently with its special chrome-trimmed grille elements. The brighter grille bar has a flow-through style CHEVROLET branding. Like the WT, 17-inch wheels are standard rather than the 20-inch on the Custom.

LT models have Chevy's EZ Lift tailgate for stress-free use. To help with towing, there's an integrated brake controller. The interior picks up a larger Chevy touchscreen with HD Radio. This screen has gesture recognition as well as voice recognition.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LT vs LTZ Trims. What is the difference?

The Silverado 2500HD LTZ has chrome-accented grille inserts and a bright grille surround. The road is more defined at night thanks to new LED reflector headlamps and LED taillamps. It also has LED daytime running lamps.

As one of the nicest trucks in which to perch, the LTZ has bucket seats that can be heated or cooled. Chevy adds soft-touch trim to make the dashboard feel good to your fingers, hands or elbows. Offering Wi-Fi, advanced connectivity lets the truck double as your office.

A large screen rests between the gauges. Drivers can use this to keep up with everything from the DEF level to brake pad life. This high-definition screen is easy to read and keeps important information at a glance.

The LTZ offers many safety features that aren't found on the LT. For instance, a 15-inch head-up display provides a clear look at the current speed. It also can tell you the current speed limit, helping drivers keep things within legal limits. Equally helpful, the screen displays driver assistance information. This includes warnings for such things as the forward collision alert and lane departure system.

The Silverado 2500HD truck can have sensors and cameras everywhere. It can't drive itself, but it sure wants to help the person in the driver's seat. For starters, the forward collision alert has sensors that are watching for stopping traffic. The HUD flashes to warn you, and the GM Safety Seat vibrates to get your attention.

Watching the back, Chevrolet is offering a digital rearview mirror. You can use it to see almost everything behind the truck in real time while you are in forward motion. Regular pickup drivers know how the bed obstructs the view. That can be a thing of the past with the Silverado 2500HD.

Keeping an eye on everything, there are cameras to watch the front, side, and back. Cameras can watch the bed and help you hitch up the trailer. For someone who works out of their truck, these features make life much more predictable. With up to 15 cameras on the job, better views should eliminate the little mishaps that can ruin a good day.

On the road, the camera views can be selected individually. You may be worried about what's in the bed. There's a camera to show you. Drivers can have a camera that's attached to the rear of the trailer. That's like having a disappearing trailer with the push of a button. Suddenly it is possible to have eyes in the back of your head.

Watching the sides, Chevrolet has a blind spot monitor. This system lights up an icon in either mirror to show you when traffic is just too close for a safe lane change.

A following distance indicator helps the driver stay a safe length behind leader traffic. Since it takes a while to stop big trucks, this should help you avoid a rear end situation.

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ vs High Country: What is the Difference?

The High Country has all of Chevy's important safety features without the need for an additional package. The exterior wears a chrome and bronze grille with a bowtie emblem instead of the Chevrolet bar found on the other trims. The truck also wears 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.

While there are two configurations for LTZ models, High Country models are strictly Crew Cabs with the standard bed. Drivers will appreciate a power up-down tailgate and special LED lighting.

On the dash, there's the most advanced touch screen with navigation. Dual automatic climate controls keep your temperature well regulated. Leather upholstery dresses the cabin in a luxurious style. Owners will appreciate power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

Chevrolet actually makes it easy to choose your trim. You can shop by capability, and the two engine choices have such good ratings that you won't be disappointed. You can match your daily needs to the perfect truck.

You can go by your budget, sticking with the Work Truck and still enjoy the benefits of the Chevy infotainment system. You can spend a little more to get the cool gear on the Custom model.

The LT is a good value, offering you much more than the WT or Custom. Yet it is still in the affordable range. If you plan to spend hours behind the wheel, this one will keep you comfortable and entertained.

Stepping up to the LTZ, you get access to the majority of Chevy's safety and trailering aids. These are sure to tempt many buyers. The truckmaker has outdone itself with today's technology. If you shop for the latest gadgets, you may stop right here on this level. Those gadgets, by the way, are seriously smart systems that will almost certainly prevent fender benders, major accidents, and anything in between.

The High Country is still the luxury lover's truck. For the manager or business owner who is running from worksite to worksite, this truck will make every day better. It's like driving around in your living room. Even so, this truck can get to work whenever you need it to.