*10,500-lb trailer | **35-55-mph uphill acceleration with 10,500-lb trailerVehicle Layout Front-engine, 4WD, 6-pass, 4-door truck Engine/Transmission 6.6L OHV 16-valve V-8/6-speed automatic Curb Weight (F/R Dist)
7,126 lb (56/44%) Wheelbase 158.9 in Length x Width x Height 250.1 x 81.9 x 79.8 inSPECS 2020 Silverado 2500HD Custom (CrewCab 4WD 6.6L)
Base Price/As Tested $45,195/$48,695
Power (SAE net) 401 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 464 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Accel, 0-60 mph 7. 5 sec
Accel, 0-60 mph (loaded) Not tested
Accel, 0-60 mph (towing) 17.0 sec*
Quarter Mile 15.9 sec @ 89.8 mph
Quarter Mile (loaded) Not tested
Quarter Mile (towing) 21.4 sec @ 66.9 mph*
Braking, 60-0 mph 135 ft
Braking, 60-0 mph (loaded) Not tested
Double Lane Change Time 3.9 sec
Davis Dam Frustration 21.2 sec @ 1,405 ft**
Cruise Control 65-mph Overrun 5.3 mph
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Exempt from testingan unmatched suite of trailering
apps and cameras makes a
strong workhorse stronger.
But take a look at the test
results; they’re a mixed bag. The
diesel-powered 3500 (repre-
sented here by the GMC Sierra
3500 HD) is substantially quicker
than the equally new Ram 3500
HD diesel, both empty and when
pulling 20,000 pounds. Likewise,
it stops shorter from 60 mph
unladen and is more nimble in an
emergency lane change. Most
crucially, it needs less time and
distance to accelerate from 35
mph to 55 mph uphill while towing
17,730 pounds. If you’re like most
dually buyers and towing is an
integral part of your job, these are
critical differences.
They’re counterbal-
anced, however, by the lackH
ow well a vehicle performs
on paper depends entirely
on which piece of paper
you’re looking at. Check the new
Chevrolet Silverado HD’s spec
sheet, and you’ll see a strongly
competitive new truck. Check our
test data, though, and not every-
thing lines up.
Put the Silverado HD’s power-
train, payload, trailering, and
pricing numbers next to those
from Ford and Ram, and things
look pretty good. Chevrolet
invested its money where it
matters most, under the sheet-
metal. A stronger frame increases
payload and tow ratings for
every model, an all-new gas
engine finally makes competi-
tive numbers, a new 10-speed
automatic makes the most of the
already potent diesel engine, andof performance from the gas
Silverado 2500 HD. Any way you
look at it, the 6.6-liter gas V-8 is
just slow. Whether empty, with
a 10,500-pound trailer on flat
ground, or accelerating uphill
from 35 mph to 55 mph with a
10,150-pound trailer, the truck
always feels like it’s struggling.
This comes in stark contrast to
the Ram 2500 HD Power Wagon’s
6.4-liter gas V-8, which makes
slightly more power but way less
torque. Despite outweighing the
Silverado, the Ram is noticeablyquicker. What’s more, the Ram’s
max tow rating is compromised by
its off-road suspension. Whereas
the Chevy was towing 75 percent
of its maximum, the Ram was at its
limit and still quicker.
Blame likely falls on the mildly
updated six-speed automatic.
Why Chevy chose to pair this
transmission with its all-new gas
V-8 instead of opting for the hot
new Allison 10-speed automatic
the diesel gets is beyond us.
We’ve been waiting 20 years for
Chevy to replace the 6.0-liter
gas V-8, only to have it hobbled.
With the Ram 2500 already
outperforming it and the just-an-
nounced Ford F-250 Super Duty
coming with its own all-new gas
V-8 and 10-speed automatic, the
gas-powered Silverado 2500 is
DOA competitively.
We also have to acknowledge
that the Silverado HD shares the
lackluster interior of the Silverado
1500 we lambasted last year. All
the same criticisms still apply,
from the uncomfortable seats
to the cheap materials and the
barely updated design. Still,
Williams points out heavy-duty
truck buyers are willing to trade
opulent interiors for capability
when it comes time to work.
Underwhelming performance
from one half of the powertrain
department is bad enough in a
truck meant for work first and
coddling second. Add in an
uncomfortable and outclassed
interior, and you’re saddled with a
truck that’ll only attract the most
faithful customers. We expect
open-minded shoppers will likely
float away to Ram and Ford,
where the compromises are far
less evident. Scott EvansPRO Diesel/10A combo • Endless trailering features • Big payload and towing limits CON Gas/6A combo • Stiff ride even for an HD • Bargain-bin interiorTOTY
Finalists
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
50 MOTORTREND.COM JANUARY 2020