First Drive: Big, Burly 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and GMC Sierra 2500HD
These redesigned work trucks have more power, towing capability, and interior room
General Motors has redesigned its large 2500HD truck line for 2020. (The 2500 references a three-quarter ton payload capacity. This is a historic reference; modern trucks in this class can haul much more than that. The HD is shorthand for heavy-duty.) In any parlance, we can tell you that these Chevrolet and GMC behemoths are bigger and tougher than ever.
GM has supersized these trucks in just about every way, marking the first time the GM HD trucks are truly bigger than their light-duty counterparts.
These new trucks are 10.4 inches longer, ride on a wheelbase that's 5.2 inches longer, stretch 1.4 inches wider, and stand 1.6 inches taller. And there's an extra 3 inches of legroom for second-row passengers in crew-cab models. Leave no doubt: These are substantial trucks.
The standard engine is a 401-hp, 6.6-liter V8 with a six-speed transmission. The other choice—and what we drove—is a 445-hp, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine mated to an Allison 10-speed transmission. This tow-ready engine produces a prodigious 910 lb.-ft. of torque.
When properly equipped, GM claims that the new HDs can tow up to 35,500 pounds.
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We rented two of GM’s new crew-cab trucks: a Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD LTZ and GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD AT4. Here’s what we’ve learned during our time and miles with these titanic trucks.
What we rented: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD LTZ and GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD AT4
Powertrain: 445-hp, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 engine; 10-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive
MSRP: $53,300 (Silverado); $57,700 (Sierra)
Major options include: LTZ Premium package; Z71 Off-Road and Protection package; Gooseneck/5th-wheel package (Silverado). AT4 Premium package; Technology package; sunroof; Driver Alert package II; Gooseneck/5th-wheel package (Sierra).
Destination fee: $1,595
Total cost: $73,265 (Silverado); $77,155 (Sierra)
