The 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500HD is here to compete. In years past, the Silverado 3500HD pickups have stalled behind competitors like the Ford F-350 Super Duty and the Ram 3500 when it came to passenger room, interior design, and towing capabilities. The lagging stops now. Along with a redesign for the 2020-year model, Chevrolet has added room to create a more spacious cabin in the single, double, and crew cab configurations. A new engine and transmission package includes a power increase for more towing capacity, which levels the playing field against both Ford and Ram. In fact, when properly equipped and outfitted, the 3500HD out-tows both the Ford F-350 Super Duty and the Ram 3500. Available in four different trim levels with many options to choose from and packages to add, Chevy gives drivers a wide range of powerful choices.
Incomparable Engine Power
The fourth-generation Silverado 3500HD scraps the old 6.0-liter gasoline engine for a new direct-injection gasoline engine that is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 6.6-liter gasoline V8 produces 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, which is a major improvement over the 6.0-liter’s 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Duramax 6.6-liter V8 turbo-diesel engine is the same from the previous generation, pushing 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. The Duramax is matched with an all-new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission.
The new after-run feature for the Duramax engine allows the engine to cool down with a fan and circulating coolant by running for up to 15 minutes, even if the driver turns the vehicle off and walks away. The engine restarts on its own and turns itself off after the engine has cooled for 15 minutes.
Rear-wheel drive is standard for both engine options, but four-wheel drive is available on all trim levels. For maximum towing capabilities, a dual-rear wheel option is available as well.
Unbeatable Towing Capacity
The 2020 Silverado HD has been given a boost in towing capabilities not only through the more powerful engine and transmission options but with suspension and chassis improvements as well. Even the frame has been redesigned to handle more weight. Drivers who opt for the Duramax turbo-diesel engine can feel confident that things will stay cool while towing the heaviest loads with the huge 29-inch-diameter fan, which is larger than third-generation fans. What does all of this mean on the bottom line? The 2020 Silverado 3500HD gets a 52 percent higher towing capability than previous years of up to 35,000 lbs. It also is capable of towing more than all of the top competitors, if properly equipped.
Along with more power, towing is made easier with up to 15 different camera views, including an industry-first camera that gives the driver a view right through and along the sides of the trailer being towed. There’s also StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System, auto grade braking, tow-haul mode, Digital Variable Steering Assist, and more to provide you with the best, safest towing experience possible.
Add the myChevrolet Mobile App to your smartphone to coordinate with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, and you can keep track of pre-departure checklists, maintenance reminders for your trailer, exterior trailer lighting diagnostics, and more. Create a custom trailer profile for each trailer you haul.
Impressive Exterior
The redesign for the 2020 3500HD includes new styling, starting with a bold hood line and a taller profile. Some models are available with active aero shutters for improved efficiency. The front end, including the headlights, grille, and bumper, are completely redesigned and give the truck a tougher look. With contractors and business owners in mind, the door panels of the HD are smoother than ever before––ready to take on custom signage.
In addition to the innovative camera system to improve towing, trailering mirrors have been enlarged and improved. They extend and retract smoother than ever before, with power or manually. Lighting improvements to the mirrors include rear and forward-facing spot lamps, puddle lamps, auxiliary lighting, and perimeter lighting.
The redesign also includes an innovative and functional cargo bed. The HD bed is different from the light-duty models and is made specifically for HD duties. Multi-piece inner panels can be used to expand the usable width of the bed by over 6.5 inches. There are two bed options: the standard six-foot nine-inch bed and the eight-foot-long bed. The long bed version leads the class with 83.5 cubic feet for cargo. The bed also boasts bed steps and corner steps, made to hold up to 500 pounds, and fit a pair of size 12 boots.
For convenience in cold weather, the engine block heater cord outlet is now located on the exterior of the driver’s side, within the front bumper. No more cords hanging out or open hoods. The block heater is available on the V8 gas engine but comes standard on diesel models.
Compelling Interior
While the interior of the Silverado 3500HD has never been the front runner for luxury or sophistication, and the current model still can’t beat Ram in amenities, the 2020 model does bring more technology to the mix. Seats sit up higher than before, so seeing over the tall hood is easier. A head-up display is available on some models, unlike any of the competition.
Passenger space inside the cabin is larger than previous generations, making more room for front and rear passengers in all three cab choices. Along with a more spacious cabin, the Silverado includes many choices on the infotainment and connectivity front. An 8-inch diagonal high-definition color touchscreen with voice recognition and connected navigation, Bose audio system with Richbass woofer, Wireless charging, multiple USB data ports, Teen Driver, Chevrolet Connected Access with ten years of connectivity, built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot with 4G LTE data, and more are available on LTZ, High Country and some LT models.
Robust Trim Levels
There are four distinct trim levels available for the 2020 Silverado 3500 HD: the WT or Work Truck, LT, LTZ, and High Country.
The WT trim level includes basics like black trim and bumpers, vinyl flooring and seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The LT trim level includes power locks, USB ports, chrome bumpers, a Wi-Fi hotspot and allows you to choose other packages to add to the truck. The LTZ comes standard with the EZ Lift tailgate, LED headlights, variable-assist steering, dual-zone climate control, and more. Additional packages can be added to the LTZ trim level. The High Country is the highest trim level for the 2020 Silverado HD and includes distinctive styling with metallic grille trim, a Bose audio system, leather, and ventilated and heated front seats as standard equipment. Additional packages can be added as well.
The Final Verdict
The 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500HD has been redesigned into a real contender in the fight for the greatest work truck on the road. Boasting the largest towing capacity in its class, an innovative camera system, unprecedented towing technology, roomier passenger space, and upgraded technology, the 3500HD is a truly capable workhorse. With four trim levels available and additional packages that can be added, there’s a 3500HD for anyone looking for a heavy-duty hauler.
