2020 Chevy Silverado 3500HD Review

　　

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　For the past few years, the Silverado HD lagged behind the heavy-duty trucks from Ford and Ram. It wasn't as spacious and couldn't match the towing capacity of the Ford F-350 Super Duty or Ram 3500. But things have changed with the overhauled 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. Thanks to a redesigned cabin with much more space than before, updated powertrains that deliver higher tow ratings across the board, and more tech to help manage whatever you decide to tow, haul or carry, the 3500HD is a far more compelling truck for 2020.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Silverado 3500HD Work Truck

　　Silverado 3500HD Work Truck

　　Work Truck 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $35,300 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $36,500 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Double Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $37,900 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $38,100 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Double Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $39,100 MSRPWork Truck 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $39,300 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $39,500 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $39,700 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $40,700 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $40,900 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $41,900 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $42,300 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $42,500 MSRPWork Truck 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $43,700 MSRPLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $39,200 MSRPLT 2dr Regular Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $40,400 MSRPLT 4dr Double Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $41,400 MSRPLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $42,000 MSRPLT 4dr Double Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $42,600 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $43,000 MSRPLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $43,200 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $43,200 MSRPLT 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $44,200 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $44,400 MSRPLT 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $45,400 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $45,800 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $46,000 MSRPLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $47,200 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $51,700 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $51,900 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $53,100 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $54,500 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $54,700 MSRPLTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $55,900 MSRPHigh Country 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $62,300 MSRPHigh Country 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $62,500 MSRPHigh Country 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.6L 8cyl 6A) - $63,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Like most everything in this class, the Silverado HD is available in a variety of configurations and trims. There are three cab configurations, two bed lengths and two engines to choose from. Additionally, you can select four-wheel drive or dual rear wheels for even more capability. On top of all that, there are a variety of trims, from a bare-bones Work Truck to a fully loaded High Country. If it sounds a bit convoluted, that's because it is, but it also means there's a Silverado 3500HD for just about every heavy-duty need.

　　All of this means the heavy-duty truck segment is more competitive than ever. We will say that you might prefer the Ram if you want a truck with a more luxurious-looking cabin. The 2020 F-350 gets a lot of updates too. But no one truck has a dramatic lead over another, so your final decision could simply come down to brand loyalty or personal preference.

　　

Which Silverado 3500HD does zzdcar recommend?

For most shoppers, we recommend the midlevel LT trim. It includes a few useful upgrades compared to the Work Truck (such as additional USB ports), but the big benefit is a much larger pool of options and packages. Going with the LT helps keep the overall cost manageable, too. The new 6.6-liter gasoline V8 is stout, but if you plan to tow or haul heavy loads, we suggest opting for the 6.6-liter diesel V8.

　　

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD models

As with most full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks, there's a lot to sort through with the Silverado HD. There are four trims — Work Truck, LT, LTZ and High Country — each one adding and offering more features and equipment than the last. Additionally, there are three cab configurations — regular, double (extended) and crew cab — with the latter two offering four full doors.

　　Four-wheel drive is optional, as is a dual rear-wheel setup to increase the max towing capacity. A new 6.6-liter gasoline V8 (401 hp, 464 lb-ft) replaces the old 6.0-liter gasoline engine, while the 6.6-liter diesel V8 (445 hp, 910 lb-ft) carries over. These are available on all trims. Both engines are paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission.

　　The Work Truck model is exactly that: a no-nonsense vehicle aimed at customers looking for a heavy-duty pickup with relatively few creature comforts. Features are limited but include vinyl flooring, a 7-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. You're limited on options, and most of the trim and bumpers are black.

　　Stepping up to the LT adds standard equipment such as an additional USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, power door locks and chrome bumpers. More importantly, the LT opens up the number of optional packages you can choose from.

　　The LTZ trim takes things even further, adding a number of standard features that are optional or unavailable on the Work Truck and LT models. These include LED headlights, an EZ Lift tailgate, dual-zone climate control, and variable assist steering that adjusts the setting based on speed and road conditions. Look for the optional Safety Package II package that offers features such as forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking.

　　The Chevrolet Silverado HD High Country is the top model in the lineup. In addition to unique styling details, the High Country's standard equipment includes a power tailgate, a Bose audio system, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats.

　　

2020 Silverado 3500HD Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabDouble CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: Work TruckLTLTZHigh CountryWork Truck

　　

Base MSRP	$39,500
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	20,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles