2020 Chevrolet Silverado in Rhode Island
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado is breaking all kinds of ground this model year, starting with a brand-new diesel engine (Chevy’s first light-duty diesel since 1997) that returns class-leading fuel efficiency. There’s also more standard technology than ever, a super-tough Durabed that stands up to whatever you need to haul, and a specialized trailering system that’s capable of serious towing (up to 13,400 pounds, to be exact). With this new edition of its stalwart half-ton pickup, Chevrolet shows that they know a thing or two about making trucks – after all, they’ve been doing it for over a century.
Trims and Powertrains
The 2020 Chevy Silverado is sold in eight trims: Work Truck (WT), Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country. Most can be ordered with either a rear-wheel or four-wheel drivetrain, except for the Trail Boss versions, which are 4WD only. All trims are available with different cab and bed configurations, such as two-door regular cab, four-door extended (double) cab, and four-door crew cab. The WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss all get a standard powertrain made up of a 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 engine that churns out 285 horsepower and 305 pounds-feet of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission. The WT and Custom are also eligible for a 2.7-liter turbo four and a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8.
The LT and RST get the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine (310 hp and 348 lb.-ft. of torque) with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, although several engine upgrades are available. The LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country come standard with a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management, a feature that conserves fuel by shutting down and reactivating the cylinders in 17 different patterns according to ever-changing power needs. There’s also a version of this V8 (available for the lower trims as mentioned in the previous paragraph) with Active Fuel Management, which simply alternates between full power (8 cylinders) and cruising power (4 cylinders). This V8 produces 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque and gets the eight-speed automatic (10-speed on 4WD versions).
The 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax Turbo-Diesel, which makes its debut this model year, is optional on the RST, LTZ and High Country trims. This leading powerplant, which offers a total system output of 277 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, returns a class-best fuel economy rating of 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway on RWD models. Finally, there’s a 420 hp (460 lb.-ft. of torque) 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 that makes the most power in the half-ton pickup segment; it’s available on select trims. Both the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel and the 6.2-liter V8 have a 10-speed automatic as their powertrain partner.
Standard and Available Features
The base Work Truck comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth hands-free, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. The Custom is outfitted with tow hooks and heated and power-adjustable side mirrors. A Z71 Off-Road Package (off-road suspension with Rancho shocks, an automatic locking rear differential, an Autotrac 2-speed transfer case, all-terrain tires, and an underbody protection shield) is standard on the Custom Trail Boss. The LT has the same features as the Custom, plus LED headlights, a tailgate damper, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The RST gets a power-locking and power-release tailgate, in-bed lighting, and remote start. The LT Trail Boss is set up with dual exhaust and the features from the Z71 Package. The LTZ upgrades to an HD rearview camera, a heated steering wheel, a trailer brake controller, two 12-volt power outlets, dual-zone automatic climate control, integrated navigation, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. The High Country adds front and rear parking sensors, a power-up-and-down tailgate, a spray-in bedliner, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a wireless smartphone charger.
Many of these higher-end features are offered on the lower-level trims through packages or standalone options. Other available features include specialized axle ratios, off-road tires, and trailer monitoring systems. A Technology Package for the LTZ and High Country trims provides a head-up display, an all-around monitor, and a bed-view camera.
Safety
Although each trim comes with some active safety features, most of the advanced driver aids for the 2020 Chevy Silverado are available through optional packages. The Safety Package – which you can get for the LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, and LTZ – is standard on the High Country and includes lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Package II for the LTZ and High Country adds forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, forward pedestrian detection with braking, and a safety alert seat, which vibrates to get the driver’s attention to a potential obstacle.