Chevy Silverado HD review
File photo
Chevy Silverado HD review
Every truck buyer wants a vehicle that meets their specific needs, whether it’s for work, play or transportation. They also want a truck that’s easy to handle, especially when trailering.
That’s why Chevrolet will offer five distinct trim levels for its all new Silverado HD: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ and range-topping High Country. Each of the trims offers a unique design, features and technology to meet the rigorous demands of HD customers.
“There are two must sees from Chevrolet…that being the new Silverado and the all-new Blazer,” says Jim Firment, vice president of Joe Firment Chevrolet in Avon. “One of the great things about both new products is that with all the varying packages, we can customize a vehicle to meet your wants and needs. And both new products are just stunning!”
Both the new Silverado 1500 and the Silverado HD are expected at the Show. The former should be available for a test drive at Chevrolet’s Ride-N-Drive.
“Truck customers are very clear: They want the perfect truck for them and not a ‘one size fits most’ truck compromised for the masses,” says Mike Simcoe, vice president, Global Design, General Motors. “That insight shaped our strategy for the next-generation Silverado franchise, providing customers more differentiation between the Silverado 1500 and the Silverado HD as well as more personalization and differentiation between individual trim levels.”
For example, each of the Silverado HD models features distinct exterior design details including grilles featuring either the Chevrolet stamped bar or the iconic Chevrolet bowtie and a mix of black, body color, chrome or the two-tone metallic trim exclusive to High Country model that is expected at the Show.
“We took into account every detail of what customers expect, and how they will use their truck,” says Simcoe. “The results are unique versions of the Silverado HD equally at home working on a construction site or pulling a camping trailer.”
The all-new 2020 Silverado HD is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor with a wheelbase that’s been stretched 5.2 inches on Crew Cab models and is scaled for HD customers. It’s available across 22 cab, bed, chassis and driveline configurations.
You can also choose between two new powertrains. The standard engine is a new 6.6-liter V8 gas with direct injection making 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. That’s an 11 percent increase in horsepower and a 22 percent increase in peak torque, resulting in 18 percent more towing capability.
Then there’s the legendary Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8 engine that puts out 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque coupled to an all-new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. In addition, every component between the transmission and the wheels has been upgraded to enable an available 52-percent increase in max towing capability — now up to 35,500 pounds on Regular Cab, two-wheel drive, DRW, diesel models.
No matter what trim level you choose, the 2020 Silverado HD increases towing capability compared to 2019. That greater towing capability is matched with Chevrolet’s new suite of customer-focused trailering technologies. The 2020 Silverado HD’s Advanced Trailering System is designed to make every aspect of towing easier and more convenient.
The truck offers up to 15 unique camera views, including HD Surround Vision, Bed View, an industry-first transparent trailer view, and an accessory camera. The transparent trailer view helps with visibility through the trailer as if the trailer was not there providing added confidence when towing.
The transparent trailer helps with navigating parking lots, merging into traffic or when making tight turns. It uses two cameras — one tailgate-mounted camera and an available accessory camera mounted on the rear of the trailer — to provide a wide display that helps the driver to virtually see through and alongside the trailer.
Another new feature is the new smart trailer integration, which is designed to work with ASA Electronics iN∙Command control systems. The system is being designed to integrate with and be accessed through the myChevrolet mobile app, either on compatible Android and iOS smartphones, or on the vehicle’s infotainment system via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The iNˑCommand control system allows owners to monitor and control a range of smart systems, such as water tank levels, HVAC controls and even power slide-outs, in recreational trailers equipped with the technology.
Other towing technologies include an in-vehicle Trailering App complete with trailer light test, trailer electrical diagnostics, trailer tire pressure and temperature monitoring, maintenance reminders and pre-departure checklist. Many of the in-vehicle Trailering App’s functions, including trailer profile creation and trailer light test, are also available with the myChevrolet mobile app, a feature that offers convenience when the owner is outside of the truck or trailer.
The 2020 Silverado HD goes on sale in mid-2019. There should be more details about the all-new 2020 Silverado HD — including images of Work Truck, Custom and LTZ trims— closer to launch. But you can see the top-of-the-line High Country trim at the Cleveland Auto Show today.
