Review: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD is big, bold and beautiful - yet rough and rugged too!

No matter what you are hauling, you won’t find a better vehicle for the job than a pickup

Last updated:
Imran Malik, Assistant Editor
2 MIN READ
1/12
The all-new Silverado is many things and that includes it being a rather polarizing looking pickup.
Stefan Lindeque
2/12
Comments during my test drive of the 2020 Chevrolet varied, greatly. “It’s so macho. So rugged!” Someone else asked if it had been to the dentist because “it looked it was wearing braces.”
Stefan Lindeque
3/12
Looks are subjective and so you can expect a mixed response, but this big rig isn’t just longer, wider and taller than the preceding generation, it also offers more features and capability than ever before too.
Stefan Lindeque
4/12
The in-your-face style might not be for everyone — it has presence in spades and I happen to like that a lot — but it sure takes the fight to offerings from Ford and Ram in other ways.
Stefan Lindeque
5/12
For instance, this 2020 model has the most functional bed of any full-size trucks (the Durabed has more overall storage volume since inside it is nearly 170mm wider than before) while the 2500 HD LTZ crew cab which is what we are testing here is overflowing with all sorts of tech and kit.
Stefan Lindeque
6/12
Out goes the old 6.0-litre unit, replaced by a new 6.6-litre V8 with direct injection (this truck sits so high up that you need a step stool to see it!) and mated to a six-speed automatic and it produces a healthy 401 horses and 629Nm of torque (which boils down to an increase of 11 and 22 per cent respectively from the previous generation).
Stefan Lindeque
7/12
On the road it is quiet while its independent front suspension makes the ride comfortable but the brake pedal doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Stefan Lindeque
8/12
With a maximum towing capability of 7,893kg (18 per cent more than before), it has plenty of muscle to back up those tough guy aesthetics.
Stefan Lindeque
9/12
It isn’t just all brawn though, it has brains too; its Autotrac active two-speed transfer case electronically controls “4 Auto” mode allowing it to seamlessly shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive based on road conditions and to help keep weight down, a lot of the body is made of aluminium (including the bonnet, doors and tailgate) which does wonders when you tackle testing terrain.
Stefan Lindeque
10/12
But, the new Silverado isn’t just a brute — it has been blessed with a host of clever connectivity and safety features and therefore it offers customers the best of both worlds.
Stefan Lindeque
11/12
From a Blind Spot Indicator, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Forward Automatic Low Speed Braking, and Wireless phone charging, it has plenty to shout about. Its 8.0in infotainment system is intuitive and has Apple CarPlay while overall cabin quality and comfort is good.
Stefan Lindeque
12/12
This tasty truck from Michigan sure is a worthy rival to similar offerings from Dearborn and Auburn Hills.
Stefan Lindeque

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