2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

Recently redesigned, the Chevy pickup is an impressive pick for the segment, owing to its capabilities, versatility, comfortable interiors, stylish and bold looks, and more. However, it sits in a class that has some very aggressive rivals like RAM 2500 Regular Cab, Ford Super Duty F-250 Regular Cab, and the identical corporate sibling, the GMC Sierra 2500 HD Regular Cab. If you’re still scratching your head deciding why Chevy Silverado could be an apt pickup buy, follow us in this review, where we’ll introspect various attributes of this American pickup. 

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab continues to be offered in two unique trim options that include WT (Work Truck) and LT. Besides, the buyers can choose between rear-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive setup while the bed size is strictly limited to just one, 142-inches. The entry-level WT RWD begins from $34,600 and the price soars as high as $41,400.

The WT trim, despite being the base trim, is not barebones and brings pretty decent goodies like a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with nicely appointed interiors. The LT trim ups the game and adds various creature comforts like heated and power-adjustable mirrors, a remote locking tailgate, cloth upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Which Trim should you buy?

We recommend the LT trim as it comes with exciting goodies and the comfort features that everyone would appreciate on a truck like this.. And we’ll also advise going for the Duramax diesel engine, which is more potent and efficient in the longer run.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab comes equipped with a new 6.6L V8 that cranks out 401-hp and 464 lb-ft making the truck apt for heavy-duty work. Chevy’s naturally aspirated V8 is accompanied by a 6-speed automatic transmission that flushes the power to the rear wheels as standard. The buyers can also opt for the carried-over optional 6.6L turbocharged diesel V8 block that punches out 445-hp and 910 lb-ft. This potent engine is paired with a highly praised Allison 10-speed automatic transmission.

The naturally aspirated block is for hauling heavy cargo, rushing for urgent deliveries, and whatnot. But the Duramax diesel engine is for those who want high-capacity towing and hauling power. When properly equipped, the Chevy Silverado 2500HD can easily tow up to 14500 lbs and carry a maximum payload of 3534 lbs. Interestingly, the Silverado 2500HD is quite nimble and quick for its size and nature. This Chevy pickup can scoot off the line, from zero to 60-mph in 7.1-seconds. This translates to easy highway merging and overtaking.

The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra being the GM siblings are identical under the hood, but the Chevy pickup is quicker off the line. These both offer two incredible engine offerings that are muscular and husky to tow burly weight and promise appreciating acceleration. The Silverado 2500HD can haul hefty weights, but the likes of Ford F-250 Superduty and RAM 2500 are slightly more powerful, yet they emerge slower when tested. Surprisingly, the RAM even with its HEMI V8 takes the longest time to reach 60mph clocking 8.3 seconds, however, it does cover up in the quarter-mile run. 

How well does the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab handle?

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab gets a brand new engine option, which makes the pickup swift for its size and purpose. The 6-speed automatic does a great job in managing the power and torque. Being huge and hefty, the Silverado can be a concern, but the light steering eases the task of maneuvering in the traffic. 

The optional diesel engine is more powerful, and the 10-speed automatic transmission keeps the block on the toes while hauling heavy. The suspension is slightly stiff, but the Silverado irons minor road imperfections, while the empty cargo bed makes the ride bumpy. 

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Braking Performance

The braking performance of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is taken care of by 14-inch brake rotors in the front and 14.1-inch ones in the rear. The all-wheel disc brake setup ensures that the Silverado comes to a halt at 134-ft when the brakes are slammed at 60-mph. These figures are impressive when you consider the 5700-lbs plus curb weight of the Chevy heavy-duty truck.

The Chevy Silverado leads the lot with the most promising figures, followed by Ford F-250. RAM 2500 is the heaviest of the lot and the comparably large brake rotors help it come to a stop well within 140 feet. These braking performance figures are good considering the fact that these pickup trucks weigh nearly 6 tons.

Pickup trucks are meant to be workhorses, and fuel economy isn’t their forte. Even the EPA doesn’t rate the pickups for their fuel economy, hence there are no official figures for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab. But various tests have revealed that the naturally aspirated V8 can deliver 14 mpg on the highway runs, while the potent Duramax diesel can manage an applauding 19 mpg on similar runs. The Silverado 2500HD fits a massive 36-gallon fuel tank so that the heavy-duty truck spends the least time on gas stations.

There are no official figures for any of the trucks in the lot. However, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is believed to deliver 15 mpg on the highways. While the RAM ranks towards the top with an estimated 19 mpg on the highways. In the purest sense, the range that Silverado and Sierra can manage might be higher than the rivals owing to their 36-gallon fuel tanks, which is evidently voluminous than their counterparts. 

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab has nothing state-of-the-art or extravagant but is rather straightforward and utilitarian. The cabin can seat three people in a single 60/40/60 split-folding bench. The center seat can fold down to double up as an armrest with cupholders and a shallow space for accessories. Besides, there’s also some space under the center seat and a dual glove box arrangement adds to the practicality of the cabin. The cabin is roomy and spacious and average-size adults should have no problem during longer hauls. The seats are comfy and supportive, but the same can’t be said for the center seat. 

The dashboard’s upright layout adds more room in the cabin, without interrupting the functionality. The doors open wide enough for easy ingress and egress, while grab handles on both sides assist the occupants to climb into the cabin. The elevated seating position assures great visibility, though the thick A-pillar cuts some part of the forward vision. When it comes to the fit and finish of the cabin, the 2020 Silverado 2500HD Regular cab does lack some points. There’s loads of plastic usage, while panel gaps can ruin the experience. The seats are wrapped with vinyl, which is apt for the price.

The GM siblings present an impressively spacious and adequately practical cabin. Though buyers looking for more refined interiors should look towards the Ford pickup rival. In terms of cabin roominess and cargo space, the GM siblings lead the rivalry. They offer nearly 44.5 inches of legroom. While the Ford F-250 does lay close in terms of both interior and cargo space, the RAM 2500 Regular Cab lacks in both these aspects and has a cargo capacity of 74.7 cu.-ft. 

Standout interior features:

• Vinyl bench seats 
• Cloth upholstered bucket seats 
• 4-way manual adjustable seats
• Single zone air conditioning

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The infotainment system of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is apt for the price and class, and 2020 MY includes some exciting features. The center of the dash is decorated with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by Chevy's Infotainment 3 software. The system is clear and the menus are easy to navigate. The touchscreen is quite responsive and the system is easy to use. It also incorporates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.

Standout infotainment features: 

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• AM/FM Radio
• 2-speaker audio system
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot compatible
• Voice command pass-through to phone

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab gets the bold and intimidating looks that tonnes of buyers have been waiting for. The massive grille and high-hood front looks add aggression to the workhorse, marking its presence everywhere it goes. The “CHEVROLET” inscribed on the front grille and the LED headlights add modern taste, while the sculpted hood makes it stand as a muscular truck. From the side, the proportions visualize the compact size and nimbleness. 

However, the 18-inch aluminum wheels look tiny with the massive wheel arches. To add functionality, there are two steps integrated on each side of the bed; also on the rear corners, to climb and access the cargo without putting the tailgate down. Again on the rear, the “CHEVROLET” inscription on the liftgate accompanies stylish rear tail lights.

Each of the pickup trucks looks modern and urban, making them admirable. Besides heavy-duty capabilities, they are meant to attract eyeballs towards them. The clean, new looks of the Chevy Silverado 2500HD Regular cab don’t fail to steal the attention, but the tall-hood takes time to adjust. Each truck in the segment is rather equally matched in terms of dimensions. However, the Ford F-250 SuperDuty Regular Cab does have a 0.5 inch lead in terms of the wheelbase over the GM sisters. However, both the Chevrolet and GMC have better clearances from the ground of 10.2 inches. On the other hand, the RAM 2500 Regular Cab despite its smaller proportions is the heaviest with a curb weight of 5989 lbs. 

Standout exterior features:

• 2-tier Daytime running halogen headlights
• Power and extending blacked-out mirrors
• Corner step
• 18-inch aluminum wheels
• Single or dual rear wheel option
• LED tail lights

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab not only delivers in terms of strength and muscle, but it also remains robust and sturdy in unfortunate events, keeping the occupants safe from injuries. Though there are no safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, there are a plethora of standard safety aids that assure a strong safety quotient.

Standout safety features: 

• StabiliTrak - Electronic stability control
• Teen Driver mode
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Emergency braking assist
• Engine immobilizer

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab vs 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD Regular Cab

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD Regular Cab heavy-duty trucks are identical in all manner, offer the same engine options, share the architecture, and are similarly spacious when it comes to the interiors. Both the trucks offer similar driving experience and towing capabilities, which makes them both an apt pick for the segment.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab vs 2020 RAM 2500 Regular Cab 

The RAM 2500 Regular Cab might be sluggish off the line, but can tow heavy and be more efficient than the standard engine offering of the Silverado. The macho looks of the RAM are quite different from the bold attire of the Silverado and it’s from the perspective of the buyers to choose between these two rivals. But in terms of capabilities RAM is a better machine.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab vs 2020 Ford F-250 SuperDuty Regular Cab

The Ford F-250 SuperDuty Regular cab is a lighter and more agile pickup, though it’s slower in picking up pace. The fit and finish of the interiors are better than the Silverado, while it also comes with more standard features. Between the two, Chevy Silverado 2500HD seems like a better choice for your work needs. 

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab is a fresh offering in the segment, with improved chassis, a new engine option, smarter looks, and revised interiors. However, it lacks behind in terms of safety and interior quality. The underpinnings of the Silverado make it highly capable for job sites and hauling heavy loads. But rivals like RAM and Ford are more potent.