Chevrolet recently launched a redesigned version of its bread-and-butter Silverado 1500 pickup truck, so it was only a matter of time before the more capable Silverado HD (heavy duty) was redesigned as well. That truck makes its public debut at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. While it’s promising on paper, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD looks like a real handful.
Designers took the big-bodied Silverado in a bolder, more aggressive direction that you just can’t miss. This is the first Chevy truck in recent memory that doesn’t wear the decades-old bowtie emblem by default (some trim levels get it). Stylists also positioned the vertical headlights low on the fascia to add a finishing touch to the polarizing look. Chevrolet also cleverly added steps between the cab and the rear wheel arch to facilitate the task of grabbing items from the bed.
Like it or not, the design at least differentiates the HD from the standard Silverado 1500. That hasn’t always been the case. For the latest generation, the two models only share a roof panel. The rest of the sheet metal is HD-specific. Each of the five trim levels (Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country) also gets its own styling features.
Under the skin, the 2020 Silverado HD comes with a choice of gasoline or diesel engines. The standard gasoline 6.6-liter V8 produces 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. An optional 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 produces 445 hp and 910 lb-ft, and is teamed with a 10-speed automatic.
The Silverado HD can’t match the 1,000 lb-ft of the recently-unveiled 2019 Ram Heavy Duty, but that isn’t really a problem. Equipped with the diesel engine, Chevy says the Silverado HD can tow up to 35,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is 400 pounds more than the Ram. However, the Ram can carry up to 7,680 pounds of payload, compared to 7,466 pounds for the Chevy. Ford hasn’t released towing and payload figures for its updated 2020 Super Duty.
The 2020 Silverado HD also gets the trick camera system from its GMC Sierra HD sibling. This gives the driver 15 camera views, including a function that stitches together views from different angles to allow the driver to “see” through a trailer. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on the menu, along with a special app with towing-specific features like a pre-trip checklist.
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD goes on sale later this year. Pricing will be revealed closer to the launch date, but expect a wide gap between the basic Work Truck model and the range-topping High Country.
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